This vital standard is used in South Africa for all types of low voltage electrical installations. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) (OHS Act), which is administered by the Chief Inspector of Occupational Health and Safety of the Department of Labour, requires that electrical installations comply with the requirements of SANS 10142-1. It also requires that a registered person, as defined (master installation electrician, installation electrician or electrical tester for single phase), will issue a Certificate of Compliance for an electrical installation in line with the requirements set out in SANS 10142-1. You therefore cannot issue an electrical certificate of compliance if you have not passed the SANS 10142-1 national exam.
SANS 10142-1 is also known as the Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises with low voltages.
SANS 10142-1 NATIONAL EXAM
Installation Rules and Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises
Colleges offer courses that prepare learners for the SANS 10142 National Exam. Legal aspects of the OSH Act and applicable Rules and Regulations (SANS10142-1) are covered, including all relevant codes. Residential, Commercial and Industrial Installations are also covered. Colleges will also offer past exam papers which can help you pass the national exam with confidence.
The exam consists of two papers on electrical installation regulations and rules:
- Installation Rules - Paper 1
- Installation Rules - Paper 2
Passing the SANS 10142 national exam is required by the Department of Labour when registering as one of the following legal persons (electricians):
- Installation electrician (Three phase)
- Master electrician
Study topics
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHACT, Act 85 of 1993)
- Electrical Installation Regulations
- Electrical Machinery Regulations
- Scope of the code
- Terminology used in the code
- Compliance of electrical equipment
- Fundamental Requirements
- General circuit arrangements
- Current carrying capacity of conductors and cables
- Installation of conductors and cables
- Wireways
- Distribution boards
- Protection
- Earthing and bonding of electrical installations
- Lighting circuits
- Socket Outlet circuits
- Fixed appliance circuits
- Bathroom Installations
- Swimming pool and sauna installations
- Construction and Demolition site Installations
- Agricultural, caravan park and marina installations
- Medical Installations
- Temporary and extra-low voltage Installations
- Stage and Theatre Equipment
- Safety and Emergency Lighting
- Alternative supply (Generators, Solar, UPS etc) Installations
- Visual Inspection and Electrical testing of Electrical
- Installations
- Other relevant SANS Codes
You will learn to
- Use SANS 10142-1 as an installation guide.
- Determine earth continuity conductor size.
- Use tables to determine current carrying capacity of cables.
- Calculate voltage drop of circuits.
- Determine minimum cable size to be used for a circuit.
- Determine maximum number of conductors in a conduit.
- Determine the Loop Impedance and Prospective short circuit current at the point of installation.
Course duration
- Normally 2 weeks full time
- Normally 6 weeks part time. A number of colleges provide evening classes.
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of the electrical NQF N3 certificate course
Where can I prepare for this exam?
