News Post

Most importantly any generator installation must comply with the South African National Standard (SANS 10142-1:2003) for the wiring of the premises. This applies to both portable as well as permanent installations. It is therefore critical that the electrical connections are undertaken by a qualified electrician and an Electrical Compliance Certificate (“COC”) is issued.

This is a legal requirement and failure to comply with these requirements could possibly invalidate your insurance should it be established that a fire or injury is caused as a result of the incorrect connection of the generator.

It is very important that you inform your broker and insurer that you have installed a generator. This will be noted on your policy and the following safety practices must then be complied with to ensure full cover for damage caused by generators:

1. The generator is installed in a well-ventilated position, and an electrical COC covering the connection has been issued.
2. A 4.5kg DCP fire extinguisher is installed near to the generator.
3. Any spare fuel is stored in steel containers and in a safe place. Not more than 50 litres of petrol or 200 litres of diesel (other than the fuel in the tank of the generator) is stored inside the building.

In the next newsletter, we will look at the Electrical Hazards associated with generators.