Sparks Electrical News March 2021

MARCH 2021

E L E C T R I C A L N E W S www.sparkselectricalnewsmagazine.co.za

REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE: TOOLS OF THE TRADE | FEATURES: ENERGY MEASUREMENT & SUPPLY | TOOLS OF THE TRADE | LIGHTING

WHAT DOES 5G MEAN FOR OUR LIVES (AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS)?

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F rom the time of the origins of humans when hunter-gatherers ran across the open Savannah chasing a buck for dinner, all people have been constantly immersed in radio waves. Way back then it was radio waves from deep space, but then shortly before the Boer War, Heinrich Hertz showed that mathematical predictions of the nature of electromagnetism were correct and that radio waves could be intentionally transmitted from one antenna to another. So today your hi-fi and electrical wall plug show frequency in Hertz (Hz). We laugh when we hear that a news reporter asked Hertz what the practical applications of his work were and he re- plied; “None, I just wanted to show that the mathematical predic- tions of electromagnetism were correct.” The maths also showed that radio waves and light were the same thing, it was only the frequency which was different. As the 20 th century progressed, the whole electromagnetic spectrum was investigated in extensive depth, from the lowest frequencies to the highest. For day-to-day practicality we name portions of this continuous spectrum with various commercial names, such as radio, FM radio, light, X-rays, microwaves, ultraviolet, infrared, VHF, UHF, and more. They are all the same thing, but with different frequencies. The dif- ferent frequencies result in different properties. For example, the human eye has evolved to see that part which we call light. Re- searchers say that some insects appear to be able to see some Ultraviolet (UV), but people can’t. All types of radio-wave devices exploded onto the world stage, particularly over the last half-century, and radio-wave traffic of all sorts increased dramatically. People are now daily exposed to FM radio, TV broadcast, police radio, aircraft positioning beacons, and at times other types, such as X-rays or other medical scanners. Because of all the commercial and military applications, scien- tists have investigated everything that can be thought of concern-

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Help combat climate change with SF6-free MV switchgear

S outh Africa’s 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) indicates that the move to diversify the energy sector is gaining momentum, and that it will help reduce the country’s reliance on carbon- intense technologies and greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to note, says Marcel Buckner, ESS Business Development Manager at Eaton Africa, that the intended move away from coal-fired power gen- eration is very positive, and that the choice of materi- als used in electrical systems of new constructions, especially those containing harmful gasses, could have a negative effect on the environment. The European Commission (EC) is currently as-

from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showing that concentrations of SF6 in our air have more than doubled over the last 20 years. For comparison, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has grown by around 11% over the same period. South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions are among the highest in the world, with emissions of approximately 10 metric tonnes per capita per year. This has been ascribed to our coal intensive energy system, as well as changes in land use profiles, which exceeds the emission levels of many other develop- ing countries of a similar size and profile. How can we reverse this trend? South Africa has signed several multinational envi- ronmental agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNF- CCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Our country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2025, and enacted the National Environmental Man- agement: Air Quality Act in 2004. The country’s Department of Environment, For- estry and Fisheries also published a notice gov- erning the submission of ‘Subsequent Pollution Prevention Plans’ under that Act, in October 2020, proposing a process to manage carbon budgets for 2021 and 2022. Renewable Energy The broader problem of SF6’s contribution to the greenhouse effect has, in recent years, been compounded by the proliferation of green energy sources. Whereas generation capacity came pre- dominantly from a few, large installations like coal and gas plants, the renewable sector is construct- ing many smaller wind and solar plants; all of them utilising switchgear, some of which still make use of SF6-filled switchgear instead of safer and environ- mentally friendly alternatives. Many companies and organisations are opting for alternative and more environmentally friendly insulating materials. Hydro Extrusions, a global supplier of aluminium based in Norway, renewed its switchgear last year and opted for solid and vacuum insulation-based units with similar size and performance qualities to the SF6-based al- ternative. In 2017, Zenium Data Centres opted for SF6-free switchgear in its new purpose-built data centre, London One, as did the six-kilometre Stock- holm City Line rail tunnel. In South Africa, large data centres, some utilities and several shopping centres, have already imple- mented SF6-free switchgear. Action today, policy tomorrow The EU regulation No 517/2014 on fluorinated green- house gases, requires in article 21 (4) for the com- mission to assess whether there are cost-effective, technically feasible, energy efficient and reliable al- ternatives to SF6, which make the replacement of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) possible in new MV secondary switchgear. The current report re- sponds to this requirement under the regulation and in addition focuses on new MV primary switchgear and switchgear with higher voltages as well as gen- erator circuit breakers and other equipment related to switchgear. The F-gas targeted in the EU regulation report is SF6, which has been used in switchgear for dec- ades as an insulation material and current breaking medium. SF6 has a lifetime of 3 200 years in the atmosphere and any increase in atmospheric levels is effectively locked-in for several millennia, which makes it even more urgent that we act now to pre- vent this from occurring. Raising awareness of current SF6-free switchgear, and alternatives, should lead to a greater demand for it and ultimately companies and organisations will specify and request it exclusively. As custodians of our planet, when we work together, we can make better and meaningful decisions to combat climate change.

MV switchgear. Globally, the energy industry utilises 80% of the SF6-gas that is manufactured. Many applications of F-gases have been prohib- ited or were scheduled for prohibition by the 2006 legislation and its first review in 2014. Utilising them in tyres was banned in mid-2007, and domestic refrigerators have not used them since the start of 2015. Earlier this year, the use of F-gases in some home air conditioners was outlawed across the Eu- ropean Union (EU). The significance of the gas as a driver of global warming is growing continually, with measurements

sessing the availability of alternatives to fluorinated greenhouse gases in switchgear and related equip- ment, including medium voltage (MV) secondary switchgear. The EC’s decision will be significant in Europe’s battle against climate change. F-gases are a range of chemicals involving fluorine that have been used for a variety of things including the manufacture of shoes, tennis balls, windows, and as a coolant in refrigerators. The F-gases include SF6 – or sulphur hexafluoride – that has a global warming potential of around 23 500 times greater than carbon dioxide. SF6 is still used by many manu- facturers as an insulator and switching medium in

Enquiries: www.eaton.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021

SPARKS DIGITAL

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Switches, sockets and so much more

Crabtree South Africa first opened its doors in 1947, as a subsidiary of a UK parent company. From those early days, the Crabtree ethos is to be a company that meets the high demands of its customers through the provision of technically supe- rior products, unrivalled service and superior support and back-up infra- structure. In 2018 Crabtree was purchased by Siemens South Africa a subsidiary of the Siemens AG business based in Germany. The Crabtree business, Crabtree South Africa (Pty) Ltd became part of the Siemens Low Voltage division, managed by Electrium Sales LTD in the UK also a leading supplier of Electrical Accessories and Circuit Protection Equipment. The company’s world-class tech- nical abilities are well recognised. Crabtree has won several techno- logical awards for its ever- expand- ing branded range of products that continue to add value and quality to South African homes and busi- nesses.

Learn how to install the locally produced Drywall Box from Crabtree. Watch the step-by-step video by scanning the QR code.

Learn more about Crabtree’s range of Topaz USB combo switches and sockets. Scan the QR code to watch the video.

What’s sparking on our website?

Compulsory standards for Cable Gland: SANS 1213:2020 Unscrupulous, substandard manufacturers offer poor quality glands based purely on price with no guarantee of long-term safety and reliability.

Exterior lighting for Skukuza Safari Lodge BEKA Schréder has supplied some of the exterior lighting, which includes LED bollards, as well as the LED bulkhead luminaires to the newly-built Skukuza Safari Lodge.

New leadership appointments at Schneider Electric for sustainable business growth in Africa With one internal and one external appointment, Schneider Electric is demonstrating its confidence in its existing talent while acknowledging the importance of bringing new expertise and insight into the organisation Coca-Cola goes solar Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has ramped up its solar power generation capacity, totalling seven out of 13 manufacturing facilities now using solar power around the country.

Take control of your power

The current market can be described as challenging for electrical contractors. The economy is complex, customer needs are forever changing, and it can be quite difficult to build solid foundations when the ground seems to move continuously.

Did you miss our February issue?

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ISSUE

Cover story Zest WEG’s four decades in Africa have produced a powerful local manufactur- ing base, and a growing footprint across sub-Saharan Africa – strengthening supply chains and local economies. And the winners are… As with most things over the last 12 months, the annual Sparks Electrical News competi- tion, this year under the theme, ‘Kick 2020 Into Touch’, did not go to plan. Despite COVID-19 regulations, the draw went ahead, albeit differently – find out if you are a winner. Regulation in SA: are you simply accepting the existing norm? To protect consumers against unsafe products, regulatory processes were first introduced in South Africa during the 1980s and these pro- cesses became formalised by the publication of compulsory safety specifications for various products. What has changed since then?

Working Knowledge with Terry Mackenzie Hoy There’s this guy, Clinton Ober. He had a midlife crisis and travelled around looking for enlightenment. He grounded himself, slept better, felt better, tried it on friends and did research. This has sparked a whole movement and an industry of grounding products. Buyers Guide The February 2021 Buyers’ Guide lists manufacturers and distributors of products and services in the DBs, Switches, Sockets and Protection sector.

Scan the QR code to read the full issue.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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BI consolidates Tier 2 electrical products under Alpha brand

F ollowing the recent successful launch of the Alpha Drive Micro and the Alpha Drive Plus range of Variable Speed Drives, leading sup- plier Bearings International (BI) is excited to announce the rebranding of its Bauer range of electric motors to Alpha. The growth of BI’s market share in electric motors is one of the major strategic initiatives it undertook in 2019, culminating in the recent announcement of its partnership with ABB to include high-efficiency IE3 electric motors. The advantages of the partnership with ABB include dealing with a local supplier versus direct imports and

motors and aluminium housing three-phase asyn- chronous motors, all with the latest design and select- ed quality materials that conform to the IEC standard. The MA range of Bauer motors perform extremely well in even the toughest environments. This range has been designed to give reliable performance, and is also easy to maintain. With a 0.18 kW to 7.5 kW out- put, these motors are lightweight and have low noise emission.

have decided to consolidate our Tier 2 electrical prod- ucts into one brand name, namely Alpha. Therefore, the Bauer electric motors will be changing to Alpha from January,” reports BI product manager Andries Barnard. The part numbers, colour, quality and pricing will all remain the same. The only change will be on the nameplate of the motor itself from Bauer to Alpha. “Our ambition is to clearly align the brands of our electrical products, compared to our power and trans- mission products, with these two clear brands,” notes Barnard. BI has a wide range of aluminium frame electric

the availability of quick technical back-up and support. BI has extended its motor range in size, with a 400 V and 525 V offering, allowing it to be able to supply projects in the mining industry. ABB, in turn, will be able to leverage from BI’s exten- sive 42-branch network across South Africa, covering all the major mining and industrial areas where BI has a major footprint. The availability of IE3 high-efficien- cy motors from ABB will be especially welcomed by these sectors, where cost-effectiveness and total cost of ownership are key in an increasingly difficult trading environment. “With our premium Tier 1 brand now being ABB, we

Enquiries: info@bearings.co.za

CMP Products receives South African Certificate of Approval L eading cable gland manufacturer, CMP Prod- ucts, has achieved approval to South African National Standard (SANS) 60079 for its range of hazardous area cable glands and accessories.The latest accreditation comes as CMP continues its push for growth across South Africa and the wider African continent, providing choice and access to products directly from Johannesburg. The widely respected Johannesburg-based noti- fied Body, Explolabs, worked alongside CMP’s certifi- cation team to issue the formal IA certificates for 14 product ranges including A2F, Triton and TruSeal, as well as stopper plugs, adaptors and reducers. SANS 60079 standards ensure that customers seeking in-country approval know that products are tested against an extensive list of criteria including ingress protection, heat resistance and cable reten- tion. Clinton Vieira, South Africa Regional Manager said: “CMP is a global leader in the manufacture of cable glands and whilst we have relevant interna- tional approvals on all of our products, we have been listening closely to what our South African custom- ers are telling us. As a result we are delivering shorter lead times, wider choice and IA certification to SANS 60079. The new certification forms part of our strat- egy for growth within South Africa in particular and started with our recent investment in new premises in Johannesburg last year.” Commenting on the strategy for growth dur- ing the pandemic, Vieira added: “The certification work is a good way of keeping our strategy on track whilst everyone does their best to tackle the pan- demic. We wish to assure customers throughout South Africa that our operations base in the UK is continuing to manufacture at full strength, with un- interrupted deliveries into Johannesburg.” About SABS and SANS • SABS is the national standardisation institu- tion in South Africa who develop, promote, and maintain the South African National Standards (SANS) - www.sabs.co.za • SANS accreditation certificates are a formal recognition that an organisation is competent to perform specific tasks. • The SANS series of standards for explosive at- mosphere cable glands is SANS 60079. In order to sell cable glands within South Africa, ac- creditation to SANS 60079 standards is highly rec- ommended.

Enquiries: www.cmp-products.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Boost your business with prepaid L ast year had its challenges, but it has also opened up new windows of opportunities for small businesses and contractors alike.

the value of recognising the importance of people is incalculable. Citiq Prepaid is South Africa’s most trusted prepaid sub-metering service provider, offering superb service, support and products. The company works with con- tractors to create opportunities, support their growth, and ensure that everyone is happy – from the cus- tomer to the contractor.

you can expand your business and customer base through word of mouth, shared markets and high-end solutions. This is the perfect time for contractors to work with partners to help themmake the most of op- portunities and deliver even better service to custom- ers. As the market continues to struggle with the pan- demic, trusted partners can make all the difference. “The next few months will be defined by change and shifting market needs,” says Basson. “Staying ahead of this change and remaining ahead of the curve is challenging. Partnerships allow you to explore new markets, unpack new opportunities, and poten- tially find new revenue streams that you didn’t con- sider in the past.” 3. Leverage opportunities There are not many loyalty programmes designed spe- cifically for the electrical contractor, but the Citiq Installa- tion Club (CIC) was the first in South Africa. This loyalty programme supports contractors and wholesalers by providing them with additional resources and benefits that are relevant to their business and industry. “We de- signed the CIC to be simple, accessible and financially beneficial,” says Basson. “You gain immediate benefits from your installation of Citiq Prepaid sub-metering so- lutions, receiving a voucher worth R500 which can be redeemed at your preferred Citiq Prepaid wholesaler once a certain number of meters are installed. The more you install, the more you earn. Plus, you become part of the country’s largest installer database.”

come less and less relevant. In fact, people are gravi- tating towards companies and individuals who show compassion and humanity during an unprecedented time in history. Work with people you trust, sweat the customer’s small stuff, and ensure your prepaid sub- meters are of exceptional quality. If your customers know that you use the best prepaid sub-meters, of- fer high-end service, and connect them to a trusted service provider, they will recommend you to others and keep you on speed-dial. And, in times like these,

And now, more than ever, it is imperative that con- tractors focus on building successful businesses ca- pable of managing tough times and ready to take on the good times. With that in mind, here are four ways for electrical contractors to boost their business with prepaid sub-meters. 1. Jump on the trends One of the biggest trends to emerge from 2020 was working from home (WFH). People turned their homes into offices, parking their computers on any- thing that offered them privacy and a space to work. They had to adapt to a landscape that had changed dramatically and find new ways of working. At first, it was a holding pattern as people waited to see what happened. Now, desks and office chairs are selling out as people start to make plans for a longer-term ap- proach to WFH. With this in mind, they are also looking to their companies and accountants to help reduce home expenses like electricity and connectivity. And this is where prepaid sub-meters come in. “There has been a sharp rise in the demand for prepaid sub-meters thanks to the WFH trend,” says Jaqueline Basson, CIC Loyalty Manager at Citiq Pre- paid. “This is the perfect opportunity for contractors to take advantage of a growing market.” 2. Build relationships Focus on building relationships with companies and customers this year. With the right people at your side,

Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za

4. Pay attention to people The old adage ‘it’s not personal; it’s business’ has be-

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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WORKING KNOWLEDGE WITH TERRY MACKENZIE HOY

E lectric fences are everywhere. They are used for security, for stock control, for game fences… they are very effective. I was in Kenya, next to Lake Naivasha, and we were out on a jetty admiring the sunset. After a time, we heard somebody calling us. It was a park ranger. He shouted that we had to come back to the shore. We did and asked why. He told us that hippos were coming out of the lake and might attack us. Huh? So, we walked towards a shore side restaurant. On the way there was a low single strand electric fence, no more than half a metre high. We asked what it was for. “To keep the hippos away.” We laughed. At the restaurant we sat at a table on the outside deck and ordered drinks. It soon became dark, and looking towards the lake we saw a shape of some- thing on the shore. A sort of black shape about the size of a shipping container, only not as high. Then it sprang into focus. It was a hippo. A huge hippo. And yes… it did not walk beyond the line of the small elec- tric fence. Electric fences consist of the following components: a battery, a fence energizer, insulators, fence posts, HT cable and a fencing conductor. The battery keeps the fence energized when the power is off and is used for storage if the fence is operated from a solar cell. The HT cable connects the energizer to the fencing con- ductor. The fencing conductor can be wire (normally stainless steel or galvanized wire) or nylon cord into which has been woven a thin metallic conductor. This is quite a handy idea since you can join two cords by tying them together. If you want to camouflage the cord you can spray it various camo colours (grey and white work well). Energizers apply a high voltage to the fence, normally as a series of pulses. The installation as a whole is governed by various SANS codes of practice which limit the power and Electric fences. And hippos…

Helping the South African power grid brave thunderstorms

voltage that can be delivered to the fence so that people or animals are repelled by the fence and not electrocuted. It is worth noting that connecting the 220 V supply from the local power supply to a fence will result in prosecution on serious charges if a per- son is injured or even just shocked by it. The kit for a simple electric fence (say 50 m long) will cost about R10 000 including the battery. A fence installed will be double this. It is possible to make your own electric fence (but before I continue, all that follows is entirely at the risk of the person who undertakes such a pro- ject). First, the battery. Any battery will do. A golf cart bat- tery rated at 12 V will work fine. It need be rated at no more than 10 amp hour. It should be supplied with a charger which connects to the mains or a solar pow- er charger with a regulator, both rated at 30 W. You can make the energizer as follows: Obtain a motor car ignition coil from a scrap yard and a 12 V interval repeating timer from a parts shop (such as Electro- mechanica). Wire up the timer so it switches the bat- tery to the coil at about a four second interval with an ‘on time’ of about 1 second. You can use car engine HT ignition cable to connect to the fence conductor. You can make the fence conductor by wrapping stain- less steel wire around a nylon cord. Insulators can be made from any spare plastic – they don’t have to have all the bumps and fins of the commercial insula- tors, however, I recommend you buy these, it’s much less of a hassle. Unfortunately, electric fence installations are very ugly. The current installations seem to scream, “I’m an electric fence!” which is perhaps comforting to some people who need a feeling of security. To many others, the electric fences are ugly and lend a drab, industrialised look to what would otherwise be beau- tiful. A pity.

S outh Africa is the leading services destination, regional manufacturing hub and the most indus- trialised country in Africa. This makes it imperative to be supported by access to reliable power. To maintain availability and reliability of power supply across the country’s power network of more than 31 000 km requires consistent efforts by utilities and the use of innovative solutions. Cli- mate and geography can pose crucial challenges in such situations. Experts predict an increase in the number and severity of thunderstorms in South Africa due to climate change and global warming. Also, the landscape of South Africa is dotted with moun- tains and high plateaus. Transmission line towers installed in such terrain and height have higher chances of being struck by lightning, causing failure of critical equipment in the power network and leading to a blackout. Experts predict an increase in the number and severity of thunder- storms in South Africa due to climate change and global warming. To protect South Africa’s power network from such risks, an innovative solution can now be applied – Hitachi ABB Power Grids line surge arrester (LSA) Pexlink. Surge arresters are the primary protection device for critical equipment in the electrical net- work from over-voltages caused by switching operations or natural atmospheric events. They

protect the equipment from serious damage that can lead to costly downtime, expensive equipment failure and potentially harm per- sonnel. For utilities, this translates into pro- tection of key equipment like transformers and improved transmission line availability. The advantage of the PEXLINK solution to the utility is to improve the outage rate of the transmission line by installing LSAs on selected towers along the transmission line. The selection of towers for installation of the LSAs is done through simulation stud- ies to achieve optimal performance of the line LSAs. In case of a back flashover, part of the lightning current in the affected tower is shunted through the LSA(s). The LSAs in the towers in the immediate vicinity then act as the next layers of protection, shunting the current from the phase to the ground. These multiple layers of protection enable a con- stant, uninterrupted power supply from the utility to the consumer. Pexlink also eliminates the need for in- vestment in additional infrastructure to in- crease the reliability of the grid, like instal- lation of redundant transmission lines. In South Africa, this means the conservation of the ecology and biodiversity. The possibility to monitor surge arrest- ers makes predictive maintenance of surge arresters possible, as well as analysis of transmission line events. Hitachi ABB Power Grids Excount-II includes these monitoring features while ensuring safe operation of the grid. The Excount-II is a unique monitoring system that provides the utility with safe and effective monitoring of LSAs using remote reading for maximum personnel safety. With these solutions, South Africa’s transmission system is made more ro- bust against lightning-induced blackouts, thereby enabling a constant reliable sup- ply of power to consumers from bulk and distributed renewable energy sources, enabling consumers across the region to benefit from sustainable energy.

ing electromagnetic radiation. That includes biological effects, so as to develop medical X-ray devices, airport X-rays, medical MRI scanners, and anything that a scientist could find. Then it was all repeated, again and again. Meantime, other applications were developed and the first cellphone came about in 1983. But it was then called a car phone and was about the size of a modern laptop, but about 10 times as thick. After that first generation of phones, which worked with ‘spacial cells,’ later generations became smaller and better. There was a second generation, or 2G, followed by 3G, as even newer ideas occurred to the developers. South Africa’s first cellphone small enough to be carried clipped to one’s belt came on the scene just before the dawn of the 21 st century. But they were aimed at senior businesspeople and the wealthy elite. Nobody could imagine then that in due course schoolchildren and the piz- za delivery man would own cell phones, but now South Africa has one of the world’s highest cell phone penetration figures. The rapid world demand for this great idea spurred on the developers. They figured out how to send text mes- sages, with South Africa being one of the world’s first to do this. Then they found out how to send pictures, then small video clips. This meant that developers had to come up with a new generation of phones, which could send messages, then images, so they created a 3rd-generation, 3G, then 4G. The target was to send even more data and longer video. This target was 5G, but an interim step was called LTE (Long Term Evolution), or ‘trying to achieve the 5G target’. What is 5G? The latest generation of what a phone can do is 5G. A 5G system is going to be about a 10-fold improvement on the 4G system. So, what does this mean? The three big differences are; improved speed, bandwidth and latency. The ‘latency’ is the speed of your phone’s response to a signal. This means that in a video game you can shoot down space invaders faster be- cause the reaction time between your phone and the system is faster. Oh great! But there are other implications, like ordering a pizza to be delivered to your house by drone, which lands in your backyard next to your garden chair. The improved 5G system will allow for the faster reaction time and high data flow rate required to control the drone, and for the drone to use GPS to navigate and land accurately. To achieve this, the 5G will need many more signal anten- nae. The simple physics reason is that the higher frequencies required for the high data transmission do not travel very far, so one needs more antennae to cover any given area. But the antennae will be much smaller than before and can fit on a lamp post, rather than needing a large tower. More antennas also allow for more accurate positioning, like guiding you to the front door of a restaurant. However, to achieve the higher data transmission WHAT DOES 5G MEAN FOR OUR LIVES (AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS)?

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and also the positional accuracy, it is necessary to use higher frequencies. But higher frequencies do not penetrate very far into anything, so you need more antennae spread around, but at relatively low power. The term ‘high frequency’ can sound scary and some people have taken fright. There have been accusations that the new high frequencies could cause cancer, but they are so low powered that you cannot get more than about 1% of the dose limit that is classified as a ‘safe’ dose by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) a division of the WHO. By the way, IARC clas- sifies coffee and pickles as potential carcinogens in the same category as 5G electromagnetic radiation. 5G and electricity For all the benefits that 5G is expected to bring, its impact on smart cities, smart technologies, and even just its deployment will offer electrical contractors a lot of job opportunities. It will not only improve the efficiency of contractors who increasingly rely on mobile devices for productivity, but will also provide a great influx of new work to do in installing new cells and maintaining them. From improved lighting performance to more responsive building operations, 5G should introduce cutting-edge capabilities in the smart tech world. One of the main reasons for this? Greater sensor density – one of the most critical aspects of a smarter future. While 4G towers will remain, 5G is going to rely mainly on ‘smart cells.’ So how are we going to really maximise the potential of 5G? These small cells may need to be installed by the hundreds of thousands. By raising the number of sensors and transmitters, smart cities will have better functionality, better data-gathering capabilities, and a more powerful network overall. Back in 2016, a survey found that 51% of electricians with at least 10 years of experience preferred working on high-tech installations. This was up from just 24% in 2015. Working on more complex systems doesn’t just present chal- lenges that allow electricians to improve their craft, it also invites collabora- tion. On a commercial job site implementing a high-tech system, experienced electricians can mentor young electricians and apprentices, lessening the skills gap and even bringing new ideas to the forefront. Today, electricians who install these high-tech systems have to be almost as knowledgeable as the engineers who design them. The arrival and full implementation of 5G is new. But rest assured, it will make our world better, our lives better and for the electrical contractor, offer further opportunities for work.

Sources: Dr Kelvin Kemm, www.bbrief.co.za; www.ecmag.com; www.blog.cityelectricsupply.com

Enquiries: www.hitachiabb-powergrids.com.

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Firm local base sets up Zest WEG for Africa growth E stablishing a strong local manufacturing base in South Africa has been integral to Zest WEG’s success over the past decade, building the economy and providing an important springboard into Africa.

over the years been able to engage South African authorities about local content requirements and industry development opportunities. “Our business – both in Brazil and South Africa – has put our weight behind economic empowerment and transformation, focusing heavily on local suppliers and local skills,” he says. Zest WEG’s investment in human capital exceeds the portion of payroll de- manded by B-BBEE in local training. Among other initiatives is a bursary pro- gramme, and it will shortly employ its third electrical engineer from this scheme. Vargas highlights the powerful launchpad that this groundwork has created for growing the company’s footprint in Africa, where it also applies its local develop- ment philosophy by partnering with in-country Value Added Resellers (VARs).

This process has aligned closely with the strate- gic approach of Brazil-based parent organisation WEG, which prioritises its member companies’ ca- pability, efficiency and innovation on a local level, according to Juliano Vargas, CEO of Zest WEG. “This has required considerable investment in our local production capacity and skills base,” says Vargas. “The outcome to date has been very suc- cessful, with Zest WEG developing its local struc- ture and supply chain while working to world-class standards and supported by WEG innovation.” As an example, he notes that Zest WEG today achieves almost 90% local content capability for its transformers and more than 70% local content capability for other products such as E-houses and panels. These products form part of the compa- ny’s wide range of solutions, including electric mo- tors; drives; switchgear; energy generation; electri- cal infrastructure and generator sets, with different levels of localisation. This locally developed supply chain delivers var- ious benefits to customers, says Vargas. These in- clude short lead times, as there is little reliance on Europe, China or the US for parts and components. “The impacts to our market are considerable, and we have more predictability and control of our supply chain,” he says. The company has em- braced South Africa’s commitment to transfor- mation, achieving Level 1 B-BBEE status and by investing heavily in training and enterprise devel- opment. It helped that WEG is a member of the BRICS Business Council (representing Brazil), so it has Hyde Park Corner rolls out solar panel project T he carbon footprint of Hyde Park Corner has decreased with the installation of a 384 kWp solar PV system on the two office block roofs and carports on the North Eastern park- ing deck. The system, rolled out by Solareff, consists of 900 430 W half cut Mono Percium panels which are currently the most commercially efficient panels available. The panels will generate approximately 674 400 kWh energy per annum translating into saving of approximately 701.4 tons in carbon emis- sions every year which equates to 5.38% of the to- tal annual energy requirements at Hyde Park being produced from renewable resources. The mall’s holding company is conscious of the business’s environmental impact. Hyprop CEO, Morné Wilken comments: “As part of Hyprop’s drive to continually minimise the impact on the environ- ment, one of our key focus areas is to reduce the consumption of natural resources where possible. The installation of solar, a renewable energy source, is only part of our drive towards positive change in creating safe environments and spaces where people can connect and be part of a community. At completion, six of our nine malls will be making use of solar power.” Hyde Park Corner’s Jacqui McGeehan expands: “This roll-out of solar panels will also mitigate the risk of continuous, rising electricity costs for the company.”

Enquiries: www.zestweg.com

The Zest WEG panel manufacturing facility in Robertsham.

Enquiries: www.solareff.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021

TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS BUYERS' GUIDE

8

MANUFACTURERS

POWER TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

SEALANTS AND LUBRICANTS

EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE

ABB SA ACDC Dynamics Brady South Africa Electroparts HellermannTyton Indlovu Enterprises

ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of power tools and accessories Atlas Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY Bellco Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY Bosch Power tools for drilling, driving, grinding, cutting, metalworking and woodworking Citilec Full range of power tools and accessories Electrahertz Range of power tools and accessories HellermannTyton Electric Terminal Crimper (EK50ML) – high speed crimping Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) Comprehensive range of corded and cordless power tools and accessories Phambili Interface Full range of power tools and accessories Voltex Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY Waco Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY DRAWWIRES AND AIR-DRIVEN SYSTEMS

ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of sealants and lubricants Atlas CRC and other well-known brands Bellco CRC and other well-known brands Electrahertz Range of sealants and lubricants Electroparts Full range of sealants and lubricants HellermannTyton FOSPRO – Penetrating fluid and lubricate for various applications Pratley Full range of sealants and lubricants Voltex CRC and other well-known brands Waco CRC and other well-known brands STRIPPERS

Magnet Electrical Supplies Surgetek Major Tech Full range of electrode resistance instruments Megger MFT Voltex Full range of electrode resistance instruments Waco Full range of electrode resistance instruments ENVIRONMENTAL TESTERS

Legrand Megger Phoenix Contact Pratley DISTRIBUTORS ACDC Dynamics ACTOM Electrical Products ARB Electrical Wholesalers Atlas Bellco Citilec Comtest Denver Technical Products

ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of humidity temperature, wind and sound environmental testers Atlas Various well-known brands available Bellco Various well-known brands available Comtest A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Environmental Testers Digital Lux meter (T630), 0-200 000 Lux; Sound level tester (T325), Type 2 sound level meter, sampling rate 2s; Anemometer/Hygro/Lux/ Temperature (T8000), LCD display Major Tech Full comprehensive range of environmental testers Voltex Various well-known brands available HV PROBES ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of HV probes Atlas Various well-known brands available ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of HV probes Bellco Various well-known brands available Comtest A range of Seawood and Amprobe HV probes Denver Technical Products High voltage probes, transducers and measurement for ac and dc applications Electrahertz Range of HV probes Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of HV probes HellermannTyton High Voltage Detector (HVD) - HV system is alive or dead; High Voltage Detector (THVD) - IEC 61243-1 for voltages above 1kV 50/60Hz; High Voltage Tester (TPC11K) - High Voltage Phase Comparators/Live Line Tester/Voltage Detector Voltex Various well-known brands available INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING ACDC Dynamics Full range of infrared thermal imagers ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of infrared thermal imagers Atlas Various well-known brands available Bellco Various well-known brands available Comtest A full range of Fluke Industrial portable thermal cameras and Optris Fixed infrared cameras Electrahertz Range of thermal imagers Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of thermal imagers HellermannTyton Full range; Thermal IR Camera (THT45), 80x80pixels, PIP function; Thermal Imager (TPK80), 160x120 pixels, integrated tablet, communicates in real time Magnet Electrical Supplies HellermannTyton; Major Tech; Fluke Major Tech Full range of infrared thermal imagers R&C Instrumentation Infrared inspection windows; infrared thermal imagers, fixed and portable Voltex Various well-known brands available Waco Various well-known brands available COMPLIANCE TESTERS ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of compliance testers Atlas Various well-known brands available Bellco Various well-known brands available Comtest A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Electrahertz Range of compliance testers Electroparts Full range of compliance testers HellermannTyton Full range including Kits; Compact Digital Compliance Kits (TCTCDK) – full selection of compliance testers; Analogue Compliance Kit(TCTRP); Compliance Tester (MACROG3) TRMS, CATIII 240V, insulation resistance; Compliance/3-Phase Power Analyser (T60) – TRMS, CATIV 300V, 362 parameters over 2 months Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits Major Tech Complete range of compliance testers for all CoC tests MCE Electric MCE socket tester Voltex Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of environmental testers HellermannTyton ACDC Dynamics Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits

ACDC Dynamics Full range of strippers ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of strippers Atlas Leading brands available Bellco Leading brands available Electrahertz Range of strippers Electroparts Full range of strippers

Electrahertz Electroparts Electro Test Instrumentation Garry Lumpe Imports HellermannTyton Indlovu Enterprises Knipex and Wiha Magnet Electrical Supplies Major Tech Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) MCE Electric

ACDC Dynamics Full range of draw wires and air-driven systems Atlas Wiremate pull cord systems Bellco Wiremate pull cord systems Citilec Full range of draw wires and air-driven systems Electrahertz Range of draw sires and air-driven systems Voltex Wiremate pull cord systems Waco Wiremate pull cord systems HAND TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Garry Lumpe Imports Knipex cable wire strippers HellermannTyton

Mimic Components Phambili Interface R&C Instrumentation

Electrician’s Wire Stripper (SWN160) – Adjustable stripping size; PV Stripping Tool (PVST46) – Standard die for 2.5, 4, 6mm2- ; Cable Stripper (ASS103) – Strips multi-conductor wire Major Tech Complete range of wire strippers and cable knives MCE Electric MCE cable strippers; MCE wire strippers Phambili Interface Leading brands available Phoenix Contact Full range of strippers Stone Stamcor Full range of cable strippers Voltex Leading brands available Waco Leading brands available WELDING INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES ACDC Dynamics Full range of welding instruments and accessories Atlas Full range of welding instruments and accessories Electrahertz Range of welding instruments and accessories HellermannTyton Soldering Kit (TP720K) – industrial soldering ion; Solder – Resin core, 2mm; SOLDERGAS (Clipper Butane gas) - butane Legrand Industrial plugs and sockets, Tempra Pro P17r Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of welding instruments and accessories CABLE LABELLING/CABLE TESTING/ CABLE FAULT LOCATION Cable Route Tracer (VLOC2) - IP54 rating for all weather use, Multiple frequencies; Cable Route Tracer (RD7100) - Simultaneous depth and current readout; Complete range of labels for various environments Indlovu Enterprises Cable fault location services (faults/VLF/PD/TD/ID/Spike); new cable fault location equipment; repair of cable fault location equipment; training on cable fault location equipment Legrand CAB 3 and Memocab cable markers Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments Major Tech Cable testers for location, length and LAN testing Megger EZ Thump; DET; CI (Cable Identifier) Voltex Leading brands available on request Waco Leading brands available on request EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE ACDC Dynamics Full range of electrode resistance instruments Atlas Full range of electrode resistance instruments Bellco Full range of electrode resistance instruments Comtest A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Earth Ground Testers Electrahertz Range of electrode resistance instruments Electroparts Full range of electrode resistance instruments Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of electrode resistance instruments HellermannTyton Earth resistance Clamp (T2000) – Jaw size:32mm, TRMS, CATIII150V ACDC Dynamics Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments Atlas Leading brands available on request ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments Bellco Leading brands available on request Brady South Africa Full range of cable labelling Comtest Amprobe cable locator Electrahertz Range of cable testing instruments HellermannTyton

Radiant Group Stone Stamcor Voltex Waco CONTACTS

ACDC Dynamics Full range of hand tools and accessories ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of hand tools and accessories Atlas Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of hand tools and accessories Bellco Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Brady South Africa/Grafo Handheld printers for cable and wire identification, labels, sleeves Citilec Full range of hand tools and accessories Electrahertz Range of hand tools and accessories Electroparts Full range of hand tools and accessories Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of hand tools and accessories Garry Lumpe Imports Full range of Knipex and Wiha German-made hand tools: pliers, wire strippers, side cutters, cable cutters, crimpers, VDE spanners and sockets, screwdrivers, Allen keys and toolkits HellermannTyton Complete range from tool kits, screwdrivers, crimpers (hydraulic and hand held) to VDE and 1000V double insulated Major Tech Full range of hand tools, designed by electricians for electricians. Range varies from VDE, 1000 V, insulated hand tools for all electrical requirements MCE Electric MCE handheld cable cutters; MCE handheld crimping pliers; MCE VDE screwdriver sets; hydraulic crimping pliers; MCE hydraulic punch and die set Phambili Interface Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Phoenix Contact Wide range of handheld tools and accessories Radiant Group Full range of hand tools and accessories Stone Stamcor Full range of cutting, compression and electrician’s tools Voltex Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Waco Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use INSULATION INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES ACDC Dynamics Range of insulation instruments and accessories ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of insulation instruments and accessories Atlas Various brands available as per customers’ requests Bellco Various brands available as per customers’ requests Comtest Full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe instruments and accessories Electrahertz Range of insulation instruments and accessories Electroparts Full range of insulation instruments and accessories Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of insulation instruments and accessories HellermannTyton T1800 insulation testers; Analogue Insulation Tester (T1832) – Taut band movement, Lifetime warranty, CATIII 500V; Analogue Insulation Tester (T1132) – CATIII 500V, lifetime warranty, Safety voltmeter protection; Multimeter (TBM878) – Insulation/Combination, TRMS, CATIII 1000V, temperature Magnet Electrical Supplies Range of insulation instruments and accessories Major Tech Full range of analogue and digital LV and HV insulation testers Megger MIT and MFT Phambili Various brands available as per customers’ requests R&C Instrumentation Full system power management local and via Internet Voltex Various brands available as per customers’ requests Waco

ABB SA Customer contact centre ACDC Dynamics Sales ACTOM Electrical Products Mike Ullyett ARB Electrical Wholesalers Sales Atlas Sales Bellco Shiraj Wentzel Brady South Africa Anica Moyo Citilec Jeff Forman Comtest Sales Denver Technical Products Mervyn Stocks Electrahertz Frank Proude (Pta) Peet Lourens (Jhb) Electroparts Keith Hickman Electro Test Instrumentation Winston Browning Garry Lumpe Imports Garry Lumpe HellermannTyton Ingrid Nicolaus Indlovu Enterprises Francois Goosen Legrand Johan Bosch Magnet Electrical Supplies

Jenine Pillay Major Tech Werner Grobbelaar Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) Errol Martin MCE Electric Sales Mimic Components Christo Vosloo Megger Alan Goodson Phambili Interface Steve Lea Phoenix Contact Kevin Mann Pratley Eldon Kruger Radiant Group Alfred Weldon R&C Instrumentation Johan de Villiers Stone Stamcor Mark Talbot Voltex Hugh Ward Waco Sales LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDING

ACDC Dynamics Full range of ladders and scaffolding Atlas A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding on request Bellco A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding on request Brady South Africa/Grafo Equipment status management tools – Scafftag, Laddertag Citilec Full range of ladders and scaffolding Electrahertz Selection of ladders Voltex A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding on request Waco A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding on request ACDC Dynamics Full range of power tools and accessories

Various well-known brands available CLAMP-ON METERS ACDC Dynamics Full range of clamp-on meters ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of clamp-on meters ARB Electrical Wholesalers Full range of clamp-on meters Atlas Various well-known brands available

Various brands available as per customers’ requests SEALANTS AND LUBRICANTS

ACDC Dynamics Full range of sealants and lubricants

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2021