SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2016
low voltageDISTRIBUTION BOARDS, SWITCHES,
SOCKETS AND PROTECTION
18
SPLICING CONNECTORS
FOR RAPID, RELIABLE
CONNECTIONS IN CONFINED SPACES
MAGNET
has extended its range of products for electrical instal-
lations to include Wago’s 221 series compact splicing connectors
for all wire types.
“Wago’s new splicing connectors, which are 40% smaller
than the previous series, enable solid, stranded and fine-
stranded wires to be connected faster and more reliably,
without the need for any tools,” says Brian Howarth, manag-
ing director of the Magnet Group. “The flexibility of the design
means these connectors can be used wherever different wires
have to be connected in a confined space.
“This series is suitable for use in diverse applications, includ-
ing general electrical installations, junction boxes, lighting fix-
tures and for the connection of motor leads. These connectors
are also used for mobile applications, including recreational
and emergency vehicles.”
The compact 221 series, with reduced dimensions, is
suitable for space restricted applications and has been
designed for future expansion if required. For comfortable and
easy handling, the operating levers can be opened and closed
using less force. Sidewall indentations provide a firm grip on
the connectors in all situations.
The transparent housing – a critical safety feature – enables
easy visual inspection to ensure the wire is inserted properly
and stripped to the correct length. Two accessible test ports
are suitable for all standard test probes. One test point in the
wire entry direction and one opposite this, provide easy test
conditions, even when installed.
The 221 series, with suitability for small and large loads, con-
forms to international ratings up to 32 A/450 V, with a con-
tinuous maximum service temperature of 105 °C and ambient
operating temperatures of up to 85 °C.
These two-, three- and five-wire connectors accommodate
any combination of wire types, with sizes from 0,14 mm² to
4 mm² (24 – 12 AWG).
These compact Wago splicing connectors, which are avail-
able nationally from Magnet, are completely re-usable. The
company provides a technical advisory, installation and main-
tenance service throughout Southern Africa.
Enquiries: +27 31 274 1998
Creating a sustainable, liveable
and resilient city for all Joburg
residents
Setting efficiency benchmark
in sheet metal fabrication
The executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Parks Tau (left) and the MMC
for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Matshidiso Mfikoe (right) unveil the
plaque at Lufhereng Substation near Soweto on 27 July. The R260 million construc-
tion of this substation will enable City Power to provide additional electricity capacity
for new and existing customers in the areas that are to be supplied by this substation
and related infrastructure. The substation’s generation capacity of 125 MVA will supply
over 22 500 residential and business properties. The investment follows the COJ
budget allocation from MMC of Finance in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Geoffrey
Makhubo earlier this year. Sicelo Xulu, managing director of City Power says, “The new
substation at Lufhureng will increase the security of electricity supply in Johannesburg.
New technologies installed include compact switch gear using gas for insulation, which
will reduce fire hazard. Security lighting and access control will monitor all movement
in and out of the substation, to help minimise vandalism, theft and equipment damage.
This will enable City Power to operate more efficiently will further ensure business con-
tinuity and boost our ability to keep the lights on for the residents of Johannesburg.”
About 120 job opportunities were created on this project, with labour sourced from
local communities close to the construction sites. The utility is working towards the
creation of a sustainable, liveable and resilient city for all Joburg residents, in alignment
with the Joburg 2040 Vision, which dictates that it delivers services infrastructure with
the capacity to respond to unexpected events.
World Power Products’ Igmar van Rie (factory manager); Samuel Maluleke; Jan
Gortzen (managing director) and Elias Mtshali inspect electrical enclosures powder
coated in B26 orange. High-precision, custom-designed sheet metal products and
components account for 70% of World Power Products’ production with the balance
focused on standard line items including standard mild steel and stainless steel enclo-
sures and cabinets as well as locks and hinges. Görtzen says that product develop-
ment has resulted in a new range of standard enclosures, which will be aimed at the
entry level market. “We are also expanding our market footprint into the renewable
energy sector,” he adds.
Enquiries: +27 11 680 5524