Anthony Schewitz – Regional Director, Highveld
SANS 10142-1-2 has been a topic of discussion for many years. Even today, it frequently resurfaces in various forms. The most common issues are supply authorities (municipalities, etc.) claiming they will update their rules once the document is published, or individuals and organisations sharing draft versions, misleading people into believing these are valid standards.
History
To clarify: SANS 10142-1-2 was a working draft in committee for nearly two decades. It underwent two rounds of public comment in 2020 and 2021, during which significant resistance was received. The document was published in October 2021, appealed in early 2022, and subsequently withdrawn.
It has since entered an integration process with the main SANS 10142-1 document. Elements such as the Test Report and minor additions are planned for the upcoming revision of SANS 10142-1, followed by a substantial ~20-page addition in the next revision, which is currently being finalised for release.
The document has been cancelled and will be fully incorporated into SANS 10142-1. Reliance on it must therefore end.
Industry-Wide Confusion
Over the past two decades, confusion surrounding this document has been widespread. Supply authorities and associations clung to the misconception that it would resolve PV rules in South Africa. This diverted attention from improving existing standards (in place since 2017) and instead fostered the false narrative that solar power was an unregulated, mysterious domain.
This led to the proliferation of unaccredited 5-day and 2-day training courses – not recognised by bodies such as SAQA or QCTO – purporting to replace the rigorous training of trade-tested artisans. Many of these artisans already possess extensive DC installation experience from sectors like railways and telecommunications and have studied systems such as the Ward Leonard speed control method during their qualification.
Only now, after years of advocating against assumptions and misinterpretations, are we seeing a return to normalcy. Industry and the public are increasingly aligning with current legislation, supporting registered Electrical Contractors and upholding the integrity of the electrical trade.
What Are the Actual Requirements?
Claims that PV is unregulated are incorrect. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, the Electrical Installation Regulations of 2009, and SANS 10142-1 all apply. Since 2017, SANS 60364-7-712 has been a core industry reference, following its normative adoption of IEC 60364-7-712 – which introduced PV as an alternative power source and specified additional requirements for such installations.
Standards are being refined for greater clarity and a more holistic approach. Through active committee participation and engagement with SABS structures, the ECA(SA) is driving positive updates to keep requirements current.
In Conclusion
Pursuing alternative paths instead of strengthening and enforcing existing systems, standards, and regulations weakens infrastructure and sows division. Some parties profit from the resulting chaos. The solar sector is in disarray because supply authorities, training providers, and certain industry associations each seek to capitalise on the market without upholding the established framework.
The entire industry must collaborate to create a functional, unified system for all.
