Power socket inside a water tank

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Power socket inside a water tank

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gregmcc

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#2319404 17-Sep-2019 19:53

sparkz25:

mattwnz:

This is what it looks like now to correct it. Guessing the big box was needed so it matched the screw holes of the old switch.

Yeah Nah, I wouldn't take that either, still in zone 0 and it doesn't look like there is a gland in the bottom.

The simplest solution would have been to mount the powerpoint on a post outside of the tank.

I would at a guess say the plug has been chopped off and joined in that box now.

For this junction box to be in Zone 0 it must be IPX7, a close up of the sticker that shows the rating or make and model would be good so this can be checked, a photo that shows how the cable goes in to the box would be good as well, bet it's just a standard cable gland which will not be IPX7

Judging by what's there it would seem to be a rushed "Fix".

The solution is to mount a junction box on a post outside the container, bringing the cable thru a hole in the side.

mattwnz

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#2319455 17-Sep-2019 20:15

Thanks. I can see from the photo that has TK written on the side and googling it, it looks like it is one of these, which says it is IP 66 https://www.vynco.co.nz/products/enclosures/spelsberg-tk-series-ps

So is that box no good. Should they replace it with an IP67 one at the very least?

gregmcc

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#2319539 18-Sep-2019 04:35

mattwnz:

Thanks. I can see from the photo that has TK written on the side and googling it, it looks like it is one of these, which says it is IP 66 https://www.vynco.co.nz/products/enclosures/spelsberg-tk-series-ps

So is that box no good. Should they replace it with an IP67 one at the very least?

Correct, so it looks like another poor quality repair, did they issue an ESC/CoC for the repairs? If you like I'll copy PM you the relevant section of AS/NZS3000 so you have something to quote them

Tinkerisk

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#2319557 18-Sep-2019 06:59

The whole interconnection stuff should be completely outside of the inner zone. The problem arises when the pump doesn't keep the water at low level for any reason, hence the junction box will get submersed.

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chevrolux

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#2319562 18-Sep-2019 07:13

Wow... I'm the first person to play a bit fast and loose with electrical stuff. But sticking a hot point in a water tank?!?!? What kind if Sparky does this.....

I wouldn't want them back, and as gregmcc says, and would report immediately to the respective authorities.

skewt

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#2319592 18-Sep-2019 09:09

What does it look like if you remove the cover?

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hsvhel

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#2319653 18-Sep-2019 10:53

3rd times a charm, they'll need to come back and remedy that properly....

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Jase2985

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#2319747 18-Sep-2019 13:06

given your other issues i wouldnt be using them for anything else and reporting them.

mattwnz

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#2319909 18-Sep-2019 17:15

gregmcc:

mattwnz:

Thanks. I can see from the photo that has TK written on the side and googling it, it looks like it is one of these, which says it is IP 66 https://www.vynco.co.nz/products/enclosures/spelsberg-tk-series-ps

So is that box no good. Should they replace it with an IP67 one at the very least?

Correct, so it looks like another poor quality repair, did they issue an ESC/CoC for the repairs? If you like I'll copy PM you the relevant section of AS/NZS3000 so you have something to quote them

Thanks, I have access to a copy of the previous edition which has that clause in it. The tank installw as part of the overall electrical work on the building, which I understand they have provided a CoC for the entire house build. I don't think there was any additional paperwork for the repair job yesterday as far as I know, unless he gave that to the builder who contracted him for the job.

I have pasted the images of the IP ratings of the box and the cable entry into the box which is inside the tank, and the box is IP66, not IP67. We have now been told the pump circuit is on an RCD, although we don't know which circuit or RCD it is on, as the circuit isn't identified on the switch or in the meterboard. They also said that the wires were connected within the outside round conduit box as shown below, which is a Marley product, which is directly behind the box on the inside of the tank, and is close to ground level. Marley has said this box is rated at IP 53. Although it can be IP66 if the lid of the conduit box is cement fixed to the body of the fitting, where gluing obviously wouldn't be a good idea should the pump needs replacing and needs rewiring in again. I would have thought it would be better for the connection to be inside the box in the tank, if a proper IP67 box is used, than outside the tank in this type of box, certainly in the case of nuisance tripping of the RCD. I think we will need to get another electrician in to look at it this and see what they say. There is also an overlow on the tank into a soakpit, so water should never get this high in the manhole part of the tank.

gregmcc

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#2319925 18-Sep-2019 17:25

The box does not comply, regardless of if the connections are in this box or in the conduit box on the outside.

The cable gland may or may not comply, depends on the brand, Elmark brand ones do they are IP68, can't tell from the picture what brand it is.

Easiest way to see if it's on a RCD is to turn off all the RCD's and see if it still runs when you operate the float switch.

I would be surprised if it is on a RCD!

mattwnz

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#2319929 18-Sep-2019 17:28

Thanks, I will try that to test if it is on an RCD.

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mattwnz

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#2319973 18-Sep-2019 19:23

After testing all the RCD etc, I discovered that the pump doesn't appear to be working at all, as the plumber had the value set so all the taps were running off the mains supply. Switching the valve over to the tank pump, it is not working with all RCDs and other circuit breakers on. So will have to go back to the electrician anyway to check there is power to it.

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