Sparks Electrical News January 2022

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

6

VETI 3 leads the way with Switched on Style

T he VETI range from Major Tech has always set the standard for style, elegance and reliability when it comes to electrical fittings, from switches and sockets through to lights, dimmers and control- lers, as well as strict adherence to local and international standards. One of the reasons for the long-term success of the VETI range is the company’s focus on listening to and adapting to the needs of cus- tomers. Another is the confidence customers have that VETI products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards and will per- form as required, whether it is a switch or a complex multi-coloured lighting automation installation. Major Tech has therefore launched its third range of VETI products, the VETI 3 series, offering elegant enhancements, stylish and sophis- ticated finishes, while ensuring the products are affordable and more adaptable than ever. The series is both IEC certified as well as SANS compliant. VETI 3 offers a wide range of matt colour finishes, including White, Titanium, Graphite and Bronze, and it has simplified the installation process allowing for easy customisation that can be accomplished quickly and safely. Covers and switches can be swapped out and changed to meet the style and ambiance of any room rapidly, with only a screwdriver in hand. Gone are the days when once the switch or socket was installed, you could not change the colour without replacing the whole unit.

Moreover, VETI’s popular patented socket with the two V-Slim 16A sockets (SANS164-2), the new SA 3-pin standard, and two standard 16A round pin sockets (SANS164-1) have also been made available in VETI 3, offering more versatile functionality. Major Tech has also catered for communications sockets (satel- lite and data sockets) in dual socket combination at the same price as a single socket. There is also a switched dual 2.1 A USB socket outlet which complies with all relevant local and international stand- ards, combined with V-Slim sockets (SANS 164-2) and SA round pin sockets (SANS164-1). Electricians will also appreciate the simplified bridging options in certain multi-switch products. Instead of having to manually bridge switches, VETI 3 includes an internal bridge which automatically bridges the switches after the electrician has attached a single electri- cal cable to the input terminal. Not only does this enhance the safety of the installation, but it also makes it simpler and faster for electri- cians to get the job done. The new VETI 3 range of switches, socket outlets and communica- tion points incudes the best features of the VETI 2 product range in an expanded, versatile and affordable solution. Electricians and contrac- tors will benefit from being able to offer a broader range of elegant solutions to customers, while customers will benefit from easily cus- tomisable wall accessories that contribute to the overall elegance of their homes and offices at a surprisingly affordable price point.

default part of any building or room, they are used every day and there- fore VETI 3 ensures that these mostly ignored components also en- hance the ambiance and elegance of a room. The ultra slim design of the VETI 3 has a modern and stylish look, sporting large switch covers for easy switching. The switches have a toggle action with the unique feature of being flat in the Off position, and slightly ajar when in the On position. The VETI 3 cover plates and switch covers have an array of inter- changeable matt colour finishes to suit any interior. Major Tech sup- plies five colour combinations to simplify the selection process. These combinations are a bronze cover with titanium switch, a titanium cover with graphite switch, a graphite cover with titanium switch, a graphite cover with graphite switch and a white cover with white switch. Due to the safe customisation process unique to the VETI 3 range, custom- ers can decide on any colour combination to ensure a stylish finish to match their décor. In addition, a combination of two-way and Bell Press switches are available as a standard selection. Each switch includes a luminous fluorescent strip which glows when charged by sunlight or the lighting in the room. These strips do not consume electricity, and the glow will therefore only be visible in areas where they are exposed to sufficient light that is able to charge the fluorescent strip. The same winning combinations The VETI 3 series is a new monoblock design with a range of socket outlets available in both 100 x 100 mm and 100 x 50 mm versions.

Change your style in two simple steps While switches, covers and electrical sockets are generally seen as a

Enquiries: 086 162 5678

I n September, Pepperl+Fuchs strengthened its Mobile Computing and Communication business unit by acquiring Aava Mobile Oy. The Finland-based company is a specialist for the design and manufacturing of latest technology, ruggedised industrial smartphones and tablet computers, and has been sold to Mannheim/Germany-based Pepperl+Fuchs Group. “We are delighted to bring our strength in designing next generation industrial smartphones and tablet computers into Pepperl+Fuchs Group and we expect numerous synergies out of this new setup,” says Markus Appel, CEO of Aava Mobile Oy. “Aava's competence in designing enterprise mobile devices complements our ecom brand, the Mobile Computing and Communication business unit, and gives us access to leading- edge design competence,” states Dr. Gunther Kegel, CEO of Pepperl+Fuchs SE. Founded in 1945, Pepperl+Fuchs today is a “700 Mio. € +” (R11 bil.) company employing approximately 6000 people and holding market-leading positions in industrial sensors and explosion protection equipment. Their business unit Mobile Computing and Communication was established in 2017 with the takeover of the German company ecom instruments GmbH. The business unit provides explosion-protected industrial smartphones and tablet computers to the global process industry. Strong partnership: Aava Mobile Oy joins Pepperl+Fuchs

BMG World goes green

the CPI rate. “Deteriorating infrastructure in central Johannesburg has led to increasing and lengthy power outages and thus increased running costs. “Added to this is the inconvenience of regular load- shedding - due to Eskom’s challenges to meet demand - which results in increased costs through running gen- erators to ensure reliability of our supply-chain. “BMG’s conversion to green energy is being imple- mented in a phased approach. Phase 1, now completed, will allow BMG to run the main distribution facility and reception building on solar.” Phase 1 comprises a system encompassing 1 000 Longi (PV) cells, six Huawei inverters, that convert the DC generated into useable AC, and an Eaton integration system, which controls the solar and inbound council power supply and the diesel generators. In Phase 2, more solar panels will be installed on the BMG World structure and on the adjacent Fluid Technol- ogy and Mechanical Drives buildings. This project, which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2022, will mean that the entire BMG World campus will be running off solar during normal working hours. Phase 3 will see further panels being erected on the new warehouse building, with the possibility of feed- ing this power back into the grid. This phase can only be implemented once legislation and local council by- laws permit. This agreement is currently under review and would potentially allow power generated by BMG World’s solar system to be fed to other BMG branches in the greater Johannesburg area.

BMG has commissioned a 450 kW solar plant at BMG World, the company’s central distribution and manufactur- ing site and head office, in Johannesburg. “The first phase of BMG’s new solar plant - which was installed by Emergent Energy, a specialist pro- vider of green energy solutions - forms part of the company’s three phase solar project,” explains Darryn Wright, Group Marketing Executive, Engineering Solu- tions Group (ESG). “This renewable energy initiative will contribute to BMG’s commitment to enhancing an eco- friendly environment by reducing the carbon footprint of its largest site. This installation will also significantly lower electricity costs at BMG World. “Emergent Energy has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BMG, effectively becoming a sup- plier of electricity to BMG. The cost of each unit of elec- tricity supplied, is substantially lower than local council tariffs, thus giving BMG a substantial saving. These sav- ings are likely to increase in time, as the council tariffs increase. “Photovoltaic (PV) modules – which use daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity - are gaining popularity globally as a form of renewable energy that is clean, emission-free, sustainable, safe, and cost efficient. Planning for a solar system formed part of the major extension to BMG World in 2015. The new warehouse was designed to not only accommodate solar panels, but it was also aligned to ensure maximum solar panel efficiency. “Our major reasons for transitioning to solar are four- fold – reducing the carbon footprint of our distribution site and head office and lowering costs, especially as the Eskom tariffs have been consistently increasing above

Enquiries: www.pepperl-fuchs.com

Enquiries: www.bmgworld.net

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2022