6 December 2023
Since Eskom loadshedding has become an everyday phenomenon in South Africa, many local businesses and residents have resorted to back-up generators to work around power outages.
Drakenstein Municipality wants to remind our community that there are various regulations and bylaws that govern the installation and use of generators, and for good reason. When installed without the required professional expertise – or without adequate planning and consideration for the surrounding environment – generators can be unsafe and noisy, and even become a source of harmful pollutants – not to mention unhappy neighbours.
Take a look at safe and regulated ways to install generators in Drakenstein.
Which regulations apply?
• If you are considering installing a fixed generator, you must submit a building plan application which clearly indicates the proposed position and size of the generator. The building plan application needs to be approved prior to the installation of the generator.
• Any generator that will connect to the electrical grid must be installed by an accredited professional. These installations must conform to SANS 10142 (also known as the Code of Practice for the Wiring of Premises) and must have a certificate of compliance (COC). The COC can only be issued after the necessary approval from the Municipality has been provided, and after an inspection has been performed by the relevant officials of the Municipality’s Electro-Technical Services division.
• The operation of all generators, including portable generators at residential premises, must comply with the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations of 2013. These regulations prescribe allowable outdoor noise levels on the boundary line of a property for various areas including industrial, commercial, urban, suburban, and rural districts. If your generator exceeds this noise level at your neighbour’s premises, you are causing a disturbing noise and are in contravention of the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations.
If you install your generator and you are in contravention of any of these regulations, the Municipality can instruct you to remove your generator at your own cost.
Other guidelines to consider before installing your generator:
• Choose a safe location. Generators should be installed in a location that is dry, well ventilated, and away from combustible materials. It is important to consider the noise and emissions that the generator may produce and choose a location that is not near windows or doors. Don’t place your generator against the boundary wall of your property.
• Install a transfer switch, since this is a critical safety device that prevents backfeeding of electricity into the utility grid. When the generator is properly installed, the transfer switch will automatically disconnect the home from the utility grid and connect it to the generator, allowing it to provide power to the home.
• Remember to do regular maintenance, as this is essential to keep the generator running safely and efficiently. This should include routine checks of fuel and oil levels, cleaning and replacing air filters, and checking for any signs of wear and tear.
• Consider the noise and smoke nuisance to your neighbours when selecting a location to place your generator. Consider having your generator sound-proofed by an acoustic engineer to ensure the noise levels comply with the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations.
• Appoint a competent engineer as defined by the General Machinery Regulations and Electrical Installation Regulations to ensure your embedded generator is compliant with SANS 10142.
For technical queries, contact the Municipality’s Electro-Technical Services division at 021 807 4660.
