Sparks Electrical News January 2017

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JANUARY 2017

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E L E C T R I C A L N E W S

Contractors’ corner | Buyers’ guide | People on the move REGULARS:

CELEBRATING 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF SERVICE

HellermannTyton South Africa celebrated 50 years of service within the electrical and associated industries in southern Africa at a special function for invited guests at its Linbro Park offices on 1 December. The event rounded off another successful year that saw HellermannTyton take the Electrobase ‘Supplier of the Year’ award for the fifth consecutive year, open its new purpose-built Port Elizabeth office, and launch its new website. Celebrating these milestones are HellermannTyton’s Gerhard van Rooyen (financial director); Stephan Jungermann (managing director sales and marketing EMEA); Rod Dewing (managing director); and Claude Middleton (sales and marketing director).

National director for the ECA(SA), Mark Mfikoe is optimistic that 2017 will see more work for electrical contractors. “I have had the opportunity to interact with decision makers in government in the last while and, if what they say is anything to go by, then contract- ing is in for a ‘hell of a ride’,” says Mfikoe. “The government wants to press ahead with human settlements’ projects and infrastructure bulk supply projects. They are talking megaprojects in Gauteng specifically.” Mfikoe says this means work for the contracting industry. “But it also means preparation and learning how to do business with government. The legislative environment and financial controls are subject to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and may be very frustrating for those who do not play by the rules of the game,” warns Mfikoe. “A further requirement that contractors would have to be sensi- tive to is dealing with Community Project Steering Committees (CPSCs) and the extent to which the CPSCs place strange condi- tions of employment. Managing this situation is going to be critical to smooth contract management,” he stresses. “Let’s have a great 2017 and ensure that we deliver for our companies, our employees and the most important asset we have – our country. Forget politics and what those in positions of power do. They do as politicians do, so do not expect them to make sense. Concentrate on making the country work. We are South Africans first and making this country work is our call to the national good. There is nothing you can do about the rondavels in KwaZulu-Natal or the shebeen in Saxonworld.,” says Mfikoe. “As contractors, we are good at contracting and let us stick to that. Have a great 2017 and let’s concentrate on business.” SOUTH AFRICA A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN 2017?

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH: ANDRÉ LE ROUX

CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE

that the faster you learn to adapt to change, the better it will be for you. Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’ (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket’). ALR: I’m afraid of heights but I would really like to try out skydiving. I’m fascinated by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Greeks and I’d like to visit those civilisations’ ancient ruins in Egypt, Greece and Central America. Thirdly, I’d really like to learn how to enjoy fishing; I just can’t get over people sitting for hours looking at a fishing rod and basing their joy on a creature with a memory span of three seconds.

and the knock-on effect is that wholesalers expect the manufacturers to maintain a constant supply of every product. I believe that meaning- ful communication between all the parties involved will alleviate delays from manufacturer to end-user. Inferior imported products are a major issue in the electrical industry: Contractors want to get the job, do it as cheaply as possible and get out. It all seems to be about price with very few people selling the features and benefits of their excellent workmanship and the high quality products they install. Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job? ALR: Definitely the people. We all work towards a common goal and we have fun along the way. Sparks: How do you motivate your staff? ALR: I am probably one of the luckiest sales managers because Crab- tree personnel are self-driven and know what has to be achieved. I give praise and promotion where it is due. I don’t have to micro-manage the sales representatives and we all work together, whether it be at a tradeshow, a breakfast run or training evenings. I think what really motivates them the most is that I don’t sit in the office all day but go out with them. Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything? If so, what would that be? ALR: I’m inclined to say that there are some things that I’d do differently, but when I sit back with a beer in my hand and really think about it, I am very happy with how my life has turned out. Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electri- cal industry? And why? ALR: If you are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile, there is defi- nitely a great future in the electrical industry; and I highly recommend it as a career path, especially with the emergence of renewable energy products and projects. Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers? ALR: Make time for sales representatives. They are not there to waste your time but to introduce new products to you or to assist you with completing your project on time. Upsell your skills, if someone is not willing to pay you what you are worth, don’t lower your standards by using cheap, inferior products. Sparks: What is your favourite quote? ALR: “Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus. To me, this says

André le Roux.

Extended Guarantees on WEG Products ALR: There are a couple of challenges in the industry; as I see it, these are meaningful communication and inferior imported electrical products. The first is a result of the current state of the economy, which has seen wholesalers minimising stock levels while, at the same time, electrical contractors are not holding as much stock as they have done in the past. The electrical con- tractor expects to find everything on the wholesalers’ shelves André le Roux, formerly Crabtree’s regional sales manager: Gauteng, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, started 2017 in his new position as general manager: marketing and sales at Crabtree. André is one of those down-to-earth guys who enjoys what he does and does it well while keeping his finger on the pulse of the electrical industry. André is a team player and he knows only too well the value of a united team that is motivated by shared goals and backed by strong leadership. Sparks: Where were you educated? ALR: I matriculated at Carletonville High School and went to Wits Technicon where I obtained a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry? ALR: I’ve been in this industry for 10 years – six of those at Crabtree. Sparks: When and where did you start your career? ALR: I started my career in 1995 as an onsetter on Western Deep Levels gold mine, currently known as Anglo Gold Ashanti. Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years? ALR: I’d say the most significant change I’ve seen has been the gradual disappearance of local manufacturers as cheap imports have made locally manufactured products seem expensive. At Crabtree, a major advancement has been the new 164-2 16 Amp Slimline socket. Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment? ALR: Amajor project hasbeen the launchof the6AmpClickDuo product together with Radiant, which Crabtree manufactures. Undoubtedly, the most recent – as well as most challenging project – has been Crabtree’s ‘divorce’ from Aberdare. This meant a dynamic effort from the new management team as well as every staff member within Crabtree in order to get the right message out to our customers. Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career? ALR: I’ve had a few mentors and each has added something special to my career’s learning curve: Graham Chick, Pierre Nothard and, more recently, James Calmeyer, Chad Andrews, Doug Craig and Gary Venter. Sparks: What, to your mind, are the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?

Please contact your nearest sales office for further details.

www.zestweg.com Tel: +27 11 723 6000

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS 2016/01/27 8:26 AM

ZestWeg_463_ext_Sparks_285x50.indd 1

JANUARY 2017

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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WORKING KNOWLEDGE BY TERRY MACKENZIE HOY

ARE YOU READY TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN SOLAR PV WORK?

E lectrical contractors are going to get more and more involved in the installation of solar PV power generation projects. No matter how you slice the apple, the installation of these items does require signoff by a registered installation electrician. However, like many new things, electrical contractors are probably a little wary of these installations because they are new and often there are terms relating to the installation that don’t seem to be fully explained. I hope what follows is of some help to readers. Solar PV: In this case ‘PV’ stands for ‘photovoltaic’ which is just shorthand for a solar panel. Solar panels are rated in watts. However, the amount of watts available from a solar panel depends on how bright the sunlight

‘maximum power point tracker’; and the panel output connects to this. The inverter’s electronics control the current supplied from the solar panels such that the power (= volts x current) is maximised. This is a more efficient arrangement than using the cells to charge a battery. What you have to remember is that 750 V will knock you flat big time, so take care. The output of the inverter is normally 380/400 V three-phase and this is usually connected to the main supply (which is the prime power source when the sun goes down). The inverter can synchro- nise automatically with the mains so you connect up, flip the switch and there you are. There are pitfalls – the main supply is also the main supply for other loads and it can happen that there is a dip on the supply. This can have

is. Further, the voltage output of a solar panel depends on the cell tem- perature and the current drawn. Put simply, if you use a solar panel with a battery, the wattage produced by the cell will be about 80% of the panel rating. Which brings us to this point: solar panels are either con- nected to batteries or connected to an inverter. If connected to batter- ies, the battery voltage is either 24 V or 12 V. The output voltage from the panel (referred to as the ‘open circuit voltage’) will be of the order of 17 V, which drops to 12 – 14 V under load conditions. The panels are connected in parallel or series and parallel to cre- ate a 24 V or 12 V output, which is connected to the battery via a charge controller. When the panels are connected to an inverter they connected in series to create an open circuit voltage of about 750 V. The inverter has an input known as the MPPT input, which stands for

two effects: if the dip lasts two seconds, the inverter will disconnect and the load will then be supplied by the main supply which, if the inverter was sup- plying a large load, will result in another dip. It can happen that the dip is shorter than two seconds due to the loss of the main power supply but not the inverter supply. The inverter stays connected to the load. This is called ‘islanding’ and can result in problems if the mains power is switched on again out of phase. Thus all solar PV inverters should have an ‘anti islanding’ function built in, which will trip the inverter in the event of islanding occurring. All of these functions have to be tested when the installation is complete and, in the Western Cape, signed off by a registered professional engineer. Things to remember: (a) Earthing: Use a single point to earth the inverter, switchboards mains, etc. Multiple earths can result in equipment damage. (b) Do not forget the surge arrestors on the main’s side of the inverter. (c) Remember that the PV panel can fail and, as a result, should be fitted with blocking and bypass diodes. (d) Do not forget that the fault current that can be supplied by the inverter is low – no more than 2 x load current so do use very sensitive curve cir- cuit breakers for fault protection. And, finally, make sure you angle the PV panels to the optimum angle for best sun light – don’t just follow the pitch of the roof as this is inefficient. QUALITY CRIMP SETS FOR THE ELECTRICIAN’S TOOL BOX

KNIPEX Germany offers a comprehensive range of crimper sets supplied in solid robust plastic tool boxes with a one-hand operation-locking mechanism. The range of comprehensive sets includes the KNIPEX German-made crimpers and wire strippers (where applicable), with an assortment of connectors for insulated terminals or end-sleeve ferrules contained in two stackable, removable inserts.

Enquiries: +27 11 396 4065

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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GETTING TO GRIPS WITH SANS 10142-1 BY HANNES BAARD

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE – CONSIDERING A MULTITUDE OF SCENARIOS I trust everyone survived the ‘silly season’ and wish all a prosperous new year.

plumber where the bonding was not reconnected and the isolator was by-passed, it is safe to assume that subregulation (7) will kick in and re- quire the testing and issuing of a new CoC because there is no real way that you can be sure there are no other gremlins hiding somewhere. In this instance the inspector is you. A second scenario could be when the Supply Authority or an Electri- cal Authorised Inspection Authority (AIA) is called to verify work done to an electrical installation after a fire, for instance, and sub-standard work by the electrical contractor is suspected or identified. If it is found by either of the two entities that there are problems, a new CoC would be required in terms of subregulation (7). Now, if in any of the above instances it is found that the fault or defect is of such a nature that there is a danger to the health and safety of the users of that electrical installation, the inspector (you, the AIA or Supply Authority) can insist that the circuit or complete installation be isolated or switched off. If this installation happens to comprise of multiple dis- tribution boards and only one CoC was issued initially, it could mean that a fairly expensive exercise awaits someone. To limit a large scale disconnection it could be an advantage to sub-divide a large installa- tion into smaller logical parts each with its own distribution board and a CoC specific to a particular distribution board. Finally, if the inspector finds some kind of gross contravention of any of the standards and regulations we have covered now and previously, subregulation (7) is very clear in that this conduct must be reported in writing to the chief inspector at the Department of Labour. Much like an accountant is obliged to report any untoward financial dealings if he happens to come across it while auditing a company’s financial documentation. In parting I have to mention something about the ‘unique number’ and, by inference, the CoC itself, which everyone is always on about. Firstly there is no copy right on a document from the Government Printer and, in a sense, you are invited to copy forms and annexures contained in Acts and Regulations. Secondly, Government Gazette 35180 dated 26 March 2012 by way of Government Notice 258 of 2012, states quite clearly: “Registered persons may generate their own certificate of compliance with a se- quential unique number for now. Unique numbers will be made avail- able at a later stage.” As far as my knowledge goes, the status quo still remains. Till next time…

I can only assume the legislator had in mind that the Supply Author- ity may want to carry out periodic inspections of electrical installation work being performed in its area of supply. Now why would a Supply Authority want to do that and not charge for it? Simple – they want to ensure that when they switch on, their own personnel are not injured by an exploding circuit breaker due to a fault on the consumer’s side. It is a pity the Supply Authority (that is, the municipality’s electrical depart- ment) does not think it necessary to do this. I can think of one reason but, as they say, a “stil bek is ‘n heel bek” . The fact is that most municipalities do not even enforce Regulation 8, which requires an electrical contractor to complete a form known as Annexure 4 ‘Notice of Commencement of Installation Work’ to inform them of certain types of electrical installation work that will be under- taken. We will look at this in another column and, for now, we will carry on with subregulation (7) (7) If an inspector, an approved inspection authority for electrical instal- lations or supplier has carried out an inspection or test and has detected any fault or defect in any electrical installation, that inspector, approved inspection authority for electrical installations or supplier may require the user or lessor of that electrical installation to obtain a new Certifi- cate of Compliance: Provided that if such fault or defect in the opinion of the inspector, approved inspection authority for electrical installations or supplier constitutes an immediate danger to persons, that inspector, approved inspection authority for electrical installations or supplier shall forthwith take steps to have the supply to the circuit in which the fault or defect was detected, disconnected: Provided further that where such fault or defect is of such a nature that it may indicate negligence on the part of a registered person, the inspector, approved inspection authority for elec- trical installations or supplier shall forthwith report those circumstances in writing to the chief inspector. Right … subregulation (7) may not be as straight forward as first ap- pears. When you read carefully, you will possibly come to the same con- clusion as I did: that this subregulation actually assumes the electrical installation is complete and a CoC has been issued. The initial “to issue or not” with regard to any CoC is actually addressed in subregulation (9), which we will get to another time. But for now we have to consider that a multitude of scenarios could be in play here. The first that comes to mind is: You are called to fix something such as a socket outlet or a constantly tripping earth leakage unit. So, upon tracing the problem back to a geyser element that was replaced by a

Let’s continue where we left off in December with Regulation 7, subregulation (5) namely the Electrical Certificate of Compliance, of the Electrical Installation Regulations 2009 which, as you know forms part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). Subregulation (5) continues: (5) Subject to the provisions of section 10(4) of the Act, the user or lessor may not allow a change of ownership if the certificate of compliance is older than two years. Okay, so now we have to tread carefully. Let us firstly have a look at what the Occupational Health and Safety Act has to say about this, and I quote from Section 10: 10. General duties of manufacturers and others regarding articles and substances for use at work (4) Where a person designs, manufactures, imports, sells or supplies an article or substance for or to another person and that other person un- dertakes in writing to take specified steps sufficient to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the article or substance will comply with all prescribed requirements and will be safe and without risks to health when properly used, the undertaking shall have the effect of relieving the first mentioned person from the duty imposed upon him by this section to such an extent as may be reasonable having regard to the terms of the undertaking. It is clear that my CoC is the “undertakes in writing” bit referred to in the Act. In simple terms, it means that my CoC is the written document where I say or declare that my installation complies with all the required standards and legislation and that the new owner can use it without any risk to health or safety when operated properly. Then the legislator says that, in a case when I sell my property, that the written undertaking may not be older than two years – please note it addresses the sale of my property. It does not say that I have to get a new CoC every two years or that I have to get a CoC for the complete installation even if a small alteration is undertaken long after the origi- nal CoC was issued, or more than two years since the last alteration or installation work was carried out. Next … (6) The relevant supplier may at any reasonable time inspect or test any electrical installation: Provided that the supplier shall not charge any fee for such an inspection or test unless the inspection or test is carried out at the request of the user or lessor.

BALAMA GRAPHITE MINE IN MOZAMBIQUE POWERED BY SA GENERATOR PLANT

T he remote operation to mine one of the world’s largest finds of high grade graphite – the Balama de- posit in Mozambique – will be powered by a generator plant being constructed through South Africa-based Zest En- ergy, part of the Zest WEG Group. According to Alastair Gerrard, managing director of Zest Energy, the plant will begin producing electricity during the first quarter of 2017, with an initial capacity of 12,5 MW from an installation of seven 2 200 kW diesel generators. “The isolated location of the Balama mine – over 250 km west of Pemba in northern Mozambique – means that while the operation does have access to power from the national grid this will need to be supplemented to ensure an adequate supply for full plant demand,” Gerrard says. “We are therefore required by the customer to ensure 100% avail-

To feed diesel to the generators, Zest Energy will install a 30 000 litre intermediate fuel tank to draw from the customer’s bulk fuel storage sys- tem with a duplex fuel filtration and circulation system as well as all inter- connecting piping, valves, pumps and fittings within the power plant area.

generation units,” Gerrard says. “For this reason, a filter system was designed that could accommodate the high volumes of moving air required to cool the en- gines, while also requiring as little main- tenance as possible.” Once again, a local solution was de- signed, in the form of a custom-en- gineered, self-cleaning cartridge type ventilation and pressurisation fan unit, comprising four WEG 7.5 kW fan motors.

and lube tanks. To cool the engines, a horizontal-type radiator system, rated for 50 °C ambient temperature, was manufactured in South Africa and each radiator includes 10 WEG 3 kW fan mo- tors positioned in two cooling banks of five fans each. “One of the challenges of the mine environment is the presence of graph- ite dust, which is highly conductive and must not be allowed to enter the power

ability, and have consequently designed the plant with substantial standby ca- pacity to allow for maintenance and repairs without affecting the continuous supply.” He says the plant, which is the larg- est footprint project yet tackled by Zest Energy, would initially run with seven 2 200 kW generators; six running and one on standby, and would later be ex- panded to include eleven generators, of

Enquiries: +27 11 723 6000

which two will be standby units. Equipment for the exten- sive scope of supply has been sourced from various com- panies within the Zest WEG Group, locally and worldwide. The containerised power gen- erators include WEG alterna- tors with automatic voltage regulation systems, as well as motorised louvres, genera- tor auxiliary systems, and fuel

The power plant engineered and constructed by Zest Energy for Balama.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT BY NICK DU PLESSIS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEARNERSHIP OR APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS

I hope that everyone is well rested after the December break and ready to face 2017 and the challenges the new year will bring. As is usual at the start of a new year, I receive requests from learners looking for employers who would be willing to offer them workplace exposure so that they can gain practical experience as this is a require- ment in order for the learner to receive his or her qualification. I received such an email from a young man, who we will call John, who said: “I have done my training in electrical apprenticeship … and I am seeking employers who can help me to start working in order to gain the experience I need to qualify …” John adds that this employer should be “registered with a SETA”. I consider it unethical that certain training providers pull youngsters into their ‘web’ by creating the illusion that, after some training, they will

achieve a qualification. We need to make young people aware that there are unethical peo- ple out there and we must educate them so that they will not to be lured into parting with their (or their parent’s) hard-earned money and waste their valuable time on a useless ‘qualification’. Before we get into John’s predicament, let’s look at the legislation: The Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998), contains the following definitions, which will give clarity and context to this article. Definitions “Apprenticeship” means a learnership in respect of a listed trade, and includes a trade-test in respect of that trade; [Definition inserted by sec- tion 1(a) of Act No. 37 of 2008]

“Learnership” includes an apprenticeship; [Definition inserted by section 1(b) of Act No. 37 of 2008] As John says he has done his “apprenticeship training”, he should have signed an apprenticeship contract before he started his training. In this contract there would have been a responsibility placed on him, his employer and the training provider. The Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998) states that a “learnership agreement” means an agreement entered into for a spec- ified period between a learner; an employer or a group of employers (in this section referred to as “the employer”); and a skills development provider accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or group of such skills development providers. The Construction Sector Education Training Authority’s learner-

INSULATION AND CONTINUITY TESTER FOR HIGH INSULATION TEST VOLTAGES My advice to John is to confirm with the SETA that he is registered as an apprentice and ensure that he has a copy of his learnership contract. Remember, this is your future, so take control. ship agreement, which provides the responsi- bilities and duties of the three parties, is avail- able at http://www.ceta.org.za/wp-content/ uploads/2014/08/Learnership-Agreement- v130314.pdf . Additional information can be found at http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/webcon- tent/2014/web0310.html Based on the requirements John should not be required to go and look for a workplace to provide himwith an opportunity to learn in order to acquire the qualifications. It is the responsibility of the em- ployer who signed the learnership agreement to ensure this is done. Did John get the incorrect information about his “apprenticeship”? In my opinion, he did not undergo an apprenticeship. He was robbed of the opportunity to enter into a valid apprenticeship contract. Do not get caught by these inconsider- ate non-compliant individuals who work outside of the law. T he MIT2500 insulation and continuity tester has been designed for electrical and industrial test applications, where operation voltages exceed 1 000 V and higher insulation test voltages are needed. The MIT2500 offers fixed range voltages of 50 V, 100V, 250 V, 500 V, 1 000 V and 2 500 V, as well as a variable range that allows any voltage between 50 V and 2 500 V to be ‘dialled in’. This is supported by the new test voltage feedback control, whichmaintains the output test voltage to within 2% of the selected range, even when under test. The MIT2500 uses the redesigned case, back- stand, and six-cell battery compartment, as well as incorporating a guard terminal to reduce surface tracking currents that reduce accuracy at higher voltages. All instruments are over-moulded for increased protection and achieve an IP54 weath- erproof rating. Insulation resistance testing The feedback controlled insulation test voltage is now accurate to +2% -0% compared to the origi- nal +20%, providing a more accurate test voltage without the risk of over-voltage damage to circuits. A variable range allows the exact test voltage to be selected from 50 V to 999 V in 1 V steps.

Enquiries: +27 11 391 3832

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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RANGE OF ENCODERS FOR SMART MOTION CONTROL

ear measurement applications. This new Encoder product range is a perfect complement to Sen- sors and ID, Vision, Laser-marking, being present in the most of appli- cations as position transducer. MAIN APPLICATIONS Motion control is the most common application, the encoder is mount- ed directly to the end of a motor via a shaft and provides feedback to a drive to verify that the speed and direction is correct. Web speed or tension control is another application in which an en- coder is mounted so that any unevenness in the rotating speed of the tension roller is fed to a controller to maintain an even tension. Length measurement applications use an encoder mounted on a wheel, in order to convert a linear movement into a rotation angle, or

DATALOGIC , a global leader in the industrial automation markets and producer of world-class sensors, now offer a complete range of incre- mental and absolute rotary encoders for industrial automation appli- cations, such as motion control, length measurement and positioning. Datalogic’s range of encoder products is composed of four lines: • ENC41 incremental encoder basic line offers a reduced dimension and pricing, thanks to the compact Ø41 mm fibreglass epoxy case, without compromising the robustness and overall performance. • ENC58 incremental encoder extended line, with industrial standard Ø58 mm metal case, includes the widest range of mechanical vari- ances, resolution from 500 up to 10 000 PPR and programmable version. • AST58 absolute single-turn encoder line, in the standard Ø58 mm metal case offers a resolution up to 13 bit, Gray SSI output, hollow shaft Ø15 mm or solid shaft Ø6 mm and 10 mm, all available with cable, M12 or M23 connector.

number of rotations, so providing a length measurement to control cut- ting, folding or other operations. Conveying is another common industry application where encod- ers are used to control speed and position of a motor or intermediate axle shafts along conveyors. Encoder information is synchronised, for example, to control barcode scanners or label printers. Automated packaging machinery has many axes of high-speed rotary motion that require feedback for motion control, hence, the fre- quent need of encoders for speed or position feedback, length meas- urement and positioning. For more information on Encoders and other ACDC Dynamics offerings contact Category manager, Farrel Sher at farrels@acdc.co.za or visit www.acdc.co.za Enquiries: +27 10 202 3300

• AMT58 absolute multi-turn encoder, in addition to the characteristics already described for the single- turn, this line offers a 13 x 12 bit resolution x turns in the Gray SSI models, or even 18 x 16 bit in the Fieldbus version, which include CANopen, Device- net, EtherCAT, Profibus, and Profinet. A wide range of accessories is available, such as: me- chanical couplings, mounting fixtures, connectors and cable, as well as metric wheels and draw wires for lin-

24/7 SOLUTION FOR MANDATORY BATTERY MONITORING

MIDRONICS, locally represented by Comtest, has an- nounced the availability of an innovative solution for power utilities’ critical power reliability with the release of its Cellguard ELS+ electrolyte level monitoring sys- tem. This customer-driven product assures reliable 24/7 monitoring of VLA (vented lead-acid) battery electrolyte levels and is easily integrated into a battery management system for VLA battery maintenance. The ELS+ monitoring system is commonly used in re- serve power applications for backup power in utilities, telecom and grid energy storage. Strict monitoring is essential for VLA batteries to ensure optimal performance and a long operating life. VLA batteries (also called flooded batteries) continu- ously deplete their electrolyte by outgassing hydrogen and oxygen. Distilled water must be added to the bat- tery as part of its maintenance. The lead plates inside the battery must be fully immersed in electrolyte in order to operate at optimal level. Once gassing occurs and plates are exposed, they become inactive, reducing battery capacity. The ELS+ is an innovative solution to the age-old issue of monitoring electrolyte levels in flooded lead- acid batteries. It directly addresses a need within several markets, including the electric power market that now faces new requirements on infrastructure performance in a simple and cost-effective package. The Cellguard System ELS+ is simple to install, and is completely non-invasive to the battery. It saves time and money by eliminating the need for manual inspec- tion. The ELS+ enhances safety by reducing the fre- quency of close contact with batteries and battery acid in addition to providing alarming when battery case temperatures reach abnormal levels.

Enquiries: +27 10 595 1821

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

8

RECOGNITION FOR TOP SUPPLIERS

Ian Greyling presents a Gold Award to Claude Middleton (HellermannTyton).

James Calmeyer (Crabtree) accepts a Gold Award from Ian Greyling.

Major Tech’s Werner Grobbelaar accepts a Gold Award from Ian Greyling.

Electobase chairman, Ian Greyling, with Simon Mohlamonsana of Strutfast accepting the bronze award.

E lectrobase, the largest group of independent electrical whole- salers in Southern Africa, held its 17 th annual Supplier of the Year Awards dinner on Friday, 18 Novem- ber, 2016. This prestigious event was attended by wholesalers and suppliers from around South Africa and neigh- bouring countries. “It presents a strategic opportunity for wholesalers and suppliers to relax, mingle and continue to forge relationships,” says Donné van Eeden, CEO of Electrobase and Enerji Electrical. “A brand new location was chosen for this year’s event – Klein Kaap Boutique Hotel, which proved to be a great venue,” says Van Eeden. She added her congratulations to all the suppliers on their awards and to the overall Supplier of the Year, HellermannTyton, which Luddy Carvalho (Kwikot) accepts a Bronze Award from Ian Greyling.

Ian Greyling with Jaco Coetzee, who accepts a Silver Award for Waco.

Ian Greyling presents a Gold Award to Donné van Eeden of Enerji Electrical

also celebrates its 50 th year of trading in South Africa this year. “From the board of directors and the management and staff of Electrobase, we would like to thank all the suppliers for their support and service delivery to our electrical wholesales during 2016 and we look forward to a positive 2017 for all,” says Van Eeden. This year, Bronze Awards went to Strutfast and Kwikot; Silver Awards to Rabro and Sturdy, Eurolux, Radiant, Stone Stamcor and Waco Industries. Gold Awards went to Crabtree, Enerji Electrical, HellermannTyton and Major Tech. HellermannTyton was awarded the coveted ‘Supplier of the Year’ award.

Alfred Weldon accepts a Silver Award for Radiant from Ian Greyling.

Ian Greyling presents a Silver Award to Anthony Lloyd of Eurolux.

Sybie Oelofse of Rabro and Sturdy accepts a Silver Award from Ian Greyling.

Ian Greyling presents a Silver Award to Mark Talbot of Stone Stamcor.

Ian Greyling presents the coveted Electrobase Supplier of the Year Award to Claude Middleton of HellermannTyton.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

ARB

EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

10

BUYERS'

MANUFACTURERS

CONTACTS

EXOTHERMIC WELDING

TELECOMS/DATA PROTECTION

ABB South Africa Aberdare Cables ACDC Dynamics Bellco Brady SA CBI-electric : low voltage Crabtree Electrical Accessories Eaton Electric SA Genlux Lighting HellermannTyton

Newelec Luc Dutrieux

ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of equipment for exothermic welding ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of exothermic welding equipment Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of exothermic welding equipment Voltex Full range of exothermic welding equipment EARTH ELECTRODE / EARTH RODS ACDC Dynamics Earth rods and accessories ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of earth electrode, earth rods ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Citilec Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Innopro Full range of earth electrodes JDL Electric Full range of earth electrodes and earth rods Voltex Full range of earth electrodes and earth rods Waco Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods MASTS/POWER SUPPLY FILTERING ACDC Dynamics Mains filter, single-phase 250V up to 30A, three-phase 400V up to 30A ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of masts/power supply filtering Atlas Group Available on request Bellco Range of power supply filtering Innopro Full range of masts and power supply filtering JDL Electric Full range of masts Voltex LSis Range of power supply filtering MAINS PROTECTION ABB South Africa Full range of mains protection devices ACDC Dynamics Mains Protection ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of surge protection products ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of mains protection products Atlas Group Full range available on reqest Bellco Full range of mains protection devices CBI-electric : low voltage Full range of mains protection devices Innopro Full range of mains protection units JDL Electric Full range of mains protection units Legrand Full range of mains protection units Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of mains protection units Major Tech Full range of mains protection devices including MCB and isolators MCE Global Suppliers Onesto dedicated socket mains protection; Onesto circuit breakers and isolators; Schenker circuit breakers, 12 mm circuit breakers; Schenker isolators; Hyundai MCCBs and ACBs Schneider Electric Full range of mains protection devices Surge Technology Dehn & Saltek complete range of power protection Class 1 and Class 2 Voltex Full range of mains protection Voltex LSis Full range of mains protection devices Waco Full range of mains protection devices

ACDC Dynamics Telecoms/data protection Eaton Electric SA Full range of protection devices for telecoms and data protection Innopro Full range of telecom and data protection units JDL Electric Full range of telecom and data protection units Legrand Full range of telecom and data protection units MCE Global Suppliers Onesto dedicated socket data protection; Onesto circuit breakers and isolators; Schenker circuit breakers and isolators; Hyundai MCCBs and ACBs Surge Technology Dehn, Saltek and Copa ranges of surge arresters EARTH LEAKAGE protection devices ACDC Dynamics Earth leakage ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of earth leakage protection devices ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of earth leakage protection products Atlas Group Various brands available on requestt Bellco Full range of earth leakage devices Crabtree Electrical Accessories Crabtree RCCB Eaton Electric SA Full range of earth leakage devices HellermannTyton Full range of quality earth leakage test instruments Innopro Full range of earth leakage protection JDL Electric Full range of earth leakage protection Legrand Lexic DPX; Lexic 4ELCB Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of earth leakage protection Major Tech Full range of earth leakage protection devices in two-pole and four-pole; full range of earth leakage testers for all applications MCE Global Suppliers Onesto earth leakages; Schenker earth leakages Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG) Full range of earth leakage devices Schneider Electric Full range of earth leakage devices Voltex Full range of earth leakage products Voltex LSis Full range of earth leakage devices Waco Full range of earth leakage devices POWER SUPPLY FILTERING ABB South Africa Full range of domestic and industrial earth leakage

Phambili Steve Lea Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG) Hannes Swartz/John Vorster Radiant Group Alfred Weldon Schneider Electric Sales Stone-Stamcor Mark Talbot Surge Technology Paul van As Versalec Roland Fry Voltex Hugh Ward Voltex LSis Gary Paterson Waco Industries Jaco Coetzee AIR TERMINATION SYSTEMS /DOWN CONDUCTOR SYSTEMS ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Atlas Group Available on request Bellco Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Innopro Full range of air termination and down conductor systems Voltex Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Waco Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems CLAMPS AND SADDLES Full range of clamps and saddles Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of clamps and saddles Radiant Group Full range of clamps and saddles Specialised Electrical Accessories Full range of clamps and saddles Stone-Stamcor Full range of Burndy Grounding Products Hyground Voltex Full range of clamps and saddles Waco Full range of clamps and saddles CONDUCTORS (ALUMINIUM AND/OR COPPER) Aberdare Cables Bare earth copper conductors ACDC Dynamics Full range of conductors ACTOM Electrical Products Bare copper earth wires ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of conductors Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of conductors JDL Electric Full range of conductors Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of conductors Stone-Stamcor Lugs and ferrules suitable for aluminium and copper conductors Versalec Full range of conductors Voltex Full range of conductors Waco Full range of conductors ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of clamps and saddles Atlas Group PVC, steel and copper in various sizes Bellco Full range of clamps and saddles Cabstrut Full range of clamps and saddles Citilec Full range of clamps and saddles JDL Electric

Legrand Newelec Phambili Schneider Electric Stone-Stamcor Versalec Voltex Voltex MV/LV Solutions Voltex LSis Waco DISTRIBUTORS

ACDC Dynamics ACTOM Electrical Products ARB Electrical Wholesalers Atlas Group Bellco Brady SA Cable Croc Citilec Crabtree Electrical Accessories Eaton Electric SA Genlux Lighting Innopro JDL Electric Magnet Electrical Supplies Major Tech MCE Global Suppliers

Newelec Phambili Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG) Radiant Group

Schneider Electric Surge Technology Stone-Stamcor Versalec Voltex Voltex LSis Waco CONTACTS

ABB South Africa Dudley Bath Aberdare Cables Jyoshtie Dhunes ACDC Dynamics Sales ACTOM Electrical Products Russel Ramsden ARB Electrical Wholesalers Sales Atlas Group Annie Storar/Imran Gaffoor Bellco Shiraj Wentzel Brady SA Morné Louw Cable Croc Lex Harvey CBI-electric : low voltage Jaco Viljoen Citilec Jeff Forman Crabtree Electrical Accessories Sales Eaton Electric SA

ACDC Dynamics Power supply filtering ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of power supply filtering Bellco Power supply filtering Impact Power Innovations Power supply filtering JDL Electric Full range of power supply filtering Voltex Power supply filtering Voltex LSis Power supply filtering Waco Power supply filtering ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS ACDC Dynamics Full range of isolation transformers ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of isolation transformers Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of isolation transformers JDL Electric Full range of isolation transformers Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of isolation transformers

Marlene Coetzee Genlux Lighting Glen Hill HellermannTyton Ingrid Nicolaus Innopro

JANUARY 2017 Ian McKechnie JDL Electric Ashveer Lalla Legrand Johan Bosch Magnet Electrical Supplies Kevin Govender Major Tech Werner Grobbelaar MCE Global Suppliers Sales

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

11

GUIDE

OTHER

Voltex Full range of isolation transformers Voltex LSis Full range of isolation transformers Waco Full range of isolation transformers MV SURGE PROTECTION

+27 11 452 1415

ACDC Dynamics Plug-in types for homes and small businesses; plug-in tops with surge protection; Soule lightning and surge protection ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of surge protection devices ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of surge protection devices Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of surge protection devices Eaton Electric SA Full range of surge protection devices JDL Electric Full range of surge protection devices Legrand

+27 11 879 2000

Lexic surge protection devices Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of MV surge protection devices MCE Global Suppliers Onesto surge arresters; Schenker surge arresters Phambili Full range of surge protection devices Surge Technology Tridelta surge arresters Voltex Full range of surge protection devices Voltex LSis Full range of surge protection devices Waco Full range of surge protection devices CONSTANT V TRANSFORMERS

+27 10 202 3300

+27 31 910 0200

Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of constant V transformers JDL Electric Full range of constant V transformers Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of constant V transformers Radiant Group Constant V transformers Voltex Full range of constant V transformers Voltex LSis Full range of constant V transformers Waco Full range of constant V transformers OTHER

+27 11 874 7600

Brady SA Cable and wire marking solutions, labels, printers Cable Croc Anti-cable theft systems Citilec Vision lighting – energy saving and LED Genlux Lighting Manufactureres of LED and HID lighting solutions HellermannTyton Earth resistance clamp (T2000) Teslers (digital or analogue) Major Tech Earth resistance testers; earth resistivity meter; earth leakage testers up to 550 V; Earth clamp meters; earth leakage data loggers; leakage clamp meter Stone Stamcor Connectors for earthing

+27 11 444 7971

+27 11 872 5500

DISCLAIMER: Information will be published as supplied. Only manufacturers and suppliers who meet the buyers’ guide deadline are included in the guide. The onus is on manufacturers and distributors to ensure that the editor is notified of any changes to existing listings before the deadline date. To be included in the buyers’ guide, email carinh@crown.co.za

+27 11 683 0641

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017

EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

12

PARTNERS HONOURED IN THIRD ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

Kirk Risch - DEHN Africa; Seath Scowby – Universal Lightning Protection Services; Alex Frech – Industrial Control & Engineering Namibia; Bertie van Zyl – Advanced Lightning Protection; Sikhumbuzo Ngwenya – Surgetek; Premesh Narismulu – Surgetek; Alicia Nydoo – Surgetek; Paul van As – Surgetek; Oren Kruger – ARB; and Alexis Barwise – DEHN Africa.

Kirk Risch – DEHN Africa and Seath Scowby – Universal Lightning Protec- tion Services, winner of Best Performance Overall Award.

• Advanced Lightning Protection (ALP), Fastest Growing Partner; and • Universal Lightning Protection Services (ULPS), Best Performance Overall. Long standing DEHN partner, Surgetek received a special acknowl- edgement – a framed contract dated 1984, signed by the founder and former CEO of Surgetek, Hans Slagter, that recognises the 30-year partnership between the two companies and their lengthy commit- ment to the market.

DEHN Africa, a lightning and surge protection solutions provider, recently acknowledged its local distribution partners, hosting its third annual African partner awards ceremony in Johannesburg. The event started with a look into the company’s upward trajectory over the past few years, covered its current changes and also gave a glimpse of its future plans for the African market. These plans include the further development of its DEHNacademy seminars, training and workshops. DEHN Africa managing director, Alexis Barwise, highlighted the importance of a strong team and partners and talked about exciting international changes as DEHN evolves towards becoming a process-

orientated organisation that promotes growth and self-learning. “Another critical development is the ability to customise unique solutions in different geographical areas, meaning that the region specific needs of African clients can be catered for,” says Barwise. He outlined the the goal for 2020, which is to position DEHN as one of the top three lightning protection and energy quality solutions com- panies in the most important industrial and growth regions. Partners honoured at the event included: • ARB Electrical Wholesalers, Most Innovative Marketing; • ICE (Industrial Control & Engineering Namibia), Most Up and Coming Partner;

Enquiries: +27 11 704 1487

Keeping lifts going with elevated surge protection

Surge arresters reduce petroleum companies’ surge and lightning problems by 98%

SURGETEK’S Copa surge arrester marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s product offering to South Africa’s petrol stations and forecourt control. The Copa surge arrester drastically reduced petroleum companies’ down time resulting from power surges and lightning strikes by 98% says Paul van As, Surgetek Low Voltage divisional manager. “Surge protection must be installed in the petrol dispensers as well as the back office of a petrol station. It is absolutely essential that both power and data sources are protected,” says Van As. “Petrol station owners want to maximise their running hours and the correctly installed and maintained surge protec- tors reduces their downtime significantly. Power and data protection should be installed as close as possible to the forecourt controller,” he explains, adding that Surgetek also developed the HDO 280T – a compact protector for 220 V. “These units are fitted in most petrol dispenser throughout the country as they are supplied directly to dispenser manufacturers who install them in their pro- duction processes.” Plug-and-play Van As explains that the Copa Data Multi Wire has been designed for surge currents up to 10 kA. “Surgetek supplies surge protection products directly to petrol dispenser manufacturers and forecourt technology manufacturer UCS Technology Services. When UCS updated their forecourt control tech- nology last year it made sense to redesign and modify our surge protection products.” The Copa Data Multi Wire unit has three configurations; four-, eight- and 12-wire options and housed in a slimmer casing than its predecessor. Its dimensions of 22.5 mm wide and 92 mm high allow make it easy to install and to remove, when necessary. All inner components are locally manufactured and assembled. “The Copa Data Multi Wire is user-friendly and is a plug-and-play surge arrester and data transfer device that earths itself automatically to the DIN rail through an integrated earth clip,” he concludes.

TT TN-C and TN-S systems. The main ad- vantage of the TT earthing system is that it is clear of high and low frequency noises that come through the neutral wire from connected equipment. TT has always been preferable for special applications such as telecommunication sites that benefit from interference-free earthing. Also, TT does not have the risk of a broken neutral. DEHN’s BLITZDUCTOR XT family offers optimal protection of two or four signal wires and the cable shield (BSP and BXT). These space-saving combined lightning current and surge arrester modules offer the LifeCheck feature, which detects thermal or electrical overload, at which time the arrester has to be replaced. This status is indicated by the DEHNrecord reader. Available in either two or four pair for universal use with most types of data protocols, the BXT base offers offers no signal interruption when plugging in and removing the protection module. The BLITZDUCTOR XT is for use in the lightning protection zone concept at the boundaries from 0 A –2 and higher.

kinetic energy generated by goods transport to the ground floor and empty travels to the top floors is fed into the power supply system. These functions can only be fulfilled by means of highly sensitive electronic sys- tems. Although lift manufacturers take various measures to reduce bulk current injection into the lift cabling and technol- ogy to an acceptable level – be it with shielded metallic distribution boards or the type of cable routing or cables used – these measures cannot prevent conducted transients from damaging the lift. Given that the peripheral units of lifts, such as floor panels or floor displays, are connected to prewired plug-in connecting cables, surge protective devices are only required for the mains connection, the tel- ephone line and the fire alarm system. DEHNguard is a complete prewired unit that consists of a base part and plug-in protection modules. It has a high discharge capacity due to its heavy-duty zinc oxide varistors / spark gaps, and offers reassur- ing reliability due to its (thermo dynamic control) SPD monitoring device. This modular surge arrester is ideal for use in

LIFTS are used every day to transport people and goods in private and commercial buildings. Hydraulic lifts are frequently used for low lifting heights, whilst counterbalanced cable lifts are used for medium to high lifting heights. Passenger lifts have a speed of about one metre per second (m/s) and higher, in medium-sized buildings and multi- storey buildings this increases up to eight m/s, whilst in the next generation of multi-storey buildings speeds can go up to 17 m/s. Goods lifts usually have transportation capacities of in the region of five tonnes. Modern day lifts fulfil several sophisti- cated functions, such as: • Smooth starting and stopping con- trolled by a frequency converter; • Traffic optimisation measures, such as not stopping in the case of full load, pri- ority travel, and the behaviour of lifts in case of fire; • Energy saving functions in which cabin lighting and the ventilator are switched off in case of empty travels or when at a standstill; and • Power supply function in which the

Enquiries: +27 11 792 1303

The Copa Data Multi Wire unit has three configurations with a standard housing measuring 22.5 mm wide and 92 mm-high.

Paul van As, Surgetek Low Voltage divisional manager.

Enquiries: +27 11 704 1487

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2017