ABOUT ELECTROTECHNICAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL ensures the safety and energy efficiency of electrical and electronic apparatus, components and related products offered for sale in South Africa. The safety and environmental requirements are based on internationally accepted standards. It is appointed by the National Department of Labour as the approvals body for electrical products and components of domestic and industrial low voltage electrical installations.

ELECTROTECHNICAL also administers a compulsory specification for the control of gaming devices and related apparatus. The compulsory specification sets compulsory requirements for safety, fairness, security and reliability of gaming and bookmaking apparatus. It is appointed to perform these functions in terms of the National Gambling Act (Act No 7 of 2004).

ELECTROTECHNICAL protects the health and safety of consumers by administering compulsory specifications (i.e. regulations) for the safety of electrical products and components.

All new electrical components and products falling within the scope of a compulsory specification must comply with relevant prescribed National safety standards. Most compulsory specifications are aligned with international equivalents and implemented in a time frame appropriate to South African requirements.

Electrotechnical products falling within the scope of a compulsory specification must be approved before being offered for sale. Manufacturers and importers are inspected regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.

REGULATED PRODUCTS
• Appliances
• Hand-held and transportable electrical power tools
• Electronic equipment
• Sound and communications equipment
• IT equipment
• Luminaires (lighting equipment), components and lamp control-gear
• Components of appliances such as switches
• Electric cables and flexible cords, including appliance couplers, cord sets and cord extension sets
• Cable for fixed wiring installations
• Medium voltage cables (up to 33 kV)
• Electric plugs, socket outlets and socket outlet adaptors
• Components of low-voltage fixed-wiring installations, including circuit breakers and earth-leakage protection units.

The compulsory specifications apply to products sold in South Africa (whether locally produced or imported)including those exported to other countries.

Download compulsory specifications FREE at

https://www.sabs.co.za/Business_Units/Standards_SA/CatalogueAndInfo/FreeDownloads/Standards.aspx

In support of Government’s energy conservation initiatives NRCS has drafted a new compulsory specification for Single-capped fluorescent lamps, commonly referred to as Compact Fluorescent Luminaires (CFL’s) that has been published for public comment in the Government Gazette. The new compulsory specification will ensure that CFL’s meet minimum safety requirements, and strict performance requirements for specific light output, energy consumption and service life. New compulsory specifications for electric motors, appliances and water heaters (geysers) are under investigation.

ELECTROTECHNICAL promotes trade, protects national and international markets and assists industry to become globally competitive by ensuring that all regulated products comply with regulations (compulsory specifications) that are generally aligned with international guidelines and harmonized with international standards and regulations. This assists local industry to become internationally competitive and promotes exports.

ASSISTANCE WITHELECTROTECHNICAL STANDARDS
ELECTROTECHNICAL assists industry to interpret the administration and application of a wide spectrum of national and international laws and standards. Enquiries from consumers are also dealt with and technical guidance given.

ELECTROTECHNICAL supports Government in ensuring the safety of electrical products and components, promotion of fair trade and in protecting national and international markets. This is achieved by alignment of compulsory specifications with international regulations and standards and particularly with IEC norms.

In order to protect consumers ELECTROTECHNICAL maintains constant surveillance over the market for electrical products and components. When required it draws samples for inspection and testing by competent recognized laboratories.

ELECTROTECHNICAL welcomes comments, suggestions, complaints or other information about the products that we regulate.

Email - Regelect@nrcs.org.za or phone +27 (0)12 428 5000.