FEATURES 19
" Issuing of a LOA is conditional on compliance with SANS 151 and SANS 60335-2-21 . This LOA is of utmost importance ."
Magnesium or aluminium sacrificial anodes are fitted to enamelled steel water heaters to prevent corrosion of the steel inner tank . These anodes need to comply with the requirements of SANS 151 and should be inspected every two years . During the inspection , if the anode shows signs of depletion ( less than 50 % remaining material ) they must be replaced to ensure continued corrosion protection .
What parts make up a geyser ?
• Water tank ( cylinder )
• Insulation
• Outer casing
• Water connections
• Additional connections for renewable energy devices
• Flange
• Heating element
• Thermostat
• Anode
• T & P valve ( safety valve )
• Drain cock
The electrical stuff Supplied by Grant Seeman , ECASA national technical adviser
Here ’ s an overview of the electrical components and installation of the electrical side of a geyser .
Electrical components in a geyser :
• Electrical wiring - Connects the thermostat , heating element , and power supply .
• Thermostat - Controls the temperature of the water by turning the heating element on and off at the set temperature .
• Heating element - Heats the water inside the geyser .
• Control panel ( in electronic geyser controllers ) - Allows users to adjust settings like temperature or set timers and can include digital displays .
Geyser installation in accordance with the law A geyser must be installed and certified by a licensed plumber .
Since the geyser is a fixed appliance , it must be connected using a switch disconnector ( isolator ) that switches both the live and neutral conductors .
SANS 10142-1 Ed3.2
6.16.1.1 Fixed appliances do not form part of the electrical installation other than their positioning in relation to the supply and the wiring carried out between different parts of the appliances .
6.16.1.2 The power supply to every fixed appliance , except luminaires , shall be supplied through a . a disconnecting device that disconnects both live conductors in a single phase supply and all phase conductors in a multiphase supply , or b . a socket-outlet that is directly accessible at all times that any person is exposed to such appliance while the supply is on . In the case of a remotely installed appliance , the position of the disconnecting device shall be indicated by means of a notice in close proximity to or on the appliance .
The geyser circuit must be protected by an Earth Leakage Unit ( RCD ) with a maximum tripping current rating of 30 milliamperes .
SANS 10142-1 Ed 3.2 6.16.2 Water heaters NOTE : Water heaters include geysers , instantaneous water heaters including units for boiling water , heat pumps , solar systems , induction water heaters and the like ( see also 6.16.1 ). electrode water heaters , steam generators and boilers are not included ( refer to 6.16.7 )
6.16.2.1 All water heaters shall be bonded in accordance with 6.13 and a . c . supply circuits shall be protected by earth leakage protection with I Δn not exceeding 30 mA .
NOTE To mitigate nuisance earth leakage tripping , an additional earth leakage may be provided .
The hot and cold water pipes must be earthed and bonded together .
SANS 10142-1 Ed 3.2 6.13.2.2 Hot and cold water systems Where the hot water system includes electric components and the water pipes are of conducting material , hot and cold water systems shall be bonded together and also be bonded to the earth continuity conductor system .
6.16.2.2 Dedicated circuits shall be provided for water heaters and there may be more than one water heater on each circuit . Where a socket-outlet is used , it shall be unswitched .
A registered person must issue a Certificate of Compliance ( CoC ) whenever a geyser is connected or when any of its electrical components are worked on , including maintenance . The CoC doesn ’ t cover the geyser itself but only up to its supply terminals .
Electrical Installation Regulations ( EIR ) 2009
‘ installation work ’ means ¬ a . the installation , extension , modification or repair of an electrical installation ; ( b ) the connection of machinery at the supply terminals of such machinery ; or ( e ) the inspection , testing and verification of electrical installations for the purpose of issuing a certificate of compliance ;
9 .( 4 ) Any person who undertakes to do electrical installation work shall ensure that a valid certificate of compliance is issued for that work .
These components work together to ensure efficient heating and safe geyser operation . Proper installation and regular maintenance maintain the system ’ s functionality . PA
Heating elements are required to be compliant .
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April 2025 Volume 31 I Number 02 www . plumbingafrica . co . za