What better way to say ciao, adios and hamba kahle to 2020, than to start 2021 as the winner of some fantastic prizes? Sparks Electrical News, along with our cherished advertisers, are offering readers the chance to win one of a number of great prizes.
What is up for grabs? 24 great prizes from Citiq Prepaid, Comtest, Crabtree Electrical, Empire Electrical Wholesalers, Eurolux, HellermannTyton, Radiant Lighting, Schneider Electric, Three-D Agencies, Vermont Sales, Voltex and Waco
Elsewhere in the issue we look at DBs, Switches, Sockets and Protection, Tools of the Trade and Lighting.
Why IR thermal imaging can be an electrician’s best friend
Heat is a by-product of operating any sized electrical circuit. Most problems in electrical systems display themselves in terms of heat. Electricians must be able to classify a circuit as normal when the load is on or identify when it is abnormal and identify the issues that present – finding hot spots that need attention. In recent years, new infrared thermography – also called thermal imaging – has come to market. The non-contact method includes cameras that help electricians and service technicians find and solve problems quicker and more safely. The newest cameras combine both thermal imaging and electrical measurement features in one inspection, as well as troubleshooting and a diagnostic tool that speeds up the process and provides much better information on which to base repair work.
Personality of the Month
Josiah Molefe, a sales representative from Crabtree Electrical, has recently celebrated 25 years with the company. He prides himself on his product knowledge and enjoys his interactions with the customers he meets. “The biggest changes I have seen in the electrical industry over the years have all involved technology, with a number of new machines replacing the workforce, and thus causing retrenchments.”
Working Knowledge with Terry Mackenzie-Hoy
In 1998 I designed the electrical reticulation for a hotel in Mossel Bay. The owner and developer of the hotel was a very forceful man and had opinions about everything. In fact, were he still alive I would not write about this at all since he would have reacted explosively. Anyway, we were reviewing my design and he pointed to the row of socket outlets above the dressing table and asked why there were four socket outlets in a row? I said, “Oh, one is a South African outlet, one German, one UK and one Australian.” His face went all red and he started shouting: “Can’t these idiots use an adaptor? We have 75 rooms and we’re wasting money on socket outlets!”
Essentials for the electrical contractor
When leaving the house or office for the site or a job knowing that you have everything you will need to complete the work in one handy, easily accessible place means peace of mind for electricians. “The ELECKT 16-piece electrical tool kit from HellermannTyton includes all the essentials for an electrician to carry out their day’s work, including a multimeter, cutters and pliers,” says Ryan Burger, divisional product manager – Tools and Instruments at HellermannTyton. Notably, all tools carry a lifetime warranty, giving electrical contractors the reassurance that if anything goes wrong with the tools through normal use, the company will replace them.
Buyers Guide
The December 2020 Buyers’ Guide lists manufacturers and distributors of products and services in the Lighting (Luminaires) sector. Download the December Buyers' Guide here.
Click here to download and read this issue in PDF Format.
