Electricity + Control October 2017

LIGHT + CURRENT

Upholding lightning protection installation standards DEHN Africa recently trained a number of local partners on the installation of the compa- ny’s high-voltage-resistant insulated (HVI) cable, in a two-day workshop which was run by the company’s technical director, Hano Oelofse. DEHN Africa is the local subsidiary of Ger- many-based lightning and surge protection, earthing components and safety equipment manufacturer, DEHN + SÖHNE. Kirk Risch, sales and marketing director, says the HVI Cable is a highly specialised prod- uct and that it’s therefore necessary to offer training on the correct installation methods. He clarifies, “We are running this particular course twice a year and regard it as a win- win situation for ourselves as well as our installation partners, through which they gain access to our product knowledge and we in turn ensure our reputational integrity. The installation companies with whom we work need to pass the course in order to be able to sell and install DEHN’s HVI product range.” The course included the following topics: • The difference between bonded and isolated lightning protection systems (LPSes) • SANS IEC 62305 stands related to separation distance • What is separation distance and how to carry out the necessary calculations • The DEHN HVI product family • Using HVI as a solution for separation distance • HVI installation instructions • Installation of HVI in hazardous areas • Wind loading calculations • Examples of HVI installations • A practical installation Enquiries: +27 (0) 11 704 1487 or email kirk.risch@dehn-africa.com

SME Team: JP Folgado, Marius Janse van Rensburg, Jaco Bronkhorst and SA Dlamini… proud of their first HVI installation.

Successful first certification cycle ELPA

Following its launch in June this year, the first set of certification exams (August, Jo- hannesburg), for Earthing and Lighting Protection Association (ELPA) accredit- ed installers/designers, was booked out over all four days, with 88 course dele- gates. ELPA national director, Trevor Manas says, “We are very pleased with the de- mand for the first ELPA certification cycle

and the results of the course. The uptake has been incredible – we saw representa- tion from all major companies and also from around the country. All ELPA-accred- ited installers must have passed the ELPA examination with at least an 80% pass mark on the written test, and must also be interviewed by the examiner. The inter- view determines the level of competency and degree of recognition for prior learn- ing and experience. “This exam covered the installation of lightning protection systems (LPSs), with the five pillars being: air termination system; down conductor system; earth termination system; lightning equipoten- tial bonding and separation distances. Our involvement with certification and compliance will help to improve technical competency within the industry, espe- cially among installers, designers and as- sessors, and this will assist in improving safety standards within the lightning pro- tection industry.”

The next course will also target installers, due to the high demand seen previously, and will be held on 18 and 19 October in Johannesburg. A course for designers will then follow in February 2018, and a course for testers/assessors will be held in March. Manas adds, “The individual who becomes ELPA-certified is a more valuable employee and would be considered a rela- tively scarce resource, especially for those who are among the first to be accredited. This certification definitely showcases up- skilling of the individual, who is now ena- bled to sign off ELPA Lightning Protection Safety reports. This is naturally of benefit also to the companies they work for. For example, Eskom recently put out a tender and specified for ELPA installers only, so this highlights the uptake of ELPA’s certifi- cation and how well-regarded our new of- fering actually is.” Manas says the modular nature of the skills training programme will equip ELPA-certified specialists in aspects of contracting, including quality control programmes, risk identification, analysis and management.

Enquiries: Claudelle Pillay. Tel. +27 (0) 11 704 1487 or email info@elpasa.org.za

Congratulating Nicky Mokaa (Hunter Earthing and LPS) is Trevor Manas, National Director of ELPA.

Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2017

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