Electricity + Control August 2017

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17 Electricity + Control AUGUST 2017
round up
Reliable insulation from the
field to the network
The Mini Analogue Pro signal conditioners from
Phoenix Contact, featuring bus and network con-
nection combine the benefits of safe electrical iso-
lation with those of digital communication. Up to
eight field signals can be transmitted to industrial
networks without error on less than 50 mm over-
all width. Signal-specific input cards are no longer
required.
The highly compact modules with an overall
width of just 6,2 mm provide you with all conven-
tional signal transmission functions: Analogue,
temperature, frequency or switch signals are pro-
cessed safely and transmitted to output signals.
The new plug-in gateways digitise this output data
and send it directly from the interface level to the
control system or PLC via a serial communication
protocol such as Modbus or Profibus. In addition
to fast, error-free signal bundling on one network
cable, this offers you safe electrical isolation right
to the CPU, even between the individual channels.
Up to eight signal conditioners with current or dig-
ital outputs can be combined as desired. This ena-
bles previously unachievable modularity and space
saving.
Enquiries: Email
Staying online despite extreme lightning hazards
Internet solutions provider, Jenny Internet, had a newly developed site in Con-
stantia Kloof, West of Johannesburg. Werner Stucky, Managing Director at
Jenny Internet, says: “We had a newly developed site on a position known
for lots of lightning during the year, and needed to erect costly equipment on
the tower. We had to be sure that the equipment was not at risk. After test-
ing some of DEHN Africa’s products, we were convinced that implementing
these and their solutions was the way to achieve an acceptable risk profile for
the site.”
Following a site assessment visit, DEHN Africa drew up a detailed plan, a
process which took a few weeks. “The site was already half built, so DEHN
had to come up with a solution that suited the layout. It was very difficult
to put the grounding system in, as there were lots of rocks. However, the
approach was planned well and took everything into consideration. Once the
planning was done, we could be certain that the implementation, if done cor-
rectly, would give us the results for which we were looking.” It so happens
that in the case of Jenny Internet, the DEHN solution has been in place for the
past 20 months and no losses have occurred.”
Kirk Risch, sales and marketing director at DEHN Africa, comments: “There
is, of course, a further advantage in that our systems give additional protec-
tion to Jenny Internet’s employees on-site as well – when looking at lightning
protection systems, it is imperative to look at the human safety angle also.”
Enquiries: Kirk Risch.Tel. +27 (0) 11 704 1487 or email kirk.risch@
dehn-africa.com
E L P A examination dates announced
16, 17 and 22, 23 August 2017
Dates have been announced for the first round of ELPA (Earthing, Lightning
& Protection Association) examinations. These will take place on 16, 17 and
22, 23 August 2017. One of ELPA’s main functions is to certify installers, design-
ers, and assessors of lightning protection systems. The certification of lightning
protection installers is an important step in the provision of valid COCs for the
lightning protection installation. Certified ELPA installers will provide certainty
that a high level of competency is adhered to on all installations. In order to
maintain these high installation levels, ELPA will randomly inspect installations
of accredited installers. The additional accreditation of lightning protection
designers and assessors will take place early in 2018. It is therefore vitally
important that lightning protection installation companies obtain ELPA
accreditation of their installation personnel.
Enquiries: Claudelle Pillay or
email