News

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

  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...

As power disruptions seem to become more common, industrial organizations need to protect themselves by minimizing unplanned outages. So should they turn to a generator or an industrial uninterruptible power supply (UPS)? In many cases, the answer is both. By delivering both industrial UPSs and generators, electrical contractors can provide customers with a comprehensive backup power plan to enable business continuity. For the most part, customers are familiar with backup generators – a common sight in various environments, includin...

Having a truly reliable monitoring device is certainly the starting point for any business that relies on power availability, but it is certainly not enough. What use it is for engineers and facility managers to have access to highly accurate data if they can’t get real insight from that data? In this NEW series, we unpack why advanced metering devices should not only be truly reliable devices but also, provide information that helps users to achieve tangible results, information that is meaningful and actionable. In part 1, we give...

The Marechal Electric Story Marechal Electric has been a leader in low voltage electrical connectors for more than 65 years. Designed and manufactured in France, Marechal® products are renowned as the ultimate in safety and endurance. They are strong and durable, made from premium, quality material. The two brands, Marechal® and Technor® service standard industrial as well as ATEX/IECEx environments. Marechal Electric Africa has proudly served the SADC region for over 30 years as a subsidiary of Marechal Electric. Core Business Supp...

High performance portable oscilloscopes engineered for harsh environments Fluke 190 Series III ScopeMeter® Test Tools are engineered to go where you go, and tackle just about any troubleshooting job along the way. These CAT III 1000 V/CAT IV 600V rated test tools combine rugged portability with the high performance of bench oscilloscopes to help you take on the challenges of installing, commissioning and maintaining industrial machinery, automation and process controls, and power conversion electronics with ease—from DC to 500 MHz. ...

In this NEW series, we introduce you to solar irradiance. In the first instalment, we touched on what affects irradiance, how it is measured and the types of irradiance. In this article, the second and final instalment in the series, we give an overview of solar potential maps and applications of solar irradiance. Solar irradiance is a very important quantity that is studied extensively especially in the design...

Discover Galaxy - Uninterruptable 3-phase power for IT and industrial applications The Galaxy family of UPSs delivers highly efficient, simple-to-deploy, compact 3-phase UPS power protection. With innovative ECOnversion mode, Li-ion options and a range of 10 kW to 1500 kW, the Galaxy UPS seamlessly integrates into the electrical, physical and monitoring environment of customers operating data centres, industrial applications or facilities. Increased availability. Reduced operating costs. First class power protection for critica...

Electrical contractors face risks on the jobsite every day. But risk assessments for electrical installations, when performed correctly, can help reduce the overall risk of injury. In this article, we take a deeper dive into this invaluable tool. What are electrical installation risk assessments? An electrical installation risk assessment is a procedure that helps electrical workers identify hazards, assess risks, and implement risk controls before beginning work at a site. During the assessment, a worker must weigh the likelih...

The Power Quality Issue Power Quality (or PQ, as it is commonly referred) is an increasingly newsworthy issue. Growing use of semiconductor-based electronic equipment and non-linear loads (computers & their peripherals, data servers, adjustable speed drivers etc.) along with the rapid integration of renewable energy sources into grid networks brings with it new challenges for the PQ environment. The Importance of PQ Monitoring Equipment installed in a facility impacts the quality of the power supply to the system, potentially le...

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Solar irradiance is a very important quantity that is studied extensively especially in the design of solar technologies. Understanding and measuring solar irradiance has important implications, such as the heating and cooling loads of buildings, the prediction of energy generation from solar power plants, and weather forecasting. In this NEW series, we introduce you to solar irradiance. In the first instalment, we touch on what affects irradiance, how it is measured and the types of irradiance. The second article in the series delv...

Are you working in an explosive environment? Are the areas in your workplace properly classified according to the necessary documentation? Is the equipment installed and properly rated for safe operation in those explosive atmospheres? In the first article of the series, we introduce you to explosive environments in the workplace. We give an overview on how to classify explosive areas according to the necessary standards, and explain the compliance standards your company should adhere to, for...

Everything as a Grid is the approach to electrical infrastructure you need for today and tomorrow What do you need your electrical infrastructure to do? Chances are, it’s a lot more than what it used to be. Simply getting power safely delivered from the grid to your home, operations and building loads is not enough anymore. Read about what our friends at Eaton are doing about this… The “Everything as a Grid” Approach In the next 15 years, half of the world’s electricity will come from renewable resources. That means more and more di...

The power availability and reliability of a distribution system encompasses its entire lifecycle, from design to operations. Schneider Electric challenges you to consider these five approaches: 1. Pre-engineered reference designs A pre-engineered medium and/or low voltage electrical distribution system will be based on a reference design that has been validated for the specific application. A design should include the core power system design...

  The faster, easier way to perform power quality studies Simple setup. Automatic measurements. Better results.  The Fluke 1770 Series Power Quality Analyzers simplify troubleshooting and analysis so you can spend more time addressing issues, and less time figuring out how to use your tools. Whether you are performing a quick system check, or a detailed power quality study, you can be confident that you’ll capturing the right data, every time. 1. No power cords needed Power directly from the measured circuit so you never n...

  Keep the power on with Eaton's 3S Mini UPS... Whether you work from home, or use a smart home device or security system that you rely on to protect yourself and your family, the 3S Mini UPS is designed to keep you connected at all times. The super compact, silent and stylish design ensures that the 3S Mini blends well into your home or business environment. Designed to keep you connected Keep your critical connected equipment (Internet gateway, IP camera, Smart-home controller, personal assistant, etc..) up and running in the...

In our latest series, we’re discussing the cascading of circuit breakers. In Part 1, we give an explanation of what cascading is, its advantages, and the conditions required to implement cascading. This second and final instalment in the series touches on the topic of selectivity, by giving an overview on how it can be enhanced in your system by the implementation of cascading circuit br...

Are you planning on renewing or adding circuit breakers to your current electrical installation? Is it possible to reduce the cost of purchasing these circuit breakers whilst still being adequately protected? This NEW series introduces you to the technique of how circuit breakers are cascaded in a system. In Part 1 we give an explanation of what cascading is, its advantages, and the conditions required to implement cascading. In Part 2...

Thanks to their special features, the Eaton Moeller series motor-protective circuit breakers with electronic overload protection complement the PKZ range and offer a good alternative to MCBs with bimetallic strips. Due to the compact and modular design featuring plug-in trip blocks, they offer maximum flexibility in the current range up to 65 A. By adding the PKE-XTUCP trip blocks, you can quickly turn a PKE motor-protective circuit breaker into a PKE circuit breaker for system and cable protection. Core features Hand-operated motor-protective ci...

Due to technology advancements, thermal imaging has become more affordable, easier to use and more broadly deployed in a variety of industrial and commercial markets. That is good news if you’re a contractor looking to add thermal imaging to your range of services, because most customers have likely heard of it. Thermal cameras produce thermal (heat) pictures of equipment, allowing your customers to see nearly immediate benefits from such a service. In one pass through a facility, you can usually find at least one comp...

Have YOU seen Klingspor's Kronenflex™  A 630 N Supra in action?  The Kronenflex™ large cutting-off wheel A 630 N Supra allows any craftsman to achieve professional results. This abrasive lives up to the highest standards and is used primarily on: steel stainless steel aluminium castings The product delivers its best results when used on these materials. This cutting-off wheel proves particularly useful on metal – especially during maintenance and repairs, in metal construction and work in fabrication shops. Klingspor offers this large cutting-off wheel in a...

Innovation comes right to your doorstep in one convenient place... Hop aboard the Siemens demo bus to view their latest products and solutions in switchgear... Date: Monday 11 October 2021 Time: 09h00 - 12h00 Venue: Magnet Head Office, Durban Space is limited. ENQUIRE now to book your visit! ...

In our NEW series, we unpack the importance of solar system design, and what it involves. In part one, we looked at Mechanical Design, outlining the key design attributes, and their relationships with performance modelling calculations. In part two, we give you a basic understanding of the electrical portion of solar system design… Understanding Electrical Design The electrical design of the array determines the electrical behaviour of the array: the powers and voltages that the system will be running at. This can have a major impact on the system's energy production. 1. String Size and V...

Did you know that the efficiency (energy yield) of a solar system is largely affected by the design of the system? The component choice will drive the behaviour of the module(s) and inverter(s). The orientation of the modules will drive the sun angles at each hour of the year, and therefore the total energy yield of the array. And the electrical design (module stringing, conductor sizes, etc.) will determine the system voltages, which impact wire losses and inverter efficiency. In our NEW series, we unpack the importance of ...

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on Transformers. Before you get started on the final instalment, why not take a moment to catch up on all the articles in this interesting series: Part 1: Understanding Transformers and how they work Part 2: Advantages, disadvantages and types of 3-Phase Transformers Part 3: ...

  Anyone who makes their living by working with electricity quickly develops a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being "live." Yet, the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician… The list below was developed by FLUKE as a quick reminder of what not to do when taking electrical measurements: Replace the original fuse with a cheaper one. If your digital multimeter meets today's safety standards, that fuse...

We’re unpacking transformers in our NEW series. An important discussion point is the protection of transformers. In this article, we give an overview of protection schemes specifically for oil-type transformers. Catch-up on previous articles in the series: Part 1: Understanding Transformers and how they work Part 2: Advantages, disadvantages and types of 3-Phase Transformers...

Covering all applications in medium-voltage and high-voltage protection, from overcurrent or motor to complex distance protection, Schneider Electric’s protective relays give you the safety and reliability needed to operate with confidence. Overcurrent Protection made Easy Overcurrent protection relays can be used for primary electrical protection, a backup for phase overcurrent or earth fault protection. Instantaneous definite time, IDMT, directional or non-directional are types of overcurrent characteristics often use...

  The challenge… To quickly and reliably identify large volumes of various outdoor cable types Exposure to the elements can pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to an identification solution. How can you ensure that tags remain attached to your equipment, and legible for 10 years under active UV-radiation and other environmental conditions…? The solution… Reliable, colour-coded tags printed on site Brady has a comprehensive range of solutions to beat this challenge: B-7598 polyester cable tags Durable outdoor cable identification The B-7598 polyester cable identification t...

Solar technology is constantly evolving. Pioneers in the industry have contributed a great deal in innovation, advancing what we think we know about solar technology, into so much more! In this article, we introduce you to Hairy Solar Panels… Missed out on previous articles in the series? Catch up now… Part 1 – Solar Glass Part 2 – Thin Film Solar Panels...

  Short cutting times and long service life, who wouldn't want that? With Klingspor's EDGE special cutting-off wheel, you get this and more... Advantages: Low burr formation Low thermal load 25 pieces delivered in the Kronenflex® box for long-lasting high performance and moisture protection Short cutting times Long service life The benefits at a glance: High-grade raw materials The bond is perfectly matched to the grit type used and guarantees a greater level of aggressiveness as well as a longer service life. Enhanced per...

What if your production line stopped because of a single pushbutton? Imagine the operating loss that may induce the failure of the operator control of your equipment, which represents less than 1% of its cost. In industry, there is usually a loss of productivity that can exceed 10%, due to industrial equipment failures. This is a very important source of economy. To reach this deposit, a sum of precautions must be in place and we must think of every eventuality, including the failure of the operator dialogue devices. Installation stopping because of a banal pilot light or pushbutton is in...

From efficiency upgrades, advanced capabilities of solar equipment, to massive improvements in the storage of energy, there is so much that the field of solar power is moving towards in terms of innovations. In this NEW series, we discuss a few of the most interesting topics in solar technology innovation. Be sure to stay tuned to catch all the instalments! Part 1 – Solar Glass Part 2 – Thin Film Solar Panels...

Welcome to part two in your guide on 3-Phase Transformers. In this NEW series, we’re unpacking the different types of these transformers, how they are connected, their advantages and disadvantages as well as a view on the protection they require. Stay tuned to catch the entire series! Part 1: Understanding Transformers and how they work Part 2: Advantages, disadvantages and types of 3-Phase Transfor...

Unidrive - High Performance, Scalable, Future-Proof AC/Servo Drive Solutions Control Techniques has set the standard in motor control since 1973. Every company has a flagship, a product that leads the charge. For Control Techniques, it's Unidrive - a high performance, universal AC/Servo drive series. Unidrive is the accumulation of almost half a century of motor control expertise, and it is the embodiment of what Control Techniques is all about. In 1996, Control Techniques was the first to integrate the control of ...

What are the latest advancements in the solar industry? We’re answering this question in our NEW series as we discuss recent innovations and developments within solar technology. In this article, we introduce you to Perovskite Solar Panels. Be sure to stay tuned to catch all the instalments! Part 1 – Solar Glass Part 2 – Thin Film Solar Panels...

Welcome to your guide on 3-Phase transformers – what are they, what different types exist, how are they connected, what are their advantages and disadvantages and how do you protect them… We’re answering all these question in our NEW series. Don’t miss out, SUBSCRIBE to receive these newsletters straight to your inbox!   What are Transformers? A transformer is an electrical device that consists of two or more coils of wire that transfers electrical energy by means of a changing magnetic field. A voltage transformer is a sta...

Solar technology is constantly evolving. Pioneers in the industry have contributed a great deal in innovation, advancing what we think we know about solar technology, into so much more! In this NEW series, we discuss a few of the most interesting topics in solar technology innovation. Be sure to stay tuned to catch all the instalments! Part 1 – Solar Glass Part 2 – Thin Film Solar Panels Among the many i...

From efficiency upgrades, advanced capabilities of solar equipment, to massive improvements in the storage of energy, there is so much that the field of solar power is moving towards in terms of innovations. In this NEW series, we discuss a few of the most interesting topics in solar technology innovation. Be sure to stay tuned to catch all the instalments! Part 1 – Solar Glass   It looks the same as regular glass – but it’s not. Solar glass has a major advantage over its predecessor in that it can harness the power of the sun to create clean energy. Imagine the possibilities – skysc...

We’re wrapping up our series on retail lighting with an overview of the types of lighting that can be implemented in a store, and their effect on certain products. In case you missed it, be sure to catch up on the first two instalments of the series first. Part 1 – Colour Rendering Index (CRI) Part 2 – Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT)  Part 3 – T...

Looking for an energy-efficient luminaire for your retail store or office? Then look no further than the MARS LEDRail 4-100 Energy Efficient Luminaire: | Lightweight aluminum | Excellent thermal management (passive cooling) | Ideal for continuous strip lighting solutions | Commercial or Retail applications | Available in modular configurations and optics with a variety of accessories. Watch a quick video on this innovative product.  Learn...