Electricity + Control April 2019

round up

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION + SAFETY

Distribution boards for complex applications The Gewiss 68 Q-DIN range of distribution boards, avail- able from ACDC Dynamics, is the energy distribution system designed for com- mercial and industrial appli- cations. The range of boards, with 23 versions and four modular configurations, from five to 20 modules, is highly versatile with a host of items available and the options of fixed and mobile installations for industrial power take-off (interlocked or otherwise) and domestic power take-off. The distribution system

sification, the DIN rail being adjustable in height, the prearrange- ment for insertion of terminal blocks and accessories for the group assembly, all contribute to making wiring the DIN board easy. The complete system of industrial boards for energy distribu- tion and controls is available as an empty or wired version, con- forming to international standard IEC 60439. The modern design of the boards makes them suitable for a wide range of environ- ments and the ergonomic product solutions ensure a user-friend- ly assembly. The 20-module versions can house IEC 309 socket-outlets, with or without an interlock, up to 63 A, and without having to add ded- icated boards with different sizes. The space inside the boards can house a maximum of 20 DIN modules, and up to 40 modules with the additional module. The 10- 14- and 20-module versions provide for an emergency push-button to be installed in a convenient and readily identifiable position. The large ergonomic handle simplifies door manoeuvring, especially for someone wearing work gloves. The door can be fitted with a safety lock, to restrict access to the compartment. Enquiries: ACDC Dynamics.Tel. +27 (0)10 202 3300, email: info@acdc.co.za or visit: www.acdc.co.za

The Gewiss 68 Q-DIN range of distribu- tion boards includes multiple versions to suit complex industrial applications.

has been designed to make the work of installers easier.

Particular devices such as: the hinged cover opening, the thermo- plastic screws, the lack of earth connection due to the Class II clas-

Backup power solutions for business continuity

24/7/365, to ensure that it is operating at optimal capacity and to pre-empt any prob- lems. When a universal controller detects an issue, which can be anything from a mains failure to a battery failure in a UPS installation, it raises an alarm and MPT’s operators take action in line with standard operating procedures. Parsons says some energy experts predict we will face five years or more of Eskom load shedding, which means or- ganisations will need to invest in reliable backup solutions to supplement grid pow- er. “Companies tend to make these in- vestments on a horizon of five to 20 years, so it is important to buy brands from rep- utable companies that will be around to support the solutions for years to come,” he adds. “There is also an opportunity for com- panies to look at energy efficiency optimi- sation as a means to reducing operational costs and their carbon footprint. Com- panies can benefit by taking a proactive stance to the energy crisis and creating a strategy that ensures continuity and opera- tional efficiency in the longer term.” Enquiries: Master Power Technologies. Tel +27 (0)11 792 7230 or email: sales@kva.co.za

the infrastructure they have in place is not fit for purpose. Some companies have, for example, in- vested in products and solutions that are complex to maintain and operate and they don’t have the specialised skills to manage the equipment. Others have found that it is difficult to source parts for the products they have, especially if they installed them five or ten years back. “With the boom in demand for power management solutions a decade ago, the market was flooded with suppliers and products that have not endured,” says Par- sons. “The result is that some companies are now without reliable support for their solutions. “Another issue is that organisations are dealing with multiple service providers and suppliers, leading to higher costs and com- plexity.” He says organisations are starting to look for single-source providers that cov- er sales, installation, support and mainte- nance of turnkey solutions spanning UPS, generators and more. He also notes a trend towards higher levels of automation and remote monitoring. MPT runs a real-time operations centre for monitoring power-critical equipment

As South African companies seek to con- tain rising electricity costs, reduce the operational risks of load shedding and en- sure business continuity in the face of a renewed electricity crisis in South Africa, Master Power Technologies (MPT) has re- ported growing demand for secure power solutions. MPT provides high quality backup pow- er solutions for industries where uptime is critical, such as manufacturing, mining, telecommunications and data centres. Menno Parsons, CEO and power-supply expert at MPT, says, “Without a reliable electricity supply, South African organisa- tions are relooking their power manage- ment and business continuity strategies.” He says many South African compa- nies are finding that their power-up infra- structure is inadequate, with high levels of failure or downtime. They are evaluating options such as uninterruptible power sup- plies (UPSs), generator systems and other power management solutions. “Since load shedding first became part of South Africa’s vocabulary nearly 12 years ago, most large industrial companies have made significant investments in se- cure power solutions and redundant power supplies. However, many are finding that

14 Electricity + Control

APRIL 2019