The electrical industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements that enhance safety, performance, and sustainability. As one of South Africa's leading suppliers of electrical products and solutions, Voltex stays ahead of the curve by offering cutting-edge products that help safeguard electrical systems in an increasingly connected world.
In 2025, as the world becomes more reliant on digital technologies and interconnected systems, the protection of critical infrastructure from electrical surges and lightning strikes has become a pressing concern. This editorial examines the latest innovations in surge protection, lightning safety, earthing, cables and cable accessories, focusing on how new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart Internet of Things (IoT) systems, are shaping the future of electrical safety.
Cables and accessories
Cables and accessories are the essential components that allow electricity to flow safely and efficiently through modern infrastructure. With the rise of smart cities, 5G networks, and the electrification of transport systems, the demand for more robust and efficient cables has never been higher. Innovations in cable design and materials, as well as smarter cable management solutions, are driving significant improvements in electrical safety and system performance.
Low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) cables have become a standard in high-risk environments. These cables are engineered to emit minimal toxic smoke or halogen gases during a fire, reducing the risk to human health and safety in enclosed spaces such as data centres, airports, underground mines and hospitals. As the need for high-power and high-speed data transfer grows, materials like fibre optics and shielded cables have become indispensable in supporting 5G technology and IoT infrastructure.
Moreover, smart cable management systems have evolved to integrate sensors and AI-driven monitoring to detect cable degradation or damage. These systems can alert maintenance teams in real time, reducing downtime and preventing potential failures, which is critical in the age of connected devices.
Surge protection
In 2025, the risk of electrical surges due to lightning strikes, power fluctuations, and electromagnetic interference has escalated, especially with the increased reliance on sensitive electronic devices and interconnected systems. Surge protection is now more sophisticated than ever, with AI technologies playing a pivotal role in enhancing its effectiveness.
Surge protection devices (SPDs) have evolved to handle larger surge currents, with modern systems capable of predicting and mitigating surge events before they occur. AI-powered SPDs can now assess the electrical environment in real time, learning patterns of electrical use and anticipating potential threats. These intelligent systems can trigger protective measures before surges damage valuable electronics.
Additionally, the integration of whole-house surge protectors has expanded, with advanced models providing comprehensive protection for everything from home appliances to industrial equipment. The use of Type 2 SPDs in electrical panels is becoming standard practice, as they offer robust protection for all appliances and systems connected to the grid, providing peace of mind in the face of unpredictable power events.
In areas with a high incidence of lightning strikes, surge protection devices now include lightning-induced surge protection, offering an added layer of safety by diverting the high-energy surges caused by lightning to the ground without compromising the integrity of the electrical systems.
**Read the rest of this article in Sparks magazine’s January 2025 edition. Click here to read
