Electricity and Control November 2025

Plant maintenance, test + measurement: Products + services

A faster route to ground fault location for solar installations

replacing complex, manual diagnostics with an easy-to-follow trace signal, the GFL1500 streamlines fault isolation, helping teams restore system operation quickly and e¤ectively. The Fluke GFL-1500 is a three-piece troubleshooting system. It includes: - A transmitter, CAT III 1500 V dc, CAT IV 600 V, which meets the safety standards set out in IEC 61010-1 and 61010-2-030 - A receiver, CAT III 1500 V dc, CAT IV 600 V, which meets IEC safety standard 61010-1 - A signal tracing clamp, rated for use on insulated conductors up to 1500 V. Whether the site of the work is at the inverter, combiner, or module level, the GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator has been rigorously tested for safety and durability. It provides a rugged, safe, fast, and reliable solution to identify ground faults in high-voltage environments – en abling technicians to work confidently and e¤iciently in the field.

As the local representative for Fluke, Comtest is o¤ers the Fluke GFL-1500 Solar Ground Fault Locator, a frontline

troubleshooting tool that helps technicians pinpoint active ground faults in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It works by producing a traceable signal in the array, allowing for fast, intuitive, non-contact tracing directly to the fault location. This eliminates the frus tration of traditional explor atory and time-consuming troubleshooting and reduces unnecessary exposure to electrical hazards. In addition,

The GFL-1500 Ground Fault Locator is a three-piece troubleshooting system designed to assist technicians and enable faster and more confident fault resolution.

to improving safety and reducing downtime, this solution redefines how technicians locate active ground faults in solar PV systems. By

For more information visit: www.comtest.co.za

Refurbishment of damaged mini substations South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems (PPS) recently completed the full refurbishment of four mini substations in the Katlehong area. The company provides cost e¤ective infrastructure modernisation solutions for municipalities and utilities. The project scope included a complete renewal of the substations’ outer shells and critical inner works, covering the Ring Main Units (RMUs), transformers, and low-voltage (LV) panels. Restoring the units from their damaged state to full operational capacity, PPS has extended the life of the substations, obviating the need for costly replacement. With this refurbishment PPS also added value with built-in vandal protection and safety features for the public, enhanced monitoring, improved surveillance, and a higher level of auditability for maintenance sta¤. These measures support improved reliability and long term sustainability in municipal electricity networks. “At PPS, we believe refurbishment o¤ers municipalities a smart, economical pathway to modernising their networks. By extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure and embedding new security and monitoring features, we provide solutions that are practical and future-ready,” says Nhlanhla Zondo, Director at Power Process Systems. The successful completion of the project in the Kagiso area demonstrates PPS’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s energy infrastructure with innovative, cost-e¤ective, and sustainable solutions. “Electricity underpins economic development and quality of life. Our products help to ensure power is delivered safely and reliably, assisting utilities to recover revenue and communities to thrive,” says Zondo.

Before and after photos illustrate a previously damaged mini substation completely refurbished with renewed outer shells, repaired inner works and enhanced security features.

26 Electricity + Control NOVEMBER 2025