News

Why an Industry 4.0 journey requires a trusted guide For a lot of manufacturers, implementing Industry 4.0 strategies may be a difficult mountain to climb on their own. As they focus on the core business, it is difficult to devote enough staff to the requirements and challenges associated with deploying data-driven, smart manufacturing technologies to boost agility and competitiveness. Many companies need guidance. The con...

The first goal of any electrician or technician who works around live voltage is to go home safe. Traditionally voltage has been measured by attaching test lead probes or alligator clips directly to electrical conductors. This requires metal-to-metal contact that brings with it the risk of arc flash and potential harm to both the person doing the measuring and the equipment being measured. Fluke FieldSense™ technology offers a safer way to measure voltage by isolating the measurement tool from the voltage source under test. This reduces ...

Our friends at SIEMENS challenge us to start a productive future with digital drive data. Here’s their take on the digitalization of drive technology… Whether it's the processing or manufacturing industry: nothing happens without drives. And drive systems also get you off to a good start when it comes to digitalization. The data from motors and converters is crucial to ensuring your competitiveness. We offer you a wide range of selection and engineering tools, connectivity modules, MindSphere applications, and Edge solutions, as well as ...

Did you know that we are the largest distributor of Schneider Electric products in South Africa? Our team is equipped with in-depth Schneider product knowledge and technical expertise. Included in our extensive portfolio of Schneider Electric products is the Harmony XB5 Range… The modular Harmony XB5 range of 22 mm plastic control and signalling units combines simplicity of installation, flexibility, and robustness to meet the majority of industrial applications. A complete range to provide the relevant functions for your panels and machines...

Included in our extensive portfolio of Schneider Electric products is the TeSys GV range of motor control circuit breakers. Advanced motor protection for a wide range of applications With an integrated short circuit and extended protection against thermal overload and phase loss, TeSys GV helps provide consistent performance, enhanced safety and uptime, cost savings, and great functionality. In addition, TeSys GV combines with the TeSys D range, to offer a complete motor control solution for everything from simple machines to complex motor control cent...

Exceptional efficiency, manageability and energy metering capabilities Advanced protection for Servers Switches Routers Storage devices Performance and Efficiency Eaton 5PX Gen2 provides Unity power factor (W=VA) capability. With 11% more power than other UPS, it can protect more servers. Energy Star 2.0 certified, 5PX Gen2 offers best-in-class efficiency performance to reduce energy consumption and cooling costs. Each 5PX Gen2 battery configuration provides the best size/runtime ratio. Management and Cybersecurity Innovative graph...

Discover Brady's range of cleanly removable transparent materials Product description Brady B-521 and B-522 materials are engineered for use in temporary labelling applications where solvent resistance and print performance are required. They allow clean and easy removal without scraping and they do not damage the surface they were attached to. B-521, a polypropylene material, and B-522, a polyester material, both offer good solvent and low/high temperature resistance. In addition, B-522 offers good outdoor durability. Both materials are i...

In Part 1 of our series on Motor Protection, we outlined the importance of motor protection. In Part 2...

In this NEW series, we unpack motor protection.   In Part 1, we discussed the importance of motor protection. We continue the series with Part 2 – a comparison of circuit breakers to fuses. In the beginning, only fuses were used in electrical distribution systems to protect people and equipment against short circuits, circuit overloads, and other types of faults. Then, circuit bre...

SINAMICS S120 high performance modular drive system With a wide range of coordinated components and functions in a complete drives package, SINAMICS S120 modular drives are designed for motion control and a spectrum of high-performance drive applications in mechanical and systems engineering. Simply the world's best drive system for demanding single- or multi-axis servo applications SINAMICS S120 drives include high-performance single drives and coordinated drives (multiple-axis applications) with vector or servo functionalities that allow implementation of customized high performance dri...

When it comes to downtime, motors are a disproportionally large contributor compared to other causes, simply because motors are used in so many processes, from pumping to material management. So, a failure in a motor will have a serious ripple effect on productivity. We’re wrapping up our series on Motor Protection. Before we get into the fifth and final instalment, take a moment to catch up on previous articles in the series… Part 1 ...

  In Part 1 of our series on Motor Protection, we outlined the importance of motor protection. In Part 2...

Our friends at SIEMENS remind us that drives are literally everywhere. You don´t always see them, but they are an important part of machines, of production facilities or of baggage handling systems in airports... Data for Digitalization Digitalization needs data. Information is considered the fuel of digitalization. To get more flexibility, more efficiency and ultimately more productivity out of machines, production facilities and even airports, you need to know what t...

Did you know that improperly protected motors might result in unexpected production downtime, losses, and breakdowns in the machinery? In this NEW series, we unpack the many facets of motor protection. We kick off Part 1 with an overview as to the importance of adequately protecting motors. Why protect your motors?               The basic idea behind electric motors is pretty simple – supply electricity at one end and a metal rod or an axle at the other end, which will pro...

In Part 1 of this NEW series, we unpacked the definition of a protective relay, the five functional categories of relays, and then ended off by touching on the classification of relays. We wrap up the series by discussing the types of protective relays, and then move on to transformers, protection zones and end off with the applications of a relay… What types of protective relays are used? Digital protective relays The d...

Our friends at EATON have recognised that we're in the midst of a significant transformation - the digital transformation of manufacturing. Here’s how they intend working towards a future that’s connected, data-driven and smart... The 4th industrial revolution Industry 4.0, is the automation of traditional manufacturing practices using digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, additive manufacturing, factory simulation and augmented and virtual reality. Manufacturing models are becoming autonomous and using algorithms and machin...

Eaton’s complete line of circuit protection products reflects a long tradition of creating solutions that enhance electrical safety, reliability, code compliance and efficient power distribution in alternative energy, commercial, industrial and mining operations. Eaton’s protective relays provide you with unique microprocessor-based devices that eliminate unnecessary trips, mitigate arc faults, protect motors and breakers, and provide system information to help you better manage your system. Eaton’s predictive diagnostic solutions include non-destructive testing technologies and sensors that a...

In our NEW series, we unpack protective relays. We start the series off with an introduction to protective relays, and then touch on relay categories and classifications. Keep an eye out for the second instalment of the series… What is electrical circuit protection? Electrical circuit protection is the purposeful use of a fail-safe device that automatically causes a disruption in an electrical circuit when it recognizes an excess and unsafe load of power in a circuit. Common circuit protection devices and components include circuit break...

In this article, created by our friends at a-eberle, we discuss current changes in energy technology, the effects of grid repercussions, and what influence they have on measuring devices with which we detect faults in the grid. Increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs – not possible without changes Industries are abandoning old technology for power-controlled technology (Figure 1). A good example is the change from an asynchronous motor to a frequency converter with a controlled drive. The asynchronous motor had two states: on and o...

Emergency lighting is a hugely important aspect of any building, yet for the most part, it is widely overlooked. Is your building compliant with regulations regarding emergency lighting? In PART 1 of this series, we introduced emergency lighting by giving an overview of what it comprises. We’re wrapping up our series on Emergency Lighting by discussing the different types of technologies that exist for emer...

A lack of lighting in a building during an emergency could lead to sudden darkness and possible harm to the occupants, either through panic or physical danger… In the event of an emergency, does your building have the necessary light fittings and signs to allow your employees to safely evacuate? In this NEW series, we introduce you to emergency lighting. In the first instalment, we start by giving an overview of what emergency lighting is, and touch on the reasons for having this in your workplace. What is Emergency Lighting? It is lighting that is required for an emergency when the main powe...

Eaton is proud to introduce their most technologically advanced range of circuit breakers… Eaton’s low and medium-voltage circuit breakers provide premium protection for overheating wires, overloads and short circuits in residential, commercial, industrial and hazardous area applications. The Power Defense range of breakers The Power Defense molded case and insulated case circuit breaker portfolio is globally rated in a small footprint for easy adaptability no matter the application or project requirement.  A circuit br...

What is the difference between harmonics and transients? Harmonics and transients can both create distortion on the sinewave. They are both a cause of deviation of the sinewave from its actual form. However, the basic difference between harmonics and transients is that harmonics tend to stay more in a system. Transients are hugely repetitive and are nanosecond occurrences. Whereas transients are created by inductive load switching, harmonics are created specifically by non-linear loads. How do you know if you have a Harmonics issue? It’s easy to assume you have a harmonics issue. However, hav...

Not sure which appliances you can connect to your system, and which items you will need to do without during load shedding? In this quick article, we outline the appliances that you can safely connect to a typical back-up power system, along with the items that you should avoid connecting…. Do: You should be able to connect the following appliances to a typical inverter system. However, bear in mind that this ought only to be done so long as the total powe...

High impact, precision full colour that lasts Create a safer, more efficient workplace with compliant, photo-quality full-colour labels, signs and procedures that last. Balance the complexity of safety and compliance labels with the demands of an industrial environment while reducing your safety signage inventory and material waste. Overview This industry inkjet workhorse creates up to 5,000 impactful full-colour labels per day up to 203.20 mm wide on continuous or die-cut material Ideal for a wide variety of applications...

A 960 TZ Special – thin cutting-off wheel for stainless steel The A 960 TZ Special, which Klingspor sells in the protective Kronenflex Box, is a thin cutting-off wheel for work on stainless steel steel cast material mineral-based material This wheel manages to convince with ultra-long service life and exceptional hardness. One of the key benefits of this product is its burr-free cut, a feature that is intended to please professional users in particular. These qualities make the A 960 TZ Special the perfect choice fo...

Monitor own, defined limit values Using the measurement supervision, a-eberle offers the user the possibility to measure exactly what he needs. With this function, up to 32 different measured values can be monitored for individually defined limits. In addition to the pure limit value, it is also possible to set the switch-off limit value depending on an individual hysteresis. The measured value monitoring is particularly interesting for transfer in industry on the one hand and for renewable energy sources on the other. For whom is t...

Navigating the World of Sustainability for a Better Future The breakout of novel coronavirus in March 2020 has impacted almost all sectors of our society, be it healthcare, educational, or industrial. Steadily, every country is awakening to the importance of a clean, healthy, and sustainable future. In this article, we will bring under purview why it is imperative for industries to switch to sustainable energy. First, let us begin by understanding the meaning of sustainable energy, also known as renewable energy, and how it can contribute to creating a cleaner and eco-friendly future. ...

  The Fluke Seasonal Promotion offers discounts on some of their industry-leading multimeters, clamp meters, and electrical and installation testers. So, it’s a good time for expanding your toolkit or upgrading to the absolute safety and outstanding performance of Fluke instruments. The Fluke Seasonal Promotion ends on December 15, 2021. Don’t miss out on this opportunity... 1. DOWNLOAD the promo brochure 2. ENQUIRE...

In our NEW series on Advanced Metering, we unpack why advanced metering devices should not only be truly reliable devices but also, provide information that helps users to achieve tangible results. In part 1, we gave an overview of traditional PQ data reporting, touched on workforce dynamics and then outlined the path to tangible results. In the second instalment, we discuss how Advanced Metering e...