Sparks Electrical News May 2019

MAY 2019

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

REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE : ENERGY EFFICIENCY | FEATURES : DB'S, SWITCHES, SOCKETS AND PROTECTION | ENERGY EFFICIENCY | LIGHTING | INDUSTRY 4.0

IS THE NRCS LIVING UP TO ITS MANDATE?

T he rumblings of discontent surrounding the role of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in the electri- cal industry continue to grow. Established on 1 September 2008, under the auspices of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifi- cations Act (NRCS Act), Act 5 of 2008, the industry body emerged as an independent organisation from the original Regulatory Division of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The mandate of the NRCS is to regulate the adherence to compulsory specifications and technical regulations in South Africa. This regulatory function address- es flaws in the market system whereby businesses may produce, im- port or sell products or services that may harm the consumer and/ or the environment or may fall short of what is promised in terms of quantity or safety. But is the NRCS living up to its mandate to administer and maintain compulsory specifications, and carry out market surveillance through inspection in order to monitor compliance with compulsory specifications? A quick Google search will lead you to numerous complaints regarding the NRCS on HelloPeter, an online customer service site. “Reports that the NRCS destroys substandard goods are nonsense. In our business we have to check the competition regularly. All substandard goods are still for sale and they do nothing but ruin small and medium – very responsible companies – this is a totally useless organisation,” notes one entry, “Who is adding to unemployment? The NRCS – we had to lay off four employees, all breadwinners, because of them,” says another. Complaints range from lack of communication and the LOA application process to incompetence. Yet it is not just the electrical industry that is up in arms regarding the role of the NRCS. According to Forestry South Africa, wood treaters are asking a host of questions about the role of the NRCS. Bruce Breedt, the Executive Director of the South African Wood Preservers Association, notes that NRCS inspectors have the right to enter and search any premises where items are being produced, sold, used, imported/exported. “But as stated by the NRCS themselves, product inspection and testing is not their main focus.” An article on Daily Maverick, from back in 2011, highlighted that, despite its mandate to enforce specifications and ensure public safety, the NRCS says it has no grounds to take action against dangerous electrical products on sale almost everywhere in South Africa. As commonly used electricity distribution devices, portable socket- outlets and multi-plug adapters are regulated and must comply with VC 8008, 2010, the compulsory specification for plugs, socket-outlets

and socket-outlet adapters administered by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. This requires mandatory compliance with the South African National Standard SANS IEC 60884-1, 2006: Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes: General requirements; and in particular with Clause 10: Protection against electric shock. However, operating on a tip-off, a number of non- conforming products were purchased from a number of major retail outlets and tested. A cursory inspection and some basic tests using a

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FIVE REASONS ELECTRICIANS AND HVAC TECHNICIANS NEED PROFESSIONAL GRADE LASER LEVELS W hether you’re laying out a new commercial electrical or HVAC system or retrofitting an existing setup, the process can be long

metre drop. They are easy to use and versatile enough to serve a range of electrical and HVAC layout requirements. If you’re wondering why you need a Fluke professional grade laser level, here are five good reasons: Accuracy. Accuracy. Accuracy: Whether you’re installing switchgear, duct work, cable trays, lighting, outlets, or switches it is critical that they map to a straight line, either for performance or aesthetics, or both. Chalk lines and reference strings sag, smear, and disappear. Fluke Line Laser Levels project precise, readable reference points accurate to 3 mm at 10 m. And they deliver results instantly thanks to a fast settling, self- levelling gimbal. Survives rough handling: You may already have tried using a laser level only to find that you had to handle it with kid gloves. Existing laser levels tend to break easily or lose calibration if dropped. Let’s face it, when you’re working on a job site, things get dropped, and you can’t afford to replace your laser level every time that happens. Fluke has added a protective rubber housing to enable its laser levels to pass a one metre drop test and stay in calibration. Time really is money: It may be a cliché but it’s true. It’s estimated that electricians may spend up to 25% of their time measuring and laying out a job. Traditional tools like bubble levels or plumb bobs and chalk often require at least two people. With Fluke laser levels, one person can measure out a grid pattern on the floor and transfer the points to the ceiling to ensure precise positioning of the fixtures. This minimises the number of trips up a ladder or lift, which saves time and reduces risk. What used to take hours now takes minutes, making you more productive and more accurate. Lasers don’t smear or brush away: Even if your eyes are good, it’s not always easy to see a chalk line in a dusty or dim environment. If the environment is humid or wet, the odds are good that the chalk line will disappear. Fluke line laser levels produce crisp bright continuous lines for better visibility. Fluke point laser levels project three clearly visible spots. Both types are available with either red or green lasers. And for high ambient lighting conditions, Fluke Laser Line Detectors help you locate the laser line, quickly and efficiently, indoors or outdoors. You need versatile tools: Electricians and HVAC technicians install a lot of different kinds of equipment in a variety of environments. Fluke Laser Levels are designed to help you map out the installations quickly, simply and accurately, in just about any environment. For example: •Duct work and cable trays. Use a point laser to transfer reference points from the floor to the ceiling to install cable trays and duct work quickly. You can also use a line laser to make sure everything is laid out in a straight line. •Switchgear and mechanical equipment. Project a laser line (rather than a chalk one) to easily and accurately drill all of the mounting holes in the floor for switchgear or mechanical equip- ment. This increases precision and eliminates the risk of smeared chalk, helping to ensure you only have to move heavy equipment once. •Conduit and rigid cable. These installations re- quire perfectly aligned holes on the floor and ceiling (or opposite walls) for a proper fit. You can use a line laser to line up the centre points of several holes at once, or a point laser to transfer single points. •Long lighting fixture runs. Use a point laser to determine reference points for a long fixture run and a line laser to create a perfectly straight run. This can save trips up the ladder or scissor lift and increase accuracy. •Outlets and switches. Use a line laser level to align a whole wall of outlets and switches at once. This saves time and increases accuracy over using a chalk line or a measuring tape.

and tedious. By adding laser levels to your tool bag you can work faster and more precisely. However, some of the laser levels available break easily and lose calibration during regular, on-the-job handling. Recognising a gap in what was available and what technicians needed, Fluke decided to apply its well-known ruggedness, accuracy, and reliability to a line of professional grade laser levels. These have been tested and proven to withstand a one

Enquiries: +27 (0)10 595 1821

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MAY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH – JOEL LAKI NDABA

A DESIRE NEVER TO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY

was TACS Laboratories’ initial on-site assessment by SANAS and extending our scope of accreditation to lighting or luminaires testing. From the layout of the laboratory to successful accreditation, this was a great achievement, and together with my business partners, we are maintaining the accreditation and working on expanding in other areas of electrotechnical. Sparks: Have you won any awards? JN: As a student, yes. I am now looking forward to winning awards in the corporate sector. Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career? JN: My mother and father, as well as my family in general. Their belief in me gives me strength to wake up daily and do my best. I also cannot forget my great teachers and business partners, Freddy, George and Khakhane. Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time? JN: Some ineffective government institutions are chokingmany industries with slow regulatory processes while poor quality imports are giving local manufacturers no chance to grow, compete and employ the people of this country. Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job? JN : They say lighting is life, and I don’t have any reason not to enjoy life. I enjoy the challenges that come with different smart lighting technologies and meeting knowledgeable people and I learn daily, making everything fun. When I see products, which have been tested at TACS Laboratories, that alone gives me joy and comfort knowing that at TACS we don’t compromise on our quality results. Sparks: How do you motivate your staff? JN : Fortunately, this is not my primary responsibility at the stage. However, I am always leading from the front and conducting tests in the laboratory with other technicians because I prefer to lead by example. I don’t want to find myself behind technology while I am still young and active. Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? JN: Absolutely, electricity is the base of our daily lives. The country is currently facing challenges with its electrical supply and with the broader scope of electrical engineering, one can specialise in many fields. Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors? JN: They must expand their knowledge beyond wiring code; they must understand individual product compliance and be able to assess compliance beyond CoC, LOA or RCC. Sparks: What is your favourite quote? JN: Life will only change if you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. If you are not growing, you are dying. serve the public and the industry interest, to ensure public safety and to prevent unfair trade practices, through market surveillance and the statutory enforcement of South African compulsory specifications. The NRCS has wide powers to achieve these. In this instance, as evidenced from its response to date, the NRCS is failing in its mandate to the country, the industry and public of South Africa. The fact these products are unsafe and can cause severe injury and even death made little impression on the importer or regulator. The question to ask is, has anything changed since 2011? Sparks Electrical News did approach the NRCS for comment but none was forthcoming by the time the issue went to print. Next month Sparks Electrical News will be publishing a Q&A with the industry on regulations and LoAs. Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything? JN: Absolutely nothing because by seeking and blundering we learn.

Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’. JN: To see TACS Laboratories growing to the level of SABS and/or Intertek Test Services; to establish a technology and engineering skills development centre in the heart of Letlhabile at Brits North West to empower the community; and to see my kids growing up and living a meaningful life by contributing to making South Africa a beautiful country.

Enquiries: www.tacslab.co.za

Joel Laki Ndaba

TACS Laboratories is a SANAS accredited test laboratory which offers conformance testing on electrical products and materials. They use top quality testing equipment and instruments with the latest technologies to ensure that the products they test are up to standard. Joel Laki Ndaba, Quality Director at TACS Laboratories, takes great joy in ensuring that products going through the laboratory and into the hands of consumers are safe and compliant. Sparks: Where were you educated? JN: I started my schooling at Lesedi Le Legolo Primary school, matriculated at Eletsa Secondary School then enrolled for a National Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering at Technikon Pretoria formally known as Tshwane University of Technology. Sparks: When and where did you start your career? JN: I started my career 2005 at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as a candidate test technician in the Electronics and Appliance Laboratory. I then moved to the lighting technology laboratory until I resigned from SABS. Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years? JN: The industry understanding the difference between South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and South African National Standards (SANS). A proof of compliance test report issued by any accredited laboratory, according to relevant standards, is acceptable as a proof of compliance for any product, provided the report meets all the regulatory requirements. In recent years we have seen the emergence of privately owned, independent, accredited electrotechnical laboratories such as TACS Laboratories. Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment? JN: I have worked on many projects as a compliance consultant under QC Kings, but I must say the greatest project I have ever worked on standard multi-meter, revealed they were all obviously unsafe and posed a danger of electric shock to children and adults in the home and workplace. When asked for comment, a merchandising manager at one of the manufacturers replied: “Please take this matter up with the SABS and NRCS, and not us. We are fully compliant.” When raising the matter with the NRCS, the response from its acting head of non-perishable products, Cyril Ndlovu, was that until May 2011, the importer was not required to have a letter of authority from the NRCS for these regulated products, and that a test report from a SANAS-accredited laboratory confirming compliance was all that was necessary. “Please note that there is no legal ground for NRCS to take action against Yodata at this stage. NRCS is a statutory body and must act within its mandate,” he added. The NRCS Act, the regulations to the Act and the NRCS website clearly indicate the mandate, duties and obligations of the regulator, namely to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry? JN: For 14 years.

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MAY 2019

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MEASURING CABLE LENGTH IN A FLASH T he MT900 is a precision cable length me- ter from Major Tech that uses Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to measure the length

user-determined period of inactivity in order to save battery power. The MT900 is powered by two 1.5 V LR6 batteries. When the battery symbol turns red, the user should replace the batteries or the accuracy of the measurements could be affected.

by the user to either metres or feet. The velocity of propagation (VOP) is similarly measured according to the type of cable being tested after the user enters the length of the cable. The VOP indicates how fast a signal travels by measuring the speed of the transmitted signal as compared to the speed of light. The length of cable that can be measured by the MT900 starts at 5 m and the maximum length depends on the VOP of the cable being tested. It can be as long as 3 km where the VOP is 99%, while for a VOP of 50% or lower, a range of about 1.5 km is possible. The system also supports auto power off after a

screen on which the readings are displayed. The meter can be used on power, telephone, CAT V and LAN cables, and it automatically adjusts to the cable type detected. The technician is also able to use the function selection keys to more accurately match the cable being tested. The meter includes a Cable Library of 20 standard cable types, while users can store up to 99 custom cable types in the memory of the MT900 to suit their specific work environment. Setting up and using the meter is made simple through the user-friendly function menu which allows one to adjust the settings, choose which cable type is being measured and so forth. The unit of length measurement can also be set

of a cable which has at least two insulated metallic elements, such as the cable’s sheath or shield. The meter supports both BNC and RJ45 connections. TDR analysis occurs when an energy pulse is propagated into the cable and the energy reflected back is observed and measured. The meter analyses the returned data and will provide an accurate measurement of the length of the cable, or the length to a point of interference (such as a cable break or short-circuit). The meter is equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT colour

Enquiries: www.major-tech.com

FLOOR SAFETY CABLE PROTECTORS PREVENT TRIPPING AND ENHANCE CABLE PROTECTION

BMG has extended its range of Coba floor safety products with the introduction of new electrical safety mats and accessories, which are suitable for interior and exterior installations. “CablePro cable protectors have been designed to reduce the risk of people tripping over loose cables and to prevent damage to the cable and its contents,” explains Andrew Johns, Business Unit Manager, Tools and Equipment division, BMG. “Trailing cables on a floor surface are a trip hazard and in order to prevent injury and damage, it is critical that loose cables are properly protected and insulated, with sufficient warning to pedestrians of potential risk. “BMG specialists work closely with the Coba team to supply durable floor safety products for our customer-base with improved safety in all environments, including the workplace.” The CablePro range of durable cable protectors encompasses single and multiple channel options, with special products designed for heavy-traffic areas and for larger cables. CablePRO GP – a general-purpose cable protector that accommodates various cables, is available in 3 m or 9 m lengths, which can be cut to exact requirements. This hard-wearing material withstands pedestrian and wheeled traffic and is quick and easy to install, indoors or outside. A hazard strip version is also available for increased visibility and greater safety in darker environments. The CablePRO Data range comprises multiple channels for telephone, power or Ethernet cables.

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MAY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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WORKING KNOWLEDGE WITH TERRY MACKENZIE HOY

HOW POWER LINES ARE DESIGNED AND BUILT

Y ou’ve seen power line poles leaning to one side, insulators on cross arms which ‘nod’ at an angle off vertical, and power line cross arms which seem to be skew on the pole. People think these are due to a storm, high winds or some shift in the ground. But the reason is much simpler – the power line structure was not built correctly. Generally, this is because not many contractors (and very few consulting engineers) know how power lines are designed and built. Power line conductors are almost always made from Aluminium Steel Core Reinforced conductor, which is abbreviated as ASCR. Aluminium is wrapped in a spiral around a flexible steel cable to create the conductor. The steel cable is there so that if the conductor is just aluminium, it will stretch when spanned between two poles and will sag. In fact, all conductors when spanned between poles will sag, but the height of the conductor above ground should not be less than 6 m (by regulations) and thus too much sag is not desirable.

Remembering that conductors sag, you have to decide how high the cross arm will be. On a 100 m effective span, the sag will be about 1 m in very cold temperature and 2 m in very warm temperatures (here we are talking about conductor temperature, not air temperature). You don’t have to guess the temperatures – you can get the sags from manufacturer’s charts – but you must remember that a conductor can be at high temperature in mid-winter. So, first off you must put the cross arm at least 2 m from the pole top (8 m) since 10-2 = 8 m and 8 m – 2 m (sag) = 6 m ground clearance. It happens that pole spacing on uneven ground is determined by the minimum sag; if the sag is low in cold temperatures then care must be taken such that the resulting tension doesn’t pull the pole out of line, which is the ‘skew cross arm’ or ‘leaning pole’ effect. There’s a lot more to this topic but I hope you can see that it’s really not simple at all.

Turning now to poles, medium voltage distribution poles in South Africa are nearly always pinus radiata or pine tree poles which have been treated in a solution that makes them impervious to insects. They are sold at lengths of between 12 m and 18 m and are defined by the dimensions of the pole top and the pole bottom. Since the pole starts as a pine tree, the diameter of the bottom is more than that of the top. So a typical pole will be described as a 210/180 pole which means that the bottom diameter will be at least 210 mm and the top diameter at least 180 mm. Thinner poles are also available. When the pole is planted in the ground, the hole must be at least 2 m deep. Thus, for a 12 m pole you will have 10 m sticking out of the ground. If you can’t dig a 2 m deep hole then you dig as much as you can and then, when the pole is in the hole, fill up the hole with cement mixed with sand (around eight parts sand to one of cement).

The conductor is not firmly tied to every pole; it is clipped into an insulator and can move back and forth through the clip. This is a very important construction feature. In general, power line poles are set at a distance (called the ‘effective span’) which is the distance between the poles on a level piece of ground. When you have a situation where the one pole is set higher than the one before it, the distance between the poles becomes less. Provided the conductor is free to move back and forth on the insulator clips, the sag of the span between the uneven height poles will become a different length from the even height poles as the tension in the conductor evens out. If this does not happen then the ‘nodding insulator’ situation occurs.

This system, which reduces the risk of tripping over data cables, is also ideal for keeping multiple cable types separate. The seam in the base is used for efficiently snapping cables. These protectors are cut easily on-site, to exact requirements. The range of CablePRO HD cable protectors encompasses two heavy-duty indoor and outdoor options for areas with extreme pedestrian movement or the hazard of tripping associated with larger cables. Tough ramped-edges are designed to protect cables from wheeled traffic, such as cars and forklifts and 23 mm diameter channels accommodate larger, heavy-duty cables. These protectors can withstand traffic of up to six tons. The CablePRO indoor mat (0,4 m x 1,2 m) with a total weight of approximately 3,95 kg/m² and height of 11,4 mm, is laid over cables for protection against tripping hazards associated with loose cables on floor surfaces. This anti-static mat has a durable nylon surface, with a cleated non-slip backing made from nitrile rubber and an integrated cable run. As an additional warning to pedestrians, the edge has a highly visible hazardous stripe. These mats are UV and light-resistant and are also suitable for use over underfloor heating. All CablePRO systems are manufactured from a flexible, flame-retardant PVC extrusion compound. Properties include a 1 500 kg/m³ density, hardness of 85 Shore 'A', a tensile strength of 14,0 MPa and elongation at break of 250%.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 620 7329

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MAY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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SELECTING THE SMART PLC VENDOR S peed is crucial for success in a field with demanding require- ments and fierce competition. As a professional, you can work with a variety of devices from a number of PLC manufacturers, however, most of us have a preferred brand, a platform we return to time and again. This is because Familiar = Fast. We know the hardware range. We know the software. We know what to expect – and we have a sales rep on speed dial. For these reasons, selecting the manufacturer that stands behind a brand of controllers is a major decision. Here are five factors to consider when making that selection: Broad range of PLCs Your selected brand must have a full product range that can meet the requirements of your customers. PLCs, for example, must be able to supply sufficient memory to support I/O; log and manipulate histori- cal data; and execute the control program. Where execution speed is

Look for intelligent software Saving time is the primary benefit of intelligently designed software. There are two important factors: Ergonomic design means you do not need to search for elements when programming. And logical, consist- ent construction saves time, since the programmer intuitively knows what to do even when programming a particular task for the first time. Service and support Look for PLC manufacturers that offer a high level of customer care. Make certain that support, whether technical or sales, is easily available and prompt. Personal support – meaning from people, not automated systems, that is available 24/7 is extremely valuable. This is what can make the difference in meeting your deadlines and retaining your own customers. Support documents, specs, and guides, should be readily available. ‘The best things in life are free’ – select a company that pro- vides support and documentation at no additional charge.

critical, the CPU processing speed must be considered as well. What are your sector’s standards? Do your applications need to comply with hazardous environment standards, CFR-21.11, or the spray-and-wipe standards of the food and beverage industry? Influenced by the mobile industry, your customers expect HMI colour touch-panels to provide the communication window between operator and system. Data communication and more Flexibility is key – the more protocols your selected brand of PLC supports, the better you can support interoperability with existing ap- plications. Important industrial datacom protocols include MODBUS, CANopen and other flavours of CANbus such as CAN Layer2 and EtherNetIP. Some brands also support protocols such as SNMP and FTP. Check to see if your PLC provides software utilities that enable you to implement proprietary third-party datacom protocols.

Total cost of ownership Cost is not limited to the actual cash you pay to purchase the PLC. Your development costs and future maintenance costs can make or break your profit margin. Therefore, when you purchase a PLC, remember that you are also selecting the company that stands behind that PLC – and that this decision, over the long run, can have a major impact on your success in industrial automation projects.

Enquiries: info@acdc.co.za

SAFETY TIPS FOR ELECTRICIANS

A work site is a dangerous place: this can- not be overstated. With high voltage and large equipment, an electrical contractor is constantly faced with life-threatening dangers and working in these situations calls for perfect electrical safety practices. There are many rules and regulations in place to keep you safe, but common sense, which is often not that common, goes a long way. Many potential hazards are easily spotted and corrected before a serious accident happens. Understand and follow electrical safety tips at all times and all should go well. Safety is your responsibility Always wear the proper safety clothing and protec- tive gear, such as shatter-proof eye protection and non-conductive work boots or other industrial safety footwear. When working with live circuits, use just one hand and keep yourself insulated at all times. Housekeeping is a very important daily task for an industrial electrician. Leaving material or tools on a job site can cause tripping hazards for others. Make sure you clean up your areas as you work. Keeping everyone safe when dealing with current is an electrician’s job; if you spot a defective extension cord, do not use it: repair or replace it immediately. Plan for safety Plan your job carefully and consider all potential hazards before you start. Always be aware of your surroundings, smart ideas include isolating equip- ment from energy sources, identifying potential electric shock and arc flash points, and establish- ing clear approach limits to make sure unqualified workers don’t wander too close. Before touching an outlet or conductor, test it for voltage. Never work on electrical equipment or conductors until they have been de-energised, properly locked or tagged out, and all chance of exposure has been eliminated. Ladder safety Ladder safety is an important component of an elec- trician’s personal safety. Whenever a ladder or other elevated equipment is being used, by you or some- one else, check and double-check for overhead pow- er sources and obstructions. If the equipment knocks down one of these lines, anyone standing close by can be seriously hurt, maybe even killed. Make sure to inspect the ladder or hoist equipment for damages prior to use. In most cases,

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MAY 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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PRATLEY UPGRADES ITS RESEARCH LABORATORIES WITH THE LATEST TECH S outh African manufacturer Pratley has re- cently undergone an extensive revamp of its two main test and research laboratories. This

worldwide to date, and applications as diverse as using its Perlite and Zeolite minerals for deep-level mining refrigeration systems to high-end catalysts for the petrochemical industry to methods of cleaning up nuclear waste. Pratley also invented Pratley Putty, the only South African product to go to the moon. Sven Breedt heads up the electrical R&D division. A world expert in the science of electrical equipment for hazardous areas, he holds a National Diploma in Engineering, while his colleague on the design side, Ryan Worthington, has a BEng degree (Cum Laude).

has bolstered the company’s unique position among electrical-equipment manufacturers globally in that it has both the capability and facilities to manufac- ture base polymer materials in-house, in addition to the end products themselves. Pratley’s two fully-equipped laboratories at its Krugersdorp head office are staffed by qualified, world-class scientists and technicians. One of these laboratories is dedicated to electrical testing, and has the distinction of having more state-of-the-art equipment than the SABS itself, even to the extent that other accredited laboratories approach the company to make use of its advanced equipment. Equipment ranges from a salt-spray tester for corrosion testing, an environmental chamber that ages materials at different temperatures and humidities, a dust chamber to look at the ingress of dust particles into electrical enclosures, to impact testers to gauge the impact resistance of electrical equipment, water ingress equipment to determine the level of water-tightness, and tensile-strength testing equipment. The chemical research laboratory is divided into two main focus areas, namely inorganic and organic materials. The former mainly involves mineral analysis, including contract work for external parties. The advanced equipment used here includes two electron microscopes, one for imaging and one for analysis, an array of high- end optical microscopes, an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) machine, and an inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP) machine. The organic materials side focuses mainly on polymers, and therefore adhesives. “The synergy with our electrical-equipment manufacturing side is due to the fact that modern electrical enclosures are based on plastics and rubber, which are polymers. Essentially, adhesive science is a specialised polymer science. “Hence, we have a cross-pollination in terms of our R&D capability that we can bring to bear on the electrical side. This not only represents a major competitive advantage for us, but makes us unique among similar companies worldwide,” explains CEO, Kim Pratley. Pratley manufactures the end products as well as all of the component materials. “This is integrated fully within the company, and gives us a distinct competitive advantage,” Pratley explains. It allows Pratley to include a policy statement, signed by Pratley himself, on all of its product packaging, whether adhesives or electrical, which states that they must outperform all other competing products on the global market. “We mean that, and it drives the R&D side of the business. You cannot achieve this policy without a significant and ongoing R&D investment. For the size of our company, we probably spend proportionately more on R&D than any other manufacturing company in South Africa,” Pratley says. This ranges across the various divisions of Pratley, from adhesives to electrical, and minerals. “Obviously our major focus is on the adhesives and electrical side, but we have done significant work in other areas as well,” Pratley explains. The end result has been in excess of 350 patents filed for hoist equipment you will have to fill out a pre- use inspection form and sign off that the hoist is safe to use. Never leave tools on top of a ladder. Verify underground electrical circuits before digging. Know the location of circuit boxes and breakers. When a circuit breaker gets tripped, find the cause of the trip before you reset it. A circuit breaker is a warning that some serious problems could be hiding somewhere down the line. Usually it is caused by an overload. If you ignore the overload, an electrical fire could break out. Electricity is a powerful force not to be taken lightly. Follow specific electrical safety tips, rules and regulations as they apply to your situation. Going home safely every day is your top priority.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 955 2190

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MAY 2019

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USING TECHNOLOGY TO GET MORE ELECTRICAL WORK H ow often do you hear from a fellow electrical contractor at the counter of your electrical supplier? “I don’t have to advertise, I’m busier than ever.” If you do, this is probably bravado. The truth

social media that contractors need to interact with. Create a Facebook account and post pictures of completed projects, or get set up on Twitter and tweet well wishes to your followers. Every little helps on social media, so get engaging. 2) Make use of a smartphone Once you have created accounts on various social media channels, use your smartphone for quick and easy access to them during the day. This will enable you to respond quickly to any interaction and keep your audience up-to-date with your working day. Doing this will take half an hour of your day, and is certainly worth it. 3) Develop and maintain a website Even if you already have one set up, develop it to a professional stand-

ard that will catch your audience’s attention and make you stand out in the field. Be sure to connect the website to your social media chan- nels. Once it has been developed, maintain it regularly by updating information, adding photos, writing a weekly blog, etc. 4) Send out an e-newsletter Your online audience likes to feel you have a passion for your industry, so send out a monthly e-newsletter with information about your pro- jects, recent news about the construction sector and recent customer testimonials. Make it easy to subscribe to by adding a sign-up sec- tion to your website, and then posting the link to this onto your social media channels.

is that no contractor is as busy as he/she should be. You should have enough work for eight hours a day, five days a week, and be able to pick and choose the jobs you prefer to do, in areas you prefer to work. Using new technology in our technologically-driven world is essential for any business, big or small. If you’re an electrical contractor who would like to get more work, read the following key pieces of advice on how embracing new technology could solve your employment problems: 1) Engage with social media Industry experts have revealed that we spend one minute out of four on social media during our time online. There is a huge audience on

Other avenues for driving more business:

A NEW ERA OF AUTOMATION CONTROL SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S new high-end Modicon M580 Ethernet programmable automation con- troller (ePAC) features redundant processors, na- tive Ethernet, and cybersecurity embedded into its very core. It combines native Ethernet capabilities, high performance, high availability for processors and networks, improved industrial cybersecurity, greater flexibility in design and improved agility for operations. The Internet of things (IoT) is the extension of Internet connectivity into a plethora of devices and everyday objects we rely on to run our homes and businesses. With this in mind, Schneider Electric has spent decades developing solutions to help manufacturing organisations reap the benefits from their systems and harness the true power of the Internet. Firstly, the company’s ExoStructure empowers end-user customers to implement scalable and converged IT/OT solutions to deliver innovation at every level. This architecture and interoperable technology platform unites energy automation and software, ensuring that end-users are enjoy enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability and connectivity. A platform that optimises open networks, the M580 ePAC, provides industrial plant operators with the power to design, implement, and run a process that actively employs the benefits of open networking, helping customers to access consistent and accurate data for timely decisions, and reduce downtime with detailed insight into alarms and events. It also enables customers to quickly diagnose and identify the root causes of issues, and thus make informed decisions. Modicon M580 ePAC has been built for PlantStruxure – a collaborative and integrated automation architecture developed by the manufacturing giant. PlantStruxure brings together the telemetry, PLC/SCADA, and DCS offerings with complete lifecycle services to help make operations more efficient and seamless. From initial design to modernisation, PlantStruxure transparently connects the control, operation and enterprise levels of the business. Estate agents: Send a letter of introduction, or better yet, visit your local estate agents with a portfolio of work and some business cards. Lots of people do remedial work prior to selling. Your transport: As you are on the road for much of the day, your car/bakkie/van could be doing advertising for you. It need not be too flash but get it done professionally. Make sure your com- pany name and ‘electrician’ are in large, easy to read letters and include a telephone number. T-shirts: Going on site wearing a shirt with your company name and telephone number printed on it, could give you an edge. Wearing it while out and about could also increase business. In these competitive times, you must gain any advantage you can gain by promoting yourself and your business.

Enquiries: www.se.com/za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MAY 2019

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TRANSFORMING TRANSPARENCY IN THE SUB-METERING INDUSTRY

C ontractors, both in the electrical and plumbing industries, have to juggle a myriad of details in their working life. From the complexities of installation to managing customer expecta- tions and requirements, their role is challenging and varied. For these installers, having visibility into how a sub-metering system works, how the hardware is developed, and how to assist customers with anything from registration to troubleshooting, would make their lives a lot easier. Which is why Citiq Prepaid consistently invests in innovative solu- tions designed to do just that… “We are always asking ourselves – what we can do to solve some of the challenges that our installers face?” says Carel Scheepers, GM: Sales at Citiq Prepaid. “What can we put in place to offer them long-term value and support? These questions un- derpin the solutions we develop and our commitment to our partners at every level.” For an installer, product specifications, board approvals such as

channel and the value chain. It has invested in two call centres that provide both contractors and their customers with ongoing trouble- shooting advice and guidance and makes registration as seamless and transparent as possible. “We walk with the installer through every step of the process, from purchase to installation, to the management of customer expectations because we believe that ease of use and true partner support are criti- cal in building relationships and businesses,” concludes Scheepers. Citiq Prepaid has also invested into the Citiq Installation Club (CIC) – a rewards programme designed specifically to recognise the hard work and contributions of installers when they work with the company. A first of its kind programme, the CIC is focused on giving back to Citiq Prepaid’s partners.

To this end, Citiq Prepaid has created the Pocketbook for Installers, an accessible and easy to read directory where you can find the an- swers to all of these questions. An installer’s task is to help a developer or property owner make the best decision for their needs, and to then execute that installation seamlessly. This is one way in which the Pocketbook can streamline installation challenges without expecting the installer to have to pick up the phone – all the answers are right there. “For the landlord, the developer and the body corporate, the Citiq Prepaid sales division provides them with access to specialists coun- try-wide who can be called on to help with the registration and setup of their online profile. Our team can help with general FAQs, profile management, report creation, and many more aspects of successful utility management,” adds Scheepers. Citiq Prepaid goes a step further in its commitment to support the

Enquiries: 087 55 111 11 or www.citiqprepaid.co.za

SABS and IEC, wiring diagrams, and best product fit, are details that provide them with information that is of immense value. It allows them to engage with their customers in an informed manner, giving them the confidence they need to propose the optimal so- lutions to their clients.

FOURTH PHASE OF WORLD’S LARGEST

SOLAR PARK COMPLETED

D ubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Silk Road Fund, which is owned by the Chinese Government, an- nounced the financial closing of the 950-mega- watt fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site so- lar park in the world. The solar park will produce 5 000 megawatts by 2030, a new milestone in promoting the use of clean and renewable energy. The announcement was made by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Mohammad Abdullah Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, at a press conference. In his speech, Al Tayer noted that this achievement supports DEWA’s efforts to increase the share of renew- able and clean energy in Dubai and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for clean energy and green economy. “DEWA is implementing the fourth phase of the solar park in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and China’s Silk Road Fund. This phase is the largest single-site investment pro- ject in the world. It uses both Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic solar technologies based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with investments up to AED15.78 bil- lion. It will use 700 MW of CSP; 600 MW from a parabolic basin complex and 100 MW from a solar tower; and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels. This phase will provide clean energy for 320 000 residences and will reduce 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project, which will cover an area of 44 square kilometres, achieved several world records. These include the world’s lowest CSP Levelised Cost of Electricity of USD 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour and the lowest Levelised Cost of Electricity for photovoltaic tech- nology of 2.4 US cents per kilowatt-hour. The pro- ject will feature the tallest solar tower in the world at 260 m and the largest thermal storage capacity of 15 hours; allowing for energy availability round the clock,” said Al Tayer.

Enquiries: www.acwapower.com

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MAY 2019

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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HANERGY DEBUTS AT THE SOLAR SHOW AFRICA 2019 T he world’s largest thin-film solar power solutions company, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, exhibited its latest products at The Solar Show Af- rica 2019, Africa’s largest and longest running power and electricity show, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in March. Presenting solar-powered solutions for industries and residential applica- tions, Hanergy showcased a series of its most promising solar solutions includ- ing HanTile, HanWall, HanBrick, Humbrella, HanPack, HanPaper, Solibro Slide-In mounting system, and GSE & MiaSolé Flex modules. The show welcomed over 8000 attendees and hosted solar solution provid- ers spanning four halls and thousands of square metres. Hanergy has a robust expansion plan for Africa, and has already initiated several projects locally. The company’s participation in this year’s exhibition and conference allowed it to explore partnerships with various national and interna- tional companies. Pan Xiang, Sales Director of Hanergy South Africa says, “We’re delighted to have exhibited our energy solutions at The Solar Show Africa 2019, undoubt- edly one of Africa’s leading exhibitions for the solar industry and its partners. We believe the exhibition and conference presented Hanergy with a platform to showcase its promising solar solutions to the African market. In addition, our participation has resulted in networking opportunities allowing us to solidify our current relationships and build new ones. We have explored multiple partner- ships with national and international companies and, hopefully, will soon be able to announce partnerships with a number of businesses,” he added. In 2016, Africa had 580 million people who were off-the-grid and the conti- nent is expected to be home to 80 percent of the world’s off-the-grid population by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. With a market oppor- tunity that’s not being met by the relatively small handful of companies that are operating on the continent, Hanergy has an opportunity to strengthen its foothold in the country by aiding off-grid African communities to embrace solar energy through collaboration with local government authorities. Hanergy’s solar cells have several times set the world record for conversion efficiency, with the latest being 29.1%. It launched and upgraded a handful of consumer products in 2018 – including the Humbrella solar-powered umbrella; the SolarTank solar backpack and the HanPower solar power bank – retaining its leading position in the mobile energy sector. With the debut of HanTile in April 2018 and HanWall in September 2018, Hanergy upped-the-ante in the global building-integrated PV segment.

CAPE TOWN OFFERS SOLAR QUALIFICATIONS

C ape Town is offering incentives to qualified technicians and electricians to train to become certified PV GreenCard installers. The move is part of the city’s effort to shift from dependency on Eskom, and to help local communities and organisations shift towards using alternative energy. Professionals in the industry who qualify for training will receive incentives of a 75% fee reduction for male applicants and a 100% fee reduction for female applicants. The training spans five days with an extra two-day assessment to obtain a PV GreenCard. A vol- untary certification and industry-led quality label, the PV GreenCard provides assurance to solar panel installers and their customers that systems are installed safely and at a high standard. The next available dates for training at the ‘SuperSolarSchools’ hosted by Maxx-Solar and SARETEC in Cape Town are August 12 and October 21, 2019. Those interested in taking advantage of this offer are encouraged to register soon as classes fill up quickly – every DOL-registered electrician qualifies for the incentive. Electricians without DOL registration could be considered if they have the following qualifications or experience: • Registered DOL Electrician (Trade test and Wireman’s)

• Qualified Electrician (Trade test only) • Electrical Training (Electrician NQF 4) • Registered Electrical/Solar PV Contractor • PV/Electrical installation experience (Portfolio of Evidence – Reference) • Registered business

The incentivised training courses broaden opportunities for technicians and entrepreneurs, allowing them to enter the renewables energy sector, and make available more professionals to provide solar power to those in need. The courses also increase opportunities for female electricians as they allow for full incentives offering 100% free qualifications. Since the pilot programme launched in April 2017, over 100 installers and electricians have been trained at SARETEC.

Enquiries: www.maxx-academy.org

Enquiries: en.hanergythinfilmpower.com

WINTER IS COMING… ALONG WITH LOAD SHEDDING

The AVS principle

L oad-shedding is just the tip of the iceberg when discussing bad power. We talk about the inconvenience of no power (blackout) but associated with this are other conditions causing damage and destruction to electrical and electronic equipment; poor maintenance and management of the distribution infrastructure results in load shed- ding, black outs (planned and unplanned), spikes and surges, power-back surges, over (high) and under (low) voltage, loss of neutral. Load shedding refers to the planned reduction of the country's demand on a limited supply of electric- ity. The motivation is to ‘avoid the total shutdown of the grid’ but to the general consumer we may ap- preciate it more when understanding that rather than the entire country receiving low (under) voltage (also known as ‘brown out’), those who are being supplied with power are receiving the ideal nominal voltage (220-230 V). South Africans traditionally understood the need for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) during those intermitted ‘black-outs’, and for those with more drawn out power failures, the traditional solu- tion was the generator. Now, with escalating running costs of generators and the need for seamless con- tinual power supply to essential loads, the demand for larger battery back-up (UPS) systems involving Inverters is coming to the fore. The rapid increase in the cost of mains power is resulting in alterna- tive energy supplies such as wind and solar (pho- tovoltaic) becoming popular. We are not talking IPP (Independent Power Produces, planning to supply the national grid) but private companies supple- menting their day time consumption with solar and households adding solar to their grid tied Inverter type back up power. Power-back surges happen hand-in-hand with power cuts. When power is reconnected, it is usually

accompanied by a surge which can be quite high and result in severe damage. Delaying the start- up and monitor- ing supply until it is safe is critical. The Sollatek AVS range protects against this event. High voltage (also known as volt- age swell or surge) is a sustained high level of voltage to

typically >250 V and up to 300+. These could be catastrophic if the voltage rises very high, very quick- ly. Here, the company would recommend using the Sollatek AVS range of products which will disconnect the power until it returns to normal. Low voltage generally happens when the grid is overloaded, and you get excessive voltage drop on the distribution network. Sollatek’s AVS range pro- tects equipment, or where this is an irritatingly fre- quent occurrence, Sollatek’s voltage stabiliser would keep equipment working safer, for longer. Loss of neutral happens due to an accident or sabotage, which results in the single-phase voltage rising to the 3 Phase level. Instead of getting a sta- ble 230 V, the equipment will experience up to 415 V continuously, a common and serious event. The Sol- latek AVS30 protects against this. Winter will result in an increase in these damaging power conditions. Winter is coming, make sure you’re prepared.

Enquiries: www.sollatek.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MAY 2019