The Adoption of
IEC Standards
as National Standards.
Safehouse emphasises conditions for the deviations and discrepancies between SANS and IEC standards.
The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international standards organisation. That handles preparing and publishing international standards for all electrical and electronic technologies.
Market Forces and the Drive for International Standardisation.
Supply and demand and pricing drive international standardization to be globally recognized. These economic factors affect standardization, as they ease global trade and collaboration. They are challenging local standards to keep up with global trends.
In South Africa, market demand and the need for competitive pricing have led to the importing of non-compliant electrical equipment. Effective management is necessary to achieve safety and regulatory compliance. Regional standardization is the result of mandatory requirements, for example, plug and socket outlet configuration and reticulation.
WTO/TBT Agreement Compliance and the Use of International Standards.
Under Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement (the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards), the standardizing body (SABS) ensures that standards are not prepared, adopted, or applied with a view to creating unnecessary obstacles to international trade.
Where international standards exist, the standardizing body must use them, or the relevant parts of them, as a basis for the standards it develops, except where such international standards or relevant parts would be ineffective or inappropriate. For instance, if there are insufficient levels of protection, fundamental climatic or geographical factors, or technological problems.
De facto standardisation and consumer preferences.
The de facto standardization in South Africa, which emerges from market competition, has developed from consumer behavior and preferences. Despite low productivity, through large investment in technology and economies of scale, there is a large range of quality products that are competitive by world standards and have gained wide market acceptance.
Balancing Market Freedom and Safety.
Safehouse recognises freedom of choice is available. Yet it warns of understanding the limits to which this freedom continues without compromising the safety, reliability and performance of commodities.
Circuit Breakers: SANS versus IEC Standards.
Safehouse emphasises the necessity to make consumers and retailers aware of modifications. And, highlights the key differences between SANS and IEC standards for circuit breakers.
Retailers and consumers have responsibilities.
Retailers and consumers need to be aware of modifications to ensure the circuit breakers they buy and install follow the necessary safety and performance criteria. The differences between the SANS (South African National Standards) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards are significant, particularly the specific requirements tailored to the South African electrical reticulation system. This has implications for the electrical industry as a whole, as adherence to these standards is crucial to guarantee the safety and reliability of electrical installations.
Adoption Rights and International Agreements of the SABS.
The SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) has the right to adopt International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards as South African National Standards (SANS).
Furthermore, the SABS has agreements in place with other national, regional, and international standards bodies to adopt their documents, subject to specific conditions. This is a common practice to ensure harmonization and facilitate global trade. Conditions for adoption generally include considerations like intellectual property rights, the technical suitability of the standard for the South African context, and alignment with national objectives.
Impact of Free-Market Forces on South African Imports.
The free-market economy has affected South Africa with a flood of imported commodities, most originating out of Europe and Asia. The marketing efforts of local distribution outlets are responsible for this competitive climate. It has also led to an acceptance of non-indigenous commodities.
Both consumers and local manufacturers have welcomed these commodities. Manufacturers have developed their own yardstick for testing competitiveness in both local and foreign markets.
Circuit breaker specifications differ between the SANS standard and the IEC standard.
SANS 556 is the Compulsory Standard in South Africa.
The compulsory standard for circuit breakers in South Africa is SANS 556: Low-voltage Switchgear, Part 1: Circuit Breakers. This part of SANS 556, based on IEC/SANS 60947-2, has been modified:
- Power-frequency recovery voltage
- Power factor in the test circuit for test currents < 6 kA
- Optional increased overload performance capability
Explanation: Power-Frequency Recovery Voltage.
Power frequency recovery voltage refers to the voltage that appears across the terminals of a circuit breaker after the current has been interrupted. Specifically at the power frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz).
It’s a critical parameter for ensuring the circuit breaker can interrupt the current and prevent restriking (the arc reigniting).
The implications of using non-compliant circuit breakers and their consequences for the electrical industry.
The use of non-compliant circuit breakers causes major problems in the South African market.
- The use of illegal standards could lead to electrical failures. Posing significant risks to both property and human safety.
- Understanding and adhering to the correct standards is paramount for all stakeholders involved in the electrical industry.
Identifying illegal standards in South Africa and a summary of banned IEC standards.
After intensive testing and investigation by all affected organisations (industry, test houses, and consumer organisations), the conclusion is that IEC 60898 and IEC 61009 are not suitable for South African conditions and were not adopted as national standards.
- IEC 60898 (Circuit breakers for overcurrent protection for household installations)
- IEC 61009 (RCBOs – Residual current devices with overload protection)
Legal Implications and Insurance Ramifications:
It is illegal to issue an LoA for these circuit breakers or to install and utilise these circuit breakers and earth leakage units in a South African installation. Insurance companies may refuse to pay in case of a malfunction, fire or injury.
The Compliance Crisis and NRCS Oversight.
South Africa has not adopted these IEC standards, but there are ready-made distribution boards (DB) that include all circuit breakers. These are being sold off the shelves to South African consumers. This has led to a significant amount of confusion within the electrical industry. Particularly on the compliance and safety of these products.
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) needs to act before there are serious injuries.
Legal and Safe Alternatives: Safehouse members adhere to SANS 556.
It is important to inform Safehouse members and other stakeholders to adhere to SANS 556. The industry can then prevent the use of non-compliant products.
The Role of Education and Awareness.
Education and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in addressing the current issues. As well as promoting better compliance across the industry in South Africa.
Clarifying the NRCS Role and the Root of the Confusion
NRCS Challenges: Ignorance and Non-Adherence
The NRCS has shown non-adherence to their own NRCS Act and international regulatory best practices. Resulting in discrepancies and lapses in enforcement of the established standards. Not to mention the proliferation of non-compliant products in the market. Upholding regulations will ensure all products meet the necessary safety and reliability benchmarks.
The Path Forward: Culture of Compliance
By fostering a culture of compliance and accountability, the industry can achieve greater consistency and safety in electrical installations. Benefiting all stakeholders involved.
The Safehouse commitment is to product quality, compliance, and safety. Safehouse Membership gives you access to a network of like-minded businesses in the South African electrical industry.
Businesses with integrity remain committed to producing compliant products. And preventing avoidable harm to the lives and livelihoods of South Africans.
Safehouse aims to unite the electrical industry. Their commitment is to offer products and services that protect rather than harm.
Join Safehouse to be a part of change and empower companies with knowledge while upholding safety standards.