Sparks Electrical News January 2019

JANUARY 2019

E L E C T R I C A L N E W S

www.sparkselectricalnewsmagazine.co.za

REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE : EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION | FEATURES : CABLES AND CABLE ACCESSORIES | LIGHTING

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY RECOGNISES EXCELLENCE

2018 – although a tough year for many – ended on a high for the electrical industry as suppliers, manu- facturers, installers and apprentices were recog- nised for their efforts at two of the highlights on the industry’s social calendar; the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s 2018 Presidential Awards and the ElectroBase Supplier of the Year Awards. The ECA(SA)’s 2018 Presidential Awards were ‘the best ever’ ac- cording to popular opinion. And, as National Director Mark Mfikoe predicted, it was “a night of celebration, laughter, love and a little bit of swag”. The event was held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Con- ference Centre on 15 November and the crème de la crème of the electrical contracting industry claimed top honours in what the judges called “a close contest”, with single points separating the top three in some categories. The Installation of the Year – Industrial category was just too close to call, and top spot was shared by Besamandla and Cato Ridge Electrical. The ECA’s Presidential Excellence awards are all about honour- ing the industries’ outstanding achievers, who consistently deliver exceptional workmanship and set new benchmarks for the electri- cal contracting industry. With generous backing from 12 sponsors, the awards, now in their seventh year, showcase the outstanding work from South Africa’s finest electrical contracting companies and re- ward young, up-and-coming apprentices. See who walked away with awards on page 6. Held the following evening at Emperors Palace, the ElectroBase Supplier of the Year Awards saw many of the same faces congregat- ing for an evening of networking, fun and the pleasure of listening to a thought-provoking speaker. Awards – voted by ElectroBase wholesalers – were given to top suppliers, with the main award of the evening, the ElectroBase Sup- plier of the Year Award, going to Major Tech. A successful raffle was also held, and the monies raised were given to Avril Elizabeth Home. ElectroBase chairman, Ian Greyling, welcomed guests to the 17 th Supplier of the Year dinner, and reflected on the economy in South Af- rica and the turbulent year we have faced both in the industry and the country. “This recession has been the longest we have experienced, but there are some positive signs that it will end, and hopefully not in the too distant future. There is still a light at the end of the tunnel as Major Tech scooped the coveted ElectroBase Supplier of the Year Award at the end of 2018.

government policies are indeed changing for the better, and once the rut is over, there is no place on earth better than South Africa,” he said. Greyling then introduced Rusty Labuschagne, the guest speaker for the evening, and he shared his story and the valuable life lessons he learned after being wrongfully imprisoned for 10 years in Zimbabwe. Read more and see all the winners on page 8.

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH – ZUNAID ADAM

FROM A CAR BOOT TO ONE OF THE TOP ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

award as well as many supplier and client of the year awards.

products that are out there. Not only is it unethical’ but it is dangerous as well.

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration, or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career? ZA: As a way of life, we follow the lessons of our Great Prophet Muhammad. We need to ask ourselves in our daily tasks, would he do it this way? Would he be happy if we did it that way? My biggest inspiration and mentor is my wife; she is my advisor, my confidant and has been my companion and worked with me every step of the way. There were many days when she would look after the goods in the car and sweated in not-so-nice places, waiting for me to complete sales and deliveries. Our loyal clients and suppliers, of course, have taught us many lessons over the years and we continue to learn from them every day. Our loyal and dedicated staff – who are more like family – allow us to look forward to going to work. Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time? ZA: The huge influx of non-compliant products coming into the country with little or no repercussions for the guilty parties. The end users are the ones that suffer because they have no idea how dangerous sub-standard electrical products are. Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job? ZA: Meeting lots of different people, bargaining and most of all, closing ‘the deal’. Sparks: How do you motivate your staff? ZA: We motivate them by encouraging them to understand the necessity of effective customer service and quality control. When they get good reviews, it helps uplift their spirits. We need to treat our customers and suppliers the way we would like to be treated by them. We also work in a family-like environment and we work ‘together’ rather than them working ‘for’ us. Our objective, after all, has always been to provide the community of South Africa with quality products at an affordable price. Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything? If so, what would that be? ZA: I would do everything exactly the same except that I would always listen to my wife’s advice – I have burnt my fingers every time I didn’t take her advice! Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why? ZA: Most definitely. The electrical industry is growing by the day. Young bloods with their bright ideas can definitely make a go of it. It entails lots of honest hard work, but it’s all worth it. Our ‘daily bread’ can’t be earned without working hard, especially in tough economic times. Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers? ZA: I would plead and ask them not to use the cheap and sub-standard

Sparks: What is your favorite quote? ZA: “Your positive action combined with positive thinking breeds success.”

Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’. ZA: The first one would definitely be to do more to help the under privileged. True happiness is found when you help others. Second would be to franchise Zap, and thirdly, and selfishly, would be to travel the world.

Enquiries: +27 (0)12 666 9272

Zunaid Adam

Pretoria-based Zap Wholesalers was born from an idea and cultivated into a reality way beyond the expectations of founder Zunaid Adam. From a car boot to having its own warehouses, the company has grown from strength to strength due to hard work, unwavering faith and a drive to treat customers and suppliers with respect. Sparks: Where were you educated? ZA: I grew up in a small town called Laudium and still reside near there. I did my schooling at Laudium Secondary where I passed Matric and then went on to study a BCompt accounting degree through Unisa. However, I did not complete my studies because I met the love of my life and got distracted after marriage. Sparks: When and where did you start your career? ZA: We started our business on April 23, 1994. When the apartheid era had just ended, we realised that there was a demand for electrical accessories due to low cost housing projects, and started by loading our car and going from shop to shop selling as much as we could. Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years? ZA: The greatest changes in the electrical industry would be the number of manufacturers, importers and distributors that have changed the face of the ‘monopolistic’ industry in the old days of South Africa. Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment? ZA: The major projects we have worked on are religious establishments and schools as well as lighting up homes of the under privileged. Our greatest accomplishment was working on an orphanage without electricity, and after being ‘zapped’ by us, seeing the joyous faces of the hundreds of kids. Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry? ZA: I have now been in this industry for almost 25 years.

Sparks: Have you won any awards? ZA: Our company has won the PMR golden award and the TMS bronze

SIEMENS AND WITS UNIVERSITY LAUNCH DIGITAL MINING INCUBATOR D igitalization in the mining industry goes beyond automation of production. It al- lows for new approaches to business optimised productivity and safer operations for everyone on site. What must be addressed criti- cally is how investors and technology leaders can also become educators and skills develop- ers.

Sabine Dall’Omo, Siemens CEO for Southern and Eastern Africa says, “Our partnership with Wits and Tshimologong is about advancing the digital opportunities that mining offers our youth. Failing to position the mining sector in South Af- rica within discussions about the Fourth Indus- trial Revolution means remaining stagnant on the path towards industrialisation. At Siemens we believe there needs to be genuine invest- ment in the localisation of technology and the development of digital talent to enable a strong, future-oriented workforce. The integration of digitally adept youth into the world of work will not only inspire new ideas, it will also transform and advance industries,” concludes Dall’Omo.

processes and creates opportunities to merge the digital and physical worlds. The value of data coupled with Machine Learning, Artificial Intel- ligence and Additive Manufacturing offers South Africa an opportunity to create smart mines of the future. For example, imagine intelligent machines able to adjust operating parameters based on information received from other machines. These advanced capabilities will boost produc- tion, predictability and scalability while translat- ing to profits. Digitalization will contribute to the entire value chain with a shorter time-to-market; increased flexibility in volatile global markets;

The Digital Mining Incubator is a co-creation space focused on developing mining engineer- ing competence. It is integrated into the Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and is aimed at upskilling young individuals who have an interest in the mining sector, and dis- advantaged individuals interested in actively participating in the future of mining. Together with mentors from Wits, Tshimologong and Sie- mens, students will be enabled with the neces- sary tools and skills to effectively transform and develop the South African mining sector.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 652-2412

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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NEW CONCEPT IN CENTRALISED PROTECTION AND CONTROL FOR DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATIONS ABB has introduced an innovative, centralised ap- proach to protection and control in distribution networks in South Africa. Embodied in ABB Ability smart substation control and protection for electri- cal systems, the SSC600 represents a new way of thinking while building on ABB’s proven technologi- cal foundation, manifested in the Relion protection and control family. “SSC600 offers a fast, easy and cost-effective way to provide a substation with the latest techno- logical developments within protection and control, while leaving the existing relays as backup protec- tion,” said Alessandro Palin, Managing Director of ABB’s Distributions Solutions business. “New instal- lations will only need bay-level merging units in ad- dition to SSC600." adapt to changing protection requirements. Continu- ous access to new software developments guaran- tees an always up-to-date substation system. The advantage of only having to modify one de- vice instead of all bay-level protection and control devices makes upgrading the entire substation sys- tem easier than ever.

ment. SSC600 advanced connectivity capabilities enable seamless integration with additional services such as remote diagnostics, asset management and upgrade services, all to the benefit of the customer. SSC600 offers extensive application coverage with a single device for convenient station-wide vis- ibility, minimal engineering, easy and cost-efficient process management, and advanced life cycle man- agement for the digital substation. Combining it with merging units, which provide the measurements and physical interface between the primary equipment in the switchgear and SSC600, creates a unique, IEC 61850-compliant, centralised protection and control solution.

Enquiries: +27 (0)10 202 5093

Adding a second SSC600 device will create a centralised protection and control solution with full redundancy. The modular software allows cus- tomisation at the initial ordering stage and flexible modification for the lifetime of the digital substation. SSC600 is ready to evolve alongside the grid to

SSC600 has been designed to support ABB Ability offerings of digitally enabled solutions, help- ing utilities and industries know more, do more and do it better than before. Combining SSC600 with other ABB Ability products and solutions offers a new way of looking at substation life cycle manage-

BIDVEST LAUNDRY GROUP has led the field in total laundry solutions in South Africa for more than 35 years. Along with its ISO quality manage- ment listing, Bidvest Laundry Group only uses top of the range SABS-approved chemicals. In addi- tion, it views protection of the environment as an essential element of the way its laundries run. To this end, it has introduced various green policies such as water recycling, and fuel and chemical ef- ficiencies while working towards reduced electric- ity consumption. This focus on the ‘Green economy’ is what led the Group to commission, devise and install a so- lar photovoltaic system at its laundry in Spartan, near Johannesburg. Spurred on by the increase in electricity prices over the past three years and by the desire to reduce the carbon footprint of the Spartan laundry, Bidvest decided to develop a Green Energy solution. The laundry consumes just over two GigaWatt hours of power per annum and Bidvest was de- termined to reduce this power appetite. Electech Renewable Solutions, a division of Voltex, stepped up to the mark and, together with Sunworx, de- signed and engineered a grid-tied roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panel system to harvest the freely available energy from the sun. The uniquely designed system has proved to be a perfect fit for reducing the high annual power costs of an en- ergy intensive plant. In the Spartan project, a total of 1440 Jinko so- lar panels rated at 325 W each were connected via 720 Solaredge PV Optimisers FEEDING 16 grid-tied Solar Edge Inverters. The roof mount- ing structure was provided by Schletter and the balance of the equipment came entirely from the Voltex Group. The Spartan solar system has a predicted operational life of at least 25 years with an expected payback period for the capital invest- ment of under six years. A major advantage of the equipment supplied to the Spartan site by Electech Renewable Solu- tions is that the Solaredge Optimisers increase PV panel performance, and monitoring down to panel level can troubleshoot for ease of plant mainte- nance. The Bidvest Spartan Laundry solar system will generate over 730 mW hours of electricity per annum and reduce CO₂ emissions by 730 tons each year. The design and installation by Electech Renew- able Solutions and Sunworx has paved the way for the Bidvest Group to install similar solar sys- tems at its properties across South Africa, where appropriate. BIDVEST LAUNDRY GROUP GOES GREEN

Enquiries: www.voltex.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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CELEBRATING WITH THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INDUSTRY

O nce again Brand Engineering and its BEE initiative, Besamandla, took top hon- ours at the ECA(SA)’s 2018 Presidential Awards, together scooping five awards, to the de- light of Herman Kriel, Group Managing Director. The awards were Installation of the Year (Industri- al); Installation of the Year (Hotels and Hospitals); Installation of the Year (Office Blocks) and a clean sweep of the renewable energy categories, taking both awards for Best Contributor to Energy Effi- ciency and Best Contributor to Renewable Energy. Edison Power took two awards and the compa- ny’s founder, Vivian Reddy, was there to see Edison receive trophies for Installation of the Year (Retail

THE WINNERS WERE:

Winners: Besmandla (Illanga CSP Cable Tray Installation); and Cato Ridge Electrical (Sumitomo Tyre Manufacturing) Installation of the Year – Residential Housing Sponsor: Voltex Finalists:

and Shopping Centres) and Special Innovative Projects. The ECA took in 300 apprentices this year and the National Director created a new category, Host Employer of the Year, to emphasise the associa- tion’s appreciation to the ECA members who em- ployed the apprentices. That award went to Tshepo Vincent Sello from Vinnie’s Electrical, who spends one day a week with his apprentices, personally mentoring them. Lilly Maphangwa (Mvela Electrolights) won Fe- male Apprentice of the Year and Zamani Khanzi (ET’s Electrical) took both Male Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year.

Installation of the Year – Industrial Sponsor: Comtest Finalists:

• Besmandla (Illanga CSP Cable Tray Installation) • Cato Ridge Electrical (Sumitomo Tyre Manufac- turing) • Cato Ridge Electrical (Ammonia Plant Upgrade) • Reliant Electrical (Carletonville Waste Manage- ment) • Edison Power (Chromtech Tailings chrome Re- treatment) • B&W Electrical (Gamsberg Mine Project)

• J Turner Electrical (Groenkloof) • Vyfster Elektries (House Nxumalo) Winner: J Turner Electrical (Groenkloof) Installation of the Year – Residential Complexes Sponsor: Copper Development Africa

Best Contributor to Energy Efficiency Winner: Besamandla (San Parks Project)

Installation of the Year Residential Housing Winner: J Turner Electrical (Groenkloof)

Reticulation Contractor of the Year Winner: B&W (Gamsberg Mine Project)

Woman Owned Business Winner: Swatek Electrical

Host Employer Winner: Tshepo Vincent Sello (Vinnie’s Electrical)

Installation of the Year Retail and Shopping Centres Winner: Edison Power Gauteng (Soshanguve Southview)

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Winner: Brand Engineering (Scuderia House) Installation of the Year – Hotels and Hospitals Sponsor: Nestlife Finalists: • Besamandla (Netcare hospital) • Edison Power Gauteng (Time Square Maslow Hotel) • ISE Group (Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape) Winner: Besamandla (Netcare hospital) Installation of the Year – Retail and Shopping Centres Sponsor: Momentum Finalists: • Edison Power Gauteng (Soshanguve Southview)

Finalists: • PJ Booysen Electrical projects (Steyn City Stand 65) • J Turner Electrical (Casa Servaas) • Edison Power (Pearls Umhlanga) • Vyfster Elektries (Heritage Hill Estate) • Mabert Electrical Solutions Winner: PJ Booysen Electrical projects (Steyn City Stand 65) Installation of the Year – Office Blocks Sponsor: Mufaro Finalists: • Brand Engineering (Scuderia House) • Besamandla Electrical (Plattenberg Magis- trate’s Court) • Edison Power KZN (Fort Hare University)

• Lilly Maphangwa (Mvela Electrolights) Winner: Lilly Maphangwa (Mvela Electrolights)

• Duzicube (Checkers Hyper, Centurion) • JBN Power (Hutton Court, Hyde Park) Winner: Edison Power Gauteng (Soshanguve Southview) Reticulation Contractor of the Year Sponsor: Novare Finalists: • B&W (Gamsberg Mine Project) • Besamandla (Ilanga Solar) • Besamandla (ACSA East London) • Cato Ridge Electrical (Project Sunrise) • Cato Ridge Electrical (Ammonia Plant Upgrade) Winner: B&W (Gamsberg Mine Project)

Apprentice of the Year – Male Sponsor: HellermannTyton Finalists: • Stefan Roberts (Designer Lighting) • Tiaan Cerff (Designer Lighting) • Zamani Khanzi (ET’s Electrical) Winner: Zamani Khanzi (ET’s Electrical) Overall Apprentice of the Year Sponsor: HellermannTyton Winner: Zamani Khanzi (ET’s Electrical) Woman-Owned Business of the Year Sponsor: SA Electrical Contractor magazine Finalists: • HUG – Hula U Gude • Swatek Electrical Winner: Swatek Electrical Special Innovative Projects Award Sponsor: Major Tech Finalists: • Edison Power (Liquid Telecom, Midrand) • GPA Elite (Mandela Gala Dinner) • Designer Lighting (Designer Lighting App) • Designer Lighting (BCMM Festive Lighting) Winner: Edison Power (Liquid Telecom, Midrand)

National Safety Award Sponsor: Nestlife Finalists: • Reliant Electric • Edison Power JHB • B&W • Brand Engineering Winner: Reliant Electric

Best Contributor to Energy Efficiency Sponsor: Schneider Electric Finalists: • Besamandla (San Parks Project) • Besamandla (ACSA Upington) • Besamandla (ACSA Kimberley) Winner: Besamandla (San Parks Project) Best Contributor to Renewable Energy Sponsor: Schneider Electric Finalists: • Besamandla (San Parks Project) Winner: Besamandla (San Parks Project) Apprentice of the Year – Female Sponsor: Brother Finalists: • Ramatso Sibongile (Edison Power) • Magdaline Maila (Edison Power)

Installation of the Year Hotels and Hospitals Winner: Besamandla (Netcare hospital)

Installation of the Year Office Blocks Winner: Brand Engineering (Scuderia House)

Apprentice Host Employer Sponsor: Brother Finalists:

• Vinnie's Electrical • DC Africa (Cape) • DC Electrical

• Ally’s Electrical • M & D Elektries Winner: Tshepo Vincent Sello (Vinnie’s Electrical)

Regional Excellence Award: Meadowdale Training Centre

Installation of the Year Industrial Winner: Besmandla (Illanga CSP Cable Tray Installation); and Cato Ridge Electrical (Sumitomo Tyre Manufacturing)

Enquiries: +27 (0)10 271 0686

National Safety Winner: Reliant Electric

Male Apprentice of the Year: Zamani Khanzi (ET’s Electrical)

Special innovative Projects Winner: Edison Power (Liquid Telecom, Midrand)

Installation of the Year Residential Complexes Winner: PJ Booysen Electrical projects (Steyn City Stand 65)

Best Contributor to Renewable Energy Winner: Besamandla (San Parks Project)

Female Apprentice of the Year Winner: Lilly Maphangwa (Mvela Electrolights)

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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ELECTROBASE RECOGNISES TOP SUPPLIERS ELECTROBASE, the largest group of independent electrical wholesalers in Southern Africa, who are represented by 42 members with over 90 branches in the principal towns, in all the provinces, as well as in Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, held its much anticipated ElectroBase Supplier of the Year Awards towards the end of 2019. the company in 2019 will be ElectroBase’s 20 th anniversary. “As part of our celebrations, our AGM to be held in Bodrum, Turkey at the end of April, and we hope to see both old and new faces at this special occasion,” he said.

including the notorious Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison during the Zim dollar crash, with food shortages, no running water and people dying around him daily. His tale was a harrowing one, but with the insight few will ever experience, he captivated the audience with his often traumatic, often unbelievable, and often humorous tale. Donne van Eeden, CEO of ElectroBase, says that, “The 19 th annual ElectroBase Supplier of the Year Awards was once again well attended by over 120 guests at Emperors Palace. Each year the challenge to put on a great evening gets more and more demanding, yet this year, judging by the feedback and emails of thanks and congratulations

we received, we nailed it again. Rusty Labuschagne was truly a magnificent guest speaker and the band, Lemon & Limelight, kept the dance floor flowing after the official proceedings ended. Congratulations to all the silver and gold certificate winners, Waco for ‘Most Improved Supplier’ and Major Tech for the ‘Supplier of the Year’ for the second year running.’

After Greyling’s address, guests were treated to an eye opening talk from Rusty Labuschagne, who has been through a trauma few have experienced. In 2003, the successful Zimbabwean businessman, who ran a safari outfit, flew his own aircraft and had a fishing resort on Lake Kariba, was framed by a poacher, the police and the courts and wrongfully convicted of drowning a poacher. He served 10 years in Zimbabwe’s prisons,

ElectroBase chairman, Ian Greyling, speaking at the event, notes that business in 2018 had been, “Tough,demanding,and undulating,but through this all, most of us still managed to achieve some sort of growth.” The ElectroBase AGM, held in Portugal during the earlier part of 2018, was once again a resounding success, while the major highlight for

The winners were: Silver Certificate Winners:

• Eurolux • Kwikot • Ledvance

• Radiant Lighting • Three-D Agencies

Gold Certificate Winners • Bright Star Lighting • Crabtree • HellermannTyton • Major Tech • Stone Stamcor • Waco

Most Improved Supplier of the Year: Waco

Supplier of the Year: Major Tech

Enquiries: www.electrobase.co.za

HellermannTyton: Gold Certificate

Stone Stamcor: Gold Certificate

Crabtree: Gold Certificate

Bright Star Lighting: Gold Certificate

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

CABLES AND CABLES ACCESSORIES

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PRATLEY LAUNCHES TAPER-TECH BRASS COMPRESSION CABLE GLAND

PRATLEY has launched a new Taper-Tech® brass com- pression cable gland for circular unarmoured cable. This latest technology eliminates the need for cable-damaging, weak-back bushes. Each gland size can accommodate an unmatched range of cable sizes and withstand a whopping 150 m of water head pressure – an industry first. The Taper-Tech® clamping system features a differen- tial taper design. Using specially-formulated, high-per- formance, compression-set resistant rubber, the gripping force of the bush increases proportionally with the axial load on the cable. This means that the cable remains safely secured, even at very high pull-out loads, without damage to the cable. Another major advantage of the Taper-Tech® is its indus- try beating IP68 ingress protection rating, which provides for 150 m of water head. “We believe there is no other cable gland on the world market that performs to this level,” says Pratley Marketing Director Eldon Kruger. Taper-Tech® compression cable glands are manufactured from nickel-plated brass. They can accommodate all circu- lar cables with outside diameters from 3 mm to 73.8 mm, in addition to an array of non-circular cables when fitted with appropriate bushes. The glands are supplied complete with nipple gaskets and nickel-plated brass locknuts. The IP68 rating means Pratley Taper-Tech® brass com- pression cable glands seal the bore automatically against ingress of pressurised water and ambient moisture. In addi- tion, gland sizes 00, 0, 1 and 2 are available ex-stock with Pg T he EVO family of cable tie tensioning tools are ergonomically designed to perfectly combine convenience with function, especially the EVO9. At the heart of the EVO9 is innovative, patent-pending Tension-Lock-Cut (TLC) technology. This unique technology enables maximum precision when tensioning nylon cable ties with minimum recoil when the excess tail is cut off. Due to the distinctive TLC technology, the EVO9 reduces the manual force required to tension cable ties and gen- erates significantly less recoil, or ‘kickback’ when they are cut. Installers can fasten countless numbers of cable ties more comfortably and significantly reduce the risk of a hand strain injury. The EVO9 takes the strain out of repetitive manual cable ty- ing operations by being lighter, safer and more precise than any other tensioning tools. With a band width of 13.5 mm, the EVO9 evolved from the EVO7, which was designed for cable ties with a width of up

Major Tech: Gold Certificate and Supplier of the Year

and Npt threads. Pg and Imperial threads can also be accommodated by means of Pratley adjustable cable glands fitted with com- pression conversion kits and thread adaptors. Exceptionally thick gland plates can be accommodated by fitting adjust- able glands with long nipples. With over 65 years of experience and a plethora of patents under its belt, Pratley prides itself on the local production of highly-innovative cable glands, junction boxes, and related accessories. Those variants for use in hazardous locations comply with international IECex Standards for Ex n, Ex e and Ex d explosion protected equipment. Many Pratley cable glands and boxes also comply with the European ATEX directive. Pratley manufactures over 1500 products, has filed more than 350 patents worldwide, and is an ISO 9001:2015 ac- credited company.

Waco: Gold Certificate and Most Improved Supplier of the Year

Eurolux: Silver Certificate

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 955 2190

MAKE LIGHT WORK OF CABLE TIE TENSIONING WITH TLC TECHNOLOGY

ergonomics and high impact resistance make cable tie application easier. The EVO9 delivers precise cable tie tensioning between 53 N and 307 N. In addition to 33 different tension settings for manual calibration to individual user specifications. It also includes a quick adjustment feature that allows the installer to easily jump between higher or lower tension ranges on jobs that require a variety of different cable tie tensions. Each EVO cable tie tensioning tool is individually calibrated at our factory, ensuring consistently accurate performance from each and every tool. HellermannTyton offers a wide range of cable tie tensioning tools for both our nylon and stainless steel cable ties. Our cable tie range includes UV and Weather resistant, high temperature, mental content and releasable cable ties to mention a few.

Kwikot: Silver Certificate

Radiant Lighting: Silver Certificate

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 879 6600

to 4.8 mm. The TLC technology, low weight and a more ergonomic form than its predecessor, the MK series, are aspects that have already proven themselves in the market. This combination makes the EVO series more comfortable, pow- erful with low maintenance. From the extremely hard-wearing stainless steel blade to the lightweight, but tough fibreglass- reinforced housing and anti-slip grip, the EVO9 is built for durability and precision. Improved

Ledvance: Silver Certificate

Three-D Agencies: Silver Certificate

WPP_Jan.pdf 1 2018/12/06 12:50:43 PM

We strive for customer satisfaction by:

Selling directly to the public Introducing a new standard DB range Introducing a new wall mount double door range in all materials Introducing a new design on floor standing which consists of single and double door cabinets in all material Introducing a new commercial range consisting of Pretoria boxes, SU Flush trays, draw boxes and 12 & 18 way Flush trays Server racks Perforation sheets A new range of 304/316 padlockable locks

C

M

Y

M

Y

We also offer the following services :

of PANEL AND ENCLOSURE MANUFACTURING

Y

Laser cutting Punching

MY

Bending Welding Powder coating Machining

K

Plating Design

Your preferred supplier of the Perano locks and hinges

All the very best for 2019

+27 (0)11 680 5524 www.wpp.co.za info@wpp.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

BUYER'S GUIDE

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CONDUCTORS (ALUMINIUM AND/ OR COPPER) Aberdare Cables Bare earth copper conductors ACDC Dynamics Full range of conductors ACTOM Electrical Products Bare copper earth wires ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of conductors Atlas Group Full range available on request Bellco Full range of conductors Electrahertz Full range of conductors JDL Electric Full range of conductors Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of conductors Low Voltage Switchboards Copper conduct Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of conductors South Ocean Electric Wire Company Full range of conductors Stone-Stamcor Lugs and ferrules suitable for aluminium and copper conductors Versalec Full range of conductors Voltex Full range of conductors Waco Full range of conductors EXOTHERMIC WELDING ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of equipment for exothermic welding ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of exothermic welding equipment Atlas Group Full range available on request Electrahertz Full range of exothermic welding equipment JDL Electric Full range of exothermic welding equipment Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of exothermic welding equipment Phambili Full range of exothermic welding equipment Voltex Full range of exothermic welding equipment EARTH ELECTRODE / EARTH RODS ACDC Dynamics Earth rods and accessories ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of earth electrode, earth rods ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Atlas Group Full range available on request Citilec Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Electrahertz Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods Eurolux Earth rods available Innopro Full range of earth electrodes JDL Electric Full range of earth electrodes and earth rods Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of electrodes and earth rods Voltex Full range of earth electrodes and earth rods Waco Full range of earth electrodes, earth rods MASTS/POWER SUPPLY FILTERING ACDC Dynamics Mains filter, single-phase 250V up to 30A, three-phase 400V up to 30A ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of masts/power supply filtering Atlas Group Available on request Electrahertz Full range of power supply filtering Innopro Full range of masts and power supply filtering JDL Electric Full range of masts Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of masts and power supply filtering Voltex LSis Range of power supply filtering MAINS PROTECTION

MANUFACTURERS

CONTACTS

MAINS PROTECTION

ABB South Africa Aberdare Cables Banding and Identification Solutions SA Bellco Brady SA CBI-electric: low voltage CJM Choke and Ballast Manufacturing Clearline Protection Systems Crabtree South Africa DEHN Africa Eaton Electric SA Eurolux HellermannTyton Legrand Low Voltage Switchboards Newelec Phambili Phoenix Contact Schneider Electric South Africa South Ocean Electric Wire Company

Innopro Ian McKechnie JDL Electric Shaun Singh Legrand Johan Bosch Lightning Protection Concepts Trevor Manas Low Voltage Switchboards Rudi Barker Magnet Electrical Supplies Kevin Govender Major Tech Werner Grobbelaar MCE Electric Sales Mimic Components Christo Vosloo Newelec Luc Dutrieux

Electrahertz Full range of mains protection devices Innopro Full range of mains protection units JDL Electric Full range of mains protection units Legrand

Full range of mains protection units Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of mains protection units Low Voltage Switchboards Full range of mains protection units Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of mains protection units Major Tech Full range of mains protection devices including MCB and isolators MCE Electric Full Range of mains protection devices by Onesto, Schenker & Hyundai

Mimic Components LED surge protection Phambili Full range of mains protection units Phoenix Contact

Phambili Steve Lea Phoenix Contact Carl Coetzer Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG) Hannes Swartz/John Vorster Radiant Group Alfred Weldon Schneider Electric South Africa Sales South Ocean Electric Wire Company

Spazio Lighting Stone-Stamcor Strutfast

Full range of mains protection units Schneider Electric South Africa Full range of mains protection devices Surge Technology Dehn, Saltek and Copa Voltex Full range of mains protection Voltex LSis Full range of mains protection devices Waco Full range of mains protection devices TELECOMS/DATA PROTECTION

Surge Technology Three-D Agencies Versalec Voltex Voltex MV/LV Solutions Voltex LSis Waco DISTRIBUTORS

Yasmin Mahomed Spazio Lighting Sales Stone-Stamcor Mark Talbot Strutfast Tony Kinsella Surge Technology Paul van As Three-D Agencies Mark Jenkins

ACDC Dynamics ACTOM Electrical Products ARB Electrical Wholesalers Atlas Group Banding and Identification Solutions SA Bellco Brady SA Cable Croc Citilec Clearline Protection Systems Crabtree South Africa Eaton Electric SA Electrahertz Innopro JDL Electric Lightning Protection Concepts Magnet Electrical Supplies Major Tech MCE Electric Mimic Components Newelec Phambili Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG) Radiant Group Schneider Electric South Africa Stone-Stamcor

ACDC Dynamics Telecoms/data protection Clearline Protection Systems Full range of telecom and data protection units Eaton Electric SA Full range of protection devices for telecoms and data protection Electrahertz Full range of protection devices for telecoms and data protection Innopro Full range of telecom and data protection units JDL Electric Full range of telecom and data protection units Legrand Full range of telecom and data protection units Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of telecom and data protection units MCE Electric Full Range of mains protection devices by Onesto, Schenker & Hyundai Phambili Full range of telecom and data protection units Phoenix Contact Full range of telecom and data protection units Surge Technology Dehn, Saltek and Copa EARTH LEAKAGE ABB South Africa Full range of domestic and industrial earth leakage protection devices ACDC Dynamics Earth leakage ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of earth leakage protection devices ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of earth leakage protection products Atlas Group Various brands available on request Crabtree South Africa Crabtree RCCB Eaton Electric SA Full range of earth leakage devices Electrahertz Full range of earth leakage devices Eurolux Wide range available HellermannTyton Instruments for testing earth leakage such as TELE10L, T4137, TEL11, TEL110LED, TEL1TLB Innopro Full range of earth leakage protection JDL Electric Full range of earth leakage protection Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of earth leakage protection Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of earth leakage protection Major Tech The VE2P63, a 63A Double Pole Earth Leakage; the VE4P63, a Four Pole

Versalec Roland Fry Voltex Hugh Ward

Voltex LSis Rinus Botha Waco Jaco Coetzee AIR TERMINATION SYSTEMS /DOWN CONDUCTOR SYSTEMS ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Atlas Group Available on request Electrahertz Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Innopro Full range of air termination and down conductor systems JDL Electric Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Voltex Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems Waco Full range of air termination systems/down conductor systems CLAMPS AND SADDLES

Surge Technology Three-D Agencies Versalec Voltex Voltex LSis Waco CONTACTS

ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of clamps and saddles Atlas Group PVC, steel and copper in various sizes

ABB South Africa Customer contact centre Aberdare Cables Jyoshtie Dhunes ACDC Dynamics

Banding and Identification Solutions SA Stainless steel buckles, strapping and clamps Bellco Full range of clamps and saddles Cabstrut Full range of clamps and saddles Citilec Full range of clamps and saddles Electrahertz Full range of clamps and saddles Eurolux Wide range available JDL Electric Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of clamps and saddles Radiant Group Full range of clamps and saddles Specialised Electrical Accessories Full range of clamps and saddles Stone-Stamcor Full range of Burndy Grounding Products Hyground Strutfast Ellis patents cable cleats and clamps Voltex Full range of clamps and saddles Waco Full range of clamps and saddles Full range of clamps and saddles Lightning Protection Concepts Full range of clamps and saddles

Elmari Erasmus/Dirk Klynsmith ACTOM Electrical Products Russel Ramsden ARB Electrical Wholesalers Sales Atlas Group Annie Storar/Imran Gaffoor Banding and Identification Solutions SA Rosa Dos Remendos Bellco Shiraj Wentzel Brady SA Morné Louw Cable Croc Lex Harvey CBI-electric: low voltage Jaco Viljoen Citilec Jeff Forman CJM Choke and Ballast Manufacturing Chris Bornman Clearline Protection Systems Tanya or Rakesh Crabtree South Africa Sales DEHN Africa Hano Oelofse Eaton Electric SA Marlene Coetzee Electrahertz Frank Proude (Pta) Peet Lourens (Jhb) Eurolux Sales HellermannTyton Ingrid Nicolaus

Earth Leakage MCE Electric

Onesto Earth Leakages and Schenker Earth Leakages Pretoria Motor Control Gear Products (PMCG)

Full range of earth leakage devices Schneider Electric South Africa Full range of earth leakage devices Voltex Full range of earth leakage products Voltex LSis Full range of earth leakage devices Waco Full range of earth leakage devices

ABB South Africa Full range of mains protection devices ACDC Dynamics Mains Protection ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of surge protection products ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of mains protection products Atlas Group Full range available on reqest CBI-electric : low voltage Full range of mains protection devices Clearline Protection Systems Full range of mains protection devices

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

EARTHING, LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTION

BUYER'S GUIDE

11

POWER SUPPLY FILTERING

OTHER

ACDC Dynamics Power supply filtering ARB Electrical Wholesalers

Cable Croc Anti-cable theft systems Citilec Vision lighting – energy saving and LED Genlux Lighting Manufactureres of LED and HID lighting solutions HellermannTyton Various tools such as 1000 V insulated tools with VDE approval Lightning Protection Concepts Various tools such as 1000 V insulated tools with VDE approval Low Voltage Switchboards Electrical switchboards Major Tech Earth resistance testers; earth resistivity meter; earth leakage testers up to 550 V; Earth clamp meters; earth leakage data loggers; leakage clamp meter South Ocean Electric Wire Company Low voltage cable and wire Stone Stamcor Connectors for earthing Strutfast Cable ladders, cable trays, cable trunking, wire mesh, cable support systems, cable clips and unistrut Three-D Agencies Cable accessories, lugs, glands and cable ties

Full range of power supply filtering Clearline Protection Systems Full range of power supply filtering Electrahertz Full range of power supply filtering Impact Power Innovations Power supply filtering JDL Electric Full range of power supply filtering Low Voltage Switchboards Full range of power supply filtering Phambili Full range of power supply filtering Phoenix Contact Full range of power supply filtering Voltex Power supply filtering Voltex LSis Power supply filtering Waco Power supply filtering ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS ACDC Dynamics Full range of isolation transformers ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of isolation transformers Atlas Group Full range available on request Electrahertz Full range of isolation transformers JDL Electric Full range of isolation transformers Low Voltage Switchboards Full range of isolation transformers Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of isolation transformers Voltex Full range of isolation transformers Voltex LSis Full range of isolation transformers Waco Full range of isolation transformers MV SURGE PROTECTION Full range available on request Clearline Protection Systems Full range of surge protection devices Eaton Electric SA Full range of surge protection devices Electrahertz Full range of surge protection devices JDL Electric Full range of surge protection devices Magnet Electrical Supplies Onesto Surge Arresters & Schenker Surge Arresters MCE Electric Onesto surge arresters; Schenker surge arresters Phambili Full range of surge protection devices Surge Technology Tridelta Voltex Full range of surge protection devices Voltex LSis Full range of surge protection devices Waco Full range of surge protection devices CONSTANT V TRANSFORMERS ACDC Dynamics Plug-in types for homes and small businesses; plug-in tops with surge protection; Soule lightning and surge protection ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of surge protection devices ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of surge protection devices Atlas Group

+27 (0) 11 444 7971

+27 (0) 11 874 7600

+27 (0) 10 202 3300

+27 (0) 11 683 0641

+27 (0) 11 704 1487

+27 (0) 11 046 1900

Atlas Group Full range available on request Electrahertz Full range of constant V transformers Eurolux Wide range available JDL Electric Full range of constant V transformers Low Voltage Switchboards Full range of constant V transformers Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of constant V transformers Radiant Group Constant V transformers Spazio Lighting Full range of constant V transformers Voltex Full range of constant V transformers Voltex LSis Full range of constant V transformers Waco Full range of constant V transformers OTHER

+27 (0) 11 879 2000

BUYERS’ GUIDE DISCLAIMER Disclaimer: Information as supplied will be published. Only manufacturers who met the deadline are included in the guide. The onus is on manufactures to ensure that the editor is notified of any changes to existing listings.

+27 (0) 11 872 5500

Banding and Identification Solutions SA Stainless steel cable ties and identification systems Brady SA Cable and wire marking solutions, labels, printers

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019

EARTHING & LIGHTNING

12

A SIMPLER APPROACH FOR SURGE AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION INSURANCE FOR THATCHED ROOFED BUILDINGS

per SANS Code of Practice 10313. • A certificate of compliance (COC) is required before the in- surance policy can be underwritten, as a method of assur- ance that the components will work and the workmanship is compliant. • Whenever a property is sold, the COC must be renewed. “DEHN is able to guarantee or offer insurance as a combina- tion of public and product liability, professional indemnity and the underwriting of electronic equipment insurance,” explains Oelofse. “The company is proud to introduce DEHNinsure for thatched roofs powered by HVI. The three-in-one offering of product and public liability, professional indemnity, and electronic equipment insurance means that insurance companies will have the surety and peace of mind of knowing that the damages they used to pay for, or equipment they used to replace as a result of lightning strikes, will now be covered or repaid by DEHN Africa, in the event of failure for the reasons outlined above. This is all due to the com- bination of today’s technology improvements in lightning protec- tion and DEHN Africa’s faith in its products, systems, employees and solutions,” concludes Oelofse.

sufficiently, and also needs to be serviced annually, as insufficient bonding and earthing may lead to flashovers to the thatch roof and hazardous step and touch potentials around the mast. A mast alone is not sufficient to prevent damage to the equipment in a home, so a separate surge protective device is still necessary.” Today, however, the nature of lightning protection for thatched roofs has changed with improvements in technology. “For some years now, DEHN Africa has provided lightning pro- tection system (LPS) components for use specifically on thatched roofs,” Oelofse says, “and our high-voltage-resistant insulated (HVI) lightning protection system, which is compact and neat, re- moves the need for a 30+ metre lightning mast. The HVI system is far less visible to the naked eye and arguably provides better protection from a lightning strike than a thirty-metre mast. Plus it is accepted by leading insurance companies.” Oelofse says that, given the technical expertise offered by the HVI technology, and the company’s confidence in its product, DEHN Africa is now prepared to offer insurance guarantees linked to its HVI system, through the launch of DEHNinsure. According to the terms and conditions of insurance underwrit- ers as regards thatched roofs: • All insurance companies require that an LPS be installed, as

DEHN Africa has been involved in a number of installations of lightning protection systems for thatched roofs and, in what is be- lieved to be a first in South Africa, has launched a new and excit- ing initiative, which combines the company’s expertise in lightning protection with a holistic insurance offering. Thatched roofs are an aesthetically pleasing option for game lodges and other buildings looking to cultivate a rural feel, but they require significant maintenance, including protective measures against the possibility of a fire outbreak. At the same time, be- cause they are so potentially flammable compared to other types of roofs, the insurance requirements on buildings with thatched roofs can be onerous. For numerous insurance companies, a thatched roof is regard- ed as a non-standard construction – in contrast to roofs made of tile, slate, concrete, asbestos, metal or zinc, which are deemed to be standard – and this is taken into account when determining home insurance cover and premiums. The insurer will expect you to take steps to reduce fire risk, these steps include the following: • Have your thatched roof installed and maintained by profes- sionals. • Protect it against fire, using fire-retardant materials that can help to delay the fire’s spread over the roof, and make sure that any chimneys are protected. • Have fire extinguishers strategically available, and service them annually. • Protect against lightning: The direct lightning flash density is high in large areas of South Africa, and can cause fires. DEHN Africa managing director, Hano Oelofse, notes that tradi- tionally, external lightning protective equipment for thatched roofs involved the use of a free-standing lightning mast, which must be higher than the thatched roof. “The idea,” he says, “is that the lightning flash will ‘seek’ a pathway to the ground and thereby discharge itself through the lightning mast; preventing a flammable roof from being struck by the lightning instead. However, the masts are highly visible which defeats the object of having a thatched roof that blends into the environment. The mast has to be installed at a height derived from the lightning risk assessment whereby the correct angle of protection is given according to each lightning protection level. The lightning mast must be high enough to cover the enire building. “A free-standing lightning mast must be earthed and bonded

Enquiries: www.dehn-africa.com

• DEHN’s LPS components for use specifically on thatched roofs are recommended for the following reasons: • The lightning current-carrying core of these conductors is coated with insulating material in such a way that the required separation distance to other conductive structural features or electric lines and pipes is easily maintained. There are no further measures required. • Flexibility and safety at the highest level are offered. • Appearance and design are becoming increasingly important for modern buildings. • HVI® conductors can be installed behind the façade, while HVI® conductors with grey sheathing can be painted the same colour as the building. • For the client (home-owner and architect) this means optimal adjustment to the architecture of the building and completely new design possibilities. • Installation takes place directly next to conductive structural parts or electric lines or pipes. • In addition, the LPS components for use specifically on thatched roofs are easy to mount – with modular components and the use of special tools, such as the HVI®-Strip, mounting is safe, quick and easy. • The LPS components are flexible when retrofitting, and subsequent installation on the roof is possible without adapting the lightning protection system.

PROTECT APPLIANCES AGAINST POWER SURGES

LED DRIVER SURGE PROTECTORS

W ith the growing demand for electricity on our power grid, and the unpredictable supply of power from both Eskom and your local mu- nicipality, along with load shedding it is important to have all valuable appliances protected from power surges. A power surge can occur when power is restored after an interruption in the electricity supply, load shedding, vandal- ism to substations, cable theft, general power outages and when socket outlets are overloaded as a result of plugging in too many devices to the same socket. Even though the duration of a spike is typically less than a thousandth of a second, never underestimate the extent of damage that could be caused to household appliances and electronic equipment. Generally, when speaking of a surge, most people would think of a lightning strike. A lightning induced surge can similarly cause irreparable damage to your electronics and household appliances. A dip in power or what is referred to as a ‘brown-out’ can also cause damage to equipment in your home. This oc-

small surges and dips in power – some that we may not even notice – the electronic parts in your equipment are degraded and parts may suffer damage. As we live in a country with unstable power supply, care to protect our household appliances and electronic equip- ment is paramount. Ellies has a range of surge protectors to cater for all needs at the home or at the office. The range includes medium surge protection adaptors, multiplugs and extension leads, plugs to protect fridges and TVs, and a high surge range with a R30 000, two-year surge war- ranty for protection of items including the telephone, fax machine or modem. Always buy good quality electrical products to use with appliances and electronic equipment, and check them reg- ularly to make sure they are in good working order. Ensure that all the electrical wiring from the distribution board to the sockets is compliant and only allow qualified electri- cians to work on the electrical wiring in a home or office.

MIMIC COMPONENTS has on offer LED driver surge protectors for series and parallel connections. The range includes thermal disconnect with built in indicators to monitor the protection status. The surge protector has a status indicator or 5 A relay contact for remote monitoring, tripping and the like. As most LED drivers do not have surge suppression between earth ground and any of the input wires – and because of the effect these have during hi-pot testing – it has been established that it is more practical to install the devices in the fixture or external to the LED driver. The maximum surge rating required is 10 kA for the high exposure level. Mimic’s surge protectors are fitted with four 10 kA varistors and connected to improve the differential mode surge capability. In addition, the LED driver surge protectors are fitted with EMI filters, containing X and Y capacitors and specially wound inductors to eliminate the flickering effect sometimes found when using LED light dimmers as well as when using emergency generators during blackout periods. They provide additional surge protection for long term reliability to minimise failure of LED lighting systems. LED driver surge protectors also suppress noise that causes interference to electronic equipment and entertainment systems.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 490 3800

curs when the power supply drops usually by a fault in the distribution network, or when your electric- ity supplier reduces the supply. A dip in power can also be caused by appliances that draw a large amount of power when in use – you may see a slight dimming of your lights when this occurs. Surges and dips in power are beyond our control. Even though your equipment may not suffer a catastrophic failure during a surge or brown-out, over time with the

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 689 5700

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019