Cannot get job if use proper specs. Total bill few hundreds for barang alone, customers think I'm ripping them off.

Because too many RM80 installer on FB. People expect cheap. Using proper materials not part of the equation. Else I'd just ask customer you go buy the materials as per shopping list, then I come. Then they will appreciate that the components cost good money.

RCCB and ELCB cost difference a lot. It may cost more than half to 3/4 of a RM200 water heater.
Since the onus is on the user/installation and not mandated (on the mfg of WH).. don't put in better.
After all most consumer only want cheap like a purchasing dept.
You give them good, not that they appreciate (they think we trying to rip em off); not many consumer will consider the quality of work and what they're missing. Only those in the line will be scared (the thing about people dont know what they dont know)..that's why I run my own home DB setup as stringent as possible. Nothing above 30mA on mains and each WH has a 10mA RCD.

ELCB covers connectivity to ground check.
But ELCB is not a replacement for RCCB.
ELCB if not mistaken is a mandatory item in WH that's why they all come with ELCB LED.
There's also AFCI too

Also boils down to where it's made and currency exchange.
ABB/Hager 10mA made in Italy or France easily RM150-160/ea
Cheaper one local made or Schneider around RM100
Cheapest one from PRC around 60 bucks IIRC..
but u wanna save money on the "safety belt" device meh? Especially its "one-off payment life insurance" as compared to whatever insurance every year pay a lot.. this one pay once covered for 20-30 years.


I also DIY because in that sense I know everything is fastened properly and according to spec or even some of the time, exceed spec (especially for short runs).. cable so cheap even for 4mm loose cut.. it won't break the bank. Its about not having to deal with melted wires or risk of house catching fire
For time saving and avoid breathing in plaster ceiling dust I also retrofit wago connectors for those LED downlights.. fiddling with screw connector is waste of my time when i can just clip unclip.

Hard to find clients that will insist to do it properly up to spec (safety is 1st priority) and don't mind paying (reasonable amounts).

This post has been edited by ceo684: Aug 25 2022, 06:30 PM

SG and Msia installations have this same issue of not-up-to-code old installations.

However, there isn't much awareness on retrofitting with 10mA per water heater OR to get the highest sensitivity mains RCD (30mA whole house) in MY.

In SG it is pretty common to see new installations with 30mA whole house RCD everywhere.
10mA for water heater still a question mark in older HDB. Not all have it retrofitted.

This brings up another can of worms - before renting a place, also check the DB box that it's safe to use.

2mm cable? Not 2.5mmsq for the in-wall concealed cable?

Its OK but you might consider using a CEE plug instead of DP switch (so u can disconnect the oven)

Got some champion use uncertified wire before.
Those that scared to show marked cables to customer are probably suspect.
Especially those using nonstandard tomfoolery calculation 40x0.193 or 40x0.076 type cables are suspect. Because our usual ST spec is 1.5 2.5 4.0mm any funky spec of wires are deemed as suspicious already.

Cost cutting. The minimum spec should be
stiff cable (MS 2112-3) Caramay, Mega Kabel, TONN, or those MCMA cartel
or flexicord (2112-5) Fajar Cable.

Copper price more or less is like that one. Cheap stocks aren't copper.

that one tipu cable. If u see the cable insulation there's nothing printed on it right? Or just PVC auto control cable without mfg name.
Clear violation of standards if used in residential 230V but they label as PVC auto control cable

Auto control cable is safe for low voltage 12V/24V in auto(mobile) use or control circuit.
It may not have enough insulation resistance for 230V or 415V.
Insides also likely to be recycled copper or not pure copper.

Fresh copper very pliable and can be twisted without breaking apart on the first time. Compare Caramay/Mega Kabel with any of the PVC auto crap
Price-wise also should hint something is fishy no?

Actual price for 2.5mm still >100, the 90 one is old price clearance stock
At 55 bucks its not like they got the copper stock half price...

This post has been edited by ceo684: Aug 27 2022, 01:37 PM


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