WHAT DOES 5G MEAN FOR OUR LIVES (AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS)? - Crown Publications
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MARCH 2021
E L E C T R I C A L N E W S
www.sparkselectricalnewsmagazine.co.za
REGULARS: CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | BUYERS' GUIDE: TOOLS OF THE TRADE | FEATURES: ENERGY MEASUREMENT & SUPPLY | TOOLS OF THE TRADE | LIGHTING
WHAT DOES 5G MEAN FOR OUR LIVES
(AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS)?
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
F
rom the time of the origins of humans when hunter-gatherers
ran across the open Savannah chasing a buck for dinner, all
people have been constantly immersed in radio waves. Way
back then it was radio waves from deep space, but then shortly before
the Boer War, Heinrich Hertz showed that mathematical predictions
of the nature of electromagnetism were correct and that radio waves
could be intentionally transmitted from one antenna to another.
So today your hi-fi and electrical wall plug show frequency in
Hertz (Hz). We laugh when we hear that a news reporter asked
Hertz what the practical applications of his work were and he re-
plied; “None, I just wanted to show that the mathematical predic-
tions of electromagnetism were correct.” The maths also showed
that radio waves and light were the same thing, it was only the
frequency which was different. As the 20th century progressed, the
whole electromagnetic spectrum was investigated in extensive
depth, from the lowest frequencies to the highest.
For day-to-day practicality we name portions of this continuous
spectrum with various commercial names, such as radio, FM radio,
light, X-rays, microwaves, ultraviolet, infrared, VHF, UHF, and more.
They are all the same thing, but with different frequencies. The dif-
ferent frequencies result in different properties. For example, the
human eye has evolved to see that part which we call light. Re-
searchers say that some insects appear to be able to see some
Ultraviolet (UV), but people can’t.
All types of radio-wave devices exploded onto the world stage,
particularly over the last half-century, and radio-wave traffic of all
sorts increased dramatically. People are now daily exposed to FM
radio, TV broadcast, police radio, aircraft positioning beacons, and
at times other types, such as X-rays or other medical scanners.
Because of all the commercial and military applications, scien-
tists have investigated everything that can be thought of concern-
2
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER
Help combat climate change with SF6-free MV switchgear
S
outh Africa’s 2019 Integrated Resource Plan sessing the availability of alternatives to fluorinated MV switchgear. from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
(IRP) indicates that the move to diversify the greenhouse gases in switchgear and related equip- Globally, the energy industry utilises 80% of the Administration showing that concentrations of SF6
energy sector is gaining momentum, and that ment, including medium voltage (MV) secondary SF6-gas that is manufactured. in our air have more than doubled over the last 20
it will help reduce the country’s reliance on carbon- switchgear. The EC’s decision will be significant in Many applications of F-gases have been prohib- years. For comparison, the amount of carbon dioxide
intense technologies and greenhouse gas emissions. Europe’s battle against climate change. ited or were scheduled for prohibition by the 2006 in the atmosphere has grown by around 11% over the
It is important to note, says Marcel Buckner, ESS F-gases are a range of chemicals involving fluorine legislation and its first review in 2014. Utilising them same period.
Business Development Manager at Eaton Africa, that that have been used for a variety of things including in tyres was banned in mid-2007, and domestic South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions are
the intended move away from coal-fired power gen- the manufacture of shoes, tennis balls, windows, and refrigerators have not used them since the start of among the highest in the world, with emissions of
eration is very positive, and that the choice of materi- as a coolant in refrigerators. The F-gases include 2015. Earlier this year, the use of F-gases in some approximately 10 metric tonnes per capita per year.
als used in electrical systems of new constructions, SF6 – or sulphur hexafluoride – that has a global home air conditioners was outlawed across the Eu- This has been ascribed to our coal intensive energy
especially those containing harmful gasses, could warming potential of around 23 500 times greater ropean Union (EU). system, as well as changes in land use profiles, which
have a negative effect on the environment. than carbon dioxide. SF6 is still used by many manu- The significance of the gas as a driver of global exceeds the emission levels of many other develop-
The European Commission (EC) is currently as- facturers as an insulator and switching medium in warming is growing continually, with measurements ing countries of a similar size and profile.
How can we reverse this trend?
South Africa has signed several multinational envi-
ronmental agreements, including the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNF-
CCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement
on Climate Change. Our country has committed to
reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by
2025, and enacted the National Environmental Man-
agement: Air Quality Act in 2004.
The country’s Department of Environment, For-
estry and Fisheries also published a notice gov-
erning the submission of ‘Subsequent Pollution
Prevention Plans’ under that Act, in October 2020,
proposing a process to manage carbon budgets for
2021 and 2022.
Renewable Energy
The broader problem of SF6’s contribution to
the greenhouse effect has, in recent years, been
compounded by the proliferation of green energy
sources. Whereas generation capacity came pre-
dominantly from a few, large installations like coal
and gas plants, the renewable sector is construct-
ing many smaller wind and solar plants; all of them
utilising switchgear, some of which still make use of
SF6-filled switchgear instead of safer and environ-
mentally friendly alternatives.
Many companies and organisations are opting
for alternative and more environmentally friendly
insulating materials. Hydro Extrusions, a global
supplier of aluminium based in Norway, renewed
its switchgear last year and opted for solid and
vacuum insulation-based units with similar size
and performance qualities to the SF6-based al-
ternative. In 2017, Zenium Data Centres opted for
SF6-free switchgear in its new purpose-built data
centre, London One, as did the six-kilometre Stock-
holm City Line rail tunnel.
In South Africa, large data centres, some utilities
and several shopping centres, have already imple-
mented SF6-free switchgear.
Action today, policy tomorrow
The EU regulation No 517/2014 on fluorinated green-
house gases, requires in article 21 (4) for the com-
mission to assess whether there are cost-effective,
technically feasible, energy efficient and reliable al-
ternatives to SF6, which make the replacement of
fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) possible in
new MV secondary switchgear. The current report re-
sponds to this requirement under the regulation and
in addition focuses on new MV primary switchgear
and switchgear with higher voltages as well as gen-
erator circuit breakers and other equipment related
to switchgear.
The F-gas targeted in the EU regulation report
is SF6, which has been used in switchgear for dec-
ades as an insulation material and current breaking
medium. SF6 has a lifetime of 3 200 years in the
atmosphere and any increase in atmospheric levels
is effectively locked-in for several millennia, which
makes it even more urgent that we act now to pre-
vent this from occurring.
Raising awareness of current SF6-free switchgear,
and alternatives, should lead to a greater demand for
it and ultimately companies and organisations will
specify and request it exclusively. As custodians of our
planet, when we work together, we can make better
and meaningful decisions to combat climate change.
Enquiries: www.eaton.com
MARCH 2021 SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
SPARKS DIGITAL 3
Switches, sockets and so much more
Crabtree South Africa first opened
its doors in 1947, as a subsidiary of
a UK parent company. From those
early days, the Crabtree ethos is to
be a company that meets the high
demands of its customers through
the provision of technically supe-
rior products, unrivalled service and
superior support and back-up infra-
structure.
In 2018 Crabtree was purchased
by Siemens South Africa a
subsidiary of the Siemens AG Learn how to install the locally produced Drywall Box from Crabtree.
business based in Germany. The Watch the step-by-step video by scanning the QR code.
Crabtree business, Crabtree South
Africa (Pty) Ltd became part of
the Siemens Low Voltage division,
managed by Electrium Sales LTD in
the UK also a leading supplier of
Electrical Accessories and Circuit
Protection Equipment.
The company’s world-class tech-
nical abilities are well recognised.
Crabtree has won several techno-
logical awards for its ever- expand-
ing branded range of products that
continue to add value and quality
to South African homes and busi- Learn more about Crabtree’s range of Topaz USB combo switches and
nesses. sockets. Scan the QR code to watch the video.
What’s sparking on our website?
Compulsory standards for Cable Gland: Exterior lighting for
SANS 1213:2020 Skukuza Safari Lodge
Unscrupulous, substandard manufacturers offer poor BEKA Schréder has supplied
quality glands based purely on price with no guarantee some of the exterior lighting,
of long-term safety and reliability. which includes LED bollards,
as well as the LED bulkhead
luminaires to the newly-built
Skukuza Safari Lodge.
New leadership appointments at Schneider
Electric for sustainable business growth in
Africa
With one internal and one external appointment, Schneider Take control of your
Electric is demonstrating its confidence in its existing talent power
while acknowledging the importance of bringing new The current market can be
expertise and insight into the organisation described as challenging for
electrical contractors. The
Coca-Cola goes solar economy is complex, customer
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has ramped up its needs are forever changing,
solar power generation capacity, totalling seven out of 13 and it can be quite difficult to
manufacturing facilities now using solar power around build solid foundations when
the country. the ground seems to move
continuously.
Did you miss our February issue?
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ISSUE
Cover story Working Knowledge with Terry
Zest WEG’s four decades in Africa have Mackenzie Hoy
produced a powerful local manufactur- There’s this guy, Clinton Ober. He had a
ing base, and a growing footprint across midlife crisis and travelled around looking
sub-Saharan Africa – strengthening supply for enlightenment. He grounded himself,
chains and local economies. slept better, felt better, tried it on friends
and did research. This has sparked a whole
And the winners are… movement and an industry of grounding
As with most things over the last 12 months, products.
the annual Sparks Electrical News competi-
tion, this year under the theme, ‘Kick 2020 Buyers Guide
Into Touch’, did not go to plan. Despite The February 2021 Buyers’ Guide lists
COVID-19 regulations, the draw went ahead, manufacturers and distributors of products
albeit differently – find out if you are a winner. and services in the DBs, Switches, Sockets
and Protection sector.
Regulation in SA: are you simply
accepting the existing norm?
To protect consumers against unsafe products,
regulatory processes were first introduced in
South Africa during the 1980s and these pro-
cesses became formalised by the publication
of compulsory safety specifications for various
products. What has changed since then? Scan the QR code to read the full issue.
SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2021
4
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER
BI consolidates Tier 2 electrical products under Alpha brand
F
ollowing the recent successful launch of the the availability of quick technical back-up and support. have decided to consolidate our Tier 2 electrical prod- motors and aluminium housing three-phase asyn-
Alpha Drive Micro and the Alpha Drive Plus BI has extended its motor range in size, with a 400 V ucts into one brand name, namely Alpha. Therefore, chronous motors, all with the latest design and select-
range of Variable Speed Drives, leading sup- and 525 V offering, allowing it to be able to supply the Bauer electric motors will be changing to Alpha ed quality materials that conform to the IEC standard.
plier Bearings International (BI) is excited to announce projects in the mining industry. from January,” reports BI product manager Andries The MA range of Bauer motors perform extremely
the rebranding of its Bauer range of electric motors ABB, in turn, will be able to leverage from BI’s exten- Barnard. well in even the toughest environments. This range
to Alpha. sive 42-branch network across South Africa, covering The part numbers, colour, quality and pricing will has been designed to give reliable performance, and
The growth of BI’s market share in electric motors all the major mining and industrial areas where BI has all remain the same. The only change will be on the is also easy to maintain. With a 0.18 kW to 7.5 kW out-
is one of the major strategic initiatives it undertook in a major footprint. The availability of IE3 high-efficien- nameplate of the motor itself from Bauer to Alpha. put, these motors are lightweight and have low noise
2019, culminating in the recent announcement of its cy motors from ABB will be especially welcomed by “Our ambition is to clearly align the brands of our emission.
partnership with ABB to include high-efficiency IE3 these sectors, where cost-effectiveness and total cost electrical products, compared to our power and trans-
electric motors. of ownership are key in an increasingly difficult trading mission products, with these two clear brands,” notes Enquiries: info@bearings.co.za
The advantages of the partnership with ABB include environment. Barnard.
dealing with a local supplier versus direct imports and “With our premium Tier 1 brand now being ABB, we BI has a wide range of aluminium frame electric
CMP Products
receives South
African Certificate of
Approval
L
eading cable gland manufacturer, CMP Prod-
ucts, has achieved approval to South African
National Standard (SANS) 60079 for its range
of hazardous area cable glands and accessories.The
latest accreditation comes as CMP continues its
push for growth across South Africa and the wider
African continent, providing choice and access to
products directly from Johannesburg.
The widely respected Johannesburg-based noti-
fied Body, Explolabs, worked alongside CMP’s certifi-
cation team to issue the formal IA certificates for 14
product ranges including A2F, Triton and TruSeal, as
well as stopper plugs, adaptors and reducers.
SANS 60079 standards ensure that customers
seeking in-country approval know that products are
tested against an extensive list of criteria including
ingress protection, heat resistance and cable reten-
tion. Clinton Vieira, South Africa Regional Manager
said: “CMP is a global leader in the manufacture of
cable glands and whilst we have relevant interna-
tional approvals on all of our products, we have been
listening closely to what our South African custom-
ers are telling us. As a result we are delivering shorter
lead times, wider choice and IA certification to SANS
60079. The new certification forms part of our strat-
egy for growth within South Africa in particular and
started with our recent investment in new premises
in Johannesburg last year.”
Commenting on the strategy for growth dur-
ing the pandemic, Vieira added: “The certification
work is a good way of keeping our strategy on track
whilst everyone does their best to tackle the pan-
demic. We wish to assure customers throughout
South Africa that our operations base in the UK is
continuing to manufacture at full strength, with un-
interrupted deliveries into Johannesburg.”
About SABS and SANS
• SABS is the national standardisation institu-
tion in South Africa who develop, promote, and
maintain the South African National Standards
(SANS) - www.sabs.co.za
• SANS accreditation certificates are a formal
recognition that an organisation is competent to
perform specific tasks.
• The SANS series of standards for explosive at-
mosphere cable glands is SANS 60079.
In order to sell cable glands within South Africa, ac-
creditation to SANS 60079 standards is highly rec-
ommended.
Enquiries: www.cmp-products.com
MARCH 2021 SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 5
Boost your business with prepaid
L
ast year had its challenges, but it has also you can expand your business and customer base come less and less relevant. In fact, people are gravi- the value of recognising the importance of people is
opened up new windows of opportunities for through word of mouth, shared markets and high-end tating towards companies and individuals who show incalculable.
small businesses and contractors alike. solutions. This is the perfect time for contractors to compassion and humanity during an unprecedented Citiq Prepaid is South Africa’s most trusted prepaid
And now, more than ever, it is imperative that con- work with partners to help them make the most of op- time in history. Work with people you trust, sweat the sub-metering service provider, offering superb service,
tractors focus on building successful businesses ca- portunities and deliver even better service to custom- customer’s small stuff, and ensure your prepaid sub- support and products. The company works with con-
pable of managing tough times and ready to take on ers. As the market continues to struggle with the pan- meters are of exceptional quality. If your customers tractors to create opportunities, support their growth,
the good times. With that in mind, here are four ways demic, trusted partners can make all the difference. know that you use the best prepaid sub-meters, of- and ensure that everyone is happy – from the cus-
for electrical contractors to boost their business with “The next few months will be defined by change fer high-end service, and connect them to a trusted tomer to the contractor.
prepaid sub-meters. and shifting market needs,” says Basson. “Staying service provider, they will recommend you to others
ahead of this change and remaining ahead of the and keep you on speed-dial. And, in times like these, Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za
1. Jump on the trends curve is challenging. Partnerships allow you to explore
One of the biggest trends to emerge from 2020 new markets, unpack new opportunities, and poten-
was working from home (WFH). People turned their tially find new revenue streams that you didn’t con-
homes into offices, parking their computers on any- sider in the past.”
thing that offered them privacy and a space to work.
They had to adapt to a landscape that had changed 3. Leverage opportunities
dramatically and find new ways of working. At first, it There are not many loyalty programmes designed spe-
was a holding pattern as people waited to see what cifically for the electrical contractor, but the Citiq Installa-
happened. Now, desks and office chairs are selling out tion Club (CIC) was the first in South Africa. This loyalty
as people start to make plans for a longer-term ap- programme supports contractors and wholesalers by
proach to WFH. With this in mind, they are also looking providing them with additional resources and benefits
to their companies and accountants to help reduce that are relevant to their business and industry. “We de-
home expenses like electricity and connectivity. And signed the CIC to be simple, accessible and financially
this is where prepaid sub-meters come in. beneficial,” says Basson. “You gain immediate benefits
“There has been a sharp rise in the demand for from your installation of Citiq Prepaid sub-metering so-
prepaid sub-meters thanks to the WFH trend,” says lutions, receiving a voucher worth R500 which can be
Jaqueline Basson, CIC Loyalty Manager at Citiq Pre- redeemed at your preferred Citiq Prepaid wholesaler
paid. “This is the perfect opportunity for contractors to once a certain number of meters are installed. The more
take advantage of a growing market.” you install, the more you earn. Plus, you become part of
the country’s largest installer database.”
2. Build relationships
Focus on building relationships with companies and 4. Pay attention to people
customers this year. With the right people at your side, The old adage ‘it’s not personal; it’s business’ has be-
SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2021
6
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER
WORKING KNOWLEDGE WITH TERRY MACKENZIE HOY
Electric fences. And hippos… Helping the South African power grid
E
lectric fences are everywhere. They are used voltage that can be delivered to the fence so that brave thunderstorms
for security, for stock control, for game fences… people or animals are repelled by the fence and not
they are very effective. I was in Kenya, next to electrocuted. It is worth noting that connecting the
Lake Naivasha, and we were out on a jetty admiring 220 V supply from the local power supply to a fence
the sunset. After a time, we heard somebody calling will result in prosecution on serious charges if a per-
us. It was a park ranger. He shouted that we had to son is injured or even just shocked by it. The kit for a
come back to the shore. We did and asked why. He simple electric fence (say 50 m long) will cost about
told us that hippos were coming out of the lake and R10 000 including the battery. A fence installed will
might attack us. Huh? So, we walked towards a shore be double this. It is possible to make your own electric
side restaurant. On the way there was a low single fence (but before I continue, all that follows is entirely
strand electric fence, no more than half a metre high. at the risk of the person who undertakes such a pro-
We asked what it was for. “To keep the hippos away.” ject).
We laughed. First, the battery. Any battery will do. A golf cart bat-
At the restaurant we sat at a table on the outside tery rated at 12 V will work fine. It need be rated at no
deck and ordered drinks. It soon became dark, and more than 10 amp hour. It should be supplied with a
looking towards the lake we saw a shape of some- charger which connects to the mains or a solar pow-
thing on the shore. A sort of black shape about the er charger with a regulator, both rated at 30 W. You
size of a shipping container, only not as high. Then it can make the energizer as follows: Obtain a motor
sprang into focus. It was a hippo. A huge hippo. And car ignition coil from a scrap yard and a 12 V interval
yes… it did not walk beyond the line of the small elec- repeating timer from a parts shop (such as Electro-
tric fence. mechanica). Wire up the timer so it switches the bat-
Electric fences consist of the following components: tery to the coil at about a four second interval with an
S
a battery, a fence energizer, insulators, fence posts, HT ‘on time’ of about 1 second. You can use car engine outh Africa is the leading services destination, regional manufacturing hub and the most indus-
cable and a fencing conductor. The battery keeps the HT ignition cable to connect to the fence conductor. trialised country in Africa. This makes it imperative to be supported by access to reliable power.
fence energized when the power is off and is used for You can make the fence conductor by wrapping stain- To maintain availability and reliability of power supply across the country’s power network of
storage if the fence is operated from a solar cell. The less steel wire around a nylon cord. Insulators can be more than 31 000 km requires consistent efforts by utilities and the use of innovative solutions. Cli-
HT cable connects the energizer to the fencing con- made from any spare plastic – they don’t have to mate and geography can pose crucial challenges in such situations.
ductor. The fencing conductor can be wire (normally have all the bumps and fins of the commercial insula- Experts predict an increase in the number and severity of thunderstorms in South Africa due
stainless steel or galvanized wire) or nylon cord into tors, however, I recommend you buy these, it’s much to climate change and global warming. Also, the landscape of South Africa is dotted with moun-
which has been woven a thin metallic conductor. This less of a hassle. tains and high plateaus. Transmission line towers installed in such terrain and height have higher
is quite a handy idea since you can join two cords by Unfortunately, electric fence installations are very chances of being struck by lightning, causing failure of critical equipment in the power network
tying them together. If you want to camouflage the ugly. The current installations seem to scream, “I’m and leading to a blackout. Experts predict an increase in the number and severity of thunder-
cord you can spray it various camo colours (grey and an electric fence!” which is perhaps comforting to storms in South Africa due to climate change and global warming.
white work well). Energizers apply a high voltage to some people who need a feeling of security. To many To protect South Africa’s power network from such risks, an innovative solution can now be
the fence, normally as a series of pulses. others, the electric fences are ugly and lend a drab, applied – Hitachi ABB Power Grids line surge arrester (LSA) Pexlink.
The installation as a whole is governed by various industrialised look to what would otherwise be beau- Surge arresters are the primary protection device for critical equipment in the electrical net-
SANS codes of practice which limit the power and tiful. A pity. work from over-voltages caused by switching operations or natural atmospheric events. They
protect the equipment from serious damage
that can lead to costly downtime, expensive
equipment failure and potentially harm per-
sonnel. For utilities, this translates into pro-
WHAT DOES 5G MEAN FOR OUR LIVES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
tection of key equipment like transformers
(AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS)? and improved transmission line availability.
The advantage of the PEXLINK solution to
the utility is to improve the outage rate of
ing electromagnetic radiation. That includes biological effects, so as to develop and also the positional accuracy, it is necessary to use higher frequencies. But the transmission line by installing LSAs on
medical X-ray devices, airport X-rays, medical MRI scanners, and anything that higher frequencies do not penetrate very far into anything, so you need more selected towers along the transmission line.
a scientist could find. Then it was all repeated, again and again. antennae spread around, but at relatively low power. The selection of towers for installation of
Meantime, other applications were developed and the first cellphone came The term ‘high frequency’ can sound scary and some people have taken the LSAs is done through simulation stud-
about in 1983. But it was then called a car phone and was about the size of a fright. There have been accusations that the new high frequencies could cause ies to achieve optimal performance of the
modern laptop, but about 10 times as thick. After that first generation of phones, cancer, but they are so low powered that you cannot get more than about 1% line LSAs. In case of a back flashover, part
which worked with ‘spacial cells,’ later generations became smaller and better. of the dose limit that is classified as a ‘safe’ dose by the International Agency of the lightning current in the affected tower
There was a second generation, or 2G, followed by 3G, as even newer ideas for Research on Cancer (IARC) a division of the WHO. By the way, IARC clas- is shunted through the LSA(s). The LSAs in
occurred to the developers. South Africa’s first cellphone small enough to be sifies coffee and pickles as potential carcinogens in the same category as 5G the towers in the immediate vicinity then act
carried clipped to one’s belt came on the scene just before the dawn of the 21st electromagnetic radiation. as the next layers of protection, shunting the
century. But they were aimed at senior businesspeople and the wealthy elite. current from the phase to the ground. These
Nobody could imagine then that in due course schoolchildren and the piz- 5G and electricity multiple layers of protection enable a con-
za delivery man would own cell phones, but now South Africa has one of the For all the benefits that 5G is expected to bring, its impact on smart cities, smart stant, uninterrupted power supply from the
world’s highest cell phone penetration figures. The rapid world demand for this technologies, and even just its deployment will offer electrical contractors a lot of job utility to the consumer.
great idea spurred on the developers. They figured out how to send text mes- opportunities. It will not only improve the efficiency of contractors who increasingly Pexlink also eliminates the need for in-
sages, with South Africa being one of the world’s first to do this. Then they found rely on mobile devices for productivity, but will also provide a great influx of new vestment in additional infrastructure to in-
out how to send pictures, then small video clips. This meant that developers had work to do in installing new cells and maintaining them. crease the reliability of the grid, like instal-
to come up with a new generation of phones, which could send messages, then From improved lighting performance to more responsive building operations, lation of redundant transmission lines. In
images, so they created a 3rd-generation, 3G, then 4G. 5G should introduce cutting-edge capabilities in the smart tech world. One of the South Africa, this means the conservation of
The target was to send even more data and longer video. This target was 5G, but an main reasons for this? Greater sensor density – one of the most critical aspects the ecology and biodiversity.
interim step was called LTE (Long Term Evolution), or ‘trying to achieve the 5G target’. of a smarter future. While 4G towers will remain, 5G is going to rely mainly on The possibility to monitor surge arrest-
‘smart cells.’ So how are we going to really maximise the potential of 5G? These ers makes predictive maintenance of surge
What is 5G? small cells may need to be installed by the hundreds of thousands. By raising the arresters possible, as well as analysis of
The latest generation of what a phone can do is 5G. A 5G system is going to be number of sensors and transmitters, smart cities will have better functionality, transmission line events. Hitachi ABB Power
about a 10-fold improvement on the 4G system. So, what does this mean? The better data-gathering capabilities, and a more powerful network overall. Grids Excount-II includes these monitoring
three big differences are; improved speed, bandwidth and latency. Back in 2016, a survey found that 51% of electricians with at least 10 years features while ensuring safe operation of the
The ‘latency’ is the speed of your phone’s response to a signal. This of experience preferred working on high-tech installations. This was up from grid. The Excount-II is a unique monitoring
means that in a video game you can shoot down space invaders faster be- just 24% in 2015. Working on more complex systems doesn’t just present chal- system that provides the utility with safe and
cause the reaction time between your phone and the system is faster. Oh lenges that allow electricians to improve their craft, it also invites collabora- effective monitoring of LSAs using remote
great! But there are other implications, like ordering a pizza to be delivered to tion. On a commercial job site implementing a high-tech system, experienced reading for maximum personnel safety.
your house by drone, which lands in your backyard next to your garden chair. electricians can mentor young electricians and apprentices, lessening the skills With these solutions, South Africa’s
The improved 5G system will allow for the faster reaction time and high data gap and even bringing new ideas to the forefront. Today, electricians who install transmission system is made more ro-
flow rate required to control the drone, and for the drone to use GPS to navigate these high-tech systems have to be almost as knowledgeable as the engineers bust against lightning-induced blackouts,
and land accurately. To achieve this, the 5G will need many more signal anten- who design them. thereby enabling a constant reliable sup-
nae. The simple physics reason is that the higher frequencies required for the The arrival and full implementation of 5G is new. But rest assured, it will make ply of power to consumers from bulk and
high data transmission do not travel very far, so one needs more antennae to our world better, our lives better and for the electrical contractor, offer further distributed renewable energy sources,
cover any given area. But the antennae will be much smaller than before and opportunities for work. enabling consumers across the region to
can fit on a lamp post, rather than needing a large tower. benefit from sustainable energy.
More antennas also allow for more accurate positioning, like guiding you to Sources: Dr Kelvin Kemm, www.bbrief.co.za; www.ecmag.com;
the front door of a restaurant. However, to achieve the higher data transmission www.blog.cityelectricsupply.com Enquiries: www.hitachiabb-powergrids.com.
MARCH 2021 SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
CONTRACTORS’ CORNER 7
Firm local base sets up Zest WEG for Africa growth
E
stablishing a strong local manufacturing over the years been able to engage South African authorities about local content
base in South Africa has been integral to requirements and industry development opportunities.
Zest WEG’s success over the past decade, “Our business – both in Brazil and South Africa – has put our weight behind
building the economy and providing an important economic empowerment and transformation, focusing heavily on local suppliers
springboard into Africa. and local skills,” he says.
This process has aligned closely with the strate- Zest WEG’s investment in human capital exceeds the portion of payroll de-
gic approach of Brazil-based parent organisation manded by B-BBEE in local training. Among other initiatives is a bursary pro-
WEG, which prioritises its member companies’ ca- gramme, and it will shortly employ its third electrical engineer from this scheme.
pability, efficiency and innovation on a local level, Vargas highlights the powerful launchpad that this groundwork has created for
according to Juliano Vargas, CEO of Zest WEG. growing the company’s footprint in Africa, where it also applies its local develop-
“This has required considerable investment in ment philosophy by partnering with in-country Value Added Resellers (VARs).
our local production capacity and skills base,” says
Vargas. “The outcome to date has been very suc- Enquiries: www.zestweg.com The Zest WEG panel manufacturing facility in Robertsham.
cessful, with Zest WEG developing its local struc-
ture and supply chain while working to world-class
standards and supported by WEG innovation.”
As an example, he notes that Zest WEG today
achieves almost 90% local content capability for
its transformers and more than 70% local content
capability for other products such as E-houses and
panels. These products form part of the compa-
ny’s wide range of solutions, including electric mo-
tors; drives; switchgear; energy generation; electri-
cal infrastructure and generator sets, with different
levels of localisation.
This locally developed supply chain delivers var-
ious benefits to customers, says Vargas. These in-
clude short lead times, as there is little reliance on
Europe, China or the US for parts and components.
“The impacts to our market are considerable,
and we have more predictability and control of
our supply chain,” he says. The company has em-
braced South Africa’s commitment to transfor-
mation, achieving Level 1 B-BBEE status and by
investing heavily in training and enterprise devel-
opment.
It helped that WEG is a member of the BRICS
Business Council (representing Brazil), so it has
Hyde Park Corner rolls
out solar panel project
T
he carbon footprint of Hyde Park Corner
has decreased with the installation of a
384 kWp solar PV system on the two office
block roofs and carports on the North Eastern park-
ing deck. The system, rolled out by Solareff, consists
of 900 430 W half cut Mono Percium panels which
are currently the most commercially efficient panels
available. The panels will generate approximately
674 400 kWh energy per annum translating into
saving of approximately 701.4 tons in carbon emis-
sions every year which equates to 5.38% of the to-
tal annual energy requirements at Hyde Park being
produced from renewable resources.
The mall’s holding company is conscious of the
business’s environmental impact. Hyprop CEO,
Morné Wilken comments: “As part of Hyprop’s drive
to continually minimise the impact on the environ-
ment, one of our key focus areas is to reduce the
consumption of natural resources where possible.
The installation of solar, a renewable energy source,
is only part of our drive towards positive change
in creating safe environments and spaces where
people can connect and be part of a community. At
completion, six of our nine malls will be making use
of solar power.”
Hyde Park Corner’s Jacqui McGeehan expands:
“This roll-out of solar panels will also mitigate the
risk of continuous, rising electricity costs for the
company.”
Enquiries: www.solareff.co.za
SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2021
8 TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS BUYERS' GUIDE
MANUFACTURERS POWER TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES SEALANTS AND LUBRICANTS EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE
ABB SA ACTOM Electrical Products ACTOM Electrical Products Magnet Electrical Supplies
ACDC Dynamics Full range of power tools and accessories Full range of sealants and lubricants Surgetek
Brady South Africa Atlas Atlas Major Tech
Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY CRC and other well-known brands Full range of electrode resistance instruments
Electroparts
Bellco Bellco Megger
HellermannTyton Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY CRC and other well-known brands MFT
Indlovu Enterprises Bosch Electrahertz Voltex
Legrand Power tools for drilling, driving, grinding, cutting, metalworking and Range of sealants and lubricants Full range of electrode resistance instruments
Megger woodworking Electroparts Waco
Phoenix Contact Citilec Full range of sealants and lubricants Full range of electrode resistance instruments
Pratley Full range of power tools and accessories HellermannTyton
Electrahertz FOSPRO – Penetrating fluid and lubricate for various applications ENVIRONMENTAL TESTERS
DISTRIBUTORS Range of power tools and accessories Pratley
HellermannTyton Full range of sealants and lubricants ACTOM Electrical Products
Electric Terminal Crimper (EK50ML) – high speed crimping Voltex Full range of humidity temperature, wind and sound environmental testers
ACDC Dynamics
Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) CRC and other well-known brands Atlas
ACTOM Electrical Products Comprehensive range of corded and cordless power tools and accessories Waco Various well-known brands available
ARB Electrical Wholesalers Phambili Interface CRC and other well-known brands Bellco
Atlas Full range of power tools and accessories Various well-known brands available
Bellco Voltex STRIPPERS Comtest
Citilec Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Environmental Testers
Comtest Waco ACDC Dynamics Electro Test Instrumentation
Denver Technical Products Various brands of drills, grinders and accessories for industrial and DIY Full range of strippers Full range of environmental testers
Electrahertz ACTOM Electrical Products HellermannTyton
Electroparts
DRAW WIRES AND AIR-DRIVEN SYSTEMS Full range of strippers Digital Lux meter (T630), 0-200 000 Lux; Sound level tester (T325), Type 2
Atlas sound level meter, sampling rate 2s; Anemometer/Hygro/Lux/ Temperature
Electro Test Instrumentation (T8000), LCD display
ACDC Dynamics Leading brands available
Garry Lumpe Imports Full range of draw wires and air-driven systems Major Tech
Bellco
HellermannTyton Atlas Leading brands available Full comprehensive range of environmental testers
Indlovu Enterprises Wiremate pull cord systems Electrahertz Voltex
Knipex and Wiha Bellco Range of strippers Various well-known brands available
Magnet Electrical Supplies Wiremate pull cord systems Electroparts
Major Tech Citilec Full range of strippers HV PROBES
Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) Full range of draw wires and air-driven systems Garry Lumpe Imports
MCE Electric Electrahertz Knipex cable wire strippers ACTOM Electrical Products
Range of draw sires and air-driven systems HellermannTyton Full range of HV probes
Mimic Components
Voltex Electrician’s Wire Stripper (SWN160) – Adjustable stripping size; PV Stripping Atlas
Phambili Interface Wiremate pull cord systems Tool (PVST46) – Standard die for 2.5, 4, 6mm2- ; Cable Stripper (ASS103) – Various well-known brands available
R&C Instrumentation Waco Strips multi-conductor wire ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Radiant Group Wiremate pull cord systems Major Tech Full range of HV probes
Stone Stamcor Complete range of wire strippers and cable knives Bellco
Voltex HAND TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES MCE Electric Various well-known brands available
MCE cable strippers; MCE wire strippers Comtest
Waco
ACDC Dynamics Phambili Interface A range of Seawood and Amprobe HV probes
Leading brands available
CONTACTS Full range of hand tools and accessories Denver Technical Products
ACTOM Electrical Products Phoenix Contact High voltage probes, transducers and measurement for ac and dc
Full range of hand tools and accessories Full range of strippers applications
ABB SA
Customer contact centre Atlas Stone Stamcor Electrahertz
Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Full range of cable strippers Range of HV probes
ACDC Dynamics
Sales ARB Electrical Wholesalers Voltex Electro Test Instrumentation
Full range of hand tools and accessories Leading brands available Full range of HV probes
ACTOM Electrical Products
Mike Ullyett Bellco Waco HellermannTyton
Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Leading brands available High Voltage Detector (HVD) - HV system is alive or dead; High Voltage
ARB Electrical Wholesalers Detector (THVD) - IEC 61243-1 for voltages above 1kV 50/60Hz; High
Sales Brady South Africa/Grafo
Handheld printers for cable and wire identification, labels, sleeves WELDING INSTRUMENTS AND Voltage Tester (TPC11K) - High Voltage Phase Comparators/Live Line
Atlas Tester/Voltage Detector
Sales Citilec ACCESSORIES Voltex
Full range of hand tools and accessories
Bellco Various well-known brands available
Shiraj Wentzel Electrahertz ACDC Dynamics
Range of hand tools and accessories
Brady South Africa Full range of welding instruments and accessories INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING
Anica Moyo Electroparts Atlas
Full range of hand tools and accessories Full range of welding instruments and accessories
Citilec ACDC Dynamics
Jeff Forman Electro Test Instrumentation Electrahertz Full range of infrared thermal imagers
Full range of hand tools and accessories Range of welding instruments and accessories
Comtest ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Sales Garry Lumpe Imports HellermannTyton Full range of infrared thermal imagers
Full range of Knipex and Wiha German-made hand tools: pliers, wire Soldering Kit (TP720K) – industrial soldering ion; Solder – Resin core, 2mm;
Denver Technical Products Atlas
strippers, side cutters, cable cutters, crimpers, VDE spanners and sockets, SOLDERGAS (Clipper Butane gas) - butane
Mervyn Stocks Various well-known brands available
screwdrivers, Allen keys and toolkits Legrand
Electrahertz Bellco
Frank Proude (Pta) Peet Lourens (Jhb)
HellermannTyton Industrial plugs and sockets, Tempra Pro P17r
Complete range from tool kits, screwdrivers, crimpers (hydraulic and hand Various well-known brands available
Electroparts Magnet Electrical Supplies
held) to VDE and 1000V double insulated Full range of welding instruments and accessories
Comtest
Keith Hickman A full range of Fluke Industrial portable thermal cameras and Optris Fixed
Major Tech
Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of hand tools, designed by electricians for electricians. Range infrared cameras
Winston Browning varies from VDE, 1000 V, insulated hand tools for all electrical requirements
CABLE LABELLING/CABLE TESTING/ Electrahertz
Garry Lumpe Imports MCE Electric CABLE FAULT LOCATION Range of thermal imagers
Garry Lumpe MCE handheld cable cutters; MCE handheld crimping pliers; MCE VDE Electro Test Instrumentation
HellermannTyton screwdriver sets; hydraulic crimping pliers; MCE hydraulic punch and die set ACDC Dynamics Full range of thermal imagers
Ingrid Nicolaus Phambili Interface Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments HellermannTyton
Indlovu Enterprises Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use ACTOM Electrical Products Full range; Thermal IR Camera (THT45), 80x80pixels, PIP function; Thermal
Francois Goosen Phoenix Contact Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments Imager (TPK80), 160x120 pixels, integrated tablet, communicates in real time
Legrand Wide range of handheld tools and accessories Atlas Magnet Electrical Supplies
Johan Bosch Radiant Group Leading brands available on request HellermannTyton; Major Tech; Fluke
Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of hand tools and accessories ARB Electrical Wholesalers Major Tech
Jenine Pillay Stone Stamcor Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments Full range of infrared thermal imagers
Major Tech Full range of cutting, compression and electrician’s tools Bellco R&C Instrumentation
Werner Grobbelaar Voltex Leading brands available on request Infrared inspection windows; infrared thermal imagers, fixed and portable
Makita Industrial Power Tools (Rutherford) Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Brady South Africa Voltex
Errol Martin Waco Full range of cable labelling Various well-known brands available
MCE Electric Various brands and ranges for professional, general electrical and DIY use Comtest Waco
Sales Amprobe cable locator Various well-known brands available
Mimic Components INSULATION INSTRUMENTS AND Electrahertz
Christo Vosloo ACCESSORIES Range of cable testing instruments COMPLIANCE TESTERS
Megger HellermannTyton
Alan Goodson Cable Route Tracer (VLOC2) - IP54 rating for all weather use, Multiple ACDC Dynamics
ACDC Dynamics frequencies; Cable Route Tracer (RD7100) - Simultaneous depth and current
Phambili Interface Range of insulation instruments and accessories
Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits
Steve Lea readout; Complete range of labels for various environments ACTOM Electrical Products
ACTOM Electrical Products Indlovu Enterprises
Phoenix Contact Full range of insulation instruments and accessories
Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits
Kevin Mann Cable fault location services (faults/VLF/PD/TD/ID/Spike); new cable fault ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Atlas location equipment; repair of cable fault location equipment; training on cable
Pratley Various brands available as per customers’ requests
Full range of compliance testers
Eldon Kruger fault location equipment
Bellco Atlas
Radiant Group Legrand Various well-known brands available
Various brands available as per customers’ requests CAB 3 and Memocab cable markers
Alfred Weldon Bellco
Comtest Magnet Electrical Supplies
R&C Instrumentation Full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe instruments and accessories
Various well-known brands available
Johan de Villiers Full range of cable testing and cable fault location instruments
Electrahertz Comtest
Stone Stamcor Major Tech A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
Range of insulation instruments and accessories Cable testers for location, length and LAN testing
Mark Talbot Electrahertz
Electroparts Megger
Voltex Full range of insulation instruments and accessories
Range of compliance testers
Hugh Ward EZ Thump; DET; CI (Cable Identifier)
Electro Test Instrumentation Electroparts
Waco Voltex Full range of compliance testers
Full range of insulation instruments and accessories Leading brands available on request
Sales HellermannTyton
HellermannTyton Waco Full range including Kits; Compact Digital Compliance Kits (TCTCDK) –
T1800 insulation testers; Analogue Insulation Tester (T1832) – Taut band Leading brands available on request
LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDING movement, Lifetime warranty, CATIII 500V; Analogue Insulation Tester
full selection of compliance testers; Analogue Compliance Kit(TCTRP);
Compliance Tester (MACROG3) TRMS, CATIII 240V, insulation resistance;
(T1132) – CATIII 500V, lifetime warranty, Safety voltmeter protection;
EARTH ELECTRODE RESISTANCE Compliance/3-Phase Power Analyser (T60) – TRMS, CATIV 300V, 362
ACDC Dynamics Multimeter (TBM878) – Insulation/Combination, TRMS, CATIII 1000V,
parameters over 2 months
Full range of ladders and scaffolding temperature
Magnet Electrical Supplies ACDC Dynamics Magnet Electrical Supplies
Atlas Full range of compliance testers and contractor’s kits
A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding Range of insulation instruments and accessories Full range of electrode resistance instruments
on request Major Tech Atlas Major Tech
Full range of electrode resistance instruments Complete range of compliance testers for all CoC tests
Bellco Full range of analogue and digital LV and HV insulation testers
A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding Megger Bellco MCE Electric
on request Full range of electrode resistance instruments MCE socket tester
MIT and MFT
Brady South Africa/Grafo Phambili Comtest Voltex
Equipment status management tools – Scafftag, Laddertag A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Earth Ground Testers Various well-known brands available
Various brands available as per customers’ requests
Citilec R&C Instrumentation Electrahertz
Full range of ladders and scaffolding Full system power management local and via Internet Range of electrode resistance instruments CLAMP-ON METERS
Electrahertz Voltex Electroparts
Selection of ladders Various brands available as per customers’ requests Full range of electrode resistance instruments ACDC Dynamics
Voltex Waco Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of clamp-on meters
A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding Various brands available as per customers’ requests Full range of electrode resistance instruments ACTOM Electrical Products
on request HellermannTyton Full range of clamp-on meters
Waco SEALANTS AND LUBRICANTS Earth resistance Clamp (T2000) – Jaw size:32mm, TRMS, CATIII150V ARB Electrical Wholesalers
A-frame and extension ladders for industrial and domestic use; scaffolding Full range of clamp-on meters
on request Atlas
ACDC Dynamics
ACDC Dynamics Full range of sealants and lubricants
Various well-known brands available
Full range of power tools and accessories
MARCH 2021 SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS BUYERS' GUIDE 9
CLAMP-ON METERS MULTIMETERS TEMPERATURE TESTERS
Bellco Phoenix Contact Voltex
Various well-known brands available Full range of multimeters Various well-known brands available
Comtest Voltex
A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Various well-known brands available INSULATION TESTERS
Denver Technical Products Waco
Clamp on metering units for all ranges of current, for measurement of ac and dc currents Various well-known brands available ACDC Dynamics
Electrahertz Full range of insulation testers
Range of clamp-on meters VOLTAGE TESTERS ACTOM Electrical Products
Electroparts
Full range of clamp-on meters
Full range of insulation testers +27 (0)11 879 2000
ACDC Dynamics ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of voltage testers Full range of insulation testers
Full range of clamp-on meters ACTOM Electrical Products Atlas
HellermannTyton Full range of voltage testers Various well-known brands available
Full range including AMPTIP; TBM175D 600A AC – AMPTIP, TRMS, CATIV ARB Electrical Wholesalers Bellco
300V, temperature, jaw size 30mm; TBM197 2000A AC?DC – TRMS, Full range of voltage testers Various well-known brands available
temperature, CATIV 1000v, jaw size 55mm; TBM089 1000A AC?DC –
AMPTIP, TRMS< temperature, CATIV 1000V
Atlas Comtest
Various well-known brands available A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
Major Tech Bellco Electrahertz
Comprehensive range of AC and ACDC clamp meters
Various well-known brands available Range of insulation testers
Megger Comtest Electroparts
DCM
A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Full range of insulation testers
Phoenix Contact Denver Technical Products Electro Test Instrumentation
Full range of clamp-on meters
Full range of voltage transducers for permanent installations Full range of insulation testers
Voltex Electrahertz HellermannTyton
Various well-known brands available
Range of voltage testers Complete range from digital to analogue; Digital Insulation Tester (T1851)
Waco Electroparts 1000V, CATIII 5000V; Digital Insulation Tester (T1151OLED), CATIII 500V,
Various well-known brands available lifetime warranty, designed for SANS10142; Insulation Tester ((TIN6D 10kV)
Full range of voltage testers
- CATIII 300V, 20 Insulation test voltages (500V - 10kV)
EARTH-LOOP IMPEDANCE TESTERS Electro Test Instrumentation
Full range of voltage testers Indlovu Enterprises +27 (0)10 202 3300
Range of insulation testers – 5 kV, 10 kV, 15 kV, 25 kV
HellermannTyton
ACDC Dynamics Full range, including non-contact and high voltage; Non-contact Voltage Magnet Electrical Supplies
Full range of earth-loop impedance testers tester (TLVD17) - CATIV 1000V, Sensitivity adjustable; WIBRE1000 - Dust and Full range of insulation testers
ACTOM Electrical Products waterproof, CATIV 1000V; Telescopic HOT Stick – Ritz (VTT25F) - Voltage Major Tech
Full range of earth-loop impedance testers range 1 to 132kV, 6 sections Full range of analogue and digital LV and HV insulation testers
ARB Electrical Wholesalers Magnet Electrical Supplies Megger
Full range of earth-loop impedance testers Full range of voltage testers MIT; MFT
Atlas Major Tech Voltex
Various well-known brands available Comprehensive range of voltage testers and 2-pole voltage testers Various well-known brands available
Bellco Mimic Components
Various well-known brands available ME435 Power Logging Meter in Kit for Poly-phase Power Network Logging POLARITY/ELCB TESTERS
Comtest Phoenix Contact
A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Full range of voltage testers ACDC Dynamics
Electrahertz Voltex Full range of polarity/ELCB testers
+27 (0)11 879 6600
Range of earth-loop impedance testers Various well-known brands available ACTOM Electrical Products
Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of polarity/ELCB testers
Full range of earth-loop impedance testers MEASURING INSTRUMENTS FOR SITE ARB Electrical Wholesalers
HellermannTyton SURVEYING Full range of polarity/ELCB testers
Full range; Multifunction device (T419) – TRMS< CATIII 240V, memory storage Atlas
of results; Compliance Tester (MACROG3) TRMS, CATIII 240V, insulation
resistance; Compliance/3-Phase Power Analyser (T60) – TRMS, CATIV 300V, ACDC Dynamics Various well-known brands available
Full range of measuring instruments Bellco
362 parameters over 2 months
Comtest Various well-known brands available
Major Tech Electrahertz
Full range of earth-loop impedance and PSC testers A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
Indlovu Enterprises Range of polarity/ELCB testers
Megger Electroparts
LTW Cable route tracing for ground surveying
Magnet Electrical Supplies Full range of polarity/ELCB testers
Voltex HellermannTyton
Various well-known brands available Full range of measuring instruments
Major Tech Complete range; Industrial ELCB (TELE10L) – Microprocessor, lifetime
warranty, designed for SANS10142; ELCB Testing/Polarity (TEL2SC) – Taut
POWER ANALYSERS Laser distance meters and video borescopes
band movement, designed for SANS10142; ELCB Testing/Polarity (TEL2TLB)
– Socket, live or earth indication
ABB SA
OSCILLOSCOPES Major Tech
M4M Network analyzers: Accurate electrical measuring and power monitoring. Range of ELCB testers and industrial RCD/ELCB testers
ACDC Dynamics ACDC Dynamics MCE Electric
Full range of oscilloscopes
Full range of power analysers
Atlas
MCE socket tester
+27 (0)11 955 2190
ARB Electrical Wholesalers Megger
Full range of power analysers Various well-known brands available MIT; MFT
Atlas Bellco Voltex
Various well-known brands available Various well-known brands available Various well-known brands available
Bellco Comtest
Various well-known brands available A full range of Fluke Industrial, PicoScopes, BK Precision and Amprobe STANDARD METERS
Oscilloscopes to suit all requirements and budgets
Comtest
A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Electro Test Instrumentation
Full range of oscilloscopes ABB SA
Denver Technical Products EQ meter; high-performing, modular DIN rail mounted electricity meters that
Power analyser range of products, for handheld and permanent installation applications Major Tech are safe and easy to use
Range of handheld digital storage oscilloscopes; digital storage oscilloscopes;
Electrahertz True RMS multimeter and oscilloscope ACDC Dynamics
Range of power analysers Full range of standard meters
Voltex
Electro Test Instrumentation Various well-known brands available ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Full range of power analysers Full range of standard meters
HellermannTyton PHASE TESTING Atlas
Full range; 3-Phase Power Quality Analyser and Recorder(T824) – TRMS, Various well-known brands available
CATIII 600V, single and 3 phase 3and 4 wire systems; 3-Phase Power Bellco
Quality Analyser (T78) – TRMS< CATIII 600V, 251 simultaneous parameters ACDC Dynamics Various well-known brands available
single and 3-phase; 3-Phase and single Power Quality Analyser (TPQA820) Full range of phase testing equipment
– TRMS, CATIV 300V, WiFi; Compliance/3-Phase Power Analyser (T60) –
Comtest
ACTOM Electrical Products A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
TRMS, CATIV 300V, 362 parameters over 2 months Full range of phase testing equipment
Impact Power Innovations Electrahertz
ARB Electrical Wholesalers Range of standard meters
Various well-known brands available Full range of phase testing equipment
Major Tech Electroparts
Atlas Full range of standard meters
Compact power analysers, power quality analysers, current loggers, current Various well-known brands available
and voltage loggers, leakage loggers Magnet Electrical Supplies
Bellco Full range of standard meters
Megger Various well-known brands available
MPQ Major Tech
Comtest Full range of standard meters
Mimic Components A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
ME435 Power Logging Meter in Kit for Poly-phase Power Network Logging
Electrahertz
MCE Global Suppliers +27 (0)10 595 1821
MCE ammeters, voltmeters
Voltex Range of phase testers
Various well-known brands available Phoenix Contact
Electro Test Instrumentation Full range of standard meters
Full range of phase testers
MULTIMETERS HellermannTyton
Voltex
Various well-known brands available
Full range; 3-Phase Detector (non-contact) (T890) – CATIII 1000V, Clamps
ABB SA over wire insulation; 3-Phase Rotation (LCD) Indicator (T887) – lifetime Waco
warranty, colour coded; High Voltage Tester (TPC11K) - High Voltage Phase Various well-known brands available
M1M 10 and M1M 12; offer exactly what is needed to monitor an electrical system
ACDC Dynamics Comparators/Live Line Tester/Voltage Detector
Full range of multimeters Major Tech TEST LEADS
ACTOM Electrical Products Full range of phase rotation meters and non-contact safety phase indicators
Full range of multimeters Megger ACDC Dynamics
PSI; MFT Full range of test leads
ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Full range of multimeters Voltex ARB Electrical Wholesalers
Various well-known brands available Full range of test leads
Atlas
Various well-known brands available Atlas
Bellco TEMPERATURE TESTERS Various well-known brands available
Various well-known brands available Bellco
ACDC Dynamics Various well-known brands available
Comtest
A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories Full range of temperature testers Comtest
ARB Electrical Wholesalers A full range of Fluke Industrial and Amprobe Instruments and Accessories
Denver Technical Products
Fluke range of multimeters Full range of temperature testers Electrahertz
Electrahertz Atlas Range of test leads +27 (0)10 202 6995
Range of mulitmeters Various well-known brands available Electroparts
Bellco Full range of test leads
Electroparts
Full range of multimeters Various well-known brands available Electro Test Instrumentation
Comtest Full range of test leads
Electro Test Instrumentation
Full range of multimeters A full range of Fluke Industrial and Optris Instruments and Accessories HellermannTyton
Electrahertz Complete range, including leads, crocodile and banana clips; TAL24, Universal
HellermannTyton & suitable for all DMM, CATIV 600V; TAL30ARBK, double insulated silicone
Full range, from DIY to 5-in-combination meters; T835 - CATII 600V, Range of temperature testers
wire; TELEWR50F – brass banana plug
temperature; TBN812XEX- EX approval, CATIV 1000V, TRM and lifetime Electro Test Instrumentation
warranty; T8209 – Multipurpose 5 in 1 - CATIII 1000V, temperature, VΩA, %Rh Full range of temperature testers Indlovu Enterprises
Range of test leads
Indlovu Enterprises HellermannTyton
Range of Fluke multimeters Full range, including IR and non-contact; Thermometer Dual Input (T502KJ), K-and Major Tech
Range of modular test lead sets and croc clips in PVC and silicone insulation
Magnet Electrical Supplies J-type thermocouples, programmable; TIR9PEN, 9:1 inbred, circular laser; 4-in-1 non-
Full range of multimeters contact thermometer (T151) UV refrigerant leak detector, Field of view15:1 Megger
Major Tech MFT leads
Major Tech
Extensive range of multimeters designed for all electrical measurement requirements Full range of infrared and K-type thermometers Voltex
R&C Instrumentation Various well-known brands available
Megger
AVO Portable and fixed infrared thermometers; Ex- and IS-rated infrared thermometers Waco
Various well-known brands available
SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2021
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