ELECTRIC FITTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 8

ELECTRIC FITTINGS.

THE NEW REGULATIONS,

POWER BOARD'S EXPLANATION.

_ A letter recently received by the Parliamentary and taxation committee o f the Auckland Chamber of Commerce complained that, by the introduction of new regulations, householders w e v c being obliged to replace electrical fitting which had complied witli the requirements at the date of installation.

In reply to an inquiry the secretary of the Auckland Electric Power Board wrote:—"The Public Works Regulation's > of 1927 and amendments thereto Jave led to a fairly vigorous campaign in the Auckland district in order to-com-ply with these regulations, and the work is being carried out at considerable tv >t pense to the board. Definite interprets tions have been issued by the Department based on the experience obtained in New Zealand as to what constitutes an electrical hazard. Where this exists and is located by our inspectors we have no coruse but to ask that it be remedied forthwith. Apart from this a test is carried out to ascertain wiring itself is in a safe condition, and this is certainly in the interests of our consumers, who should have any deletes attended to without delay. ""Since this regulation came into force we have tested close on 9000 installations, and there are very few cases where a rewiring has been called for. , I think the point referred to in your letter is covered by a section of the regulati'ms which calls for insulated switches, holders and three pin pluars in • 'such places where there is a likelihood of danger on account of easy contact-being made to earth. This takes place mostly in kitchens, washhouses and basements.

"I have be.'n rather surprised to learn of late that there exists a feeling mi one; many consumers that an electric his'-i----lation should require no maintenance: this is incorrect. Whilst in the majority of cases the maintenance is small, it is nevertheless, necessary."

The letter was received,