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MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS

REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY | FEATURES: DBS, SWITCHES, SOCKETS & PROTECTION | ENERGY EFFICIENCY | LIGHTING FAMILY-OWNED AND MANAGED BUSINESS STILL INNOVATING AFTER 72 YEARS

The Pratley manufacturing facility in Krugersdorp, Johannesburg.

he fact that Pratley celebrates its 72nd anniversary this year is largely it will work. We have absolutely no doubt about that.” Indeed, Kim has a plaque due to it being a successful family-owned and managed business, ac- on his office wall that reads: ‘Impossible is what nobody can do until some- Tcording to CEO Kim Pratley. “This has had a lot to do with our success, body does it’. due to the fact that we have been able to retain so much knowledge and As to tips for success, Pratley’s advice is simple: Do not make decisions experience within the company.” It also forms the basis for the company’s based on anything other than objectivity. This is especially critical in a fam- ethos, which has had a strong R&D focus since its inception, thereby inculcat- ily business, where emotions play a strong role. “One tends to be emotional ing innovation and technical excellence and quality as key values. about the way things are done because you are so close to the business, but The main advantage of being a family business is that it secures manage- you have to guard against that.” ment’s direct and hands-on involvement, not just from a business point of view, but as a personal commitment to ensure the continued success CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 of the company. “The way a family business views itself is totally different to the way a corporate perceives itself as an organisation. Now that can sometimes be a hindrance, as you don’t want to make business decisions based on whimsical factors. You must guard against that. But a family business is 100% committed to its viability,” Pratley adds. Being closer to the day-to-day running of a family business also allows the management to be far more flexible in taking new thinking and ideas on-board. Good ideas that emanate from staff can be com- municated quickly and effectively to the decision-makers, which is a major difference between family businesses and corporates. In terms of unique challenges, Pratley points to succession plan- ning as a major issue, especially in terms of multi-generational family businesses. “The main thing is to recognise this as a potential issue, so it can be managed accordingly. Some family businesses fail to confront the topic, which can become a major problem in the future.” Pratley has been fortunate in that both sons Andrew and Charles expressed an interest in being involved with the family business from an early age. “They grew up almost knowing they would go into the business. I have never pushed them towards that. It was almost a foregone conclusion that they would though.” Both sons also have complementary yet divergent interests, which adds to the overall strength of the company. Charles is a driving force on the engineering side due to his technically proficiency, while An- drew’s focus is more on marketing, strategic thinking, and new busi- ness development. “Although they operate in different spheres of the business, they get on well, which is very fortunate,” Pratley acknowl- edges. Commenting on the values that the original founder established as the cornerstone of the company, Pratley explains that George ‘Monty’ Pratley had a ‘can do’ attitude that did not tolerate ‘no’ as an accept- able answer to any problem. This was critical for the success of the business from a product point of view. “If we make a product, we know 2 CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

Building a positive future with Citiq Prepaid

lectrical contractors are facing a unique set their bottom line, but will allow for the contractor of pain points introduced by the arrival of to build relationships and be top of mind as the Ethe coronavirus and national shut down. The market revives. impact on the economy and labour is putting pres- “One area where the contractor can re- sure on contractors to fill holes and find new ways ally offer solid advice is in sub-metering,” says of building income and cementing reputations. It’s Scheepers. “Sub-metering takes the guess work been a tough run for most, but this does not have out of utility usage recovery. Sub-metering also to be the defining moment of 2020 for the elec- has the potential to reduce a building’s electric- trical contractor. A recent article published by the ity usage by a significant percentage, not only World Economic Forum showed that those coun- reducing costs but also adding a layer of green tries that implemented early and heavy restrictions to the company’s reputation and service offering. during the Spanish Flu were those that saw more This is relevant to both the commercial and the positive economic results in the long term. residential property owner – they want to find As the country looks at what happens next, ways of attracting and retaining tenants right contractors can look at ways of engaging with now so transparency, easily managed utilities new clients to build their business foundations and lower costs are a superb way of doing so.” and prepare for a more positive final stretch this With Citiq Prepaid, contractors get more than year. just sub-metering solutions, they get support “Companies will very likely step into the post- and access to a network of expertise that can restriction market with an eye on finding cost- help them grow their business and their client savings, building efficiencies and driving custom- base. The two Citiq Prepaid call centres provide er engagement,” says Carel Scheepers, General hands-on guidance to customers. The tech sup- Manager: Sales at Citiq Prepaid. “Contractors can port division is available for queries the contrac- provide immense value to the residential and tor might have. Also, the sales support team will them for their loyalty to Citiq Prepaid,” says Scheep- electrical contractors to help them grow their custom- commercial construction markets thanks to an guide property owners on registration and tariff ers. “The club has been giving something back to the er base and expand their market share. innate understanding of their role and the differ- complexities – a huge sell for many property channel for more than two years and many of our “We’ve worked with many different contractors over ent solutions available on the market.” owners. They don’t want to spend their valuable contractors have appreciated the benefits it offers. It the past few years, helping them to grow their busi- Contractors have to keep up with a multitude time resolving tenant sub-metering issues. The recognises the value of electrical contractors by re- ness and enter new markets,” concludes Scheepers. of trends, innovations and developments so call centres can also help contractors in a pinch, warding them with a R500 voucher to spend at their “We are as committed to their growth as we are to our they’re always ready to provide customers with which makes it easy to troubleshoot unexpected selected wholesaler after they’ve reached 20 points, own, and this will remain our focus as we move into insightful and relevant advice. This ability can problems during installation. one point earned per meter installed.” the next half of 2020 with confidence.” be leveraged to provide companies with timely “We’ve also developed the Citiq Installation Along with an accessible support centre and a re- and proactive guidance that will not only benefit Club (CIC) to support contractors and reward wards programme, Citiq Prepaid works closely with Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 3 PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH – ASHVEER LALLA Proof that age is nothing but a number

• R2.2 Million, Botswana Projects – Empire, Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything? If so, working through a local agent, partnered what would that be? with the Botswana government to supply AL: I do not have any regrets whatsoever and I am thankful for all the on numerous projects. learnings I have gained along this journey. I know and understand that • R1.7 Million, Mozambique Projects – Em- I had to endure both good and tough times because both teach you pire, working through a local agent, part- lessons, not only in business but in life as well. nered with the Mozambique government to supply on numerous projects. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 As for my greatest accomplishment thus far… not many would know this, but between 2019 and 2020, Empire has contributed and made a differ- ence to the lives of 1201 beautiful souls with finan- cial support, food donations and assistance with daily necessities. This has been made possible by our loyal customer base. With their support they have given Empire the opportunity and platform to give back to the less fortunate community of South Africa. For me this is what being in business is all about, and I will continue to strive to create a better future for my team and the country alike, the only way we know how with hope in our eyes and passion in our hearts. If you want to get in- volved or view our charity work please visit our website. Ashveer Lalla, Sparks: Have you won any awards? shveer Lalla, Managing Director of Empire Electrical Wholesalers AL: It is difficult to choose, but my most cherished award thus far is the 2019 & Cable Distributors, is one of the most driven individuals Sparks Young Black Entrepreneur of the Year from the Global Employers Organisa- AElectrical News has come across over the years. His passion for tion South Africa (GEOSA). the industry, his staff and his company is clearly evident, so much so in fact that his company’s logo is tattooed on his forearm. Yet it is his desire Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who to build up those around him – evidenced by Empire’s work in the local has influenced your career? community – which also sets him apart, all at the tender age of just 32. AL: I have met many inspirational people in my life and I have learnt from them as they too have learned from me. My inspiration, however, does not Sparks: Where were you educated? come from just one individual in particular, it comes from the faces I see AL: I was educated at a private school in the south of Johannesburg every day when I look at my wife, my family and the Empire team; they are where I matriculated with a merit exemption a year earlier than my fel- the reason I wake up every morning and strive as hard as I can to meet low classmates. I then obtained my Marketing Management degree and personal and business goals. completed two business management courses through Unisa. I have also recently applied to study my MBA in 2021. Sparks: What is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry? AL: The COVID-19 virus has negatively impacted our industry, our econ- Sparks: When and where did you start your career? omy and the world at this point in time. Many businesses are probably AL: I always say that working in the electrical industry is in my blood. feeling that the destruction that comes with this virus is irrecoverable, but From the young age of 14, I worked on weekends and school holidays in what I encourage others in the industry to do is to shift focus from what the stores as a puller, for pocket money. I then officially started my work- we cannot do in this tough time, to what we can do in order to make a ing career at the age of 17, after matriculating, at an electrical wholesaler, strong recovery. Voltsing Electrical. Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job? Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years? AL: I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to be in a leadership role. AL: The electrical wholesale game has changed significantly over the In this role I strive to teach, mentor and grow individuals of all ages and years. Ten years ago it was a very standard approach within the industry assist them to reach their full potential. where most would stick to the norm, rather than push the boundaries. Therefore, for me it is extremely rewarding to watch the seeds of knowl- With the new generation coming on board, there have been innovative edge and expertise from the Empire management team being implanted ways of thinking and new approaches to market that have been intro- to employees who then, with guidance, support and nurturing, grow from duced. A perfect example of this is at Empire: we offer in-house finance strength to strength and blossom into strong and knowledgeable forces for up to R250 000 over a 72-month payback period. We introduced within the electrical industry. this because we understand that in these tough economic times it is very difficult for an average homeowner or contractor to expend large sums Sparks: How do you motivate your staff? of cash for projects or home renovations. This innovative funding solution AL: At Empire we are all about motivation; we know that one of our big- offers our clients the opportunity to keep a positive cash flow with flexible gest assets in the company is our employees, and in order to have them payment terms. perform optimally, they must be motivated and ‘amped’ daily – excuse the pun. An example of few of the initiatives that we have at Empire are: Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your • A weekly team-building with motivational exercises developed by our greatest accomplishment? HR team at EAM Holdings. AL: Empire has been successfully involved in supplying all electrical and • A dedicated wall in our boardroom for the team to write their own lighting products from foundation to finish for several major projects motivational sayings. One of my favourite sayings I have seen thus within South Africa and neighbouring countries, some of these projects far from one of our team members is “Loyalty to Empire means more include: than money”. • R8.5 Million, Eskom – overhead line project in Eastern Cape. • On the first day of every month we give each one of our salesmen a • R3.2 Million, ABSA bank – seven new and three renovations in the fol- blank company cheque, and at the end of the month each salesperson lowing provinces, Johannesburg, Kwazulu-Natal, Cape Town and George. gets to write out their earned commission value and bank the cheque. • R2.5 Million, Standard Bank – four new banks and two renovations Doing it this way reiterates the statement that many use: “A salesper- within Johannesburg and Pretoria. son writes his/her own pay cheque”.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 4 CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

Guaranteed cable connections

HELLERMANNTYTON is one of the leading keting the product in various industries and suppliers of products for fastening, fixing, iden- showing the contractors and engineers how it tifying and protecting cables, their connecting works, we can already see their minds working components as well as tools and electrical in- overtime thinking of where they can use Relicon struments. Globally, the company has devel- Gel,” says Vermeulen. “This has been an indica- oped pioneering systems in the field of data tion that what the local market previously had and network technology and locally customised to offer was not efficient enough. Relicon Gel balance of plant solutions for renewable energy. allows installers to visually inspect the installa- One of its latest innovations is the Relicon range tion for faults and do tests to ensure that the of cast resin and gel systems for reliable cable installation is correct, without compromising the connections. protection of the cable.” “HellermannTyton, being an international ca- Relicon Religel comes in a clear or green two- ble management company, and listening to our component silicone gel. It is packed in practi- customers’ needs, we realised that there was a cal bottles or canisters including a measuring gap in the market for our innovative Relicon Gel, cup and mixing stick to make the installation a much-needed solutions,” explains Lee Ver- as simple as possible. The mixing ration is 1:1 meulen, Key Account Manager – Network Prod- leaving very little room for error. When mixed ucts at HellermannTyton South Africa. and poured, Religel takes 12 minutes to start “HellermannTyton Global then acquired the to cure and 23 minutes to solidify into the gel be watered and there are frequent failures owing to a big eye opener and many stakeholders are already manufacturing company to ensure that we state. However, this does not stop installers from moisture ingress. The first test installation carried out looking to specify and standardise HellermannTyton could control the quality and standards of our switching existing or new electrical installation was very successful with no failures on any equip- product. “Furthermore, Relicon Gel has an unlim- other product offerings.” as Religel is non-conductive. ment, and with this great success we have orders of ited shelf life when unopened and is environmentally Relicon has rapidly grown into a respected “We have had immense success in Dubai as over 5000 litres to the region with more successes in friendly,” says Vermeulen. “Keep an eye our on web- brand in the electrical installation market. For many of the major new hotels constructed have other countries coming soon,” he says. site for the next innovative product launch.” electrical contractors and electrical engineers, specified the use of Relicon Gel. With Dubai be- Locally, HellermannTyton has noted that showing Relicon offers peace of mind. “Through mar- ing in the desert, gardens constantly have to the working product to the various markets has been Enquiries: +27 (0)11 879 6714

BI optimises supply-chain management Helping the South African power grid brave earings International (BI), part of the Hudaco Group, thunderstorms has embarked on a process to engage more with the Bgroup companies so as to unlock synergies in terms outh Africa is the leading services des- reliability of the grid, like installation of redun- of solutions for its diverse client base. With a 42-branch tination, regional manufacturing hub and dant transmission lines. In South Africa, this network across South Africa, BI’s complex supply chain Smost industrialised country in Africa. It is means the conservation of the ecology and commences with product flows from its main suppliers to imperative it is supported by access to reliable biodiversity. its central warehouse in Parkhaven, Johannesburg. power. To maintain availability and reliability of That surge arresters can be monitored From here, the stock is picked-and-packed to go power supply across the country’s power net- makes predictive maintenance of surge arrest- out to the various branches. These shipments are con- work of more than 31 000 kilometres requires ers possible and allows analysis of transmis- solidated daily before being distributed. Branches also consistent efforts by utilities and the use of in- sion line events. ABB’s EXCOUNT-II includes have the flexibility to pull stock from other branches. novative solutions. Climate and geography can these monitoring features while ensuring safe Any stock discrepancies are managed by means of a pose crucial challenges in such situations. operation of the grid. The EXCOUNT-II is a complaint system in order to fix over, under, or incorrect Experts predict an increase in the number monitoring system that provides the utility with supply of stock. Reverse logistics allows for all product and severity of thunderstorms in South Africa safe and effective monitoring of the line surge that needs to be returned to undergo warranty inspec- as a result of climate change and global warm- arresters using remote reading for maximum tion at Parkhaven, or to be returned to suppliers. ing. Also, the landscape of South Africa is dot- personnel safety. In May last year, BI successfully centralised its na- Laura van Rooyen, BI Supply Chain Director ted with mountains and high plateaus. Trans- With these solutions, South Africa’s trans- tional transport service provider as EPX, resulting in mission line towers installed in such terrain and mission system is made more robust against major savings as a result of economies of scale. A National Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Man- at such height have higher chances of being lightning induced blackouts, thereby enabling a comprehensive collaborative sales forecasting process agement from the University of Johannesburg in 2011. struck by lightning, causing failure of critical constant reliable supply of power to consum- was also deployed mid-2019 to improve forward-look- “I have extensive experience and exposure in logis- equipment in the power network and leading ers. ing demand. tics management, procurement management, demand to a blackout. Master data management has also been centralised planning, supply planning, and now distribution plan- To protect South Africa’s power network ABB PEXLINK surge arresters at the Parkhaven head office to assist with a smoother- ning and warehouse management. With a strong affin- from such risks, an innovative solution can now PEXLIM is ABB’s family of silicone-housed ar- running Sage X3 ERP system. Stock control at all sites ity for numbers and data, I find supply-chain analytics be applied – ABB’s line surge arrester (LSA) resters that offer advantages by design to offer is maintained through continuous perpetual counts, fascinating. The continuous drive to improve efficien- PEXLINK. secure protection against over-voltages. With with at least one annual stock take for the central ware- cies and productivity is very exhilarating, and keeps me Surge arresters are the primary protection the silicone directly moulded onto the internal house, and at least two per branch site annually. motivated,” van Rooyen explains. device for critical equipment in the electrical components, the design is safe, secure and ef- Supply-chain management gives BI a competitive “Probably the biggest challenge is satisfying the ever- network from over-voltages caused by switch- fective. The arresters permit flexibility in installa- advantage in that it allows for proactive stock planning, changing demand within our dispersed branch network. ing operations or natural atmospheric events. tion and offer great value for money. resulting in improved stock availability, improved sourc- Many of our products have very long sales cycles. Fur- They protect the equipment from serious PEXLIM arresters are type tested according ing of product from local and international suppliers thermore, these products have to fail or break down first damage that can lead to costly downtime and to IEC 60099-4 and ANSI/IEEE C62.11. The for better margins, quick turnaround times for goods before the customer buys stock again.” These are referred expensive equipment failure, and that can po- also comply with customer specific standards. to be moved from the central warehouse to the dis- to as Maintenance, Repair, Operations (MRO) products. tentially harm personnel. For utilities this trans- Applicable to UHV (Ultra High Voltage) appli- persed branch network, consolidation of the volumes Managing inventory levels, product mix, and excess lates into protection of key equipment such as cations. shipped from the central warehouse to the branches stock management is critical. In this regard, BI uses transformers and improved transmission line for transportation cost savings, and proactive expedit- Sage Inventory Advisor as an add-on tool to assist with availability. Enquiries: www.abb.com ing of stock-outs for improved customer service. its inventory parameters and management. The advantage of the PEXLINK solution to BI is also able to carry out overall data analysis on as- Inconsistent lead times, and lead times in excess the utility is to improve the outage rate of the pects such as forecast accuracies to highlight any issues of 240 days, from international suppliers also pose a transmission line by installing line surge arrest- for the sales and marketing teams to focus on. Supplier- huge challenge that is managed through supplier per- ers on selected towers along the transmission performance management enables BI to hold its suppli- formance management. “This allows for a very stimu- line. The selection of towers for installation of ers accountable for delays and shortages which, in turn, lating supply planning perspective, as we are also criti- the line surge arresters is done through simu- drives down lead times. This reduces inventory holding, cally responsible to provide the lowest landed cost of lation studies to achieve optimal performance resulting in less working capital tied down in stock. Stock our products,” van Rooyen says. of the line surge arresters. In case of a back control across the entire branch network reduces the Apart from the central warehouse at Parkhaven, BI flashover, part of the lightning current in the af- risk of pilferage, while overall performance management also has a bond store. This means that for some auto- fected tower is shunted through the line surge through KPIs assists the business in focusing on product motive products supplied exclusively to Toyota South arrester(s). The LSAs in the towers in the im- availability and customer satisfaction. Africa, for example, duties and VAT can be deferred un- mediate vicinity then act as the next layers of The full supply chain for BI is currently managed by til the stock is actually sold. This impacts positively on protection shunting the current from the phase Laura van Rooyen, who was appointed Supply Chain cash flow, as the goods are essentially stored tax-free. to the ground. These multiple layers of protec- Director in January last year. With over a decade’s ex- It also allows for government supervision and security tion enable a constant, uninterrupted power perience in the supply chain environment, van Rooyen for such products until they are sold. supply from the utility to the consumer. comments that she “loves the complexity and challeng- PEXLINK also eliminates the need for invest- es of balancing supply and demand.” She received her Enquiries: +27 (0)11 899 0000 ment in additional infrastructure to increase the

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 5 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 FAMILY-OWNED AND MANAGED BUSINESS STILL INNOVATING AFTER 72 YEARS

Another tip for success is quite an unexpected one: “Do take calculated as a pollution clean-up and water filtration material, while another min- risks,” Pratley urges. “Here I am referring to risks that, if they do not pan eral called Perlite has thermally-insulating properties that makes it ideal out, will not necessarily bring about the demise of the company. Being as an energy-saving building material. This is very much in line with the completely risk-averse will impact on your decision-making when it modern trend towards increased environmental stewardship, and aware- comes to R&D in particular, which is both costly and risky. Yes, it is entirely ness of our responsibility to future generations,” Pratley stresses. possible that some avenues will be blind alleys. On the other hand, you Never one to rest on his laurels, either as an individual or as a com- can stand to reap rich rewards.” pany, Pratley says definite plans are in place to Pratley in exciting new While Pratley acknowledges that he himself “is not getting any young- directions in the near future. “We are looking at some totally new busi- er, I plan to be around for a while yet,” he cites his lasting legacy as having nesses that will be even more diverse, ensuring our continued relevance, kept a highly competent group of people together over the years. People expansion, and growth in a volatile and complex business environment,” who have remained with the company for a very long time, and essen- he concludes. tially identify with the business as their own extended family. Part of that legacy has been a penchant for developing world-class Enquiries: www.pratley.com Charles and Andrew with their father, Kim Pratley. products, such as Pratley Putty. This product not only put Pratley on the map, but in outer space, as it was used by NASA as an adhesive on the Ranger Moon Module Project in 1967. Pratley Putty has since be- come a household name, used to repair and secure everything from swimming pools to the hulls of sunken ships. Looking to the future, Pratley acknowledges that any business has to move with the times. “While the essence of business has not changed since the pyramids were built, the tools of business have, and obviously so has materials science. We must keep abreast of all of those changes. If one seeks to be entrepreneurial, one has to be at the leading edge. We spend a lot of time and energy on that.” This has meant that many Pratley products have, indeed, been ahead of the curve at the time they were developed. “For example, one of the minerals we pro- cess which is called Zeolite has found a modern niche

Local power transformer for wind farm

Zest WEG has delivered a locally manufactured main power transformer to a wind farm project near Swellendam in the Western Cape. The 45 MVA transformer will receive 33 kV from the wind turbines and step this up to 132 kV for the main power grid. Stuart Brown, sales team leader, transformer division at Zest WEG, says the design and construction of the power transformers shows the high level of expertise and technical capacity in South Africa. “With two of the few local transformer manufac- turing operations in the country, we have the added advantage of being able to draw on the technical experience of our parent company, the world-wide WEG group,” says Brown. “In designing power trans- formers for renewable applications, we gain valuable insights and important skills transfer from WEG ex- perts in the US and Brazil.” Brown highlights, for instance, that the high har- monics content is a feature of the inconsistent cy- cles associated with renewable energy sources. This requires a specialised design and manufacturing capacity to ensure that a transformer in this applica- tion delivers its intended lifespan and high reliability. He says the local manufacture of main power transformers can contribute significantly to the lo- cal content of renewable power projects, which by their nature must import much of their specialised equipment. This helps project developers to comply with the Department of Trade and Industry’s local content requirements. “Zest WEG’s B-BBEE Level 1 status allows renewable energy developers and contractors to align their projects with South Africa’s transformation goals,” he adds. The transformer was built at Zest WEG’s Heidelberg facility which, combined with the WEG global operations, offers the market more than 30 years of experience in the design and production of larger power transformers. Following comprehensive testing at the facility’s laboratory in 2019, the transformer was delivered to site and assembled under the supervision of Zest WEG engineers in January 2020. They also conducted full on-site testing of the unit, as well as cold commissioning.

Enquiries: www.zestweg.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 6 CONTRACTORS’ CORNER WORKING KNOWLEDGE WITH TERRY MACKENZIE HOY Misconnections and the possible repercussions

ome years ago I was appointed to investigate the whole board was burning. away. At about 10:21 pm (ADT), the pilots altered is installed which, although it uses electricity, is not cause of a fire at a shopping mall in the Western This set alight some empty boxes stored in the switch course in order to dump fuel. Three minutes later, quite electrical, for some reason people think that SCape. It was nothing complicated – a fairly large room and soon the whole place was on fire. The firemen they declared an emergency as various systems on there is no real skill needed in the installation. Even switchboard had caught fire and burnt out. The board were well trained and had the main supply isolated before the plane began to fail and the cockpit began to fill worse, when some smooth talker tells you, “We’ve was a free-standing compartmentalised switchboard putting the fire out – after which the shopping centre was with smoke. Shortly thereafter air traffic controllers done many of these, never been a problem,” it is no with a 630 amp incoming circuit breaker and various fairly well damaged. It all got sorted out in the end and lost contact. The aircraft hit the water at about 10:31 comfort to know that there is thus more than one de- circuits fed off the busbars via circuit breakers. So I set I got a fairly good fee for my report. I was stunned that pm, reportedly almost upside down, and broke apart fective installation out there. I wonder if the Swissair to work. anybody would connect anything directly to busbars. I was on impact. All 229 passengers and crew died. management were told: “Install this entertainment Being really old school I checked if all the circuits were astonished to find that the person who had done the in- An investigation was conducted by the Transpor- system in the proper way or 229 people will die,” dead with a tester. They were not. Two were still alive, prob- stallation was doing five other installations for the same tation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada. In 2003 it an- would they have taken more care? We all should. ably due to a back feed, I thought. So, I sorted that out and retail group. I told the insurance people that this was a bad nounced that the crash had resulted from faulty wir- started looking. I found the cause of the fire: somebody idea but they brushed it all off. ing that ignited the flammable insulation above the had recently installed a power factor control system. They This was about 20 years ago. Then I read about Swis- cockpit. The TSB had earlier recommended stricter had installed, in a separate panel, a brand new power fac- sair flight 111. On 2nd September 1998, the plane took off standards concerning flammable materials and tor control system with contactors and capacitors and a from John F. Kennedy International Airport. On board were electrical wiring. Although the final report did not cite controller. There was no current sensing connection. They 14 crew members and 215 passengers. Shortly, a strange what part of the electrical wiring was at fault, a newly had just connected a four core cable directly onto the smell was detected in the cockpit, and four minutes later installed entertainment system was believed to have main board busbars and run it to the power factor panel. smoke appeared. At the time, the pilots believed there played a role in the fire. The power factor panel switches were such that all the was an issue with the air conditioning system and were The phrase ‘newly installed entertainment sys- capacitors had been switched in manually. The four core unaware of the rapidly intensifying fire in the ceiling. Af- tem’ made me think of my burnt down shopping cable was too small so it overloaded and caught alight. ter consulting air traffic controllers, it was decided that the centre. The authorities are swift to make sure that This set some of the busbar droppers alight and soon the airplane would land in Halifax, some 56 miles (104 km) regulations are complied with, but when something

Know your electrical load before investing in new supply systems Bird deterrent laser

hile many businesses, homeowners and prevents second public establishments look to reduce elec- biggest cause of Wtricity usage and increase their security of power supply, it is critical that they consider their substation power needs before deciding on new elements of power supply. This is according to Nick Oosthuizen, Manag- outages ing Director at Inframid and consultant in energy effi- ciency, who highlights the importance of understand- nnovative bird deterrent lasers provide success- ing your electrical load before investing in new power ful results at substations that are plagued by supply systems. Ibird-caused power outages. This high-tech solu- “Schools are a clear example of why you can- tion to a longstanding problem will help substation not take a one-size-fits-all approach in efforts to operators prevent outages, improve reliability, and secure your power and save energy. School loads reduce repair and equipment costs. are not only seasonal but also vary throughout Birds are the second biggest cause of power the weeks and days,” says Oosthuizen. He rec- outages in the U.S. according to a December 2015 ommends that you undertake an in-depth finan- report by T&D World, an online publication that cial feasibility study that weighs up all elements covers matters relating to the electric power-de- of power supply in relation to the prevention of livery system. An IEEE survey reported that 86% downtime and assuring return on investment. of the utility companies that responded indicated “The first step is to conduct an ‘electrical audit’ birds caused major problems in substations, sec- and understand your current electrical load, which backup power. In a school, seamless transfer is need- pumps are other considerations. In general, pumps ond only to squirrels. Electrical substations are will help to identify the real needs for special sup- ed in areas such as administration and classroom have a very low power factor, which means they draw plagued by bird roosting and bird droppings. One ply systems and avoid fruitless expenditure. It is computing systems where valuable information will higher current than necessary. “Where schools have bird left 24 000 people without power in San thus important to know your electrical demand, be lost if power supply is interrupted. “These no-break many pumping systems, it is worth considering power Diego, California, in November last year by coming load content, and electrical distribution architec- loads require uninterrupted power supply (UPS) sys- factor correction to these loads to increase the power into contact with a substation, affecting schools ture.” tems when the main power supply fails,” says Oost- factor, which will decrease the reactive power with and residents in the area. Many were without pow- To assist in understanding your electrical load huizen. As these UPS systems are normally battery various cost benefits, such as lower demand charges, er for hours. needs, Oosthuizen explains that there are at least and sometimes solar supported and very costly, it avoiding reactive power penalties and freeing up dis- The currently available bird deterrents – five different segments to consider: essential is important to know exactly what size the no-break tribution system capacity” advises Oosthuizen. coverups, noisemakers, fake predators, fog ma- loads, critical no-break loads, non-essential loads, loads are and how long they will need to be supplied chines – only provide temporary, spotty relief. La- energy inefficient loads, and your total load pro- by the UPS systems. Load Profile sers offer a superior alternative and a long-term file over time. It is fundamental to determine the “When determining your school’s power supply needs, solution. The AVIX Autonomic laser bird deterrent different load categories you are dealing with, Non-essential loads some forethought can go a long way to ensuring ap- technology takes advantage of bird’s natural in- first so that the different types of power supply “Non-essential loads include those systems for which propriate systems,” says Oosthuizen. “You should de- stincts. Birds perceive an approaching laser beam systems can be applied appropriately, secondly you don’t need backup in any form. It is the part of your termine your total load profile for at least a year, bear- as a predator and flee to seek safety when the to avoid over-sized and therefore over-priced sys- load that the school can do without while remaining ing in mind that school loads are seasonal and change laser beam passes by. There are a couple of thou- tems, and thirdly so that the potential for load re- operational during mains fail conditions. An example from day to day. When determining your load, don’t sand users of the bird deterrent lasers worldwide. duction and renewable energy can be considered of this might be geysers, heaters, air-conditioners, only use utility account information – this normally TransGard, a leading expert in animal-deterrence all with the view to achieving acceptable return on pool heating, and pool pumps, which are not essential only provides monthly maximum demand where ap- at substations, confirmed the need for this tech- investment (ROI). for running a school.” However, if you lose your utility plicable and energy usage. In addition, it is important nology. “15 utility companies in 10 U.S. states are supply for long periods, the situation might change, as to understand which parts of your load can be moved already using the AVIX Autonomic lasers,” says Essential loads will the definitions of the non-essential loads. to non-operational times, such as after 15h00, when Bill Reichard, TransGard President. “Power outages The essential load is made up of electrical systems total consumption is less. There are many timer and have a serious impact on our daily life. Autonomic that are fundamental to help the school remain op- Inefficient energy loads automation technologies on the market that can help lasers offer a unique – and uniquely effective – erational, and to keep safety and security systems According to Oosthuizen, inefficient energy loads with load shifting in order to spread the usage curve,” solution. They will be able to protect hundreds of going. These essential loads require reliable backup include electrical elements that can be replaced by says Oosthuizen. substations at risk for bird-caused outages.” power supply sources in order to maintain the elec- energy-efficient alternatives to make the load less “Investing in an alternative power supply sys- The AVIX Autonomic lasers are designed and tricity supply under mains fail conditions for as long bearing. “These lend themselves to energy saving in tem for your school is a good idea, but for it to be a manufactured by Bird Control Group. Their laser as needed. For schools, these normally include class- day-to-day operations. For example, all new geysers feasible investment you must clearly understand products have demonstrated their effectiveness in room lighting, educational sports facilities, power must comply with the new minimum standard as your load requirements before making any deci- a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, aq- points for educational systems, offices, learning and set by the Department of Energy, namely Class B, as sions. Knowing what you have is the critical first uaculture, commercial buildings and airports. admin computer systems, printers, projectors, essen- specified in SANS 151, to ensure less pressure on your step to knowing what you need next. Analysing Steinar Henskes, CEO of Bird Control Group, is tial water pumps, etcetera. electrical load,” he explains. In schools, the replace- this resultant need for alternative power supply excited about helping utility companies to solve ment of air conditioners and electric heaters with the solutions against your potential loss of business, their bird problems. “I am proud that we can now Critical no-break loads latest state-of-the-art low energy and unity power loss of information, and energy savings forms the provide the utility market with a successful bird No-break loads are those elements of the essential factor technology will have quite an impact on en- essence of your business case for investment,” deterrence solution, next to the other sectors we load that need seamless power transfer and can- ergy consumption. Changing older light fittings to the concludes Oosthuizen. are also serving.” not tolerate even a split-second unplanned break in newest technology LED fittings will also have a sig- power supply when switching from utility supply to nificant impact on energy usage. Water and sewage Enquiries: www.inframid.co.za Enquiries: www.birdcontrolgroup.com

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 7

Protecting cell sites from base station to antenna and aviation lights

n mobile communications, high availability and reliability of equip- suppliers, as well as general contractors and service partners. conventional coaxial cables, transmit data between the remote radio ment and system technology are critical in both the private and pub- “DEHN equipment has the capacity to protect all aspects of the cell site, heads and the base station. The remote radio heads are supplied by a Ilic sectors. When configuring network infrastructure and planning including the antenna, the aviation lights on the tower, the base transceiver separate 48 V dc line. Operators as well as power supply manufacturers new sites, planners, installers and operators must take lightning and station equipment (BTS), the power supply unit, remote radio heads and rely on DEHNsecure dc lightning current arresters. surge protection measures, which are also required from an insurance the telecommunication lines. Products that are used for protecting cell perspective. sites include DEHNvap, DEHNsecure, DEHN BLITZDUCTOR and DEHN HVI DEHN BLITZDUCTOR: protection of telecommunication lines Increasing demand for 5G technology means that we need higher trans- technology.” Land-line connections by means of copper cables or microwave links mission capacities and better network availability. New cell site locations DEHN protection solutions include planning and selection of compo- are used to connect base stations to higher-level switching technology. are being developed constantly for this purpose, with existing infrastructure nents for earth termination systems and external lightning protection sys- In the case of land-line connections, partial lightning currents can flow being modified and expanded. These cell sites must obviously be reliable, tems, as well as the use of lightning current and surge arresters in mobile through the telecommunication lines in case of a direct lightning strike but the exposed location of mobile radio masts makes them vulnerable to radio stations. Combined lightning current and surge arresters, also referred in the antenna system. BLITZDUCTOR XT combined arresters provide direct lightning strikes, which could cause severe damage to the systems. to as combined arresters, are used to protect the infrastructure in power reliable protection. They can also be damaged through power surges, which can be caused supply systems. by nearby lightning strikes, as well as by the current reality in South Africa of DEHN HVI conductors: protection of the radio antenna the abrupt stops and starts of load shedding. Therefore, a comprehensive DEHNvap CSP combined arresters: protection of the base The lightning current-carrying core of DEHN HVI conductors is coated lightning and surge protection concept, which provides optimum protection station with insulating material in such a way that the required separation dis- and high system availability, is imperative to protect these costly and sensi- DEHNvap CSP (cell site protection) combined arresters are specifically tance to other conductive structural features or electric lines and pipes is tive equipment sites. designed for mobile communication applications. When using combined easily maintained and flexible. Installation takes place directly next to con- A lightning protection system provides optimal protection by coordinat- arresters, energy coordination with system and equipment technology is ductive structural parts, and the modular components mean that mount- ing both the external and internal lightning protection segments: an important criterion. The DEHNvap CSP arresters are extensively tested ing is safe, quick and easy. The external lightning protection system consists of an air termination to ensure their coordination with the integrated input circuits of power “DEHN Africa provides information and services across the various as- system, down conductor and earth-termination system. supply units. pects of the network industry. As we in South Africa anticipate the ongoing The internal lightning protection system encompasses lightning equipo- reality of load-shedding for at least another couple of years, DEHN’s exper- tential bonding and surge protective devices. DEHNsecure surge arresters: protection of the power supply tise will also allow telecom businesses to protect their investments from the “DEHN has been successfully developing customised products and unit and remote radio heads threat of surges as well as direct and indirect lightning strikes,” concludes protection solutions for cell sites for over 25 years,” says Ivan Grobbelaar, Mobile radio systems rely on remote radio heads. The high-frequency Grobbelaar. Senior Engineer at DEHN Africa. “As an all-in-one supplier, DEHN supports signal is directly generated at the antenna and is then transmitted. Opti- network operators, power supply manufacturers and system technology cal fibre cables, which have significantly higher transmission ranges than Enquiries: +27 (0)11 704 1487

Smart Thermal Sensor solution for industrial monitoring Glencore electrifies 300 households and elevated skin temperature screening

lir has released the A400/ A700 Thermal Smart Sensor Fand Thermal Image Streaming fixed camera solutions for monitoring equipment, production lines, critical infrastructure, and screening for ele- vated skin temperatures. These highly configurable smart camera systems provide accurate, non-contact tem- perature monitoring across a wide range of disciplines: manufacturing process control, product develop- ment, emissions monitoring, waste management, facilities maintenance, and Environmental, Health, and Safe- GLENCORE aims to foster sustainable ty (EHS) improvements. The FLIR growth, especially in rural areas where inad- A400/A700 Thermal Smart Sensor equate service delivery negatively impacts solution will initially be prioritised for people. For Glencore, this includes assisting those responding to COVID-19. For all government in its quest to improve the lives applications, the series offers multi- of ordinary South Africans. It is against this image streaming, edge computing, and Wi-Fi connectivity “For more than 40 years, Flir thermal imaging has pro- backdrop that Glencore completed its elec- to help speed data flow and enable faster decisions, im- vided technologies for professionals to improve not only trification project where it helped Eskom to proving productivity and safety for professionals. their capabilities, but also their safety on the job,” says provide electricity to 300 households in the Flir designed the A400/A700 cameras with two configu- Jim Cannon, President and CEO at Flir. “As the world Ga-Masha and Ga-Rantho communities in rations to better meet application-specific needs. The Ther- works together to face the global COVID-19 pandemic, Limpopo. mal Smart Sensor configuration, recommended for meas- given the need for this technology, Flir will prioritise initial The lack of access to electricity in the commitment to progress by improving the uring elevated skin temperatures, incorporates advanced deliveries of this new A-series camera to professionals community caused a great many chal- lives of the people in our host communi- measurement tools and alarms with edge computing to using it in elevated skin temperature screening as an ad- lenges for community members; who ties very seriously and we are glad we were enable faster critical decisions. The Image Streaming con- junct to other elevated body temperature screening tools eventually resorted to strike action which able to lend a hand to the local municipal- figuration provides multiple thermal streaming capabilities to help to fight the spread of the virus.” resulted in blocked roads and burned down ity and the community at large”, says Vor- to help optimise process control, improve quality assurance, Flir is currently in beta testing for an automated ele- vehicles. This caused serious damage to ster Maloka, CSI Manager for the Eastern or identify potential failures that could shut down a produc- vated skin temperature screening software solution that the road infrastructure and the property of Limb Operations. tion line. is fully integrated with its United States Food and Drug private companies and individuals. The electrification project cost Glencore Users design their systems by choosing either the Administration-certified thermal cameras. The solution “It filled us with such great pride to see just over R6 million and created 42 job Smart Sensor or Imaging Streaming configurations, se- is designed to rapidly increase the accuracy, ease-of-use, how excited these community members opportunities for the people in the com- lecting either the A400 or A700 camera body based on and speed of existing screening procedures. were to finally have access to electricity munity. the resolutions they need, and then adding lenses and a after the municipality was unable to pro- range of optional features to fit their application. Enquiries: +27 (0)11 300 5622 vide it for them. At Glencore we take our Enquiries: +27 (0)11 772 0726

Proof that age is nothing but a number CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical journey for me personally. My only advice would be ing, but one that I use most often with my team branches in neighbouring areas and potentially contractors? that the electrical industry is very competitive so at Empire would be, “Dreams without goals are just across our borders. I aim to build Empire’s group AL: To keep an open mind when it comes to inno- you have to possess a high level of commitment dreams” – Denzel Washington. of companies to a point that we able to become vative products and solutions. and passion. With that said, if you are doing it for an enterprise listed on the JSE. I would also like to the money then you are doing it for the wrong rea- Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’ expand the Empire brand venturing into different Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school sons. which you still want to accomplish. markets such as clothing and property develop- to enter the electrical industry? And why? AL: I’m a simple person so I would love to own an ments. AL: I would advise persons leaving school to enter Sparks: What is your favourite quote? island one day! But on a serious note, I would like the industry because it has been such a wonderful AL: There are many quotes which I find inspir- to widen the Empire footprint by opening additional Enquiries: www.empireelectrical.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 ENERGY EFFICIENCY 8

Easy UPS 3M 3-Phase UPS makes business continuity even easier

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC has intro- “With its optimised footprint design complete range of services throughout tion, all of which make Easy UPS 3M duced the first version of Easy UPS 3M and competitive product features, the entire Easy UPS 3M lifecycle. a reliable solution to ensure business 3-phase Uninterruptable Power Supply Easy UPS 3M with internal battery Customers benefit from the included continuity. (UPS), with 60 and 80 kVA (400V) in- modules allows Schneider Electric start-up service to ensure the UPS • Provides less system complexity and ternal high-capacity battery modules. to better meet customer needs and is properly and safely configured for saves on CapEx investment while de- Easy UPS 3M UPSs personify simplicity partner requirements in a wide range best performance, reliability, safety, and livering up to 99% efficiency in ener- as they are easy to install, easy to use, of industries, making it an excellent fit peace of mind. gy-saving ECO mode, making it ideal and easy to service, providing business for small and medium businesses, data Easy to install, use, and service, Easy for small and medium businesses. continuity for small and medium busi- centres, and manufacturing facilities,” UPS 3M: • Offers UPS management and remote nesses, and making it an excellent fit in says George Senzere, Pre-Sales • Provides easy design configuration visibility of equipment performance both the data centre space and in in- Manager, Anglophone for Secure with the input/output/bypass breaker and status supported with a 24/7 dustrial environments. Power Solutions at Schneider Electric built in so there is no need for an ex- expert service bureau using the next Easy UPS 3M was introduced South Africa. “Easy UPS 3M fills a ternal breaker cabinet. It is simple to generation management software, earlier this year for external batteries growing market need for a reliable service and offers front/top access EcoStruxure IT Expert and EcoS- supporting 60-200 kVA. With Easy and convenient solution, delivering for service and built-in UPS lifecycle truxure Asset Advisor and an add-on UPS 3M with internal battery modules, power availability, manageability, and management. network management card. users can now select the UPS with quality while reducing total cost of • Offers resiliency against harsh en- • Is Green Premium certified, offering a predefined runtime for their loads, ownership.” vironments with conformal coated sustainable business performance by simplifying the selection process and Schneider’s global service setup with printed circuit boards, replaceable design. enabling faster deployment of the strong, local service representatives dust filter, operating temperature up Easy UPS 3M 3-Phase UPS makes business solution. and partners provides customers with a to 40°C, and strong overload protec- Enquiries: +27 (0)11 254 6400 continuity even easier.

A growing focus on renewable energy

hether you are looking for the right cable ties, marking and repeat business over the period of the plant’s lifespan,” she says. identification products, instruments, or specialised assembly The company offers products with excellent UV resistance. The locally Wor bespoke electrical assemblies, HellermannTyton provides a manufactured polyamide PA66W, UV and Weather Resistant Cable Tie tailored balance of plant solutions. is ideal for use in all solar applications. Alternatively, the SS316 Stainless “We have a basket of products that are specific to the renewable Steel Cable Tie, which has excellent corrosion and weather resistant energy market, these are dc Combiner Boxes, Tracker Control Systems properties, can be used. Maintenance costs are kept to a minimum as (used mainly on solar farms), motor interconnection cables and PV a result of the long-lasting nature of the products. Their solar labels, for harnesses,” explains Este Booysen, Sales Engineer – Renewable example, have been proven to last for up to 10 years. Energy at HellermannTyton. The company also has a range of tools HellermannTyton also offers a tailor-made String Combiner Box and instruments specifically for the PV industry to install, commission (SCB). Based on customer requirements, the company will design and maintain sites effectively and safely. and manufacture the SCB according to internationally recognised Booysen’s focus is on sourcing specific products for the market, standards using approved components from local and international researching opportunities for product supply on projects – be that suppliers. “We recently had our 1500Vdc String Combiner Box Type to develop, design or manufacture – and liaising with customers and Tested in a facility in Germany,” explains Booysen. “We design and suppliers in terms of technical specifications and supply negotiation, manufacture all our products to IEC standards and maintain the especially for larger projects. She notes that renewable energy is a highest level of quality. Our solutions are designed and tested in such key growth area for HellermannTyton globally and will be part of the a way that the completed unit is fully functionally tested to make growth market for the foreseeable future. installation as easy as possible.” HellermannTyton has an extensive product portfolio for the solar Solar installations require regular maintenance. Thanks to the industry. It is able to develop a fit-for-purpose solution from concept innovative combination of multimeter and clamp meter instruments to completion. Not only is the company able to offer customised with full colour displays and high infrared resolution cameras, it is assemblies but it also offers the ability to design and manufacture easier and more intuitive to detect problems that are not visible to the custom fixing and fastening components through its in-house Design naked eye. This will ensure the best generation of a PV system, putting Facility, state-of-the-art Tool Room and plastic injection moulding the best tool in the hand of the owner. The design of a clamp meter facility. with a thermal camera and Bluetooth connectivity, that can measure When choosing materials and building made-to-specification 1500V dc and currents up to 1000A ac/dc TRMS, becomes the ideal cable management solutions for the renewable energies sector, fault finding, commissioning and analysis companion on a PV site. HellermannTyton has one overriding aim: durability. As a result, Booysen believes that the outlook for the renewables industry in maintenance expenses – and therefore operating costs – are kept South Africa is positive. “Looking at the IRP, renewable energy will to a minimum while the operational stability of the solar plant rises. always be part of the energy mix in South Africa. We are a sunny Although the company doesn’t offer a maintenance service, much country and I foresee that the renewables industry will be here to stay focus is placed on the spares required for solar plants such as fuses, for the foreseeable future,” she concludes. fuse holders, surge protection devices and spare PV connectors. “These items often require replacement and offer an opportunity for Enquiries: www.hellermanntyton.co.za

It is time to prepare for the expanding renewable energy sector

ith Eskom’s announcement in February has planned for the creation of 38 701 full-time jobs between 2022 and 2030 has been introduced and is registered with CIPC and South African Revenue of the possibility of load shedding over and a contribution of more than $14 billion in private is expected to create as many as 16 000 direct jobs Service (SARS) for tax compliance, in addition to Wthe next 18 months, it is no revelation that sector investment in South Africa. 102 IPP projects annually over the eight-year period. registering with the Department of Labour and South Africa’s energy situation is precarious. This is have been procured from four bidding round windows obtaining the necessary compliance certificate in according to Janine Espin, Managing Director of EDS. with the announcement of the fifth window keenly What next for IPPs? this regard. These processes can take a long time, Because Eskom alone cannot supply the R1 trillion in- awaited. These projects use a variety of renewable en- While there is no indication as to when companies can so it’s advisable for companies to use their time vestment in power generation, transmission and distri- ergy technologies including biomass, landfill gas, hy- submit their proposals for consideration by the De- wisely now and give themselves the benefit of bution needed before 2030 in terms of the Integrated dro, solar (concentrated solar power and photovoltaic) partment of Energy for the fifth round of bidding, IPPs being prepared and ready to dive straight into the Resource Plan (IRP), private sector participation will be and onshore wind. and companies in related industries should not lose real work of growing the renewable energy sector essential. As such, our focus on the supply of renew- hope or sit idle. Because these IPP projects can have when the fifth bidding round is announced. able energy by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) The new IRP 2019: making progress such a positive impact on unemployment in surround- needs to intensify. However, to give the renewable en- After many years of debate, the Integrated Resource ing rural areas and contribute to the strengthening of Enquiries: +27 (0)11 447 4683 ergy sector the space it needs to grow, this will require Plan was finally published by the Department of En- our power position and ultimately our economy – IPPs the removal of obstacles that currently hinder private ergy in 2019. Although there is concern that the Plan should be using the time to prepare. sector energy solutions. is inadequate in a number of aspects, these concerns Local businesses in close proximity to IPP sites Janine Espin, Managing must be viewed through the prism of a handful of – that have the potential to supply goods and Director at EDS Independent Power Producers: the current developments. The first being the encouragement services to IPPs – need to make sure they comply reality for IPPs to bring forward the new renewables com- with the necessary requirements to become a Renewable energy holds great promise for South Af- missioning date from 2025 to 2022, along with an preferred supplier. This is critical, because non- rica and, according to Minister of Energy Jeff Radebe, increase in the annual allocation for large-scale cor- compliance will limit the ability of renewable energy since its inception in 2011, the Renewable Energy In- porate power purchase agreements. In addition, an projects to make an impact in the area in which dependent Power Producer Procurement programme annual commissioning of 1.6 GW of wind energy they are located. This means ensuring the company

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS ENERGY EFFICIENCY 9

Aurecon champions renewable energy projects in Africa

ccording to Paul Nel, Energy Lead for Africa, with more traditional solutions,” Nel explains. about 70% of the utility-scale renewable ener- Africa, in particular, requires robust and durable Agy projects undertaken under the Renewable solutions, which often means that clients prefer Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement tried-and-tested technology rather than the latest (REIPPP) programme in South Africa to date have cutting-edge innovations. Despite this, Aurecon seen the involvement of engineering, design, and ad- remains up-to-date with the latest research and visory company Aurecon. The company is currently in development (R&D) in order to assist the market the process of rebranding as Zutari, after officially an- as it matures. This has resulted in a steady nouncing the separation of the African business from advance from fixed-access solar energy to single- the Aurecon Group, effective from 1 January 2020. access tracking. “We are currently looking at With a strong engineering presence in both supporting some clients with bifacial photovoltaic Cape Town and Pretoria, the energy division is (PV) technologies on their projects,” Nel reveals. divided into four business lines, namely generation, Aurecon has also been actively supporting some transmission and distribution, industrial energy of its energy clients with advanced data analytics, solutions, and power system studies. This ensures cutting-edge drone-based construction monitoring fully-integrated solutions for its diverse customer and complex, bespoke, business decision support base, which includes international and local project solutions. “I believe we currently offer some clients developers, institutional clients such as Zambian unique, digitally-advanced solutions that no one electricity utility ZESCO, and local government else in our space is doing. We are also actively clients such as the City of Cape Town. looking at ways to increase our digital offering, In addition, Aurecon is also involved with regional helping our clients to remain relevant in this fast- initiatives such as the Southern African Power Pool changing digital world.” (SAPP) and, to a certain extent, the East African Nel points out that the need for both power Power Pool (EAPP), where the main focus is on large and water on the continent is growing unabated, REISA Kathu Solar PV, South Africa. interconnector projects. At present, it is undertaking especially as a result of increasing urbanisation projects in South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and, to some extent, industrialisation across Africa. dependent on the government to free up the power opportunities for the private sector,” Nel highlights. Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Ghana, Tanzania, This has allowed Aurecon to achieve significant generation sector.” Here Nel points to the long- In terms of nuclear power, it is vital that options and Nigeria. Apart from the large interconnector traction in the energy market. “We are always keen awaited Round 5 of the REIPPP programme. are considered to extend Koeberg’s operating life studies, the focus here is mainly hydroelectric to get involved with the difficult problems knowing Transitioning from coal-based power to in order to ensure stability of the national grid, and solar power, with some clients looking at wind that, through this, we not only bring tangible renewable energy is a long and complex journey, especially as this is the only base-load generation energy in East Africa, for example. relief, but make a significant contribution to the as witnessed by the government’s ongoing capacity in the entire Western Cape. New “We have really been involved across the board socioeconomic development of Africa. We have efforts to separate the transmission, distribution technology such as Pebble Bed Modular Reactors in terms of renewable energy projects in Africa, strong institutional experience across the continent, and generation business units of electricity would likely still have a long development lead- including hydro power. We have deep insight into but specifically in South Africa, that can assist our utility Eskom. “This unbundling is a prerequisite time. Traditional nuclear generation solutions also what it takes to connect to the grid at the utility-scale country in getting back on track in terms of its for the freeing up of the electricity market. remain very expensive and complex to develop, and level, but also have specific experience in smaller electricity needs,” Nel stresses. Eskom’s inevitable reorganisation will be a slow hence Nel believes additional nuclear power will not industrial-scale solar power projects specifically The main challenge facing South Africa is process. What we are ultimately hoping for is an be considered an option for South Africa’s energy for industry. Here, hybrid solutions often provide its fossil fuel-based energy mix that is heavily independent system operator mandated to trade mix in the foreseeable future. the best energy mix, especially as battery-storage dependent on the mining industry for supplying power between both private and public entities. technology has not yet become cost-competitive coal and employment opportunities. “We are very This will also free up significant investment Enquiries: +27 (0)12 427 2000

Adding value to IPPs in the sugar industry COVID-19 affects solar growth

SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. offers a range of trans- continuously, and adjusts the required power s reported by U.S. magazine, The Electri- in Southeast Asia, domestic U.S. production shut- mission solutions to assist sugar millers, who depend needed to drive the application, in addition to saving cal Contractor, in February 2020, energy down, international shipping and logistics delays on high plant availability for maximum input versus energy. The Xe series allows for compact solutions Aresearch and consultancy, Wood Macken- and module bill of material shortage. output, to cut costs. This, in addition to the company’s to replace cumbersome systems and boost zie, released two reports predicting high growth in In addition to these solar module supply risks, expertise – which is available locally 24/7 seven- mechanical efficiency. Planetary transmission drive solar markets in the 2020s, but the company is the report identified four potential project devel- days-a-week – make it the ideal transmission solu- systems provide localised assembled solutions, re-evaluating these positive predictions in light of opment risks: shipping delays resulting from the tions partner to add value to the sugar industry. and cut down on delivery lead times to benefit COVID-19. potential closing of U.S. ports, supply delays of pro- The main opportunity lies not only in upgrading sugar millers even further. One of the February reports suggested that so- jects, travel delays that limit or delay project mile- old and outdated systems, but also in the value-add Local aggressive stockholding, finite ratios, lar would become cheaper and more efficient. The stones, and site shutdowns due to shelter in place that SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. offers Independent technical experts, industry knowledge, around-the- other called the 2020s the “decade of emerging orders or on-site COVID-19 infections. Power Producers (IPPs) in the industry. Recently, clock operation, and purpose-driven employees solar PV markets” and stated that the talks at the “Solar manufacturers that have geographically Illovo Sugar MD Mamongae Mahlare was quoted adds value to clients’ businesses. When sugar- UNFCCC’s 26th Conference of Parties held in the diverse supply chains, and downstream players in the Sunday Times as saying that IPPs provide “a industry clients enter into a business partnership U.K., set to be held in November 2020, “will invari- that have development pipelines in very early critical lifeline” for the sugar industry, which is faced with SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd., they add value ably lead to more action from financial institutions stage (or nearing completion), are the best posi- with constraints such as the sugar tax and falling to their investment to achieve the lowest cost of and investors to redirect capital towards zero-car- tioned to ride the tide, assuming COVID-19 disrup- prices for exports. ownership. bon energy.” tions subside by the end of the third quarter this Sugar millers produce their own power by Most recently, however, Wood Mackenzie re- year,” added the report. burning cane fibre to generate additional power. Enquiries: www.sew.co.za leased its newest report on solar specifically on U.S. Here the expertise of SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. utility-scale solar projects. The report stated, “The in energy-efficient solutions is key. It can apply coronavirus pandemic is likely to have a material real-time power-saving solutions to produce the impact on utility-scale solar installations in the U.S. same performance from older equipment and this year, and perhaps even into 2021.” applications. These energy-efficient transmission In the report, “Coronavirus: U.S. Solar PV Supply solutions potentially produce more output power Chain and Utility-Scale Market Risk,” Wood Mac- or torque by drawing even less power from the grid. kenzie noted in a best-case scenario, the market Applications for these mechanical and electrical could see up to four weeks of supply delays af- transmission solutions include milling tandems, fecting a few hundred megawatts of modules and bagasse conveyors, juice agitators, clarifiers, inverters. This, combined with construction disrup- crystallisers, sugar dryers, and many other tions, could translate into as much as 2-gigawatt production applications. (GW) dc of project development delays this year. A wide range of transmission solutions means “The worst-case scenario, which sees every step there is a fit for every application. High ingress of the supply chain development come to a com- protection (IP rated), high IE3 efficiency classes, plete halt for several weeks, could see upwards of and the high thermal class ratings (H) of standard 5 GW dc of U.S. utility-scale market pushed back to IEC motors from SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. the second half of this year and perhaps into 2021,” assure sugar millers of high quality, cost effective says Ravi Manghani, one of the report’s co-authors. electrical transmission solutions. The report identified four sources of solar mod- Other real business investment solutions include ule supply risk to U.S. utility-scale solar projects, all the MIG high-torque energy-efficient mechanical of which pose a threat to the pipeline in varying drive system. This unit reads the output load degrees. These are potential production shutdown

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 10 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUYERS' GUIDE

SOLAR (PHOTOVOLTAIC) ELECTRICITY MANUFACTURERS CONTACTS CONTACTS GENERATION ABB South Africa ABB South Africa Shuttle Lighting ABB South Africa Aberdare Cables Customer contact centre Tracey Steyn Solar electricity generation Aurora Lighting Africa Aberdare Cables Siba Fuses SA Aberdare Cables Jyoshtie Dhunes HI Hassen Solarflex, Solardac, Lotox Bells & Mains BEKA Schréder ACDC Dynamics Siemens ACDC Dynamics Brother International SA Elmari Erasmus/Dirk Klynsmith Customer contact centre Full range of solar panels and all accessories for mounting and usage Crabtree South Africa Advanced Lighting Systems Sollatek ARB Electrical Wholesalers Electrahertz Clive Beeton Nick Allen Complete range of solar panels and inverters; specialists in cable and wire, Genlux Lighting Altron Arrow Spazio Lighting MC4 connectors and racking; finance available for complete solutions HellermannTyton Mattheus van Emmenis Sales Cabstrut Intellibus ARB Electrical Wholesalers Superlume Full range of solar panel mounting solutions Legrand Sales Willie Garbers Electrahertz Range of inverters Matelec Aurora Lighting Africa Voltex Olivia Tait Hugh Ward ExSolar Solar Solutions Nordland Lighting BEKA Schréder Voltex Lighting Suppliers; installation specialists; service partners for Victron Energy; Opple Lighting SA Grant Combrink Marc Rudman distributors of Fronius, Kaco Energy, Canadian solar Phambili Interface Brother International SA Waco Fusecomp Philips Lighting Munna Desai Jaco Coetzee Range of products for solar electricity generation Phoenix Contact Comtest Zest WEG Group HellermannTyton Power Panels and Electrical Leanne Cole Sales Design and manufacture of five-string PV and custom PV string combiner boxes, including optional monitoring; full range of accessories for installation Regent Lighting Solutions Crabtree South Africa and maintenance including UV and weather resistant cable ties and clips, Sales Sabelco Electrical Industries SOLAR LIGHTING labels, dust covers, PV connections, glands, lugs and ferrules; complete range Schneider Electric South Africa Electrahertz of 1000 V insulated tools for use during installation and maintenance Marius Meyer (Jhb) Frank Proude (Pta) Siba Fuses SA Aberdare Cables Magnet Group ElectroMechanica Solarflex, Solardac Siemens Solar (photovoltaic) electricity generation Artur Socha BEKA Schréder Sollatek Phambili Interface Eurolux Full range of solar lighting Full range of dc combiner boxes and accessories Superlume Sales ACDC Dynamics Phoenix Contact Voltex ExSolar Solar Solutions Full range of solar lighting Solar electricity generation Voltex Lighting Simone Smith ARB Electrical Wholesalers Siba Fuses SA Waco Fusecomp Complete outdoor range of solar flood lights, street lights, garden lights and Fuses for the protection of photovoltaic (dc) systems WEG Charmaine/Gunter bollards Siemens Genlux Lighting Electrahertz Solar power generation DISTRIBUTORS Glen Hill Range of solar lighting Sollatek HellermannTyton Eurolux Voltage protection for grid tied systems; Voltage stabilisers Ingrid Nicolaus Extensive range of solar lighting products ACDC Dynamics Voltex Intellibus Fusecomp Full range of panels, accessories and mounting solutions ARB Electrical Wholesalers Dave Alhadeff Range of solar lighting products Advanced Lighting Systems Legrand Genlux Lighting SOLAR (PHOTOVOLTAIC) Altron Arrow Johan Bosch Range of solar lighting products Aurora Lighting Magnet Group Magnet Group WATER PUMPING Comtest Jenine Pillay Full range of solar lighting Electrahertz Major Tech Major Tech ABB South Africa Range of solar water pumps ElectroMechanica Werner Grobbelaar Solar power LED lights and floodlights (SFR105, SFR210) ACDC Dynamics Eurolux Matelec Matelec Yann Leclezio 12 V Bulkhead (LED and E27) Range of solar pumps and solar pump kits ExSolar Solar Solutions MCE Electric Nordland Lighting ARB Electrical Wholesalers Fusecomp Sales Range of solar lighting products Full range of solar water pumps Genlux Lighting Nordland Lighting Opple Lighting SA ExSolar Solar Solutions Magnet Group Johann Lamprecht Full range of solar lighting Borehole pumps; solar pool pumps Major Tech Opple Lighting Philips Lighting Fusecomp Matelec Johan Geldenhuys Full range of solar LED outdoor road and urban luminaires Range of products for solar water pumping Siemens MCE Electric Phambili Interface Radiant Group Steve Lea Range of solar lighting Solar water pumping Phambili Interface Philips Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions Phoenix Contact Customer contact centre Wide range of solar lighting products SOLAR WATER HEATING PowerMan Phoenix Contact Siemens Radiant Group Carl Coetzer Voltage-sourced converters ACDC Dynamics Sabelco Electrical Industries Power Panels and Electrical Spazio Lighting Solcraft range of solar geysers as well as a range of SABS approved solar Shuttle Lighting Andy van der Merwe Full range of solar lighting geysers Siba Fuses SA PowerMan Superlume ARB Electrical Wholesalers Complete range of solar geysers Sollatek Jonathan Palmer SKY-range of solar flood lights and solar brick lights Siemens Spazio Lighting Radiant Group Voltex Alfred Weldon Full range of solar lighting Solar water heating Superlume Regent Lighting Solutions Waco Solid State Voltex Byron Lottering Full range of solar lighting Range of solar geysers Voltex Lighting Sabelco Electrical Industries Voltex Waco Marc Moreau Solar water heating Zest WEG Group Schneider Electric South Africa Sales

+27 (0)10 202 3300 +27 (0)11 465 1651 +27 (0)10 595 1821 +27 (0)11 788 1614 +27 (0)21 448 8229

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUYERS' GUIDE 11

SOLAR HEAT PUMPS WIND ELECTRICITY GENERATION LIGHTING CONTROL METERS

Altron Arrow Aberdare Cables Major Tech Voltex Range of solar heat pumps Lotox Bells & Mains, Vultex XLPE, Windac Wide range of lighting control options including dimmers, switches and motion Full range of meters Phoenix Contact and day/night sensors Waco SOLAR HYBRID SYSTEMS Wind electricity generation Matelec Full range of meters Siemens 12 V Daylight switch; cable glands Altron Arrow Wind services and equipment MCE Electric MICRO-HYDRO ELECTRICITY Range of solar hybrid systems Zest WEG Group O-Lite dc day/night switches; O-Lite range of energy saving occupancy GENERATION 4.2 MW direct-drive permanent magnet wind turbines for wind farms; 2.1 MW sensors, micro sensitive sensors and LED light fittings; Onesto Oracle range of ARB Electrical Wholesalers indoor and outdoor wiring accessories Grid tie solutions; complete range of solar panels and inverters; specialists in direct-drive permanent magnet wind turbines for wind farms; Range of cable and wire, MC4 connectors and racking; finance available for complete electrical equipment and services for balance of plant electrical works Nordland Lighting ARB Electrical Wholesalers Complete range of micro-hydro electricity generation solutions Range of lighting controls ExSolar Solar Solutions FUEL CELLS Opple Lighting SA Zest WEG Group Francis hydraulic turbine generator sets (up to 70 MW); Pelton hydraulic Designers of fully hybrid solar systems Full range of lighting controls turbine generator sets (up to 50 MW); Kaplan hydraulic turbine generator sets PowerMan ABB South Africa Philips Lighting Extensive range of lighting control products and systems (up to 50 MW); Spherical and butterfly values; Range of electrical equipment Solar hybrid systems Range of fuel cells and services for balance of plant electrical works Siemens ARB Electrical Wholesalers Phoenix Contact Designers of solar hybrid systems Complete range of hydrogen fuel cells Range of lighting controls VENTILATION Power Panels and Electrical SOLAR BATTERIES HEATING Full range of lighting control systems Regent Lighting Solutions ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of lighting control systems Complete range of window, wall and roof extractor fans and industrial ACDC Dynamics ARB Electrical Wholesalers ventilation fans Range of solar batteries Complete range of under floor heating, industrial pipe heating, building Schneider Electric South Africa Full range of lighting control systems Comtest Altron Arrow heating, swimming pool heating and portable domestic heating Flukes Environmental meters for testing air quality, Industrial Scientific for Range of solar batteries Electrahertz Shuttle Lighting Gas detection LED Dimmers for lighting control and energy saving ARB Electrical Wholesalers Range of heaters Electrahertz Complete range of solar deep cycle batteries, lithium iron, flow cell technology MCE Electric Voltex Range of ventilation products Full range of lighting controls Electrahertz Onesto Oracle range of thermostat/underfloor heating wiring accessories; Radiant Group Range of solar batteries MCE temperature controllers and thermocouples Voltex Lighting Range of ventilation products Full range of lighting controls ElectroMechanica Radiant Group Voltex Range of solar batteries Range of heaters Waco Ventilation products Full range of lighting controls ExSolar Solar Solutions Siemens Waco Range of solar batteries including Victron Energy, FNB, Vision and Excis Extendable control systems of modular design Ventilation products Fusecomp Voltex METERS Range of solar batteries Range of heaters WATER HEATING Waco ABB South Africa Intellibus Full range of meters Range of solar batteries Range of heaters ACDC Dynamics ARB Electrical Wholesalers Magnet Group Full range of meters Complete range of geysers, solar geysers, heat pumps and instant heat and Range of solar batteries LIGHTING CONTROL industrial heating solutions ARB Electrical Wholesalers Radiant Group Complete range of prepaid meters, kWh meters and hand held test equipment Electrahertz Range of solar batteries ABB South Africa Range of water heating products Full range of lighting controls Comtest Siba Fuses SA Full range of Fluke, Amprobe and Seawood meters to maintain and monitor Magnet Group Fuses for battery installations (energy storage units) ARB Electrical Wholesalers Complete range of App-based controls for Water heating products dimming and colour rendering; motion control; domestic and commercial Electrahertz Sollatek dimming modules; and day/night sensors Full range of meters MCE Electric Supplier of items related to solar batteries. DIN rail and mini rail geyser timers Advanced Lighting Systems ElectroMechanica Full BMS Systems and lighting controls Range of meters Siemens AIR CONDITIONING Broad range of water heating solutions Aurora Lighting Africa HellermannTyton Full range of lighting controls Complete range of PV instruments for trouble shooting, commissioning Voltex Water heating products ARB Electrical Wholesalers BEKA Schréder and performance monitoring; Selection of digital multimeters: TBM869: Complete range of industrial panel air conditioners and inverter and non- Full range of lighting controls CATIV 1000 V, TRMS and TBM812: Lifetime warranty, TRMS, CATIV 1000 V; Waco inverter air conditioners selection of clamp meters: TBM197 2000 A ac/dc: CATIV 1000 V, TRMS, jaw Water heating products Crabtree South Africa size 55 mm; range of Thermal imagers: THT60: 160 x 120 Pixels Radiant Group Range of lighting controls Full range of air conditioners Magnet Group OTHER Electrahertz Full range of meters Voltex Range of lighting controls Full range of air conditioners Major Tech Brother International SA ElectroMechanica Extensive range of multimeters designed for all electrical measurement Waco Range of lighting controls Labelling Full range of air conditioners requirements Eurolux MCE Electric CONSULTING AND INVESTMENT SERVICES Full range of switches, sensors and timers MCE panel ammeters, voltmeters Fusecomp Phambili Interface Range of PV fuses Full range of meters ARB Electrical Wholesalers Genlux Lighting Energy efficient consulting and alternative energy solutions Phoenix Contact Range of lighting controls Range of meters Siemens Intellibus Wide range of industry support services Radiant Group Range of lighting controls Range of meters Legrand Siemens Switches, dimmers, time switches, switch sensors and home automation Extensive range of meters Magnet Group Full range of lighting controls

+27 (0)11 874 7600 +27 (0)11 879 6600 +27 (0)21 528 8400 +27 (0)11 238 0000

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 12 DBS, SWITCHES, SOCKETS AND PROTECTION

New 5 kW Multi-Range Programmable dc power Actum merges its brands

supplies ver the years, Actum Group has been built through partnerships, collaborations and acquisitions of leading companies with a long history and rich legacy in the Oindustry. These companies include Actum Electronics, Dowson & Dobson Indus- trial, Peter Jones Electronic Equipment, Altico Static Control Solutions and, most recently, Banding & Identification Solutions Africa. In order to simplify its product offering and deliver the best service to customers, it has decided to consolidate all the company brands to form Actum Group. The company’s team and product offering has not changed; it will simply promote everything under this overarching brand from now on. Actum Group director, Kevin Klaff, explains the reasoning behind adopting Actum Group as the flagship company brand: “The key to our ongoing success is our product offering of specialised quality products. Over the years we have partnered with leading suppliers in the industry to offer our customers quality that they won’t find elsewhere. B&K PRECISION’S new MR Series of 5 kW multi-ranging, of industry standard interfaces combined with excellent “Through improved communication, stock management and lead times, we have signifi- single-output programmable dc power supplies, avail- regulation and low noise characteristics. cantly improved our customer service and aim to continue doing so. By consolidating all able through Comtest, offers up to 1000 V or 80 A in Compared to the N8900A Series from Keysight, the our company brands under Actum Group, we simplify our product offering and give our a compact 2U form factor. Well suited to bench use and MR Series is a worthy competitor and deserves a closer customers a one-stop solution to access all the products and brands they need.” automated test system applications, B&K Precision’s MR look. Consider the fact that it includes faster command Actum Group is a specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic prod- Series offers multi-range functionality and provides us- response times (10 ms vs. 25 ms), a single-phase ac ucts in South and Southern Africa. Its world touches everything from agriculture and tel- ers with added flexibility in the form of additional voltage input, a built-in solar array simulator, and higher power ecoms, to pharmaceutical and construction, to automotive, mining and oil and gas. The and current combinations, capable of replacing multiple density (2U vs. 3U form factor), all at a significantly lower group is fanatically focused on quality and proudly represents only the best international fixed-range power supplies. price point. and local companies and brands. The MR Series is B&K Precision’s first cTUVus certified B&K Precision’s MR Series has a three-year warranty instrument family. The cTUVus certification mark dem- and includes a User Manual (downloadable), Certificate Enquiries: +27 (0)11 608 3001 onstrates compliance with CSA and UL safety standards. of Calibration, Test Report and ac Power Cord. Op- Another first is the LXI compliant LAN interface and IVI tional accessories include a RKPVS Rack Mount Kit and drivers, which simplify system development, and integra- SASPVS Solar Array Simulation Software. tion. In addition, the MR Series provides a wealth of the features customers have to expect, such as a wide range Enquiries: +27 (0)10 595 1821

Chrome industrial power-supply series from Delta

Dc-dc converters deliver power to isolated circuits

MOUSER ELECTRONICS INC. carries the The UCC12050 and UCC12040 con- widest selection of semiconductors and verters are supported by the UCC12050E- he Chrome series of industrial power supplies Class 2 and Limited Power Source approvals. electronic components and is now stock- VM-022 evaluation module. This allows from Delta, the world’s number one power supply In addition, they conform to harmonic current IEC/EN ing UCC12050 and UCC12040 isolated designers to evaluate the abilities and per- Tmanufacturer, is available from ElectroMechanica 6100-3-2 Class A, with safety approvals in accordance dc-dc converters from Texas Instruments formance characteristics of the two con- (EM). with IEC/EN/UL 60950-1 and UL 508 (industrial stand- (TI). The high-efficiency converters are de- verters, with an EVM layout that provides Circuit breakers (h) 91 x (d) 55.6 mm with only (w), ard). signed to provide efficient, isolated power an example of a proper board layout for influenced by output 10 W/18 mm, 30 W/53 mm, The power series is complemented by dc-UPS module to circuits that require a bias supply with rated isolation and EMI performance. 60 W/71 mm and 91.2 W/90 mm: These compact, high- DRU-2410ACZ suitable for 24 V systems when connect- well-regulated output voltages. The devices As an authorised TI distributor, Mouser efficiency power supplies are ideal for installations in ed to an external battery, with zero switchover time from are ideal for a range of applications, includ- Electronics offers the broadest portfolio small cabinets and domestic and commercial distribu- loss of dc input to battery operation for secure, main- ing protection relays and smart breakers, of the latest semiconductor solutions from tion board applications. tained supply even after mains failure. PLC analogue input and output modules, Texas Instruments, adding new products They feature Class II double insulation with a universal Additional features are built-in diagnostic monitoring patient monitoring, and isolated voltage daily. It is focused on the rapid introduc- input voltage range of 90…264 Vac at 47 to 63 Hz, with and frontal LED indication of dc OK, Battery Charging, and current sensing. tion of new products and technologies, giv- no deration for the entire voltage range. Battery Discharging, Battery Fail and Reverse Polarity. TI’s UCC12050 and UCC12040 con- ing customers an edge and helping speed Available with 5, 12 and 24 V dc outputs, they provide verters use a proprietary architecture to in- time to market. Over 800 semiconductor full power up to 55⁰C in 10, 30, 60 and 91.2 Watt NEC Enquiries: +27 (0)11 249 5000 tegrate a transformer and dc-dc controller, and electronic component manufacturers providing 500 mW of iso- count on Mouser to help them introduce lated power with low elec- their products into the global marketplace. tromagnetic interference Mouser’s customers can expect 100% cer- (EMI) and high efficiency. tified, genuine products that are fully trace- Both devices provide pro- able from each manufacturer. tection features for system With its broad product line-up and effi- robustness in addition to cient customer service, Mouser strives to synchronisation capability empower innovation among design engi- and regulated 3.3 V or 5 V neers and buyers by delivering advanced output options. technologies. It stocks the widest selection The UCC12050 offers a of the latest semiconductors and elec- 5 kVRMS reinforced isola- tronic components for new design projects. tion rating, a surge capabil- Mouser Electronics’ website is continually ity of 10 kVPK, and a work- updated and offers advanced search meth- ing voltage of 1.2 kVRMS. ods to help customers quickly locate inven- The UCC12040 converter tory. Mouser.com also houses data sheets, comes with a 3 kVRMS supplier-specific reference designs, appli- basic isolation rating, cation notes, technical design information, surge capability of 8 kVPK, and engineering tools. and a working voltage of 800 VRMS. Enquiries: www.mouser.com.

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS DBS, SWITCHES, SOCKETS AND PROTECTION 13

Speed up documentation and Optimum dosage and fluid Voltage optimisation – the design process media monitoring solution to maximise energy savings he ConnectIT planning and documentation KOBOLD’S ZED-D electronic dosage devices from Instrotech and design tool from ABB • Single-line diagram, to which are ideally suited for dosing and monitoring fluid media. They Tspeeds up your project addresses, cable data and process the signals from separately installed flow sensors ust as you wouldn’t use and saves valuable time when it other details can be added. and are mostly freely-configurable. The devices are suitable a sledgehammer to comes to planning, documenta- • Front panel sketch which can for panel mounting, for robust aluminium field housing (IP Jcrack a nut, using more tion and design processes. It is a be used as a basis for com- 65), for wall mounting or pipe mounting, and for direct fit- energy than required to run free software that enables you to ponent mounting. ting. For integration into standard industrial automation and various equipment is also a design efficient solutions based • Bill of material list of the monitoring systems, the intelligent electronics have two con- no-brainer. Everyone in the on ABB Kabeldon’s offering. complete system. trol inputs, one dosage output, another switch output and one energy industry is aware Design solutions and obtain de- ConnectIT is easy to use and lets analogue output. that voltage optimisation has tails of its components as follows: you to freely create any desired Two relays are provided for dosage and monitoring. Whether been used to reduce energy • Enclosures and accessories. combination of switching devices for pump control, flow monitoring or filling and fine dosages, a consumption in buildings but • Switching devices and bus- and enclosures. The design is large variety of possible settings provides the best possible ad- what is little-known is the bar connections. done quickly and simply, with the justment for the task at hand. This includes free scaling and a unquantifiable costs caused • Busbar system. aid of pictures and text. choice of engineering units. A password protects any settings by over-voltage. Any voltage • Generate structured infor- made against operating errors. A well-arranged, easily readable in excess of 230 V can have mation for ordering, planning Enquiries: www.abb.com two-line display indicates the current flow and the dosage quan- a long-term effect on the on- tity. The devices are operated by using menus and four keys. Key going maintenance of that piece of equipment thus shortening its operating features of the ZED-D electronic dosage devices: life or adding to maintenance costs. • 2 x 8-digit LC-display, backlit. Extracts from the 16th Edition of the Electricians Guide – The Institute of • Frequency input: 0.2-2000Hz. Electrical Engineers IEE: • 2 x relay outputs. • “A filament lamp rated at 230 V used at 240 V will achieve only 55% of • Analogue output. its rated life (it will fail after about 550 hours instead of the average 1000 • Sensor supply. hours)”. • Free scaling. • “Rechargeable batteries rated at 230 V will overheat and suffer drastic life • MIN/MAX memory. reductions when fed with 240 V”. • Switchboard installation or field casing. However, merely dropping the voltage is not the solution and certainly does not provide a risk-free option. Voltage needs to be controlled using ‘intel- Enquiries: +27 (0)10 595 1831 ligent’ devices so that over-voltage can be controlled but site continuity can always be maintained. Only solid-state devices can provide risk and main- tenance free solutions that are equipped for the future of smart grids. New range of compact enclosures All electrical equipment used in South Africa or Europe will work just as well at 220 V. If the incoming mains supply is > 242 V (which is the national fter more than 50 years and 35 million enclo- average at most times), it is costing you more to do the same work as at sures sold, Rittal has introduced its small and 220 V. That is where an iVolt® (Intelligent Voltage Optimiser) could maxim- Acompact enclosures in the form of the AX and ise your energy savings. Voltage optimisation reduces your electricity bill by KX series respectively. According to managing direc- dropping the voltage from high levels to 220 V. tor of Rittal South Africa, Adrian Buddingh, digitalisation Traditionally a step-down transformer may have been used to step the and automation in the era of Industry 4.0 are creating voltage down (buck the voltage) by a fixed percentage. This can cause a new enclosure challenges. “We have understood the new different problem where voltages are continually fluctuating, a fixed non- imperatives of digitalised industry and have developed a intelligent 10% step down can cause significant brown outs if the incoming new generation of compact and small enclosures in re- mains supply drops to around 220 V or lower, damaging loads such as sponse,” he says. motors. In conjunction with the introduction of the Blue e+ The iVolt® is a state-of-the-art electronic voltage stabiliser. Taking meas- range and the VX25 large enclosure system, Rittal’s core urements over 3 000 times per second, the iVolt® maximises energy sav- offering has now been entirely redesigned and is fit to ings by using unique microprocessor, thyristor and transformer technology meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. “As the quantity to ensure that the output power to your facilities is stable and optimised for of sensors and actuators installed in machines increases, maximum energy saving. Being solid state with no moving parts, there is no so too does the number of components and cables to be maintenance required for years of reliable service. accommodated within control systems and switchgear. Moreover, the digital age is increasingly making its pres- Enquiries: [email protected] ence felt in switchgear workshops – with a growing need for automa- impacting the protection rating. tion, greater flexibility and product availability,” he adds. A further advantage is more ample space available in the AX Rittal provides effective support for the entire value chain, from en- and KX compared to their predecessors, the AE, CM, KL, EB and BG. gineering and ordering to automation. Its digital product twin delivers “The increasing number of sensors and actuators being deployed high quality data for the entire design, configuration and manufactur- in the switchgear industry is, in turn, raising the quantity of cables to ing process. QR codes allow all parts to be precisely identified and be housed. The modular design, improved cut-outs and larger gland assigned. With the launch of the AX and KX, the new compact and plates of these new enclosures create, on average, a third more space small enclosures are now an integral part of this approach. “The Rittal for cables,” Buddingh explains. Configuration System (RiCS), for example, allows the fast and simple In addition, integrated locators in the side panels enable simple, configuration of enclosures, accessories and modifications. Moreover, precise and time-saving incorporation of the interior installation rails. an automatic plausibility check helps prevent erroneous choices,” Bud- “These rails also make use of 25 mm spacing (pitch pattern); therefore dingh explains. it is possible to use accessories such as lights or terminal blocks from the VX25 portfolio,” he continues. Highly automated manufacturing Safety is a high priority with all Rittal enclosures. When components The AX and KX series are manufactured in Haiger at the world’s most are installed in the AX and KX, their protection category is maintained advanced manufacturing plant for compact and small enclosures, re- without any restrictions. Overall, the new design features make the cently established in line with Industry 4.0 principles. In South Africa, compact enclosures more robust and ensure greater resistance for stock is kept, ordered and serviced and can be modified to meet re- dynamic loads. quirements. Suitable for many requirements Simple, fast, flexible and safe The new product lines provide solutions for various customer re- The two latest additions to the Rittal enclosure portfolio offer custom- quirements. KX small enclosures from 150 mm x 150 mm x 80 mm ers improved features and new opportunities for value creation. The AX are suitable if only a few components are to be housed in terminal and KX series offer: boxes and bus enclosures. AX compact enclosures are available with • 30% new functions depths of between 120 mm and 400 mm, and in a maximum size • 30% less assembly time of 1000 mm x 1400 mm. “For all models, there is a choice of spray- • 30% more space for cables finished sheet steel or stainless steel. Despite the greater number of The time savings begin with delivery to the customer. Panels can be potential use cases, the total number of components and accessories removed individually; there is no need for the usual disassembly work. and as a result the complexity, have been markedly reduced,” Bud- It is also easier to install doors and cam locks, typically without the dingh concludes. need for tools. The wall mounting bracket can now be quickly screwed into place from the outside of the compact or small enclosure without Enquiries: +27 (0)11 609 8294

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 LIGHTING 14

Google is developing a feature to show brightly lit streets on Maps

t seems Google is working on a feature for Maps to highlight brightly lit streets at night. I The new functionality – dubbed ‘Lighting’ – aims to make night time travels safer by helping users avoid streets with poor or no lighting. Well-lit streets will be marked in yellow, according to code hidden inside Maps beta release (v10.31.0). Unfortunately, there are no images of the feature in action, as it is still under development. There is also no telling if the feature will be available worldwide, or limited strictly to specific regions. Another missing piece of information is how Google intends to source street lighting data, or keep the service up-to-date. This is not the first time Google has rolled out features designed to make it safer for users to navigate away from trouble. A couple of years back, the company embedded SOS Alerts straight into Maps in order to steer users away from natural disasters. In June 2019, Maps introduced a 'Stay Safer' feature in India which notified users if their driver had strayed away from the expected route.

The easy to configure DALI-2 lighting solution New dimensions of well-being with hospitality lighting solutions

ighting for the hospitality sector is much range of professional lighting tasks in hospital- more than a necessary technical in- ity areas and ensures even more flexible light- Lstallation. It functions also as a design ing solutions for ambience and general lighting. element and is an important element for the For example, the strips can easily be integrated well-being of guests and employees. The wide into the architecture and subtly enhance a range of hospitality lighting solutions help ho- hotel room. In addition to the LED strips, the teliers and caterers to present hospitality in its portfolio includes an extensive range of LED best light and to adapt perfectly to the needs drivers, profiles for surface or recessed installa- of their guests. Elegant and representative with tion, covers and other accessories. With a wide the LED strip system, stylishly accentuated with range of available colour temperatures ranging the LED spotlights or cosy and intimate with from energising, daylight white 6 500 kelvin to Vintage Edition 1906 lamps and luminaires – warm white 2 700 kelvin and lumen packages better light welcomes people and invites them from 300 to 2 000 lumens per metre, the to linger. Energy efficiency, simple installation LED strips are suitable for virtually any lighting he TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution, which is easy and lighting control, management of lighting scenarios and and low maintenance requirements contribute task in a modern lighting concept – includ- convenient to configure via Excel files, simplifies control of dynamic light sequences based on the natural to a particularly economical use. ing classic general lighting, ambient lighting Tall work steps, from engineering to maintenance. course of daylight for Human Centric Lighting (HCL) and indirect lighting of niches and coves. The All typical lighting controls are integrated in the system, concepts. In addition, monitoring of energy and status data Effectful accent lighting with LED TÜV-certified strips in the Superior category and the number of DALI lines is unlimited. Fast functional can be used for optional location-independent data analysis, spotlights are particularly suitable for demanding lighting changes, address changes, system expansions or cross- while engineering is simplified considerably as there is no The Ledvance product family of LED spot- installations in large, representative buildings, DALI line groupings can be carried out without interrup- restriction on the number of DALI lines, cross-DALI line lights provides functional and flexible lighting like upmarket hotels, amongst others, because tions to operations. In addition, daylight-dependent human groupings can be carried out and all typical lighting controls and sets design accents in hotel rooms, res- of their impressive colour rendering with a col- centric lighting concepts can also be implemented. are available. The TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution supports the taurants, lobbies and ancillary areas like cor- our rendering index (CRI) of over 90 and an With the addition of the TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution implementation of HCL in particular through the integrated ridors, elevators and car parks. The small flex- extremely long lifetime of up to 60 000 hours. (TF8050), Beckhoff has extended its product range for colour temperature setting function, freely adjustable colour ible recessed spotlights come in minimalist All LED strips are prewired on both sides and the automation of commercial and public buildings with temperature and dimming function curves, lighting control styling and provide great flexibility in lighting can be shortened easily and flexibly if required. a DALI-2 lighting control system. The solution can be via start/stop time or sunrise/sunset, and compliance with design – they can be realigned as required. used to suit every lighting situation whether in large office the DALI DT8 standard. The Tracklight Spot and Tracklight Spot Com- Retro is modern: innovative LED buildings or production halls. It includes a comprehensive, The lighting solution is easy to use through modular pact can be freely positioned along the power technology in special shapes complete range of functions, and consistent simplification and conveniently scalable hardware options. As a fully rail to create highlights in bars or restaurants Vintage LED lamps and luminaires from of all work steps and control options. Moreover, the configured plug-and-play version, the solution includes and are further ideal for high-quality room Ledvance are atmospheric, subtle, aesthetic TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution is fully web and HTML- either a 7-inch multitouch CP6606 or CP6706 Panel PC layouts through aesthetic SCALE design. The and create special settings in hospitality ar- capable, is de-centrally scalable and can be operated or a CX51x0 or CX9020 Embedded PC. In addition, the I/O tiny shaped Tracklight Spot Compact comes eas. The Vintage Edition 1906 brings new life conveniently via panels and mobile end devices such as level with Bus Couplers and Bus Terminals can be easily in attractive colour schemes. Together with its into historic shapes of lamps and luminaires tablets, for example. adapted to individual application requirements. seamless design, thanks to the in-track driver, and combines high-quality retro design The broad range of applications includes motion and it fits into every ambitious interior. The Led- with efficient LED lighting technology. The presence dependent lighting control, daylight-dependent Enquiries: www.beckhoff.co.za/lighting-solution vance Spot Square Darklight Adjust is also atmospheric, discreet light is perfect for ho- designed to match the Spot-, Down- and tel rooms where guests can wind down and Tracklight family of luminaires, and its cut-off relax. In hotel bathrooms, for example, the Lighting companies sponsor free LED lights for angle ensures comfortable interior lighting in retro luminaires set stylish lighting accents hotel rooms, but also shops and boutiques, – installed as mirror lighting, the Globe LED Coronavirus remote site testing even with its modern square-shape and the lamps with PenduLum Pro bases are retro small frame. An external driver provides ex- eye-catchers. With energy savings of up to he National Lighting Bureau (NLB), through its mem- • Kurtzon Lighting tended flexibility. 80% compared with conventional technolo- bers, is offering free LED lights for the remote sites • Ledvance gies the vintage LED lamps also ensure cost Tbeing set up across the U.S. to test for the corona- • Lighting Controls Association (LCA) Creative lighting design in any shape effectiveness. virus. The Bureau provides its services to the public free of • Lutron Electronics Company, Inc. with the LED strip system charge with the funding of the organisation’s sponsors, which • National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) The Ledvance LED strip system covers a wide Enquiries: www.ledvance.com include individuals, professional societies, trade associations, • National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) labour unions, manufacturers, and agencies of the U.S. gov- • New Star Lighting ernment. The participating associates include: • Pompeo Group • BIOS Lighting • QSSI • Finelite • Truly Green Solutions • GE Current, a Daintree Company • Universal Lighting Technologies • Healthe by Lighting Science • U.S. General Services Administration • Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) • ZLED Lighting • Imperial Lighting Maintenance Company Ray Kasmark, NLB Chairman, said, “We believe that quality • Inspired LED lighting inside of the tents will increase throughput while im- • interNational Association of Lighting Management proving safety and comfort during the testing process.” Companies (NALMCO) • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Enquiries: www.nlb.org

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS LIGHTING 15

BEKA Schréder launches versatile LED bulkhead

he QVAL is a decorative yet versatile, high-performance and relia- maintain the IP rating of the luminaire. ble LED bulkhead that outperforms all conventional wall mounted • High energy savings compared to systems with traditional discharge Tbulkhead luminaires by providing a bright and long-lasting light for lamps. outdoor wall mounted applications. • Robust yet discreet design to complement any environment. The design ensures discreet integration without compromising on • High visual comfort. performance. The QVAL delivers a strong white light with a high colour • White light with a high colour rendering index. rendering index to ensure perfect visibility and comfort at all times. The • Optional integrated movement or daylight sensor for further energy luminaire emits a pleasant light due to the highly efficient white reflector. savings. The indirect reflector design has been specifically developed to provide The QVAL is a versatile bulkhead, perfectly suited for decorative ap- glare-free lighting and a high-performing light distribution. Thanks to the plications such as shopping centres, commercial buildings and public QVAL’s high optical performance and strong mechanical design, it can buildings, but also for industrial applications such as the exterior light- achieve substantial energy and maintenance savings. ing of warehouses, industrial halls and loading bays.

Key advantages of the QVAL include: Enquiries: +27 (0)11 238 0000 Designed and manufactured in South Africa, thus taking our continent’s harsh thermal and environ- mental conditions into account. • Marine grade high-pressure die-cast alumini- um (EN 1706 AC-44300) housing. • Easy installation with removable back plate to

The classifications of industrial lighting ighting is a critical aspect in a number of in- dustries such as manufacturing, mining, ma- Lrine, packaging, and even sports. Electrical fixtures for such industries are designed for heavy duty performance and can last in even the most adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures and climate. These are five of the most commonly used lighting fixtures across a multitude of indus- tries:

Explosion Proof Lighting In industries like mining, transportation, steel, ma- rine, etc., there are high risks of explosions which you cannot overlook at any cost. You have to make sure that the lighting fixtures have the ability to withstand the heat and pressures that are gener- ated by an explosion. Explosion proof fixtures meet some of the most stringent quality standards of the National Electric Code.

Indoor Fixtures Indoor fixtures can be installed in a number of in- door work areas like workshops, workstations, bays, etc. As different work environments have different requirements for lighting systems, it would be ideal to contact a supplier who can offer you customised lighting requirements. Ensure that the lighting sys- tems are capable of withstanding harsh working conditions as well as extreme temperatures.

Roadway Fixtures Roadway fixtures are ideal for places where you need high mast lighting. Safety is extremely impor- tant on the roads and is of major concern for the protection of all those present on the road, which is why you need a brightly lit road. You can control the amount of light generated by these roadway fixtures to make them brighter or dimmer, based on the time of the day they are being switched on.

Flood Lighting Every sports ground requires proper lighting. It isn’t a pleasant experience for the spectators when they can’t clearly see what’s going on in the ground/field and it would equally hinder the players from per- forming well if the lighting is compromised. Regard- less of which sport it is, be it tennis, football, cricket, basketball or rugby, floodlights are an indispensable part.

Lighting for Hazardous Locations Places like nuclear plants, mining fields, oil rigs, and underwater operations require high quality and fail- ure-free lighting solutions. It is important that there are various kinds of light sources as well as lights so that work doesn’t halt due to lighting failure of any kind. Ideally, you must not use regular indus- trial lighting fixtures in such places. Make sure the lighting you use is reliable, has a long life, and low maintenance costs.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 LIGHTING 16 SHEDDING LIGHT WITH PHILIP HAMMOND Making the most of the lockdown

ast month I wrote about being faced with our In our home, we have kept to the rules for the ing back home. challenges and generally do our best to avoid be- COVID-19 lockdown. Many of you would have lockdown without any deviation. We are four in our On arrival at home, the gloves are deposited in the ing inactive for too long. The household routines Lfound new ways to work at home and, hope- household so decided to take it in turns to do the bin immediately. We then proceed to disinfect every such as daily laundry, home cleaning, gardening fully, the information I shared about the software we essential shopping twice a week; in that way each item purchased before packing them away. Then we and other domestic activities, including meals, are use very successfully, was useful to you. person is able to get out of the house, albeit in a wash our mask and hang it in fresh air to dry, ready maintained. As I write, we are three days away from the ini- brief and uncomfortable way. We each have our own for the next time of use. I have always presented CPD accredited we- tial end date of 16 April before it was extended by a masks which are only worn just before getting out Except over weekends, we wake at the normal binars for my students, architects and engineers further period until 30 April. I have decided to write of the car. We wear disposable gloves which are re- time, and keep to our usual routine, getting dressed which are very well attended. I continue to do this, about the ‘lockdown times’ rather than the subject of moved after shopping before we get into our cars. and ready for work. It is normal for us anyway as we with the programmed scheduled to continue for my speciality which is the field of lighting. There will They are unrolled in such a way that they form a ball have always worked online from home. most of the year. be time enough to return to lighting. and are inside out so that we minimise touching the I realised, that for many of those who normally How have you coped with the lockdown, the isola- glove surface that had contact with anything in the But what else have we done? attend the webinars, working from home was an tion in your homes? shop. Only then do we remove our mask before driv- We exercise regularly, participate in online exercise entirely new experience. It is an experience accom- panied by times of loneliness, despair and anxiety about the future for their respective businesses. This is a time when everyone needs the support of each other. It is a time when we have to look out for each other in new ways. I launched the enLightened Community using the software that I use for webinars to create an online ‘place’ to meet. It was an instant success. It is a time to chat about any subject under the sun with one condition, all discussions must be posi- tive. It has become extremely popular. It is amaz- ing to see the eagerness of the attendees to be on- line before the time which is 12:00 every Tuesday to ensure that they do not miss it. It is attended by students from across the globe and architects and consulting engineers from around Southern Africa. It provides a platform for South Africans to interact with other professionals around the world. Subjects discussed during the informal online meeting include the names of some good wines, good books – both fiction and non-fiction – ex- ercise routines, street lighting, online travel for those who now have the chance to visit some of the destinations that are on their bucket lists, good viewing on Netflix, Showmax (mainly good docu- mentaries) and good listening music to play in the background to break the feeling of loneliness. We have discussed the excellent rationale be- hind the lockdown, have praise for the President and his top team. We are proud of them, for their leadership and their example no matter how tough it is and will continue to be for a long time to come. We appreciate that we are nowhere near being out of the woods yet. Of course, I fully appreciate that many of you and our enLightened Community group members are small business owners or individual architec- tural or consulting engineer practises who are worried about the future prospects for your busi- nesses. I believe that as we bond together in these spe- cial groups, we will be better able to support each other and perhaps try to direct business in their respective directions as the lockdown eases and we return to a semblance of normality. We are fully aware that a long and arduous road will have to be negotiated. Throughout the time of lockdown, students across the world, including the USA, continue to enrol for courses, realising that an internationally recognised qualification will open doors anywhere. Qualified people will have a better chance of fu- ture employment than those who have no quali- fication. I believe that as the lockdown eases and we eventually return to the ‘new’ normal, business will never be the same as we knew it before the pandemic. I encourage readers to use the time to consider every aspect of their business,. Strategise and do your own think tank to consider how you can do things differently to attract business and to market yourselves. If you are a member of our enLight- ened Community, bounce your ideas off other member/s. If any readers would like to join our enLightened Community, you are welcome to contact me. I will immediately send you an invitation to register which will provide you with the link to join on Tues- days whilst the lockdown is in place. Send an email to [email protected]. Stay Safe, Stay Home

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS LIGHTING 17

Tips for outdoor lighting

utdoor lighting can highlight a home’s architecture and landscaping, and can provide added safety. Melissa Davidson from leading lighting supplier, OThe Lighting Warehouse, shares some tips for those considering lighting up their home’s outdoor surrounds. Plan a lighting layout: Walk around your home and identify the areas you would like to illuminate. It is a good idea to use a torch to see how the light will interplay with your home’s architectural and landscaping features. It is important to make a note of areas you would use socially, as well as those very dark spots that compromise your safety and security. Install it in layers: Any good lighting design worth its salt will include different layers of light that provide the three different types of lighting, namely ambient, task and accent lighting. As its name implies, ambient lighting provides general overall lighting, and sets the mood or ambience of the space being lit. Task lighting is designed for globes. Those spaces where work needs to be done must be bright enough so that you can see what you are doing. Accent lighting is decorative, and serves to highlight various features and interplay with the ambient lighting to reinforce a particular style. Choose energy efficient options: Spending a little extra from the onset by investing in energy-saving globes will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run – both on your lighting bills, as well as the cost of replacing the bulbs themselves. Choosing LED globes for example, can provide energy savings of up to 90% when compared to incandescent globes. They also boast a very long lifespan of between 20 000 and 30 000 hours, which works out to about 10 years of average nightly use. Stay in control: Why not consider motion-activated sensors, day-night-activated sensors, and time switches. This all aids with saving on your lighting bill. Consider your neighbours: Be considerate and make sure your lighting design does not encroach onto your neighbour’s property. It can be very annoying when your neighbour’s outdoor lights shine directly into your living space for example. So, when planning your design, for those installations that are close to your neighbours, select light that shines downwards or position the lights so that they shine solely into your property. Choose weather-resistant fixtures: For optimum longevity, make sure that the fittings you choose are weather-resistant. Outdoor fixtures should be non-corrosive and UV-resistant. Consider proportion: The ideal size of an outdoor light fitting needs to strike a balance between proportion and size. For example, a single light fitting for the front entrance of your home should measure one-third of the front door’s height, so that it is in proportion and provides visual balance, as well as being noticeable from the driveway. However, if there are two lights at the entrance for example, each light should measure only one- quarter the size of the front door. Do not over-do it: Too much light can create light pollution and distract guests and neighbours. Rather aim for a subtle, well-planned landscape lighting scene that accentuates your landscaping, features and home. For example, plan your pathways using low-voltage, down-facing lights to provide a nicely lit pathway, without glare, to guide you and guests along paths. Or, use spotlights to feature trees and other large features on your property, or wash your garden walls with light to create dramatic light- and-shadow features. Safety first: It is essential to remember that, by law, all outdoor lighting needs to be fully sealed against the elements to protect it from rain, irrigation and splashes. Water and electricity can be a lethal combination so it is imperative that a professional electrician installs them, and that the fittings you choose are IP-rated for outdoor use. IP ratings are expressed as 'IP' followed by two numbers that define the degree of protection they offer. The first digit (Foreign Bodies Protection i.e. 'dirt') shows the extent to which the equipment is protected against particles (i.e. 'grime'). The second digit (Water Protection) indicates the extent of protection against water entering the fixture. Outdoor light fittings should have a minimum IP rating of at least IP44.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 201 2600

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 LIGHTING 18

UV Disinfection

ltraviolet (UV) light is a form of radiation that isms, including some parasites which are resistant of the entire spectrum of light (from UV to infrared) in is invisible to the human eye and occupies the to chemical disinfectants such as chlorine. UV-C is the occupied region of the room remains below a safe REFERENCES: Uportion of the electromagnetic spectrum be- also used by blood transfusion services to irradiate level. This characterisation requires that the spectral ir- 1. CIE 155:2003 Ultraviolet air disinfection, 2003 tween X-rays and visible light. UV radiation is produced blood. Here the dose is critical as too high a dose radiance of such lamp is calibrated against calibrated 2. ISO/CIE 28077:2016 Photocarcinogenesis action by the sun and man-made sources. The International can potentially have a negative impact. standards. spectrum (non-melanoma skin cancers), 2016 Commission on Illumination (CIE), classifies UV radia- Although there hasn’t yet been any research look- 3. CIE 187:2010 UV-C Photocarcinogenesis risks from tion as follows: UV-A, 315 nm – 400 nm; UV-B, 280 nm Hazards ing at how UV-C affects the COVID-19 virus specifi- germicidal lamps, 2010 – 315 nm; UV-C, 100 nm – 280 nm. The CIE’s activities In humans, skin exposure to UV in general can result in cally, studies have shown that it can be used against 4. ISO/CIE 17166:2019 Erythema reference action include the development of international measurement skin irritation (sunburn and in some cases skin cancer), other coronaviruses, such as SARS. Here too, the spectrum and standard erythema dose, 2019 standards and procedures in the field of light, including and exposure of the eyes to UV-C can produce an ex- UV-C radiation warps the structure of the genetic 5. CIE 220:2016 Characterization and calibration ultraviolet radiation. The National Metrology Institute of tremely painful inflammation of the conjunctiva (pho- material and prevents the viral particles from mak- methods of UV radiometers, 2016 South Africa (NMISA) Photometry & Radiometry (P&R) toconjuntivitis) and of the cornea (photokeratitis), but ing more copies of themselves. As a result, UV-C is 6. Can you kill coronavirus with UV light? (www.bbc. section is affiliated to the CIE via the Illumination Engi- usually disappears within 48 hours without permanent now a useful weapon in the fight against COVID-19. com/future/article/20200327-can-you-kill-corona- neering Society of South Africa (IESSA) and has inter- damage. Temporary or permanent vision impairment, In China, whole buses are being irradiated each virus-with-uv-light), 2020 national representatives on the different divisions within up to and including blindness can occur in some cases night, and UVC-emitting robots have been cleaning 7. Effectiveness of an ultraviolet-C disinfection system the CIE. CIE Division 6: Photobiology and Photochemis- due to cataracts caused by UV-B. Under extreme over- floors in hospitals. Banks have even been using the for reduction of healthcare-associated pathogens, try has specific research activities in the field of germi- exposure UV-A can also damage the retina of the eye light to disinfect their money. UVGI has been shown Jui-Hsuan Yanga, Un-In Wu, Huei-Min Tai, Wang-Huei cidal irradiation. (photoretinitis). UVGI in occupied rooms should not to be an effective sterilization method for N95 filter- Sheng (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ The energy of a UV photon is wavelength de- exceed an exposure dose of 6 mJ/cm² per eight hours ing masks, which could become necessary with the S1684118217302001), 2019 pendent: shorter wavelength photons (i.e. UV-C) for low-pressure mercury lamps. Designers and users current shortage. 8. The effectiveness of UV-C radiation for facility-wide have higher energy than longer wavelength pho- should also be aware of high UV intensities being re- The Photometry and Radiometry section of NMI- environmental disinfection to reduce health care– tons. It is well-known that UV radiation interacts with flected from certain materials, for example the reflec- SA has an accredited UV laboratory which is man- acquired infections, Nathanael A. Napolitano, Tanmay living cells. Most of the UV from the sun is in the tors of open luminaires, windows, exposed ducting and dated to continuously develop and maintain accu- Mahapatra, Weiming Tang (www.sciencedirect.com/ UV-A region, which penetrates deeply into the skin metallic or high gloss architectural finishes, into the oc- rate and traceable national measurement standards, science/article/abs/pii/S0196655315007579), and causes most of skin ageing. Next there is UV- cupied portion of the room. During any work with open and which has extensive and unique experience in 2015 B, which causes sunburn and ultimately skin can- UVGI devices, eye and skin protection should be worn. the measurement and characterisation of UV-A, 9. Wikipedia - Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (en. cer. Both UV-A and UV-B can be blocked by a good To use UV-C safely, specialist equipment and training is UV-B and UV-C sources and detectors. It maintains wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet_germicidal_irradiation) sunscreen. The sun also emits shorter-wavelength necessary. The World Health Organization (WHO) has international equivalence through participation in 10. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook - UVGI UV-C which is more energetic and more dangerous, issued a stern warning against using UV light to steri- International Key Comparisons, participating in sci- for Air and Surface Disinfection, Wladyslaw Kowalski but which fortunately gets completely filtered out of lise their hands or any other part of their skin. entific committees and active involvement in inter- (link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642- solar radiation by ozone, water vapour, oxygen and Another potential danger is the UV production of national workshops and conferences. 01999-9), 2009

CO2 in the atmosphere. ozone. UV-C light from the sun is partly responsible for The UV Laboratory of NMISA’s P&R section fre- 11. UV Sterilization: Far-UVC light kills airborne flu the earth’s ozone layer in the stratosphere, but ozone quently calibrates broadband UV radiometers that viruses without danger to humans, John Wallace Photobiological interaction at the atmospheric level can be harmful to a person’s are used to measure the effective UV irradiance pro- (1 April 2018) (www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers- In 1878, Arthur Downes and Thomas P. Blunt published health. This risk is mitigated using ozone-free lamps duced by a UV source. The accurate use of these sources/article/16555364/uv-sterilization-faruvc- a paper describing the sterilisation of bacteria exposed which are made of glass or fused quartz which is radiometers requires an understanding of the prop- light-kills-airborne-flu-viruses-without-danger-to- to short-wavelength light, and the 1903 Nobel Prize for doped to block ozone-producing UV radiation. erties of the UV source and radiometer, as well as humans), 2018 Medicine was awarded to Niels Finsen for his use of UV UV-C radiation can break chemical bonds, which the measurement and calibration methods involved. 12. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of influenza- against tuberculosis of the skin. Wavelengths between leads to rapid ageing of plastics and other materials. The calibration of a UV radiometer depends on the contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators, about 200 nm and 300 nm are strongly absorbed by Note that plastics sold as ‘UV-resistant’ are tested source used during calibration, the properties (es- Mills D, Harnish D.A., Lawrence C., Sandoval-Powers nucleic acids, which can destroy the molecular bonds only for UV-B, as UV-C doesn’t normally reach the pecially spectral) of the radiometer and on the ef- M., Heimbuch B.K. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub- and result in defects of an organism’s DNA and RNA, surface of the Earth. fect to be measured. For the calibration of a UVGI med/29678452), 2018 and thereby prevent replication of genetic material or radiometer the effective germicidal action is also 13. N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator Ultraviolet Ger- the expression of necessary proteins, resulting in the Lamps important. If the calibration is not performed using micidal Irradiation (UVGI) Process for decontamina- death or inactivation of the organism. Some micro- Germicidal UV-C for disinfection is typically generated the same source as the source to be measured in tion and reuse, Lowe J. L., et al (www.nebraskamed. organisms, particularly bacteria, have a photorepair by a mercury-vapor discharge lamp. Mercury vapor the field, very large errors can occur. It is therefore com/sites/default/files/documents/covid-19/n- mechanism which uses visible and UV-A radiation to lamps may be categorized as either low-pressure or critical that the calibration of the UV radiometer is 95-decon-process.pdf), 2020 repair the chemical bonds damaged by UV-C, so care medium-pressure mercury lamps. Low-pressure mer- fit for purpose. 14. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (web.archive.org/ must be taken to keep these levels low. cury lamps have a strong emission line at 254 nm, This UV laboratory is currently undergoing up- web/20160806185506/https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ which is close to 265 nm where the germicidal ef- grades to improve on its current capabilities. This media/livacuk/radiation/pdf/UV_germicidal.pdf), 2016 Uses fectiveness peaks and therefore offer high conversion includes a new automated three-axis calibration 15. Predicted Inactivation of Viruses of Relevance to Artificially produced UV-C is used in Ultraviolet germi- efficacy (ratio of germicidal radiation output to power workstation capable of performing calibration and Biodefense by Solar Radiation, David Lytle and Jose- cidal irradiation (UVGI) and has been a staple method input) but lower power density (power per unit length) characterisation of UV radiometers, including UV-C, Luis Sagripanti (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ of sterilization against pathogens for over 60 years. and have a bulb temperature of about 30°C. Medi- UVGI and UV hazard radiometers. Further upgrades PMC1280232/), 2005 UV-C light has been demonstrated to be effective um-pressure mercury lamps operate at much higher underway in the NMISA P&R Spectroradiometry 16. IUVA Fact Sheet on UV Disinfection for COVID-19 against pathogenic organisms, including those respon- temperatures, up to about 800°C, and offer higher ra- and Radiometry laboratories will also mean that the (www.iuva.org/COVID-19) sible for cholera, polio, typhoid, hepatitis and other bac- diation output and power density but lower conversion spectral characteristics of UV sources and radiom- 17. Using Light to Fight Bacteria and Viruses, Roger Pink terial, viral and parasitic diseases. efficacy compared to low-pressure mercury lamps eters can be determined with improved accuracy in (electronics360.globalspec.com/article/12151/using- The degree of sterilization by UVGI is directly re- due to the fact that only 10-15% of the radiant output South Africa. light-to-fight-bacteria-and-viruses), 2018 lated to the UV dose. The dosage, a product of UV is in the UV-C. Lookout for an article on ‘The ultraviolet meas- 18. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the light irradiance (radiant power per area) incident Recent developments in LED technology have led urement capabilities at NMISA’ in the next issue of public: Myth busters (www.who.int/emergencies/ on a surface and exposure time, is usually meas- to commercially available UV-C LEDs. UV-C LEDs Sparks Electrical News magazine. diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/ ured in microjoules per square centimetre (μJ/cm2), use semiconductors to emit light between 255 nm myth-busters) or equivalently as microwatt seconds per square and 280 nm. The wavelength emission can be tuned By Liesl Burger, Pieter du Toit and Rheinhardt Sieber- 19. Efficacy assessment of ultraviolet germicidal ir- centimetre (μW·s/cm2). Determining the dosage by adjusting the material of the semiconductor. The hagen, Photometry and Radiometry Section, National radiation (UVGI) devices for inactivating airborne requires that the integrated spectral irradiance of electrical-to-UV-C conversion efficiency of LEDs is Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) Mycobacterium tuberculosis, T Singh, Ngcobo, O such a source is calibrated using suitable radiomet- however lower than that of mercury lamps. Kgasha, W Leuschner, O Matuka, T van Reenen, P de ric standards. Dosages for a 90% kill of most bac- Enquiries: www.nmisa.org and www.iessa.org.za Jager (Occupational Health Southern Africa 24, 4, teria and viruses range from 2 000 μW·s/cm2 to Use of UV-C in South Africa and worldwide August 2018 8 000 μW·s/cm2. South Africa is one of the countries with the highest UVGI is routinely used in medical sanitation to de- burden of tuberculosis (TB), a disease spread by air- contaminate surgical surfaces and equipment, and borne aerosols which poses a threat to people in a modern applications have autonomous robots and contaminated area. The problem is exacerbated by drones covering a predetermined path in unoccu- the emergence of drug-resistant strains and HIV/AIDs. pied areas, leaving them sterilized for use. The disinfection effectivity of UVGI and the suscepti- UV-C lamps can be used to sterilize the air in ar- bility of airborne microorganisms including M. tuber- eas where illnesses like tuberculosis can pass from culosis (TB) bacilli (peak sensitivity at around 265nm) person to person in droplets ejected by coughing or have been scientifically proven, and the World Health sneezing. UVGI units are typically mounted on walls Organization (WHO) policy on TB infection control and irradiate the upper region of a room where they recommends defined ventilation rates supplemented inactivate viruses and bacteria which circulate on air by Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiance (UVGI). The output currents. of the devices which produce UV-C for UVGI must be UV-C is used as an environmentally friendly, carefully characterised to ensure that an effective level chemical-free, and highly effective way to disinfect of UV-C is emitted in the desired zone (typically the and safeguard water against harmful microorgan- upper region of a room), while ensuring that the levels

SPARKS MAY 2020 ELECTRICAL NEWS EVENTS 19

UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

Please note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the below events may be delayed/cancelled. Please confirm dates with the relevant parties

ECA(SA) Regional Diary 2020 • 20: Vaal branch meeting AGM May Email: [email protected] course, which is presented at the Highveld National Office, Meadowdale • 22-23: Earthing & Bonding course • 4-15: M5 Motors and starters Training Centre eight times a year. Address: 91 Newton Road, Meadowdale Ext • 27: West Rand branch meeting AGM • 18-22: M6 Testing of Installation June Venue: The course is presented at the 2, Germiston, 1401 • 29: CoC Refresher course • 25-29: Unit Standards • 3: Upington branch meeting ECA(SA)’s Meadowdale Training Centre, 91 Telephone: +27 (0)11 392 0000 • 4: Kuruman branch meeting Newton Road, Meadowdale Ext 2, Germis- Email: [email protected] November June • 11: Kimberley branch meeting ton, 1401. • 2-6: Installation Rules Course • 1-5: M0 Induction • 18: Welkom branch meeting NEC meetings • 10: CoC course • 8-12: M1 Installing wireways • 25: Bloemfontein branch meeting Next course date: 22-24 April • 27 May • 11: Regional technical meeting • 15-19: M2 Installation of cables Enquiries: • 29 July • 22-26: M3 Wiring of premises September • [email protected] • 30 September Bosveld Region • 2: Upington branch AGM • 19 November Address: 1074 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, July • 3: Kuruman branch AGM IESSA courses in 2020 • 20 November AGM Pretoria, 0001 • 7: North Boland general meeting • 10: Welkom branch AGM IESSA has as a tenet in the advancement Contact persons: Julie Lerm (membership) • 14: Boland general meeting • 17: Bloemfontein branch AGM of lighting knowledge. To this end we offer Presidential Excellence Awards and Rika Nel (training) • 16: Cape Town general meeting • 24: Kimberley branch AGM a number of lighting courses from basics to 13 November Telephone: +27 (0)12 342 3242/342 3358 intermediate as well as with those handling National Golf Day Email: [email protected] November October specific areas of lighting have been devel- • 18 November • 10: North Boland branch AGM • 2: Kimberley Branch AGM oped. NOTE: Meeting and course dates are subject Pretoria • 12: Boland branch AGM The Basic lighting Concepts, Vision, to change. Please confirm the dates with • May • 17: Cape Town branch AGM P&T Technology 2020 course Lamps and Colour course is designed to your regional office. • 20: CoC course calendar provide persons associated with, or enter- Port Elizabeth ing into the lighting industry with an under- Highveld Region June Address: Unit 10, Brydon Business Park, 3 Inspect, test and certify and single standing of basic lighting terminology and Address: 91 Newton Road, Meadowdale Ext • 10: CoC course Third Avenue, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, phase electrical installations techniques. 2, Germiston, 1401 • 24: Tzaneen branch meeting 6001 • 8-10 June The specialised courses are dedicated to • Contact person: Leola Petersen or Ange- • 25: Polokwane branch meeting Contact person: Wilmarie Smith • 5-7 October various specific aspects of light and covers line Lubbe Telephone: +27 (0)41 363 1990 aspects such as road lighting and mainte- • Telephone: +27 (0)10 271 0686 July Email: [email protected] Inspect, test and certify and nance, shop and retail lighting, emergency • Email: [email protected]/ • 2: Rustenburg branch meeting three phase electrical installa- lighting, and industrial lighting as well as [email protected] • 9: Pretoria branch meeting May tions the use of lighting tools such as the ‘Relux • 16: Witbank branch meeting • 20: Estimating & Tendering course • 8-10 June computer design program’. These courses May • 15: CoC course • 28: Branch meeting • 3-5 August range from 1 day to 2 days. The candidates • 4-8: MIE Unit Standards course • 23: Nelspruit branch meeting • 5-7 October to the courses are recognised with either • 11-12: Earthing and bonding course June certificates of attendance or certificates of • 14: CoC course August • TBC: Regional Executive committee Inspect, test and certify and accomplishment as appropriate. • 18-22: MV Course • 19: CoC course • 4: Earthing & Bonding course hazardous electrical installa- • 25: Construction Rules tions 2020 Course Calendar • 28-29: Estimating & Tendering course September August • 18-22 May • 7-8 May: Lighting Concepts, Vision, • 16: CoC course • 27: Branch meeting • 17-21 August Lamps & Colour (Cape Town) June • 19-23 October • 18-19 May: Lighting for Energy Efficiency 4-5: PV Solar course October September in Industry (KZN) 9: Highveld Exco meeting • 1: Nelspruit branch meeting AGM • TBC: Regional Executive committee Refresher course: Testing & In- • 21-22 May: Quality Assurance - Public 18: CoC course • 8: Middelberg branch meeting AGM specting Single & Three phase Framework (Johannesburg) 22-26: Installation rules course • 15: Pretoria branch meeting AGM November • 12 June • 9-10 July: Interior Lighting Course (Cape 30: CoC Refresher course • 14: CoC course • TBC: Regional Executive committee • 7 August Town) • 22: Brits branch meeting AGM • 5: Branch meeting AGM • 9 October • 13-14 July: Lighting for Roads & Precincts July • 28: Tzaneen branch meeting AGM (KZN) • 1: Mahikeng branch meeting (North West • 29: Polokwane branch meeting AGM South Cape Electric fence installer • 30-31 July: Photometry North) May • 11-13 May • 3-4 August: RELUX Lighting Design • 2: Potchefstroom branch meeting (North November • 14: Branch meeting • 20-22 July (KZN) West South) • 18: CoC course • 14-16 September • 27-28 August: Lighting for Energy Effi- • 7: Mpumalanga branch meeting August ciency in Industry (Johannesburg) • 14: Wits branch meeting KwaZulu-Natal Region • 13: Branch meeting KNX Basic course • 10-11 September: Exterior Lighting • 16: CoC course Address: 188 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Morning- • 18-22 May Course (Cape Town) • 21: Vaal branch meeting side, Durban, 4001 October • 17-21 August • 29-30 September: Lighting for Roads & • 23-24: Earthing & Bonding course Contact person: Resheka Sewpersadh • 22: Branch meeting AGM • 19-23 October Precincts (Johannesburg) • 28: West Rand branch meeting Telephone: +27 (0)31 312 6313 Enquiries: www.pandttechnology.co.za • 8-9 October: Retail & Shop Lighting Email: [email protected] East London (KZN) August Address: Unit 40, Frame Park, Phillip Frame ECA Electric Fence System • 15-16 October: Quality Assurance – Pub- • 3-7: MV course - ORHVS May Road, Chiselhurst, East London, 5201 Installer courses lic Framework (Cape Town) • 13: CoC course • 22: KZN Charity golf day Contact person: Ellen Mare The ECA(SA)’s second Electric Fence Sys- • 19-20 October: RELUX Lighting Design • 19: CoC Practical Refresher course Telephone: +27 (0)43 726 6359 tem Installer course for 2020 will be held (Johannesburg) • 20-21: PV Solar course June Email: [email protected] from 16-18 March at the Meadowdale Train- • 16-17 November: Retail & Shop Lighting • 24-28: MIE Unit Standards course • 18: Durban general meeting ing Centre and it’s an opportunity for Instal- (Johannesburg) • 23: Zululand general meeting May lation Electricians (IEs) to qualify with EWS- • 12-13 November: Lighting for Energy Ef September • 25: Natal Midlands general meeting • 21: Branch meeting ETA and be registered with the Department • 3-4: Earthing and bonding course of Labour as Electric Fence System Install- • 8: Highveld Exco meeting October August ers (EFSIs). This three-day course is an RPL • 10: CoC course • 22: Zululand Annual general meeting • 20: Branch meeting (Recognition of Prior Learning) course for • 11: Highveld (Wits) charity golf day • 27: Natal Midlands AGM persons who have been in the Electric Fence • 21-23: MIE course • 29: Durban Annual general meeting October Installation field for more than two years. • 29: Mahikeng Branch AGM • 29: Branch meeting AGM Electric fence installations may only • 30: Potchefstroom Branch AGM Western Cape Region be done (and a Certificate of Compliance Address: 46 Newmarket Street, Cape Town, Free State/Northern Cape therefore issued) by registered Electric Planning any training courses or October 8001 Region Fence System Installers (EFSIs) and any- events for 2020? Publicise them in the monthly Sparks Electrical News • 6: Mpumalanga branch meeting AGM Contact person: Michelle Digre Address: 8 Protea Street, Old East End, one who would like to register as an EFSI Industry Events page. Email the • 8-9: PV Solar Course Telephone: +27 (0)21 462 2690 Bloemfontein, 9300 in terms of the Electrical Machinery Regu- event details to [email protected] • 13: Wits branch meeting AGM Email: [email protected] Contact person: Doreen Gwabini lations 12 – 14, can attend the ECA(SA)’s • 15: CoC Course NB: Dates are provisional Telephone: +27 (0)51 447 0859 EWSETA-accredited Electric Fence Installer

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS MAY 2020 PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 20

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Craig Lane Justin Roberts Lukas Barnard Erin O’Connor Koos Botha Ferdinand De Bruyn Shane Schroeder Partner Partner Business Development Operator Sales Manager Sales Assistant Branch Manager SCAN THIS QR CODE TO READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE.

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BRIGHT SPARK TAKE A GUESS A man went into a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone at the party who drunk the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?

APRIL SOLUTION When you add two hours to eleven o’clock, you get one o’clock.

JUNE FEATURES

• Tools of the trade • Energy measurement and supply • Lighting

Buyers’ guide • Energy measurement and supply

JULY FEATURES

• Cables and cable accessories • Standby and emergency power • Lighting

Buyers’ guide • Cables and cable accessories

Editor: Gregg Cocking Advertising: Carin Hannay Design: Anoonashe Shumba Publisher: Karen Grant Deputy publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140 Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: (011) 622-4770 Fax: (011) 615-6108 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.crown.co.za Printed by:Tandym Print The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

This publication is distributed to electrical contractors, wholesalers, distributors, OEMs, panel builders, Eskom, mining electricians and consulting engineers (electrical) as well as libraries, members of IESSA and public utilities.

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MAY 2020 SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS