THE CHANGE-OVER

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 145, 23 June 1927, Page 12

THE CHANGE-OVER

COST OF NEW WIRING

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

ADDRESS BY AN EXPERT

An address upon the electric changeover was given at Hataitai last night by Mr. G. liauchlan, of the City Council's electric staff. Mr. E, A. Batt presided. There were, Baid Mr. Lauchlan, three classifications of installation: (1) Those in which the wiring -was found to lje in accordance with 'tho 1908 regulations, and required only changes to meet the new system, in which tho whole of tho cost must be borno by the licensee, except in the case of extensions and alterations not authorised by the licensee. (2) Installations in which tho wiring- was found defectives under the 1908 regulations, in which case removal- of defects had to be paid for by the consumer, and system alterations by the licensee. (3) Installations in which the wiring was worn out by time or service, and would in any case have to bo re-wired shortly, in which case the whole of the cost must be paid by the consumer. Even where the original installation was in accordance with the 1908 regulations people had often added to it on unsatisfactory lines. In one case eight lights out of twelve were run with bell wire. When the consumer was asked to pay for the renewal of the wiring for the eight lights, he ''kicked," but the position was Bointed out to. him and he could then see the points raised. The life of an electric installation wag limited, and was perhaps 25 years, said Mr. Lauchlan, but a great deal depended on the way the installation was put in. Much-of the Japanese rubbish put in during the war years had scarcely any life at all, and this sort of installation had to be renewed. After classification the inspector would leave an estimate of the cost of putting the installation in order. This could be checked by another inspector if desired, but it would be found that inspectors were selected for their tact and ability. New Zealand was probably ahead of any country in the world in.. having standardised regulations. The rules were based on the maximum of, safety, and whatever cost was incurred secured a thoroughly up to date installation. Where the householder did not agree with the inspector appeals could be made to the speaker, and above him if desired, but 7000 or 8000 people had been dealt with without the need for such I appeals. Arrangements "had been made to have payments extended over 12 months, and cases of people who could not pay within that time could 'be met ■if necessary. '. . AVERAGE COSTS. Of three hundred, installations at Karori the average was £2 7s 3d, but extras often caused an added, expenditure. People often :liked to'have additional instalments while theiinspector was there. Hot points, ete.-^reere frequently asked for. The CitylCoiineil did not claim the right.to db?tj»p,work, and the consumer could have ine'work done by any electrical contractors,' but most people wished the City' Council to do the work. (Applause.) ' The inspectors, said Mr. Lauchlan, would be in Hataitai £,*-tho beginning of next week, and it was hoped to have the whole of the 1000 installations in tho district completed by the end of the year. Within a few months Hataitai would be able to get auy amount of power for domestic purposes. Consumers in districts not yet changedover had not been getting the full benefit of the domestic tariff, but with the change-over ' the domestic tariff would come fully into force. "Extravagant" users of light go.t it as cheap as l*d a unit. . ■ '• DOMESTIC APPLIANCES. Mr. Lauchlan spoke of the savings of the electric iron, of which there were nearly 20,000 in use in the city, and of other appliances, such as tho toaster, which would become equally popular, and dealt with .the convenience of electric cooking. Demonstrations of all electrical appliances would be made at the Winter Show. Under the tariff, even selling at Id a unit, the council could show a profit. Water heating, at times when there was little other use for power, was not economical, and it provided a use for the Mangahao plant, say early in the morning. By tho conservation of tho heat a hot water supply could be obtained all day for id a unit. Charges where cooking and all domestic work was done by olectrfcit.y, were most reasonable. Wash- | ing machines, though they cost up to £50, gave such excellent" service that J they wero becoming popular. All tho j lady had to do was to hang the clothes ! out." (daughter.) Vacuum cleaners were well known, but the electric refrigerating plant, costing under £.100, enabled food to bo kept at a given temperature all day, and ice to be made in the summer. Tans, small motors, dishwashers, soldering irons, and a number of other appliances were discussed, and tho advisability of having guch appliances put in during the change-over was stressed. . QUESTIONS ANSWEBED. In reply to questions, Mr. Lauchlan said that under the new system it was necessary for conduits to be sound mechanically as well as electrically. Existing conduits could be made to conform to the new rules by connecting properly, but any electrical gaps in the conduit itself might result in fires under the new voltage. Extension lamps were not prohibited, but "portable" lamps must conform to regulation, to avoid the danger of serious shocks. Wooden conduits were allowed, because experience showed that some of the wooden casings put in 25 years ago were as good as the day they, were put in, and much better than, some metal conduits. The speaker was accorded a hearty' vote of thanks.

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