E+C August 2018

LIGHT + CURRENT

Secure signal transmission and functional safety

a single-channel terminal is available for the direct connection of intrinsically safe incremental encoders, which evaluates a diagnos- tic-enabled NAMUR signal in accordance with IEC 60947-5-6. Enquiries: Email info@beckhoff.com

The EtherCAT Terminals in Beckhoff’s ELX series have been ex- panded by the addition of analogue input terminals with TwinSAFE SC (Single Channel) technology. These highly compact I/O termi- nals can be used to support applications in hazardous areas that require both intrinsically safe signal transmission and functional safety capabilities. The highly compact ELX series terminals, which are certified in compliance with the specifications of the ATEX and IECEx standards, enable direct connection of intrinsically safe field de- vices through to Zone 0/20 based on an integrated safety barrier. The new terminal designs extended by TwinSAFE SC technology now also make it possible to achieve a safety level equivalent to PL d/Cat 3 according to EN ISO 13849-1 or SIL 2 according to EN 62061. In this way, it is possible to use all process data exist- ing in a system for safety technology too, such as to monitor the speed of fans in areas sensitive to explosion hazards. The new I/Os are available as 12 mm wide terminals with two or four analogue input channels for 0/4 … 20 mA, and for RTD resist- ance sensors, thermocouples/mV and strain gauges. Furthermore,

ELPA delegates attend annual lightning protection industry conference in the US A delegation from South Africa’s Earthing and Lightning Protection Association (ELPA) recently attended the annual conference of the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI)/United Lightning Protection As- sociation (ULPA) 2018 in Florida in the United States. The attending team included ELPA national director Richard Evert and former na- tional director Trevor Manas. The conference included two general assembly meetings (AGMs) for the two associations and an LPI-IP update meeting where LPI-IP is the Inspection Programme of LPI facilitating inspections of all lightning protection installations in the USA. industry service providers to meet the growing need to save lives and protect property. We need to see our fatalities reduce steadily year by year. The dynamics of how this will be done may be differ- ent to how it has been achieved in the US, due to vastly different socio-economic conditions, but we can take a leaf out of the US experience and apply our collective minds and efforts to make it happen.” Evert concludes, “Through this public medium, we want to thank the US Lightning Protection industry for their open hearts and gen- erosity and undertake that we will use the knowledge gained with the same passion and commitment they shared with us”. Enquiries: Claudelle Pillay, +27 (0) 10 6186 or email info@elpasa.org.za

Commenting on ELPA’s decision to send a delegation over to the US at this particular time, Evert says, “ELPA is a fledgling or- ganisation focused on managing aspects of the lightning threat present within our country, and it has been formally in existence only since June 2017. The relationships among service providers as well as between service providers and end-users are critical to the success of the lightning protection industry in South Africa. “Since inception, ELPA’s leadership has applied available local knowledge of association practices and business models. As the organisation grew, however, it also became apparent that acquiring intelligence around other potential business models and standard operating procedures could be helpful. ELPA’s ability to meet the needs of its members will rely entirely on available knowledge, business acumen and the will to deliver what is needed.” He says, “Here at ELPA, we look forward to emulating our American peers as we play our own role in the South African light- ning protection industry and press on with our goal of becoming the recognised national professional body for the earthing and lightning protection industry.. “It is our duty as ELPA to facilitate bringing parties together that will aid our efforts in supporting developing and established

From left: Mark Morgan, board member of LPI, ULPA and LPHP; Richard Evert, ELPA national director; and Harold van Sickle the Third, LPI executive director .

Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2018

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