  
2. Technical
and General Questions Corner
The following articles have been supplied by the Energy Safety Service
SAFETY ALERT
ATCO Controls issued a Trade Alert in March 1998 in relation to ATCO ‘CP’ type lighting capacitors. As a result of that Trade Alert and an inspection and replacement program carried out with assistance from the lighting industry, a large number of the potentially affected capacitors were identified, removed and replaced.
ATCO Controls has since received reports of several incidents which may be associated with potentially affected capacitors.
ATCO Controls expects there are only a few of these capacitors still in use.
Affected capacitors can be identified by the brand name “ATCO” and the model “CP” type 250V rated lighting capacitor, with the Batch Numbers 20/94 to 32/96, indicating the capacitor was sold
between May 1994 and August 1996.
It is possible that a small number of the affected capacitors within the Batch 20/94 to 32/96 could fail in a destructive manner, and depending upon the structure of the fitting in which they have been installed, could result in a fire.
It is highly recommended that any electrical worker becoming aware of an installation containing ATCO ‘CP’ type lighting capacitors (250V rated) from the batch numbers 20/94 to 32/96 replace the affected capacitor, which will be nearing the end of its effective life in any event.
Electrical workers seeking any further information concerning this Electrical Safety Alert can contact their local ATCO office.
Quality concerns with imported TPS Cable
The Energy Safety Service has expressed serious concern that a batch of imported TPS cable failed to meet the requirements of AS/ NZS 5000 "Electric Cables - polymeric insulated."
The Energy Safety Service has advised that the cable failed the ageing test.
In addition, it has been claimed that the cable is rated at V90 however when it was tested to the V90 requirements the insulation material crumbled. The cable was imported from Taiwan and manufactured by BANKO. The cable has no sheath markings.
Electrical workers are urged to ensure that any cable they purchase conforms to the requirements of AS/NZS 5000. Conformity can be proved by a supplier of the cable producing
evidence in the form of an independent test report certifying compliance to AS/NZS 5000.
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