It’s time to win some prizes! Make sure you enter our Happy Holidays promotion. As 2025 comes to an end, Sparks Electrical News offers our readers the opportunity to start the new year on a positive note. We have teamed up with South Africa’s leading electrical companies, who have donated great prizes.
Elsewhere in the issue, we look at Distribution Boards, Sockets, Switches & Protection; Tools & Tooling; and Lighting
ElectroBase celebrates 25 years of excellence
The annual Electrobase Supplier of the Year awards took place in November, drawing suppliers and wholesalers to George for the 25th anniversary of this much-anticipated event.
What the local insurance industry gets wrong about surge protection
Meeting insurer requirements doesn’t necessarily guarantee that South Africans are sufficiently protected against power surges. In a country where lightning strikes, loadshedding, and grid instability are everyday occurrences, this oversight could have costly consequences for both parties.
Makita’s choice of cordless tools for electrical contractors
Time and productivity are the two things that most of us put a high price on these days. Using a cordless tool gives you the advantage of working in any situation; all you need are your tools and charged batteries.
Pratley celebrates three generations of innovation
A global leader in adhesives, electrical, and mineral solutions, Pratley is celebrating a legacy of innovation and industry leadership spanning three generations. Established in 1948 by George ‘Monty’ Pratley, the company has remained true to its heritage of research and development (R&D), while continuously adapting to new technologies and market demands.
Why quality tools are the smart investment for cable professionals
The right tools are essential to performing cable accessory work efficiently, safely, and with precision. Whilst cheaper alternatives might seem tempting, investing in quality tools pays dividends through durability, reliability, and superior performance. Three-D Agencies has been Southern Africa's trusted supplier of professional-grade tools for over 40 years, providing cable professionals with equipment designed to deliver consistent results job after job.
Back to basics: the unsung heroes of the electrical trade
In a world of rapid innovation, where solar systems, smart homes and energy automation dominate headlines, it’s easy to overlook the humble essentials that keep every electrical installation running. But for those on the tools every day, there's no forgetting the importance of quality distribution boards , switches, sockets, and protection devices. They remain the backbone of any reliable electrical system, and when paired with the right tools of the trade, they make all the difference.
New multifunction installation tester saves time
The Comtest, the local representative of Fluke, has launched the new Fluke 1670 Series multifunction installation tester, which can reduce the time electricians and maintenance technicians spend producing reports by up to 50%.
Illuminating spaces, inspiring experiences: the power of professional lighting design by Aurora Lighting Africa
In today’s world, lighting is more than a functional necessity; it is an art form that shapes emotion, enhances architecture, and transforms the way we experience space. At Aurora Lighting Africa, lighting design is not just about providing illumination; it’s about crafting atmospheres that inspire, perform, and endure. As one of Africa’s leading lighting solution providers, Aurora Lighting Africa combines innovation, expertise, and sustainable technology to create environments that are as visually stunning as they are energy efficient.
Signify raises the bar for road and street lighting
Signify has introduced Xceed Pro, the next-generation road lighting solution engineered to deliver maximum energy efficiency, superior light quality, and future-ready connectivity. Building on the success of the Xceed range, Xceed Pro combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable design to meet the evolving needs of modern cities.
The power of blue: lighting the way to continuous disinfection
For much of the late 20th century, science assumed it understood light and its influence on living systems. In hindsight, that confidence was misplaced. The discovery in 2002 of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) – non-visual photoreceptors in the human eye that regulate our internal body clock – opened a new chapter in lighting science. Suddenly, illumination was no longer just about visibility or energy efficiency. It became a question of biology.
Lighting the way: how 2026 is redefining the glow of home
As homes evolve in 2026, lighting is stepping into a new role – not just to illuminate, but to express, connect, and enhance how we live. We’re all becoming more aware of how light shapes our moods, defines our spaces, and supports overall well-being, and we’re seeking out solutions that speak to our personal style. From sculptural pendants that turn illumination into art, to solar lights with intelligent PIR sensors that combine security with energy efficiency, Eurolux caters to design demands with both feeling and function in mind.
Fiona Reid: A natural evolution into lighting
Fiona Reid never set out to run a lighting company, but when she discovered the field, everything clicked. Today, as managing director of Liquid Lighting SA, she's built a reputation for solving technical problems others can't, earned through hands-on learning and a commitment to mastering every detail from site to specification.