We are in the process of buying a house. The property is a subdivision, and it seems as if the attorneys are at last ready to lodge at the deed office. However, the attorneys do not have a "certificate of compliance" (CoC) (or whatever it is called) for the electric wiring. The owner (an old lady) says an electrician has looked at the wiring (for R20 k), and will give the CoC as soon as we are lodging. (Which sounds fishy). The attorneys say they will hold R20 k back from the current owner, until they receive the CoC. Is this how it is normally done?
However, the lady asked that we take responsibility for the property at the moment (we do not have to pay occupational rent, as it was stipulated in the sale contract that occupation is upon registration).
In the mean time, which is very risky, we started to do some renovations.
I wanted to prep a wall for painting, but the electrical points had sections underneath them that showed after a first coat of paint. I then tried to rectify this. In this process, I found the following:
1. It seems as if the previous electrician used normal electric cord to connect the plugs. This cable runs in the wall, underneath the skirting, through a cupboard, etc. (see photos below). Also, the electric cord is joined at various places underneath the skirting with only insulation tape. Furthermore, one plug is used to feed 3 different rooms, with this electric cord. There must be at least 9 plugs (single and double points) connected to this one plug. Is this acceptable? Can I just use polyfilla or something similar and close the holes and chased channels, or should I rather use pvc conduit?
2. Also, on the ceiling, because the house is very old, the 3 cables of the lights (Live, Neutral, earth) are connected to strange t-connecters, which are open (not in pvc conduit). Is this still legit?
If both 1 and 2 is not acceptable, where can I find the regulations for electric wiring. In particular:
Is 2.5 mm2 wire sufficient for both my lights and plugs.
Can I run two circuits' wire in one conduit, say lights and one room's plugs?
If there is an existing conduit for a light, connected to a small metal box in the wall, can I run a plugs wires through that, or is this not acceptable?
There was two rooms added later on to the existing house. As such, the old cavity wall (double layer wall) still exists and separates one room with the two added on later. I see there is a water pipe going into the cavity. May I run electric conduits also in this cavity wall? This will enable me not to chase in the wall, but only to make a hole for the metal box.
It seems as if you need an inspection box after each 90 degree bend?
Am I allowed to join wires in a inspection box.
May I use blue wire for the wire going from the light switch to the light, or should this also be red? (Live - red, Neutral - black, Earth - green/open copper)
Your help and suggestions in this regard will be greatly appreciated
Jaco
(PS - I did post this on 4x4community as well, hope it is in order...)
