SANS 10142 Wiring Code

What is SANS 10142?

SANS 10142 (South African National Standard 10142) is titled "The Wiring of Premises." It's the mandatory standard for all fixed electrical installations in South Africa. The standard is updated periodically to incorporate new technology and safety requirements. The current version includes specific provisions for solar PV installations.

SANS 10142 (South African National Standard 10142) is titled "The Wiring of Premises." It's the mandatory standard for all fixed electrical installations in South Africa. The standard is updated periodically to incorporate new technology and safety requirements. The current version includes specific provisions for solar PV installations.

SANS 10142 Requirements for Solar

Key requirements for solar installations:

• DC cable sizing appropriate for system current and length
• Proper DC and AC isolation switches
• Surge protection on DC and AC sides
• Earth fault protection
• Proper grounding of all equipment
• Cable management and protection
• Clear labeling of solar components
• Anti-islanding protection for grid-tied systems

Why SANS 10142 Compliance Matters

Compliance is essential because:

• Legal requirement for all electrical work
• Prerequisite for COC issuance
• Safety: Prevents fires and electrocution
• Insurance: Non-compliant work may void cover
• Property sale: Required for electrical compliance certificate

Common SANS 10142 Violations in Solar

Watch out for these common issues:

• Undersized DC cables causing heat buildup
• Missing or inadequate surge protection
• Improper earthing of the system
• Missing DC isolators near panels
• Inadequate cable protection (exposed cables)
• Incorrect labeling or no labeling
• Missing anti-islanding protection