Sparks Electrical News September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

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

www.sparkselectricalnewsmagazine.co.za

REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE : DBs, SWITCHES, SOCKETS AND PROTECTION | FEATURES : EARTHING AND LIGHTNING | DBs, SWITCHES AND SOCKETS | LIGHTING

LIGHTNING: IGNORANCE IS OUR ENEMY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

concentrating on the core processes of the business that have the most sig- nificant impact on company financial prosperity. My role in ELPA is an extension of my development within Eskom and I see my 28 years in Eskom as an apprenticeship to the real work ahead, to bring an industry together: not only to forge effective mechanisms to save lives and protect assets in South Africa, but also to grow our industry to ensure that lives are protected at every level of our society. South Africa has always initiated measures to address our problems, and, as such, we are ideally positioned to grow with African countries with far higher lightning exposure, and help them achieve the same goals – saving

Sparks Electrical News asked Richard Evert, national director of the Earthing and Lightning Protection Association (ELPA), for his take on challenges cur- rently facing the earthing and lightning industry. Can you tell us more about yourself and your role at ELPA? RE : I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with world-renowned light- ning research scientists such as Ken Cummins, Vladimir Rakov, Gerhard Di- endorfer and our own Ian Jandrell, to name a few good, diligent and generous men. In 28 years with Eskom, I was blessed with the opportunity to imple- ment a power system lightning performance management strategy. Central to that strategy was a new lightning detection system, which is able to reliably, accurately and consistently report lightning at any part of the Eskom power system across South Africa. In 2004, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) agreed to implement the proposed system and started commissioning in late 2005. The Southern African Lightning Detection Network (SALDN), owned and operated by SAWS, is now the South African reference of lightning risk, replacing the CSIR Ground Flash Density (GFD) tables of the 1980s. The first full maps – 11 year keraunic cycle – showing national risk were officially released at the Earthing Africa 2017 symposium in Jo- hannesburg in June 2017 in a joint submission by myself and SAWS (Figures 1 and 2 on page 21). In the 12 years from 2006 to 2018, Eskom built up a programme using this lightning data to identify high risk areas, track lightning and associate specific lightning discharges that were causing outages and plant damage. A good asset manager in a power utility applies sound power utility practices to minimise any threats to production. The lightning threat is managed via ‘insulation coordination’ – a simple and effective practice of diverting lightning away from critical assets in the production and delivery process. It is impossible to move away from the two key parts: Earthing and Transport. As with all systems, implementation still requires the commit- ment of men and women to make it work. Over the past 10 years, my priority has been to empower the Eskom business through skills development, business revision of production losses, and unpacking performance to identify the key areas where maximum improvement can be realised within the constraints of existing resources and young apprentices with limited experience at all levels of the business. The key is not to optimise automation to bypass the need for intel- ligent discretion. The key is to deliver tools that allow the technician, engineer and asset manager to exercise his/her talents intelligently,

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH – PIET MOKGOTHO

NEVER COMPROMISE ON THE QUALITY OF LIGHT

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years? PM: Over the years, the biggest change has been that the use of computer simulated lighting design software has become the norm. Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment? PM: The project that sticks out in my mind the most is the Constitutional Court street lighting project. I designed the reflectors system, then handmade and fitted most of the reflectors into the columns. Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career? PM: I was mentored by Louis von Maltitz early on in my career in lighting applications. He was very knowledgeable in all areas of lighting. Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time? PM: The transition to LED luminaires and ensuring that the end user receives only good quality products in the market. Sparks: How do you motivate your staff? PM: I encourage them to get involved and take ownership of the projects that we are involved in. Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again’, would you change anything? If so, what would that be? PM: I would be bolder and push harder to get ahead faster. Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why? PM: I would encourage them to get into lighting as a career. Light has influence over every part of our existence and it is very rewarding to come up with efficient lighting solutions. Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers? PM: They should never compromise on quality of light or lighting levels. Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job? PM: Overseeing new product designs.

Sparks: What is your favourite quote? PM: My favourite quote is an African proverb, ‘A roaring lion kills no game.’ Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list’. PM: I would love to visit Brazil, drive a very fast Lamborghini, and solve one major problem in South Africa to improve the lives of others.

Enquiries: +27 (0)12 803 1000

Piet Mokgotho

PIET MOKGOTHO, Technical Director at Pretoria-based Antley Lighting, boasts 25 years in the lighting industry and a CV which includes working on the lighting at the iconic Constitutional Court. He has spent two years with Antley Lighting and encourages his staff to get involved and take ownership of the projects that the company is involved in. Sparks: Where were you educated? PM: At the Mabuya Senior Secondary School before furthering my education at Damelin and Wits Technikon.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry? PM: I have spent a total of 25 years in the lighting industry.

Sparks: When and where did you start your career? PM: I started my career in 1994 at BEKA (Pty) Ltd where I did lighting applications.

FROM EARTH ROD TO LIGHT FITTING AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN C oming from a modest 250 m 2 premises in 1980, JDL Electric is upsizing to a massive, newly-built

6 500 m 2 premises in November 2018 – thanks to the ongoing support of its valued customers. “Tired of dealing with disinterested salesmen who never return your calls nor respond to emails? Tired of fighting for parking, spending hours in queues and arriving late to site as a result? Coming from an electrical contracting background, JDL Electric knows the game and feels your pain, says Daryl Steenkamp, noting that customers can now enjoy a bigger showroom, more parking, more expertise and a better customer experience. “Has the VAT increase left you wanting more for less? With the JDL Rewards loyalty programme, you can receive up to 1% cash back for every Rand spent. If fuel hikes are leaving a dent in your pocket; don’t worry, take advantage of JDL Electric’s free delivery service (within the greater Gauteng region) and save yourself some hard-earned money and time,” Steenkamp notes. JDL Electric aims to be with its customers

your next big job as our next big job,” concludes Steenkamp. To enable electrical contractors to get an early start to the day, JDL Electric trades from 6:45 am on weekdays (8 am on Saturdays), ensuring that customers are in and out as early as possible to avoid wasting time in peak morning traffic.

every step of the way, offering ‘foundation to finish’ turnkey solutions, to ensure that electrical contractors are on track, with the right products for the job, all under one roof. “As JDL Electric expands its footprint throughout South Africa and abroad, our company is geared and eager to assist our clients with every endeavour. The team at JDL Electric understands that your growth is important, which is why we always consider

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 315 4826

SEPTEMBER 2018 SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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ABERDARE CABLES EXPANDS NATIONAL FOOTPRINT

PREPAYMENT METER MANUFACTURING PLANT

A berdare Cables has extended its reach to customers in the Mpumalanga region with the opening of a new branch in Nelspruit, where a suitably qualified team lead by branch offi- cial, Tony Carvalho, will service the region. The official opening ceremony for the branch in June, attended by customers, was a great success. AberdareCEO,Dr AndrewSong addressed customers on the motivation behind establishing an operation in Nelspruit, “Our presence in this market has grown steadily. We are positive about future prospects from this branch and look forward to expanding our footprint in this market and into Mozambique.” Also present was Mishack Matla, Director of Sales,

located at the Riverside Industrial Park in Nelspruit.

Marketing and Distribution at Aberdare. “We plan to continue investing in growth initiatives. Expanding our customer touch points is one such initiative. We plan to energetically pursue new business and we have set ambitious targets, and will stretch ourselves to achieve them,” he said. Aberdare Cables, a leading African cable manufacturer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hentong International. Aberdare is a level 1 BBBEE contributor that is proudly associated with GCA, a 25% empowerment partner. The company has seven customer service centres and three manufacturing sites in South Africa as well as an operation in Mozambique. The new branch is

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 396 8000

DC-DC CONVERTERS UP TO 600 W OUTPUT T he XP Power QSB Series of DC-DC converters, available from RS Components, offers the broadest range of power supplies from XP Power on the market. Designed for applications including signal processing, telecoms, networking and industrial systems, the new QSB Series delivers a stabilised output at a range of standard voltages between 3.3 V and 48 V, at power levels of 75 W to 600 W. The QSB Series accepts a wide range of input voltages, typically provided from a battery. Input ranges for most models are 2:1 or 4:1, including 18-36 or 9-36 V dc (24 V nominal) and 36-75 or 18-75 V dc (48 V nominal). However, the 150 W QSB15048W models offer a wider 8:1 input range, accepting anything from 9 V to 75 V. Power P rotection, automation and metering sys- tems supplier, ACTOM Protection & Con- trol (P&C) has set up a prepayment meter factory at its Knights, Germiston, premises in line with the latest national regulations governing local content requirements for key industrial products. Residential prepayment meters and smart meters are included in the many categories of equipment recently designated by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) as requiring a minimum 70% and 50% local content respectively to be eligible for sale and supply to SOEs and other organs of state, including many municipalities. The establishment of the local production facility, operating since March this year, enables the business unit to meet the DTI’s local content conditions applying to prepayment meters. “It positions us optimally to cater to the rapidly growing demand for state-of-the-art smart prepayment metering systems in the local market, especially among local authorities, which have increasingly adopted them as the most efficient and convenient method for controlling, monitoring and managing electricity consumption in the residential areas under their jurisdiction,” said Faisal Hoosen, P&C’s General Manager. P&C produces and assembles the equipment under licence to its technology partner Holley Technology, an international manufacturer and supplier of metering systems. The items produced in the new factory comprise prepayment meters, smart prepayment meters and customer interface units (CIUs). Enquiries: +27 (0)11 820 5319

conversion efficiency is high: typically between 86% and 93%

depending on model. High power densities of up to 123.0 W/in 3 are achieved. Modules can be connected in parallel for higher power requirements.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 691 9300

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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TALKING ELECTRICITY WITH ANDREW LUKE DAPSHIS

THE LAND OF TORCHES

A recent African project took us to the city of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because the country is at war everything, including electricity, was scarce and we would ex- perience up to eight hours of load shedding or ‘sharing’ as the locals called it. Eight hours of no power for their city meant two weeks of power for a smaller town. For the first time in my career I experienced a city with no street lights – just torches and lamps as far as the eye could see – making it virtually impossible for any night-time travel or navigation. Could solar- and wind-powered street lighting be an option for Lubumbashi? Various companies have been trying to invent a reasonable alternative to electric sourced lights since the 1960s, and have come up with some truly weird and wonderful designs, which rarely worked for long enough to be considered as good as or better

as they come to the end of their lifespans. China is attempting to make this the standard and hopes that within the next few years it will change most of its current lighting systems to hybrid light systems, making the country more proactive in green technology. Wonderful as all this sounds, realistically, turbines and solar panels have to be cleaned from time to time. Also, should birds fly into the turbines, not only would the birds die, but the turbine could possibly cease too. As much as designers might declare hybrid/solar powered lights to be virtually maintenance and running-cost free, this is most definitely not the case. Since the new system has not been implemented long enough to validate the proposed lifetime of the parts, only time will tell if the claims are true. But, it is a step in the right direction as we try and minimise the damage we constantly cause to our environment.

than a street light fed off the grid. Very few companies have ventured into wind powered lighting since wind is not a constant, whereas the sun rises every day. Enter hybrid wind/solar powered lights, first making a splash in China and the Middle East. Used primarily for car parks and over highways, they are built with strong wind turbines which ensure electricity is always generated, no matter how cloudy it is. In some areas they were connected to the grid, allowing any excess power generated through the solar panels or wind turbines to be fed back into the system, and guaranteeing that all connected would be illuminated for an average of eight to ten hours a day. Designers behind this technology rate the turbines and LED lifespan at around 20 years (depending on weather factors), with minimal maintenance required, other than changing out batteries

The thought of the war torn areas, such as the DRC, in Africa having access to this technology is wonderful. But – even if implemented – in such volatile environments, the installations would unfortunately be at risk of being damaged. An inexpensive and easy way for that country to have lighting is unlikely to be realised for many years, which leaves its people in a land of torches.

SELF-ADJUSTING CRIMPING PLIERS FOR END SLEEVES

Knipex Twistor16 crimping pliers for end sleeves (ferrules) offer the user two major advantages: automatic adjustment to the end sleeves used, which makes work easier for the pro- fessional, and reliable, fast crimping. Features of the new tool include: • Square crimp profile, high capacity range of 0.14 to 16 mm². • For crimping end sleeves (ferrules) according to DIN 46228 parts 1 + 4. • 360° rotatable crimping die; with eight tactile locking positions. • Self-adjustment to the desired size of end sleeve (ferrule): no crimping errors due to using the wrong crimping die or to an incor- rect setting. • Crimping of twin end sleeves (fer- rules) up to 2 x 6 mm² possible. • Slim head for ideal accessibility. • Repetitive, high crimping quality because of integral lock (self-re- leasing mechanism). • Favourable lever ratio due to tog- gle lever. • Crimping pressure has been set precisely (calibrated) in the factory, re-adjustable. • Handy shape and low weight pro- vide high operation comfort. • Chrome vanadium electric steel in special quality, oil-hardened. The Knipex Twistor16 is available in South Africa through Garry Lumpe Imports.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 396 4065

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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WEATHERPROOF CABINETS FOR OPTIMUM CABLE RUNS

mounted Plexo³ mechanisms. These include P17 industrial sockets and Osmoz industrial control and signalling units. Accessories have been designed for effortless tool-free fitting and removal. Different sizes of direct piercing end caps and knockout cable entries can be mounted at the top and bottom of the cabinet. Cable glands are easily fitted according to exact requirements and hinges hold the cover for easy access to the cables. The joining kit allows cables to be run horizontally or vertically between the multifunction sleeve and the cabinet or between two cabinets, with no compromise to the IP65 or IK09 protection ratings.

polystyrene is used in the manufacture of the units and an IK09 rating means enhanced protection against mechanical impact. A flush mounted lockable door handle ensures improved shock protection and a double closing point has been designed for a reliable seal. The self-extinguishing cabinets have resistance to incandescent wire 650˚. The design of the UV resistant cabinets provides plenty of space behind the rails (a 2-position rail, with depth adjustment), a space of 150 mm between the rails and 38 mm space at the side allowing the cables to run easily. Specially designed accessories, including those for joining a multi-function sleeve, enable the cabinets to be equipped with one or more flush-

LEGRAND’S PLEXO³ weatherproof cabinets – avail- able in 11 sizes – have optimised dimensions from 2 to 4 x 18 modules, for distribution up to 125 A. These durable enclosures,with a fully reversible door and cabinet, ensure optimised cable runs and efficient cable organisation in commercial and industrial installations, as well as in public and high-rise buildings. Plexo³ modular cabinets, which are designed for quick and safe installation, have a removable faceplate for easy maintenance on individual rows. Other features for efficient installation include rails that can be individually removed and a removable chassis for wiring outside the cabinet. The units can be fitted with terminal blocks, which are easily repositioned at the top and bottom of the box. The cabinets, with UV treatment, have an IP65 Index Protection rating for protection against dust and jets of water from all directions, ensuring suitability for installation in damp locations. Shock-resistant

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 444 7971

AUTOMATIC LABEL FORMATTING FOR ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS

M agnet is committed to helping its customers create and maintain a safer work environment and to comply with regulatory standards. “It is critical in the workplace – particularly in harsh, potentially hazardous environments – that all products, components and ma- terials are clearly labelled, for easy iden- tification,” says Brian Howarth, managing director, Magnet Group. “For this reason, we have introduced a new high performance, portable Brady label printer that produces identification labels which stick on clean, rough, oily and powdered surfaces and remain legible when exposedtoextremetemperatures,chemicals, abrasion and pressure. Durable identification labels ensure greater workplace safety and complete traceability in challenging applications and environments.” Hand-held Brady BMP™21-PLUS label printers provide automatic label formatting for wire wraps, terminal blocks, patch panels, cable flags and general banner labels. The device is protected by a rubber casing, which can withstand a fall from up to 2 m, without damage to the printer. Other features include an ergonomic cutter and label grabber for holding the label after cutting, preventing it from falling. For added convenience, a heavy-duty magnet accessory and lanyard enable hands-free printing. The device is available with seven durable continuous materials, in widths from 6 mm to 38.10 mm. The instrument is fitted with a drop-lock-and-go cartridge and a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This easy-to-use system has a three-line LCD display that provides clear visibility, an ABC keypad, graphics library and menu functions for fast label creation. There are special symbols for electric, smart home, safety and datacom applications.

Enquiries: +27 (0)31 274 1998

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CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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COST-EFFECTIVE POWER-TOOL BRAND LAUNCHED T he AEG Powertools brand has been added to the Upat stable. While not new to the South African mar- ket, Upat’s distributorship is expected to increase the

Manager, Jaco Jansen. Aftermarket service and training will be a major focus to ensure customers receive the highest level of support. “Our sales staff have received in-depth training from AEG Powertools in order to be able to provide customers with market-leading support throughout the lifespan of the tools.” Upat has established a dedicated AEG Powertools service centre, in addition to a comprehensive spares’ holding to ensure rapid and efficient servicing. AEG Powertools come standard with a one-year warranty, which can be extended by an additional year free-of-charge if registered on www. aeg-powertools.eu within 30 days of date of purchase.

brand’s footprint significantly. Initially, corded power tools will be introduced, and will be followed by tools using advanced cordless technology in accordance with market requirements. The range to be introduced to the local market includes grinders, drills (masonry and steel), planers, saws, sanders and some accessories. This is the first time Upat has offered a dedicated power tool brand for retail and reseller markets. “We identified a gap in the market for a high-quality, simple-to-use, and cost-effective power-tool brand,” explains Upat Retail Sales

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 624 6700

ENERGY EFFICIENT WEG W22 IE3 MOTOR KEEPS SA ECONOMY ALIVE R educing energy consumption is essential for all industries in South Africa, and the WEG W22 IE3 premium efficiency electric motor can rightfully claim to be the most efficient motor to be is turning industry in the country. the elements constituting the external components of the designed motor. The frame is a fundamental component in the design because, besides constituting the mechanical structure reference, it is the main conduit responsible for the heat dissipation generated inside the electric motor.

Available from Zest WEG Group, the WEG W22 IE3 is available in models with a rated capacity up to 1 000 kW and has been engineered specifically to reduce energy consumption, optimising on total cost of ownership in numerous applications. The WEG W22 IE3 product line was engineered using latest generation computational tools such as structural (finite element method) and fluid flow analysis as well as electric design optimisation software. This has resulted in a robust product that offers reduced energy consumption and thermal efficiency as well as a reduction in noise and vibration levels. Fanie Steyn, manager responsible for rotating machines at Zest WEG Group, says that because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, during design close attention was paid not only to the internal efficiencies of the working motor, but also to

“In addition, the frame and the end shields ensure the enclosure of the electric components, protecting them against the environment where the motor is installed,” Steyn says. “The frame design ensures high thermal exchange and high reliability where mechanical strength is essential.” The terminal box is located at the front of the frame thereby increasing the heat dissipation area and providing a uniform air flow over the motor frame. Reliability of the frame was also deemed important, so careful consideration of construction materials led to the selection of FC-200 cast iron, produced in WEG’s own facilities. Interestingly, this is the same material as used in WEG’s explosion-proof motors. Fan and fan cover The main function of the fan, when assembled

when the cooling system is operating to promote heat dissipation, it generates acoustic noise and mechanical losses, which can be caused by a combination of the friction of the fan blades through the air and ineffectual design of the fan cover’s shape. Good ventilation is key to reducing mechanical losses, particularly for two-pole motors. Because of its high efficiency, an IE3 motor has inherently less demand for heating removal, so the ventilating system can be optimised to reduce mechanical losses and consequently acoustic noise. WEG’s design on the cooling system on the new motors was conceived using the most advanced simulation software and fluid flow analysis software, resulting in an innovative aerodynamic profile with reductions in mechanical and acoustic noise. Terminal box Because the terminal box is the point of contact between the user and themotor,WEG first carried out a field survey amongst installation and maintenance experts to determine optimal design performance. This research resulted in a new terminal box concept that prioritises the interface with the user, providing

easier access and handling of the power and accessory cables and ensuring more reliability and versatility in the motor installation. The new terminal box allows improved cable housing, ensuring larger contact areas between the cables and the motor terminals and allowing correct tightening torque. The diagonal cut design of the terminal box base and the terminal box cover enables easier access to the electrical connection and gives a better view of the interior of the terminal box during installation procedures. Using the same WEG exclusive BMC (polyester with 20% fibreglass) die-cast terminal blocks that are used for the terminal blocks of hazardous area motors ensures high electrical insulation resistance and durability. In addition, the accessory cable connections are made with quick coupling connectors. “With a focus on designing for efficiency, coupled with the ability to understand and implement market needs, WEG W22 IE3 motors are a long- term solution to the ongoing need for energy usage reductions,” Steyn concludes.

directly on the motor shaft, is to promote air flow over the frame fins, thus dissipating the heat generated inside the motor. The function of the fan cover is to protect the fan against external agents and to ensure continuous air flow over the motor fins, regardless of environmental conditions within which the motor is operating. As a natural consequence,

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 723 6000

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INTRODUCES EASY UPS 3S TO AFRICA

“We look forward to

the industry standards for the 10-to-40 kVA UPS to a new level. Available with or without batteries, to address different business needs, Easy UPS 3S users also benefit from the start-up service option to ensure the unit is configured properly and safely for optimal performance, reliability, safety, and peace of mind. “Easy UPS 3S addresses a market need we have seen for a solution that offers best-in-class power availability, reliability, manageability, quality, and convenience for small and medium businesses, data centres, and manufacturing facilities,” says Riaan de Leeuw, Vice President, Schneider Electric ITD Anglophone Africa.

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC South Africa has announced the launch of its Easy UPS 3S in Africa. Making business continuity easy for small and medium businesses, Easy UPS 3S is a 10-to-40 kVA Uninterruptible Power Sup- ply (UPS) that offers robust electrical specifi- cations and compact design. Easy to install, easy to use, and easy to service, the Easy UPS 3S is an exceptional combination of optimised footprint design and advanced product features, providing protection for critical equipment fromdamage due to power outages, surges and spikes. The unit delivers up to 96% efficiency in double conversion mode and up to 99% efficiency in energy-saving ECO Mode, taking

bringing this new 3 phase 10-to-40 kVA offer to the continent, where Easy UPS 3S is ideally suited for use in a wide range of industries and environments.”

Enquiries: www.se.com/za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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IS SOUTH AFRICA READY FOR AI?

M ore and more people are living in smart, connected homes. Devices such as Ama- zon’s Alexa to control lights, Google’s Nest to learn and anticipate heating preferences, and smart meters to give real-time data about en- ergy usage are becoming more popular locally and abroad. But these IoT technologies have an impact far beyond our homes, especially when it comes to energy. Smart meters, for example, give a clearer picture of energy usage not only to consumers, but to grid operators too, taking the guesswork out of balancing supply and demand. And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the digital infrastructure now helping the energy sector to be more efficient than ever before. Smarter supply with AI If you visit a modern power plant, you will find digi- tal sensors attached to every piece of equipment. These sensors generate vast amounts of data, which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is able to analyse and make sense of to increase efficiency – helping to generate more electricity from less fuel. Not only this, but, combining data and AI can create a power plant capable of operating itself. And this is not just a futuristic vision. In Takasago, Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group is in the process of building a ground-breaking new natural gas power plant capable of running autonomously. The plant uses a digital platform developed by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, MHPS-Tomoni, which has the capability to mine data generated by sensors around the plant, and uses AI to take on tasks such as diagnosing failures before they happen, reducing supply when needed, or increasing power generation if demand spikes. While the plant can be fully independent, the concept of Tomoni – which translates as ‘together with’ – emphasises the importance of AI and experienced engineers working together to make power plants operate as efficiently as possible. Data driving down demand While it is a significant step forwards, using AI to run power plants more efficiently only solves the supply side of the wider energy efficiency equation. Reduc- ing energy demand is also critical, and huge leaps forward have been made over the past decade. According the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy intensity – measured as the amount of primary energy demand needed to produce one unit of GDP – fell by 1.8% in 2016. Since 2010, intensity has declined at an average rate of 2.1% per year, which is a significant improvement from the average rate of 1.3% between 1970 and 2010. More than half of these gains have come through improved HVAC systems and the energy efficiency of buildings. This is thanks to everything from advanced building insulation and energy efficient lightbulbs through to devices like smart thermostats. Industrial energy – the biggest and most intensive area of energy consumption – has so far only accounted for around a sixth of the total global investment in energy efficiency. Despite these relatively low levels of spending compared to buildings and transport, the IEA says energy use per unit of economic output in the industrial sector fell by nearly 20% between 2000 and 2016. Is South Africa AI ready? According to an article on Memeburn, while global juggernauts such as the aforementioned Amazon are structuring their business models around AI and machine learning (ML), a key subset of AI, in South Africa, analysts have delivered enthusiastic reports regarding the economic potential of AI. Research has shown that it can double the growth rate of the South African economy and accelerate rates of prof- itability by an average of 38% by 2035. These are astounding figures, but the reality is that in South Africa, we are simply not ready to harness even a fraction of the potential that AI presents. There is much planning, investment and policy-making required before local businesses

increase inequality. The outcome will depend on how we manage the coming changes.”

is clear that local corporate leadership has to begin to grasp the fundamental building blocks of the technology – and what it represents. On a positive note, there are numerous local start-ups such as Data Prophet and Clevva that are making strides within AI and ML. Importantly, established corporates must be open to collaborating with nimble AI start-ups to create hypotheses tailored for their business/market — and thereby to move into the trial and error stages of AI implementation. As Maciej Kuziemski of the University of Oxford notes, “The AI revolution could either pull the ‘bottom billion’ out of poverty and transform dysfunctional institutions, or entrench injustice and

and decision makers can begin to leverage this transformative technology. In order to maximise the existing capabilities of AI, businesses need high-quality data. More specifically, they need to move from thinking big to thinking deep when it comes to data – which translates into creating a select number of information-rich data streams. When properly harnessed, these data streams can produce greater business value – at lower cost – than endless volumes of data. Although AI relies on clever algorithms, the algorithms need to be fed with data that is highly relevant to the context in question. When taking into account how AI is already being used around the world, and its future applications, it

Sources: www.iea.org, www.gibs.co.za, www.meme- burn.com, www.msn.com, www.forbes.com

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CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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THREE POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ELECTRICIANS FACE Y ou wouldn’t bring dull, broken, tools to a job, would you? Then why are electrical contractors inclined to ignore a sore back? So

Obesity Electricians have demanding schedules and because of intense workloads many are just too tired to exer- cise regularly. This in turn, can cause weight gain. In addition to a less active lifestyle, many electricians eat on the go. A job is across town and starts at 6 am. They head to a breakfast spot, grab a coffee and a bacon and egg roll. They work until 12 pm, then head to another job. On the way, they get a takeaway. They go to the next job. By the time they are done at 6 pm they are so tired they eat whatever is on offer. Does this sound familiar? Electricians tend to eat unhealthy food options, largely because they are running around and need fuel to make it through the day. Between a lacklustre exercise regimen and a poor diet, electricians can become prone to obe- sity, which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. How you can prevent it: Prepare a meal in advance and pack it into a lunchbox that is taken to every job. Themore available healthy food is, the more likely you are to eat it. Minimise how much fried food, sweet food, and alcohol you consume. Also, do some stretching before you go to work and try to exercise three times a week after work. Heart disease It has been reported that veteran tradesmen are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease or stroke. In particular, strokes are most common in male workers over the age of 55 who are current or former smokers. Work stress, noise, second-hand smoke, and particulate matter exposure negatively impact trade workers. How you can prevent it: If you’re a smoker, get medical treatment to help you quit. If you’re not a smoker, try to avoid second-hand smoke. Wear protective gear to minimise exposure to particulate matter. All this is easier said than done, but these tips will help to prevent injury and illness, develop a healthy lifestyle, and sustain your ability to work. T he FLIR ONE® Pro LT is a new thermal imaging attachment for smartphones in the FLIR ONE Pro series. It features many of the professional-level tools and ad- vanced thermal image quality that define the FLIR ONE Pro series, but at a lower cost. Powered by the FLIR Lepton® thermal microcamera core, the FLIR ONE Pro LT builds on the advanced features of the FLIR ONE Pro. Key tools include FLIR’s patented MSX® image enhancement, which combines the thermal and a high-definition visible camera images to produce crisp, detailed images that are easy to interpret. All FLIR One Pro models feature FLIR’s MSX and VividIR™ video signal processing technology to deliver improved thermal image quality and clarity. Additionally, the patent-pending OneFit™ camera connector allows users to adjust the device to attach to their smartphone through many popular protective cases. FLIR is also releasing an updated version of the FLIR ONE App, which includes tools such as multiple spot temperature meters, custom onscreen temperature tracking regions, helpful tips for problem solving and use-cases. Smartwatch compatibility with the Apple Watch and selected Android smartwatches provides the ability to stream live thermal imagery to see around corners and take images or video from your device. LOW-COST THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA FOR SMARTPHONES Adapted from an article on www.iec-cincy.com

that his or her lower back aches. Electricians lift heavy objects, squeeze into tight spaces, and spend huge amounts of time on their feet. Just one of these activities would put pressure on the lumbar region, but electricians do all three, and more, on any given job. The older people get and the more time they have on the job, the greater the risk for back injury and chronic back pain. How you can prevent it: Build core strength by doing lunges, leg lifts, side planks, and hip bridges. See a chiropractor or physiotherapist to help recover from injury, reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and decrease pain.

many electricians take a beating from the job’s long hours and physical challenges and, instead of doing minor things to improve wellness, they ignore the pain and press on. Over time, this die-hard attitude causes their health to suffer, which directly affects their ability to do their jobs. Listed below are the top three serious health issues electrical contractors experience: Lower back pain The most common complaint a tradesman has is

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 300 5622

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

11

TAKING PERANO INTO THE FUTURE

I n collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Siemens and its consortium partners, Orascom Construction and Elsewedy Electric, have announced the completion of the Egypt Megaproject in record time. The parties celebrated the combined cycle commissioning and the start of operations at the Beni Suef, Burullus and New Capital power plants. The stations will add a total of 14.4 gigawatts (GW) of power generation capacity to Egypt’s national grid, enough power to supply up to 40 million people with reliable electricity. With this milestone, Egypt and Siemens have set a new world record for execution of modern, fast-track power projects, delivering 14.4 GW of power in only 27.5 months. A single combined cycle power plant block with a capacity of 1 200 megawatts typically takes approximately 30 months for construction. For the Egypt Megaproject, Siemens in parallel built twelve of these blocks in record time and connected them to the grid. “The record-breaking completion of our Megaproject in Egypt will not only transform the power landscape in Egypt, but will also serve as a blueprint for building up power infrastructure in the Middle East and all over the world,” said Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG. “This Megaproject is also setting the benchmark for trustful and reliable cooperation with our customer and our partners. The leadership of President al Sisi and his team in this project has been remarkable. We look forward to applying this performance model to other countries in their efforts towards reliable, affordable and sustainable power systems.” “The completion of the power plants is a significant milestone in the government’s strategy to modernise energy infrastructure in Egypt to drive industrial growth and economic progress,” said H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaker, the Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. “This is also why the plants were built in select locations across the country to serve the growing demand for electricity among COMPLETION OF WORLD’S LARGEST COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANTS

F or 55 years, World Power Products has led the way in South Africa in the field of panel and enclosure manufacturing. Through the years there have been many different product ranges such as Perano, Mega, Dolphin and PB. Of these, Perano has stood out and is the name customers remember to this day. Starting a new era, proudly South African, and with a new product range, new innovations and facelifts on some of the old products, the company is proud to announce that World Power Products will now have one product range name on all its products. It will be taking Perano into the future while still offering it in mild steel, stainless steel 304/316 and 3CR12, and in aluminium. World Power Products strives for customer satisfaction by: • Selling directly to the public. • Partnering with Diesel Electric Services for TTA- MCCs.

• Introducing a new standard DB range. • Introducing a new wall mount double door range in all materials. • Introducing a new design on floor standing cabinets which consists of single and double door cabinets in all materials. • Introducing a new commercial range consisting of Pretoria boxes, SU flush trays, draw boxes and 12 and 18 way flush trays. • Service boards. • Perforation. • A new range of 304/316 padlockable locks. “We also offer our services to external client in terms of laser cutting, bending, punching, powder coating, machining, plating and design, and we encourage in- terested parties to visit us at the Electra Mining Expo by finding us in Hall 6, stand K:05 ,” says Chris Du Preez of World Power Products.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 680 5524

THE ULTIMATE TOOL BACKPACK FOR MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS

I t can be very inefficient, not to mention frustrating, for maintenance professionals to have to go back and forth to office stores, getting additional tools because they can’t carry everything needed on-site. Comtest is offering the new Fluke Pack30 Professional Tool Backpack that makes it easy to organise, transport, and access all the tools needed for the day. Designed specifically for electricians' DMMs, clamps, tools, and accessories, the rugged backpack also protects tools even in the dirtiest of work sites. For digital users, the Fluke Pack30 offers a way to carry all the necessary tools

bottom to protect tools and ac- cessories from the elements. • Moulded base also holds backpack upright, keeping tools organized and within easy reach.

while keeping ‘hands-free’ to use cell phones and tablets. The Fluke Pack30 features: • More than 30 pockets and pouches designed to hold a broad array of Fluke tools and accessories, as well as screw- drivers, pliers, tape rolls, and other hand tools. • Six main storage compartments for convenient organisation. • A special pocket for tablets and laptops 12 inches (30 cm) wide or smaller. • Storage for safety glasses, earplugs, cell phones, valuables, and more. • Rugged, waterproof moulded

households, businesses and industries. This new power infrastructure will serve as the backbone for economic prosperity in Egypt for years to come.”

Enquiries: +27 (0)10 595 1821

Enquiries: www.siemens.co.za

DRY CLEANING METHOD ELIMINATES EQUIPMENT DAMAGE

coils, cylinder heads and alloy wheels. Mass transit: Surface preparation of glass, plastic, rubber and aluminium without any damage to the surface. Applications are cleaning of elevators, escalators, floors, etc.

electrical flashes or fires. Chemical and petroleum: Cleaning of resins, glues and deposits on equipment and inside tanks, especially useful in volatile environments where the propellant in this application is nitrogen. Engine remanufacturing: Cleaning of engine blocks and accessories, pistons,

machine to do dry ice blast cleaning, which is designed and built in South Africa by an experienced team of mechanical engineers and artisans. Dry ice blasting: • Eliminates equipment damage as a result of zero abrasion. • Increases safety: the process

providing a dry cleaning method with no residue. No water, chemicals or drying processes are required and the process can be used to clean housings, stator and rotor windings, wiring, dc armatures and pole rings, switchgear, bus bars and transformers. It is ideal for disaster recovery of substations in the case of

Enquiries: +27 (0)12 810 0500

is dry and non-conductive and therefore suitable for use on electric motors and electrical circuitry. • Offers a faster, more thorough clean, including complicated cavities where typical grit blast media will become trapped. • Reduces or eliminates the use of permanent blast media, solvents, acids or chemical detergents. • Reduces waste disposal and is more environmentally friendly. • Decreases down-time, increases productivity and bottom line savings. • Is safe and non-toxic for food applications. Mining: Ideal for cleaning heavy mining machinery and equipment, electric and electro- mechanical equipment, surface, moulds and fresh air fans. Electrical: Dry ice blasting offers an industrial cleaning service, Applications for dry ice blasting:

BEFORE AFTER

DRY ICE INTERNATIONAL has three manufacturing plants, in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, which can provide dry ice blast cleaning services throughout South Africa and cross border if the need arises. The teams of blast cleaning specialists are highly competent and frequently undergo training to maintain superior standards. The company uses the Brilliant Blaster

SEPTEMBER 2018 SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

ELECTRA MINING

12

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ELECTRA MINING THIS YEAR

partner of choice for electrification of all consumption points to many leading companies. To find out more about us, visit ur stand at EMA. BEKA Schréder Where to find them: Hall 7, Stand A9 BEKA Schréder’s range of industrial lighting products has grown substantially over the years. Our products are used in Africa’s harshest environments, where energy efficiency, reliability and low maintenance costs are essential. BEKA Schréder is the leading manufacturer of LED based luminaires, which are most effectively used in professional, industrial environments. Let us help you find the right solution for your business. Visit us at our stand to view our latest products and services and meet our sales team. We will be showcasing ex-

citing new industrial LED lighting products so be sure to be there! Stand a chance to win a Tablet or Mobile fridge by taking part in our competition. Brady Where to find them: Hall 9, Stand 9F20 Learn more about professional safety and identification solutions through hands-on experience at the Brady booth. Brady will show its wide range of so- lutions to identify and protect people, premises and products; its highly profes- sional portfolio of signs and label print- ers; labels and accessories; and its wide range of safety products and signs to fulfill specific requests for applications in the mining sectors. Experience the recently upgraded BMP21-Plus Label Printer’s unstoppable labelling power for wires, cables and flat

Sparks Electrical News approached cus- tomers to find out what they have in store for this year's exhibition. This is what to look out for: ABB Where to find them: Stand P38A, Out- side and Hall 7, Stand A02 ABB offers a full range of technologies across the electrical value chain from substation to point of consumption, ena- bling safer more reliable power flow. Our range of digital and connected in- novations for low- and medium-voltage include: EV infrastructure, solar inverters, modular substations, distribution auto- mation, power protection, wiring acces- sories, switchgear, enclosures, cabling, sensing and control. We have driven innovation in Africa for over 110 years, and have become the

and Wiha German-made hand tools; Unilite LED work lights; and Irega shift- ing spanners at this year’s Electra Min- ing. Products include pliers, crimpers, screwdrivers, hex keys, LED torches, and toolkits to mention a few. There will also be two demonstration tables for visitors to try out these premium products as well as a range of unique tools not found anywhere else. As usual, there will be an assortment of show specials available to purchase for the duration of the show. Major Tech Where to find them: Hall 7, Stand B12 Major Tech will be exhibiting at Electra Mining from 10-14 September, displaying our fantastic product range and will also be launching exciting new and innovative products. Find Major Tech in Hall 7 to find out more about our extensive range. Phoenix Contact Where to find them: Hall 7, Stand D12 Phoenix Contact is a worldwide mar- ket leader of components, systems and solutions in the area of electrical engi- neering, electronics and automation. The Phoenix Contact Group has four- teen companies in Germany and more than 50 sales subsidiaries around the world. The product range comprises com- ponents and system solutions for en- ergy supply, including wind and solar, device and machine building, and con- trol cabinet engineering. A diverse product range of modular terminal blocks and special-purpose terminals, printed circuit terminal blocks and plug connectors, cable connection technology, marking and installation ac- cessories offers innovative components. Electronic interfaces and power sup- plies, automation systems on the basis

international brands relevant to the min- ing industry. This is the third time we have exhibited at the show, and we have al- ways had good response to our blue chip international brands. Also on show with its own booth, is Rawlplug, world leader and original designer and manufac- turer of wall fixings. The latest precision measuring instruments from Accud will be on exhibit; this brand prides itself on producing engineering spec measuring tools such as callipers, micrometres, dial gauges, indicators, height gauges, gauge blocks, plus high-technology measuring instruments. World Power Products Where to find them: Hall 6, Stand K05 For 55 years, World Power Products has led the way in South Africa in the field of panel and enclosure manufacturing. The company also offers their services to external client in terms of laser cutting, bending, punching, powder coating, ma- chining, plating and design, and they en- courage interested parties to visit them at Electra Mining. Zest WEG Group Where to find them: Stand P01, Outside Zest WEG Group’s large outdoor stand at Electra Mining Africa will display its growing range of products as well as its integrated approach, which offers cus- tomers significant added value in the execution of large projects. One of the products being launched at the event, and which is expected to draw the attention of visitors and customers, is the WEG Motor Scan solution. This inno- vative device facilitates the monitoring of electric motor performance from a mo- bile phone and will help mines to avoid unplanned downtime. According to Alastair Gerrard, inte- grated solutions executive at Zest WEG Group, the group’s entrepreneurial ap- proach to aligning with customer re- quirements has led to the cost effective packaging of its offerings. “In today’s mining sector, it is no longer enough to come to market with a good product,” says Gerrard. “It is increasingly important to partner with customers in the design and delivery of integrated solutions that will enhance their bottom lines and achieve lower cost of ownership.” Also, of interest will be WEG’s recent acquisition of steam turbine manufac- turing specialist TGM, which has a well- established reference base in the Brazil- ian market. Together with this, Zest WEG Group is growing its energy generation offering to include solutions in the renew- able energy space.

Selling directly to the public Partnering with Diesel Electric Services for TTA-MCC’S Introducing a new standard DB range Introducing a new wall mount double door range in all materials Introducing a new design on floor standing which consists of single and double door cabinets in all material Introducing a new commercial range consisting of Pretoria boxes, SU Flush trays, draw boxes and 12 & 18 way Flush trays Service boards Perforation A new range of 304/316 padlockable locks We also offer our services to external client in terms of We strive for customer satisfaction by: surfaces. See portable and desktop printers in action at the booth. Discover professional safety and facility identifica- tion printers and software that allow you to take control of your workplace identifica- tion, to comply with safety re- quirements and make it safer and more efficient in line with 5S and lean manufacturing. Reduce accidents at work during machine interventions with Lockout/Tagout. Brady offers a complete 3-in-1 solu- tion for an optimal Lockout/ Tagout implementation, even in multiple sites. Dry Ice International Where to find them: Hall 6, Stand D22 Dry Ice International will be promoting dry ice blast cleaning to the mining sec- tor. We will have our dry ice blast cleaning specialists on hand to answer all related questions. We will also have various blasting machines on display as well as the locally manufactured Brilliant Blaster. This robust dry ice blast cleaning machine was official- ly launched at Electra Mining in 2016. Since then we have seen a steady demand for it. Garry Lumpe Imports Where to find them: Hall 9, Stand G24 Garry Lumpe Imports will be displaying Knipex, Rennsteig

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of Ethernet and wireless, safety solutions for man, machine and data, surge protection systems as well as software programs and tools provide installers and operators of systems as well as device manufacturers with com- prehensive systems. The automotive, renewable energy and infrastructure mar- kets are supported with holistic solution concepts including engi- neering and training services and further service features accord- ing to specific demands. Vermont Sales Where to find them: Hall 9, Stand B07 Vermont Sales will be at Electra Mining with a premium range of

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

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

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