Burning issues for South Africa’s electrical industry
Fires cost the South African economy more that R2-billion every year – half of that attributable to residential fires – according to the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) statistics for 2013, the latest figures available.
Between 2010 and 2013, the number of fires increased a dramatic 60% from 26 574 to 42 343. In the same period, there was a sharp rise in the number of fatalities in fire-related incidents, from 224 to 578 in 2013 – more than double.
Information from the FPASA reveals that electrical faults are a leading cause of fire worldwide. These faults include overloaded installations, defective fuses, wiring and motors, the use of improper equipment in hazardous areas and the misuse of electrical apparatus. In 2013, almost a tenth of all fires in South Africa were attributed to ‘electrical fires’. The cost of residential fires was a staggering R1-billion.
Sparks Personality of the month
The Sparks personality of the month is managing director at the newly established Testing and Conformity Services Laboratories (TACS Lab), George Mashinini. He is one of those rare people who knows exactly what he wants to achieve and is not daunted by the magnitude of the tasks that lie ahead. The eternal optimist, George sees the bright side of life – that challenges are opportunities for growth, setbacks are just another word for ‘experience’, and failure is not an option.
He radiates an air of determination that is infused with positivity and an attitude that declares: ‘Yes! I can!
Columns
In his May column, Working Knowledge, Terry Mackenzie Hoy talks about motor control systems and the importance of remote starting and stopping, which, says Terry, is a matter for careful consideration.
In his monthly column, Getting to grips with SANS 10142-1, Hannes Baard moves along with the definitions found in The Electrical Installation Regulations 2009 which form part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and discusses the ‘registered person’.
In his May column, Mark Palmer of the Electrical Approved Inspection Authority Southern Africa (EAIASA), continues with the general safety principles applicable to electrical installations that apply equally to new, altered or temporary electrical installations.
Nick du Plessis’ May column on training and development is a must read for all young electricians who are considering applying to write an electrical trade test and encourages them to first be evaluated to ascertain their readiness.
In the ECA(SA) News by Mark Mfikoe, national director of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa, Mark discusses termination of employment agreements and references the case, Oluwatoye v Reckitt Benckiser South Africa (Pty) Ltd & 1 Other.
Contractors’ corner
This regular feature covers new products and industry news – and this month we report on Schneider Electric’s lithium-ion battery options for three-phase UPS solutions; WEG Transformers Africa’s strategic move to ensure growth in the transformer market; and Stone Stamcor’s Kevin Gray discusses the A – Z of electrical compression connections.
Energy efficiency
In this month’s feature about energy efficiency, Art Solar highlights their locally produced photo voltaic (PV) modules for the third round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) and Master Power Technologies reveals a new range of solar power solutions.
Buyer’s Guide
The May buyer’s guide lists manufacturers and distributors of products and services that cover the spectrum of energy measurement and supply – from lighting control and meters to solar heat pumps and solar lighting.
Distribution boards, switches and sockets
In the May feature for distribution boards, switches and sockets, the editorial covers the importance of periodically testing portable earthing and short-circuiting equipment, how to choose a digital multimeter, a hydraulic crimper from Garry Lumpe Imports that makes demanding crimping jobs a breeze. Read more here...
Lighting
New products, lighting installations and technological advances are highlighted in the laments the lack of compulsory regulations for LED lamps. He reminds readers that SAFEhouse has two pocket-sized guides – on luminaires and LEDs – and these are available in digital format on the SAFEhouse website. OSRAM discusses linear LED drivers that offer flexibility in the design of LED luminaires; BEKA’s recent LED retrofit for the Atterbury Value Mart’s parking area is covered as well as Envirolight’s LED solution for the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre that delivers increased light levels, significant energy savings, a reduction in maintenance costs; and an improved colour reproduction ratio. Legrand’s lighting for healthcare and specialised environments is featured along with Major Tech’s green LEDs, Aurora’s modern residential halogen-like LED solution and Torre Parts and Components’ rugged LED light with 60 G vibration rating.
