SA Electrical Contractor March/April 2018

President’s message

Personal protective equipment –

it’s the law Message from Giel Labuschagne, ECA(SA) President

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hen it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1993), General Safety Regulations, Clause 2 is quite clear on the providing and wearing of PPE. Clause 2 states that the employer or user of machinery, as the case may be, shall take steps to reduce the risk as much as is practicable, and shall provide free of charge and maintain in a good and clean condition such safety equipment and facilities as may be necessary to ensure that any person exposed to any such condition or situation at a workplace or in the course of his employment or on premises where machinery is used is rendered safe.

Potential risk And that any employees working in a situation where they may be exposed to risk or potential risk are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as … suitable goggles, hard hats, protective helmets, caps, gloves, protective footwear, protective overalls, or any similar safety equipment or facility of a type that will effectively prevent bodily injury.

Giel Labuschagne, President ECA(SA)

You’d think that this would be easy to understand, yet, throughout the many years I have worked on building sites, I have come across incidents where employees have sustained injuries because they were not wearing personal protective equipment. And, all the incidents could have been prevented.

no safety belts and they weren’t using any kind of hoist equipment to get materials and tools to the top of the scaffolding. I watched as some of the employees climbed the scaffolding to get the heavier pieces of equipment to their colleagues. The lighter tools and equipment were just thrown up and, when the workers on the scaffolding no longer needed something, it was simply thrown down to the guys at the bottom who had to catch whatever was coming their way.

Accident waiting to happen

And, for about a day-and-a-half, everything went well.

One such incident involved a carpenter and his crew who were installing ceilings at a height of 6 metres. Some employees were with the carpenter on the scaffolding and, at floor level, there were other employees who were passing up the brandering, ceiling boards, nails and tools to those who were on the scaffolding.

I watched as the carpenter and his assistants fixed the brandering to the rafters and, up to that point, everything seemed to be going well – but I knew there was an accident just waiting to happen.

No hardhats None of the crew was wearing any form of personal protective equipment … no hardhats,

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Just before lunch the next day, one of the crew working on the scaffolding accidentally dropped a hammer. And, as luck would have it, on its way down the hammer hit a worker on the head and he fell to the ground, unconscious and bleeding profusely from a head wound.

First aid The carpenter, in the meantime, clambered down the scaffolding to assess the employee’s injuries. I was appalled to learn that there was no one on site who had any formal first aid training – not that it would have helped because, astonishingly, there was no first aid equipment on the site, either.

After a few minutes, the injured man regained

consciousness, but the wound was still bleeding, and the carpenter rushed off to a nearby pharmacy to buy bandages and antiseptic lotion.

He returned after about half an hour and administered first aid – cleaning the wound and wrapping a bandage around the man’s head.

Lessons Then, to add insult to injury, the carpenter instructed the wounded man to carry on working – or lose a day’s wages!

Clearly unhappy, the worker reluctantly obeyed his boss’s instructions but obviously, worked a lot slower.

There were important lessons to be learnt that day. The worker was lucky … a headache was a lot better than being dead. And the employer was even luckier … had the worker died, the employer would have had to pay a hefty price for his negligence: a court case and a possible 25 years in prison had he been found guilty of contravening the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993).

So, let’s always put safety first – it is the law.

Giel Labuschagne, President, ECA(SA) 1

s t n e t n o C 01

Message from Giel Labuschagne, ECA(SA) President

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The open tender – a potent ‘weapon’ to deliver transformation in the industry

CONTRACTUAL

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Is your warranty valid?

What the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 says about product liability

Mark Mfikoe National Director, ECA(SA)

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LABOUR Workers’ Compensation or COIDA cover simplified Entrapment – if you have to do it, do it lawfully

By Shantonette Pillay, (LLB) (UND), Regional Director, ECA(SA), KwaZulu-Natal

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Dealing with employees on probation

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Can employers recover outstanding debts from employees’ pension benefits?

By Stephen Khola, National Labour Relations and HR Director, ECA(SA)

By Pierre Foot, Regional Director, ECA(SA) Western Cape

CABLES AND CABLE ACCESSORIES

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A Simple Guide to Electric Cable for Electrical Contractors

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Installations with a truly professional touch

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Unscrupulous scrap merchants now illegally exporting copper scrap using false tariff codes

By Evert Swanepoel, Executive Chairman, Copper Development Association Africa

WHEELS

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Isuzu

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Insurance of building work complex but important, says JBCC

TECH TALK

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The smart way to convert to solar power – available at a Voltex branch near you

Test plug top – A simple tester to make

By Chris Koen, ECA(SA) Regional Director, Highveld region

Heart & Soul of the African Workforce

How do I know which training providers are legitimate? and other FAQs answered

The Isuzu KB has become the bakkie of choice for fleet and business owners across the globe

By Lucas Bowles, ECA(SA) Regional Director, East/South Cape

Super Special prices for ECA(SA) members

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SA Electrical Contractor

Down to Earth

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Applying IP ratings to flexible conduit

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Get wise about using variable speed drives

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ELPA geared to empower lightning protection industry specialists

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Win a Trailer Competition – all the winners

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Gallery

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COOL TOOLS How do I measure the power consumption of a specific circuit?

Safe predictive maintenance with wireless tools

LIGHTING Combining functional with fashionable Energy efficient, vandal-resistant LED post top launched

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Go green in 2018 – switch to LED lamps

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Flush-mount versus semi-flush mount ceiling lights – selecting the right option

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What is the legally correct method to use when connecting a simple GU10 230 V tail in a ceiling void?

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Spotlight on the winning entries

One-touch control – personalised solutions for exact lighting requirements

2017 ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards

www.ecasa.co.za

‘Generation Y’ and a career in technology

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ecently, I read an interesting article – ‘The Fight Against Invisibility : Finding a New Workforce’ in a back issue of the US magazine, Electrical Contractor, written by Jeff Gavin.

What made it so interesting is that it made me realise – with some surprise, I must admit – that the South African electrical industry’s issues of an aging electrical workforce, the lack of skilled workers and the notion that one needs a degree to get work, are not limited to this country … the US pretty much has the same problems.

According to the article, the US electrical industry needs “a cultural recommitment to trade education”; there is “no robust industry effort to recruit and train new workers”; that the emphasis on a university degree makes a trade education seem ‘less than’ … and that “the world of construction doesn’t represent a viable, professional career” for young Americans.

The article quotes Chuck Little, the human resources director for the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association (AECA), who sees these “cultural attitudes as the biggest hurdle to trade education”.

Gavin writes that what is needed to attract youngsters to the electrical industry is to describe it to them as “a career in technology”. He points out that the millennial generation – those born between 1982 and 2002 and sometimes called ‘Generation Y’ – are “more plugged into technology”. They get excited about wind turbines, solar panel arrays, energy efficiency, building and lighting management systems, and occupancy sensors.

Reading the article, I could see the obvious parallels. It’s clear that here in South Africa, we also need to make a serious recommitment to ‘trade education’. And the focus must also be on the ‘millennials’, especially those born in the latter part of the Generation Y time-frame and who will soon be matriculating. They need to be shown that a career in technology is an exciting option to pursue and that there’s a bright future for them in the electrical industry.

Right about now, those millennials will be thinking about career paths and, if they’re technically inclined and want a meaningful career in technology, they would do well to seriously consider becoming electricians.

Like their American counterparts, the obstacle to overcome is the mindset that has convinced them that four years at university and a degree will guarantee them jobs. They need to be shown that this is not the only pathway to a career – and that there is a very important role they can play in this country’s electrical contracting industry of the future. The opportunities are already there – in renewable energy, energy efficient buildings … and electric cars.

The 200 or so electrical apprentices who were recently selected to undergo free training at the ECA(SA)’s Meadowdale training centre – funded by the Department of Higher Education through the Skills Development Fund – probably don’t yet fully comprehend the full extent of the opportunity they have been given. Aside from tool kits and instruments they have been given, they have all been employed by ECA(SA) members and, if they’re smart, they’ll work really hard and give it their best shot. And, perhaps they’ll begin to appreciate that their trade is actually ‘a career in technology’. And that they are a valuable part of this country’s workforce of the future, whose skills will be in great demand – and in short supply.

Erika van Zyl National Communications Manager, ECA(SA) Production Editor: Erika van Zyl Consultant: Mark Mfikoe, National Director, ECA(SA) Contributors: Mark Mfikoe, Giel Labuschagne, Shantonette Pillay, Chris Koen, Cecil Lancaster, Pierre Foot, Lucas Bowles, Roelf Nel, Jan de Beer National Finance Manager: Tembe Mwemba Advertising sales: Erika van Zyl Layout and design: Janine Louw Digital support: Carmen Petre Publisher: Contact Media and Communications

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National Director’s message

The open tender – a potent ‘weapon’ to

deliver transformation in the industry Speech given by Mark Mfikoe, National Director, ECA(SA) at the KwaZulu-Natal Construction Expo held on 7 February 2018.

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n 2017, I was invited to speak at the KZN Construction Expo. A topic that was being widely discussed at the time was the ‘construction boom’ in KwaZulu-Natal. I argued then that this was an invisible phenomenon to me. I could hear it, but I could not see it. It neither expressed itself with an increase in registered employees with the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industries, nor booming electrical contractors’ activities across the board.

This year I will talk about the open tender.

Transparent Clients in construction, be they in the private or public sector, would benefit from competitiveness of bidders in an open tender environment.

Public confidence in the legitimacy of those who are successful in the awarding of tenders would be greatly improved if the soliciting of bidders, adjudicators and award of such tenders was done in an open and transparent environment. ‘Open tender’ does not only mean that the tender is advertised openly and everyone has the opportunity to tender, it also means that everything is open from ‘cradle to grave’.

At any rate, if you were to be aware about a development when the ground is already being cleared for construction work, chances are good that you are too late. Collusion amongst tenderers would be greatly minimised in circumstances of open tender because bidders cannot be controlled and providing each other with cover prices to the detriment of the citizens and clients in the private space would be minimised if not totally impossible.

Closed tenders have advantages The administration of the tender process from invitation to tender stage right up to the final stage of award is easy to manage. Only a limited number of tenderers are invited, the rest are not only excluded but are also not welcome. The speed at which the tender can be awarded is also greatly enhanced. But all these advantages come at what cost?

The consultant decides on the number of bidders to invite as well as the actual identity of such bidders. If anyone outside of these bidders submits a price, this would be rejected irrespective of how competitive it is. The capacity and capability as well as proven track record of the bidder is simply rejected.

I am talking from experience. When I was MD of Tlhabollo Electrical, I submitted a tender for the electrification of a building in Johannesburg.

One of the invited bidders informed me about this tender and, as he was not interested in the job, he gave me the tender documents and I submitted a bid. Not only was Tlhabollo Electrical capable of doing the job – with an impressive track record – but my bid was also the lowest in price. I knew this because they had inadvertently disclosed the results to me.

Obscure process As you are aware, following the disclosure of prices there follows a largely obscure process, definitely opaque, during which you can lose a tender you have actually ‘won’. It was during this process that it was discovered 4

that I had not been invited to tender. The consultant then wrote to me saying that my tender had been disqualified on the basis that it was unsolicited. I protested to the developer and showed them that they were likely to spend a lot more money on a project where my bid had been rejected on an ‘administrative technicality’.

Fortunately, I did not lose the contest. If this tender had been open from the word go, all this would not have been necessary. When a tender is closed, and the bidders know one another, this is fertile ground for collusion and anti-competitive behaviour of the nature reported to have taken place during the 2010 Soccer World Cup preparations.

One connected brother In 2016, I was hosted by an electrical contractor in Alta, Norway. Amongst the information that he shared with me were all the projects that would be coming up in that town – every single one and not only the ones that he was interested in. He also knew the size of the competition and their capacity and could predict what his participation would be, informed by statistics and analysis of the market environment. I said to myself, this is one connected brother.

This proved not to be the case. Ingemund Mjøen, the owner of this company, X5 Elektro As, does not need any special connections with friends or any faction to know what is coming and when it is going to happen. The information is available, informed by the principle of open tender.

Critical elements of the open tender • The bidders and community at large must know about the project as soon as possible.

• No one must have an exclusive deliberate inside track that will grant them a competitive advantage in forums where the rest of the competition is excluded.

• The bid fee must be related to the price of the materials (paper, drawings, packaging, etc) for the tender document and not the size of the project and must also not be an arbitrary figure decided at the whims of a solicitor. I am actually inclined to say that the bid fee should be abolished. I do not recall seeing such in private tender documents. On this point I am curious as to why public tender documents are for sale.

Raising business capital is not easy if you were raised like me and you did not form the sort of relationships that win tenders as some have managed to do. By the way, these relationships are not just political, neither are they limited to some family of Indian origin. A friend of mine shared with me how the fact that he was a Grey College Old Boy, secured him favours with a consultant. There is a term for it apparently. The Communication Manager at the ECA(SA) told me that it is called the ‘Old School Tie’. What chance do I have with this consultant, being ‘a village boy’ from Jericho? This ‘Old School Tie’, as an example of excluding others, cannot and must not find a place to breathe in an open tender environment. A Google search describes the ‘old school tie’ as, “the way in which people who have been to the same expensive private school help each other to find good jobs”. It continues to say that, “the old school tie still has enormous power in such companies”.

SA Electrical Contractor

National Director’s message

There you go, it is a recognised worldwide phenomenon and in a closed tender, it excludes people like you and me. I wonder whether the fees charged at these schools are arrived at with this phenomenon in mind; if so, they are worth it!

• Immediately after the tender has closed bidders must be furnished with a list of those that have submitted bids and within 24 hours we must be told what their prices were. It is not impossible.

• The appointment process must also be transparent so that the best bidder in terms of the adjudication criteria gets the job. No further negotiations or adjustments must happen. If exceptions happen, they would be dealt via variation orders.

• All bidders are solicited – no chance of being rejected because you are an unsolicited tender.

• The successful tenders must be openly disclosed or displayed so we can congratulate the winners.

Transformation The open tender would be one of the most potent weapons to use to deliver transformation in the industry. If you do not believe me, here is the challenge: Go to any ten top engineering consulting businesses that are used to solicit tenderers by both government and the public sector. Ask them to show you who they have been inviting to tender in the last five years. This is what I posit you will find: • 80 - 90% of the companies invited would be the same.

• 75% of the companies or less have secured work from them.

• More than 85% of the contractors are excluded from those they invite to tender.

• 95% of Black-owned companies would be excluded and end up as sub-contractors to companies whose bids get solicited.

It is not enough simply to invite me to tender, I must be successful once in a while.

Preferential procurement The other matter that needs a re-look is the manner in which work is given. Let’s say a contract is given to some level 1 BBBEE building construction company for the construction of offices, does anyone follow up to see who got the electrical, plumbing, ceiling, access control, etc? Who follows the money to see to it that the principle of preferential procurement achieves the desired results?

This would be a story for another day.

Mark Mfikoe National Director, ECA(SA)

www.ecasa.co.za

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Labour: Advertorial

Workers’ Compensation or

COIDA cover simplified What is Workers’ Compensation?

Worker’s compensation, or what is commonly referred to as COIDA cover, is a compulsory assurance that is taken out, by a company, to cover their employees in the unlikely event that they are injured or contract an illness while performing their daily work duties.

What is covered by this insurance?

Worker’s compensation cover is prescribed by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130, /1993. Accidents that arise out of and during employment resulting in personal injury or illness; occupational diseases contracted in the workplace; and fatalities because of an accident that happens on duty are typically covered by this assurance Where can I get this assurance from?

As an employer within the construction sector, you can get cover through the Federated Employer’s Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (PTY) LTD. FEM is only one of two private companies, licensed by the Department of Labour, to provide COIDA cover outside of the Compensation Fund, and we are the only company that provides cover for the construction sector.

Who is FEM? FEM was established as a mutual insurer in 1936, to provide more affordable assurance for the construction industry, after new legislation forced all industrial employers to insure their workers against accident or injury. The introduction of the Workers’ Compensation Act of 1941 saw FEM being granted a license to continue to transact workers‘ compensation insurance for the construction industry. FEM operates in line with COIDA. Why should I join FEM? We are specialists in providing COIDA cover to the construction sector with a trackrecord of more than 80 years. We reward good health and safety practices through merit rebates. A merit rebate is an incentive paid back to the policyholder for a good safety track record. Policyholders with a claims experience of 10% or less, of their

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total annual premium can get up to 50% of their premium paid back to them, subject to certain terms and conditions. We also issue Letters of Good Standing.

How does FEM use technology?

We provide easy access to online Assessments.

We have embraced technology which allows you to complete your documentation online, which will speed up the Return of Earnings process.

How are premiums calculated?

Premiums are based on the total amount of wages you pay per annum. Depending on the nature of your business, a predetermined percentage, as set by the Compensation Commissioner, is applied to your annual wages which will determine your premium due. On payment of your premium, you will receive a ‘Letter of Good Standing’ which will allow you access to construction sites to perform your work. Letters are valid up to 15 months, subject to terms and conditions.

Where do my employees go for treatment?

FEM works closely with an array of service providers including a vast network of private hospitals to ensure your employee receives the best possible medical care for any injury. The cover provided not only includes the immediate treatment of an injury but also includes the transport to and from hospitals as well as follow up treatment and ongoing care to ensure the employee is fit and ready to resume their duties.

our field and will guide you through the claims procedure leaving you the time to fulfil your core functions.

What is FEM’s Corporate Social Responsibility?

As a company we are committed to making a positive contribution to South Africa. We have a structured CSI program that covers areas such as housing, health and social services and education. In addition to our CSI program, in 2016 FEM committed R750-million to set up the FEM Education Foundation to contribute towards education and leadership development. We have to date partnered with the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation and the Columba Leadership Trust, providing much-needed funding towards education and developing leadership skills amongst young South Africans.

More info: +27 (0)11 359 4300 Email: marketing@fema.co.za Website: www.fem.co.za

Who does the administration of claims?

Personalised claims services by our team of specialised administrators ensure that the administration burden is taken off your shoulders.

We are the experts in

SA Electrical Contractor

EMPLOYERS REPORT OF

ACCIDENT

R E S U M P T I O N R E P O R T S DEATH & DISABILITY M E R I T R E B A T E S R E S U M P T I O N R E P O R T S &

& loadings

OF P E N S I O N S RETURN EARNINGS

PROVIDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1936 W W W. F E M . C O . Z A - M A R K E T I N G @ F E M A . C O . Z A - 0 11 3 5 9 4 3 0 0 - 0 3 1 2 7 7 0 6 6 0 - 0 2 1 4 4 3 2 2 0 0

ASSESSMENTS

ACCIDENT

MEDICALS

MERIT REBATES

EMPLOYERS REPORT OF

COIDA

GOOD STANDING

ASSESSMENTS

OF LETTERS OF RETURN EARNINGS

loadings

TAKING THE ‘WORK’ OUT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Labour

Entrapment –

if you have to do it, do it lawfully

By Shantonette Pillay, (LLB) (UND), Regional Director, ECA(SA), KwaZulu-Natal

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ave you ever wondered whether you’re allowed to trap an employee you suspect is stealing from you?

The short answer is yes. But you will have to do it lawfully or else you will lose your case, should it go to court.

It found that the trappers went beyond just giving the employees an opportunity to commit the misconduct because, before their entrapment, the Council had a general suspicion, but no direct evidence against these two employees.

is the only way to catch a suspect, but you must be very careful how you do this.

Misconduct, such as theft, is by its very nature not easy for employers to identify, simply because it is not intended for them to find out.

It is therefore common practice for employers to resort to ‘trapping’ employees by, for instance, installing hidden cameras. In law, this is referred to as ‘entrapment’.

The Council hired a private investigator to conduct an investigation without finding out the methods the investigator intended using.

The trappers made a number of attempts before they persuaded the employees to commit the misconduct and they used a story designed to elicit sympathy. And that means the trappers themselves acted in bad faith.

• Monitor employees you suspect of dishonest behaviour.

Example Thousands of rands worth of copper cable is stolen from your premises every month. You suspect it’s an ‘inside job’ and that your own employees are stealing and selling the copper.

You need evidence and want to install a hidden camera … What can you do to ensure that you follow the correct procedures?

Often, an employer may want to set a trap by using another person as bait to secure the conviction of the suspect in question. In executing the trap, the ‘trapper’ will usually record certain occurrences in the process of the crime being committed, which may be telephone conversations, meetings or even certain conduct by the employee in question.

All this information is then used as evidence in the employee’s subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

This then begs the question: Is this legal?

No, said the Labour Court in Cape Town City Council v SAMWU & others [2000] 11 BLLR 1239 (LC).

In this case, two long-standing employees were dismissed after they were trapped into selling property belonging to the Council for their own gain. The employees claimed their dismissal was unfair. The Court stated that there is no authority on entrapment in labour law, such as exists in criminal law. The Court had to then consider the interests of the employer and the employee to make a decision in line with the Constitution.

What did the Court decide?

The Court didn’t decide whether the practice of trapping is inherently unfair, but whether the trapping exercise conducted by the City Council fell within the requirements of the law.

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The Court found that the evidence from the trap had been obtained in an improper manner and was inadmissible in court, and the Council didn’t have evidence about its biggest problems: theft and pilfering.

The correct way to use entrapment is to: • Act on suspicious behaviour.

• Make sure you gather independent evidence for a disciplinary hearing.

• Keep a record of any payments made for stolen goods, if possible.

• Do not lure innocent employees into a trap.

• Do not offer incentives to employees to trap them into committing an offence, which they otherwise probably wouldn’t have committed.

When is it legal?

Now that you know how the courts deal with entrapment, I trust that you will not get caught on the wrong side of the law when trapping an employee who you suspect is stealing from you.

In the case of Sugreen v Standard Bank of SA (2002) 23 ILJ 1349 (CCMA), an outside service provider had recorded a telephone conversation where the employee accepted a bribe.

More info: Email: Website:

The employer had to reinstate the employees with retrospective effect.

+27 (0)11 312 6313 ecakzn@ecasa.co.za www.ecasa.co.za

The Commissioner held the view that the use of the employer’s telephones and e-mails were legitimate areas of interest to the employer where the employee was suspected of misconduct and found that there was no cognisable breach of the Applicant’s right to privacy.

The Commissioner took the following facts into account: 1. The recording was not aimed at entrapping the employee into committing a crime.

2. There were few other methods of securing evidence.

3. The recording was not part of an ongoing monitoring.

4. It was not undertaken by the employer itself.

5. It was made during office hours using the employer’s telephone.

What can we deduce from these cases of entrapment?

Trapping an employee you suspect of stealing from you isn’t always unfair as sometimes this

Shantonette Pillay, (LLB) (UND), Regional Director, ECA(SA), KwaZulu-Natal

SA Electrical Contractor

Labour

Dealing with employees on probation

By Stephen Khola, National Labour Relations and HR Director, ECA(SA)

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he perception that employees who are on probation have no rights is incorrect and it is advisable for employers to always observe the procedures outlined in this article when dealing with the poor performance of such employees.

The purpose of putting a new employee on probation is to give the employer an opportunity to evaluate an employee’s capacity and suitability to do a certain job. This includes assessing whether or not the employee fits in with organisation’s culture.

I have answered some frequently asked questions about probation: Q: Is probation compulsory?

A: No. It is ordinarily left to the employer’s discretion to decide whether an employee should be put on probation or not.

Q: Is the probationary period prescribed?

A: No. The employer determines the probationary period, but such period should be determined in advance and should be reasonable in relation to the nature of the job and the time it will take to determine the employee’s suitability for continued employment.

Q: Is a probationary period the same as putting an employee on a fixed term contract?

A: No, a fixed term contract is for work that is temporary in nature, while a probationary period is a predetermined period to assess the employee’s suitability for continued employment.

Q: If I feel that the employee on probation is not performing as required, can I just tell him to go?

A: No. Like any other termination of employment, substantive and procedural fairness are prerequisites.

Q: Should the employee still fail to meet the required performance standard, what should happen?

A: The employer should do the following: • The employee must be invited to a meeting and advised of his/her right to be represented by a shop steward or fellow-employee.

• Communicate to the employee the aspects in which the employee failed to meet the required standard of performance.

• Afford the employee an opportunity to make representations to the employer regarding the reasons for the poor performance and suggest how the matter could be resolved.

• The employer must consider the employee’s representations and if the employer finds them unacceptable, he/she should indicate so and give reasons why he/she does not accept the employee’s representations.

• The employer may then decide to either terminate the employment relationship or to extend the probationary period.

• The employee should be advised of his/her right to declare a dispute should he/she be dissatisfied with the outcome.

Q: I believe that if I catch a probationary employee stealing from me (misconduct), I can simply ‘fire’ him/her on the spot because he/she is still on probation. Am I correct?

A: No, you are incorrect. The fact that the employee is on probation does not mean that he/she forfeits his/her right to a fair hearing. It is advisable to convene a disciplinary hearing.

More info:

+27 (0)11 392 0000

Email:

info@ecasa.co.za

Q: How do I make sure that the termination of a probationary employee’s services for poor work performance is substantively and procedurally fair?

A: You can do this by doing the following: • Making clear to the employee that he/she is on probation; • Indicating the duration of the probationary period; • Indicating the required standard of performance expected of the employee; • Monitoring and evaluating the employee’s performance against the set performance standards; • Informing the employee of any performance shortcomings identified; • Giving the employee an opportunity to state what he/she thinks is the cause of the non-performance and what he/she thinks should be done to remedy the situation; • Giving the employee the necessary assistance, guidance, counselling and/or training required to allow the employee to render satisfactory service; and • Giving the employee a reasonable time to improve; Stephen Khola, National Labour Relations and HR Director, ECA(SA)

www.ecasa.co.za

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Labour

Can employers recover outstanding debts

from employees’ pension benefits?

By Pierre Foot, Regional Director, ECA(SA) Western Cape

R

ecently, the ECA(SA)’s Cape Town office received a number of enquiries from employers who have asked if they can recover monies owing to them by an employee who has resigned, from that employee’s pension fund withdrawal benefit.

For the answer, let’s look at the following scenario: Mr Smith, the owner of Smith’s Electrical, loaned his employee R6 000, which the employee has been paying back in weekly instalments when he gets paid.

The employee has now resigned from the company and there is still an amount of R5 000 outstanding on the loan. Mr Smith wants to apply to the employee’s pension fund to recover this outstanding amount from the employee’s pension withdrawal benefit.

Is he entitled to do so? The answer is simple: No, he is not.

No deduction can be made from the employee’s pension withdrawal benefit in order to settle a loan. There are, however, other circumstances under which the employer may claim for a deduction to be made from the employee’s pension withdrawal benefit.

Exception In terms of Section 37A of the Pension Funds Act, pension benefits are not reducible, transferable nor executable. However, Section 37D of the said Act is an exception to this rule, as it allows for certain types of deductions to be made.

A registered fund is only entitled to deduct for damages caused to the employer by the employee as a result of theft, fraud, dishonesty and misconduct.

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Pierre Foot – ECA(SA) Regional Director, Western Cape region

A fund is only permitted to make such deduction from the employee’s benefit in order to pay the employer, provided certain conditions have been met. Such conditions include a written Admission of Liability and Acknowledgement of Debt from the employee in respect of such damages caused to the employer. If such conditions are not met, the fund cannot make any deduction from the employee’s benefit payment.

Compensation Of cardinal importance and as mentioned, the employee must furnish a written Admission of Liability and Acknowledgement of Debt to the employer in respect of the compensation for damages caused to the employer. It is reiterated that such damages can only be in respect of theft, fraud, dishonesty or misconduct.

The pension fund in turn, carries the burden of proof, in that the fund must bear the onus of proving, on a balance of probabilities, that it is entitled to deduct monies from the employee’s benefits and that the requirements of Section 37D of the Act have been met.

Liability The written admission of liability by the employee referred to above must also fulfil the requirements of Section 37D of the Pension Funds Act. To this end a template statement of admission of liability is available to assist employers.

More info: Email:

+27 (0)21 462 2690 ecact@iafrica.com

SA Electrical Contractor

Cables and Cable Accessories

A simple guide to

electric cable for electrical contractors Compulsory specifications for South African electric cable SANS 1507:

Low voltage PVC and XLPE insulated cables (includes armoured cables).

SANS 1574:

Flexible cores, cords and cables, including panel wire, cabtyre and ripcord.

SANS 1418:

LV aerial bundled conductors.

SANS 1520:

Rubber insulated cables. Parts 1 and 2 cover LV and MV respectively.

SANS 97:

Paper-insulated metal sheathed cables up to 33 kV.

SANS 1339:

XLPE insulated cables up to 33 kV.

SANS 182:

Overhead line conductors.

There are many other specifications, however the above are most commonly used.

SANS 1576:

Welding cable (voltage rating 100 V) is not compulsory.

Electric Cable The purpose of electric cable is to convey electrical energy from the point where it is available to a point where it is required. In order to do this safely and reliably, the cable needs certain attributes.

1. The voltage rating of the cable must be equal to, or greater than, the voltage rating of the system into which it is connected.

2. The current carrying capacity of the cable must be equal to, or greater than, the current to be carried, taking into account any applicable current de-rating factors.

3. The short circuit and earth fault rating of the cable must be greater than the prospective short circuit and earth fault currents that the electrical system may impose on the cable.

4. The cable must be compatible with, and able to withstand, the environmental conditions in which it is installed.

5. Special attention must be paid to contributing factors such as cable voltage drop and the nature of the supplied load.

Cables are made for the following voltages. 300/500 V, 600/1 000 V, 1,9/3,3 kV, 3,8/6,6 kV, 6,35/11 kV, 8,7/15 kV, 12,7/22 kV and 19/33 kV; as well as high voltage cables from 44 kV to 275 kV.

12

Different types of low voltage electric cable

Low friction single-core general cable/housewire

Flat twin and earth

Surfix

Submersible pump cable green (four-core) PVC single-core flexible panel wiring cable

HRQ high temperature insulated wire (105 ⁰C) cable

Cabtyre flexible cable

Submersible pump cable blue (three-core)

Nitrile trailing cable

PVC nitrile welding cable Audio flexible cable (ripcord)

Illumination flexible wiring cable (Maconite)

PVC single-core general purpose housewire

EPM/CM or EPM/CR welding cable

Low voltage three- and four-core SWA cable

Voltage rating

Current rating

The first of the two numbers is the phase-to-earth rating, and the second number is the phase-to-phase voltage rating. Both 300/500 V and 600/1 000 V cables are the voltage ratings typically used in the wiring of domestic and small commercial installations.

Electric cable manufacturers publish tables of current ratings applicable to the size and type of cables they manufacture. Different current ratings apply for cables, depending on the size of the conductor, and whether the cable is installed underground, in free air, or in ducts.

Municipalities and industry primarily use 6,35/11 kV cables for the distribution of electricity. The other higher voltage ratings mentioned are less common.

These ‘standard’ current ratings must be modified for each unique installation by taking into account the

SA Electrical Contractor

Cables and Cable Accessories

actual conditions of installation, in particular: ambient air temperature; presence of solar radiation; number of cables and their spacing from each other; depth of cable laying; ground thermal resistivity; etc.

Standard conductor sizes are: 1,5 mm2; 2,5 mm2; 4 mm2; 6 mm2; 10 mm2; 16 mm2; 25 mm2; 35 mm2; 50 mm2; 70 mm2; 95 mm2; 120 mm2; 150 mm2; 185 mm2; 240 mm2; 300 mm2; 400 mm2; 500 mm2; 630 mm2; 800 mm2; 1 000 mm2; 1 600 mm2; 2 000 mm2; and 2 500 mm2.

Short circuit rating The short circuit rating of any conductor can be calculated by referencing manufacturers’ brochures. Alternatively, the value can be calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the conductor by the appropriate factor, which yields the one second short circuit rating.

1. The factors for MV cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable are:

2. The factors for paper insulated lead covered (PILC) MV cables and LV polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated cables are:

Conductor

• Copper conductor: 115 A/mm .

2

• Aluminium conductors: 76 A/mm2.

Insulation

Actual figures for any particular conductor size and fault duration are available from manufacturers’ brochures.

Bedding Amouring

Earth fault rating The earth fault rating of an electrical cable may also be obtained from manufacturers’ brochures or calculated. When calculated, the value is obtained by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the earth path by the appropriate factor. The factors are 24 A/mm2 for lead sheath on PILC cables and 143 A/mm2 for copper tape screen on MV XLPE cables.

Outer sheath

Actual figures are available from manufacturers’ brochures.

Markings

• Copper conductor: 143 A/mm2.

• Aluminium conductor: 92 A/mm2.

Electric cable components Conductor The conductor carries the current, and must be of a sufficiently large cross-sectional area to avoid the conductor overheating. The conductor may be solid circular, stranded circular, solid shaped or stranded shaped, depending on the cable specification to which it was manufactured. Copper and aluminium are metals with good electrical conductivity and this, together with other favourable attributes, makes them ideal for use in electric cables. These are the only materials specified for conductors in South African cable specifications. The conductors are critical components within the cable. Conductors are available with water blocking.

components. It is probably the least important component within the cable, but its thickness and material quality are nevertheless stipulated in the cable specifications. Normally PVC with fire retardant properties are used.

Armouring Armouring may consist of steel wire armour (SWA), aluminium wire armour (AWA), or steel tape armour. Galvanised steel wire has many advantages over steel tape and is most commonly used. The armour minimises damage to and protects the underlying components from external impact. Importantly, SWA provides the cable with better tensile strength, which is important if ground movement is likely to occur.

Insulation

Outer sheath

The insulation around the conductors must exhibit high resistivity to withstand the applied voltage. It must also be able to withstand relatively high conductor temperatures before becoming soft or melting. In addition, it must be capable of being applied to the conductors using extrusion technology (paper cables are lapped not extruded). Insulation is an important component of electric cable and determines the cable’s lifetime.

The cable outer sheath protects it from ingress of moisture and provides overall mechanical protection: weather, chemical and electrical.

PVC is commonly used and is satisfactory for most applications. Where the cable is to be installed underwater or in marshy land, medium density polyethylene (MDPE) is often specified because of its superior radial water blocking advantages and its toughness.

Bedding

All national and international electric cable specifications call for certain markings on the cable outer sheath. At the very least, this should include the manufacturer’s name; the specification to which the cable is manufactured; a description that includes the number of cores; and the voltage rating of

Certain cable constructions require a layer of bedding under the armour layer. Its purpose is to protect the underlying components during the armouring application by providing a soft layer on which the armour can be applied without damaging the underlying cable

the cable. Where large orders are negotiated with the manufacturer, it is possible to include conductor size and even metre-bymetre marking along the length of the cable.

Sometimes the cable marking may include ‘Property of ....’ or a contact number to assist in the event of the cable being stolen. On request, unique conductor markings can be printed on cables that carry a risk of theft.

In many respects, the outer sheath is the most important component of the cable.

It keeps water out of the cable, thereby assuring a longer life span and fewer problems during operation.

Standard cable installations

Marking

Information supplied by the SAFEhouse Association (SA)

More info:

+27 (0)11 396 8140

This information is taken from the SAFEhouse Guide to Electric Cables that can be viewed at http://safehousesa.co.za/latest-info/

Email:

ainfo@safehousesa.co.za

Website:

info@safehousesa.co.za

www.ecasa.co.za

13

NATIONAL: 0861 KEMTEK • JHB: +27 (0)11 624 8000 • PTA: +27 (0)12 804 1410 DBN: +27 (0)31 700 9363 • CPT: +27 (0)21 521 9600 • PE: +27 (0)41 364 3690 WWW.KEMTEK.CO.ZA

Cables and Cable Accessories

Installations with a

truly professional touch

L

ooking to add the professional touch to your installations? Norman Bradshaw, UK-based reviewer for Professional Electrician and Installer magazine, reports on whether the P-Touch E55OW label printer from Brother is up to the task.

The printer also has a small clear ruler template that assists in helping you size the labels neatly, so that when you stick them on a distribution board or patch panel they look the business.

Well my time has now flown by, so I leave you with a thought to ponder – do you have the P-touch? (Professional touch? in this instance) Well, you’re half way there by reading this article so make a choice and see the difference a brother PT-E550WVP can make to you.

If you look under the ‘bonnet’ of the E550WVP you will find a host of built in functions that are firmly geared towards electricians and cable installers alike. While there is no ‘turbo’ there is a wealth of gizmos that would keep any keen-eyed electrician occupied with improving their work.

Smart idea

The PT-E550WVP comes with a standard threeyear warranty.

The labelling machine is slightly heavier than previous versions I have had, and I think that is partly due to the rechargeable batteries enclosed.

The most impressive feature introduced with this model is a new wireless interface.

This allows you to transfer details via Wifi connection between Windows, iOS, and Android devices and your labelling machine so you can print directly from your tablet, smart phone or laptop.

You could even use the machine to make greeting labels for a special occasion!

Tape ranges include: • TZe 6, 9, 12,18 and 24 mm.

• HSe (Heat Sensitive) 5.8, 8.8, 11.7, 17.7 and 23.6 mm More info:

+27 (0)11 624 8000

Email:

russels@kemtek.co.za

Website:

www.kemtek.co.za

The machine’s face is split into sections with a QWERTY key board occupying centre stage.

Directly below this is what I will call your ‘smart function keys’- folders, Wi-fi, barcode labels, uploading databases etc.

Above the keyboard is the number keys that are thankfully separate and not combined with the letter keys, which allows for ease of entering data. Finally, second from top are your general command keys with the labelling type buttons sitting above them.

Make the cut A great addition to this model is the automatic cutting button. After charging the batteries I input my name to test it out. To my surprise it not only printed my name but cut the label at the same time- very smart! Also, if you have a long label to print and cut then it kind of precuts it for you, meaning that you are less likely to waste so much labelling tape.

www.ecasa.co.za

15

Cables and Cable Accessories

Unscrupulous scrap merchants now illegally

exporting copper scrap using false tariff codes

By Evert Swanepoel, Executive Chairman, Copper Development Association Africa

M

any of the large South African copper manufacturers rely on good quality recycled copper for their production processes – however, large volumes of copper and copper alloys are being exported from South Africa at high prices due to an insatiable demand from Asian countries, in particular.

This is having a devastating effect on the local copper industry and the drive to obtain copper is fuelling the theft of copper cable from Transnet, Eskom and telecommunications’ companies causing billions of Rand of consequential damages.

This massive ‘exodus’ of scrap copper is starving local industry, lUnemploymenteading to lower production volumes and unemployment.

The CDAA is in constant engagement with government to stem this outflow and retain copper for its members and grow the South African copper industry.

The export scrap guidelines, gazetted by Government in September 2013, have been revised on a number of occasions due to the ingenious ways certain scrap metal merchants were by-passing the rules. These guidelines were to be revised again in July 2016, however, to date, nothing has been published. The CDAA engaged with the Department of Economic Development in January this year to explain the problems and present solutions, and the initial signs are very promising.

False tariff codes It is the CDAA`s opinion that copper scrap is now being exported illegally under false tariff codes by unscrupulous scrap merchants as demonstrated by the decline in scrap export permit applications.

Meetings will also be arranged with the Department of Customs and Excise to discuss the necessary improvement of container inspections. It is our considered opinion that the inspections of containers must now be the most important focus point if we are to have any 16

Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) is asking for a levy on the export of copper scrap, improved container inspections, one port of export for copper scrap, no cash for scrap and the elimination of VAT on scrap. chance of reducing illegal exports. It has also been submitted that only one port should be used for the export of copper scrap as this will facilitate inspections. Regardless of the stringent guidelines that may be implemented in August 2018, when the five-year period for the current scrap guidelines expire, we will only police the legitimate export of scrap, which is a small percentage of actual scrap leaving our shores.

ideal opportunity to have the money paid into off-shore bank accounts, forever lost to the South African economy.

The copper price has recovered well over the last few months which leads to a greater export drive, both legitimate and illegal.

More info:

+27 (0)11 824 3916

Email:

info@copperalliance.org.za

Website:

www.copperalliance.org.za

Until measures are introduced to reduce the export of scrap, the indiscriminate looting of copper cable and other copper objects will continue.

It is also well documented that certain Asian countries are experiencing high growth percentages and will continue to do so until at least 2020, which means the requirement for copper scrap will not abate anytime soon.

Levy CDAA is asking for a levy on the export of copper scrap, improved container inspections, one port of export for copper scrap, no cash for scrap and the elimination of VAT on scrap.

The latest ‘innovation’ is for some scrap merchants to melt the scrap into ingots, billets or blocks as these do not require an export permit as is the case with scrap. It also allows more copper to be loaded into the containers yielding higher returns per load. Regrettably, even these melted blocks of copper are not always exported under the correct tariff codes.

The lack of follow up on the payment of the exported scrap presents the exporter with an

Evert Swanepoel, Executive Chairman, Copper Development Association Africa

SA Electrical Contractor

Wheels

Super special prices on

Isuzu for ECA(SA) members

A

t Köhler Auto, we don’t know anything about electrical CoCs or the Wiring Code – but we do know all about vehicles. We also know about cents per kilometre (CPK) and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Most importantly, we know all about dedication to service delivery because we are a family-owned motor dealership with almost 100 years of continuous service excellence in eMalahleni (Witbank) and Mpumalanga.

At Köhler Auto, we recognise the vital role of electrical contractors in South Africa and to show our appreciation in a tangible way, Köhler Auto has a special deal for members of the Electrical Contractors Association in South Africa/ECA(SA) located in Mpumalanga and beyond: • Present your ECA(SA) membership card and get your new Isuzu from us at fleet discount prices – whether you buy one vehicle or 20! This offer is for the Isuzu KB Series single cab, double cab and extended cab.

• Get free membership of the Köhler Auto Loyalty Club.

• Earn cash back when you service your vehicle with us – even if you have a Service Plan in place.

• Earn lifelong discount on diesel – at participating filling stations.

• Drive away in SA’s favourite bakkie with a complimentary tank of fuel.

This is your opportunity to own the bakkie tough enough to take on any road, load or challenge. Partner with a reliable Isuzu bakkie and get the job done every time – fuel efficiency and perfect performance guaranteed!

More info:

+27 (0)13 653 4300

Email:

salesman@kohlerauto.com

Website:

www.kohlerauto.com

Heart and soul of the

African workforce

W

hen Isuzu Motors Limited, a global automotive company, developed the Isuzu KB Single Cab, they were determined to manufacture a bakkie that delivered low running costs, hard-working endurance, and efficient safety features; and it is these features that have ensured that the KB has become the bakkie of choice for fleet and business owners across the globe.

Rigorous streamlining and boosting the efficiencies of its operations resulted in a range of low-pressure turbo-diesel models, tried-andtested with enough power to haul just about anything you throw at it.

Power and torque vary across the range, starting with a dependable 58 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque – allowing for sturdy pulling power, especially when loaded.

Highlights • Towing capacity: 3 500 kg

• Halogen headlights

• Payload: 1 174 kg

• Headlamps ‘on’ warning buzzer

• Fuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km • Motor plan: Five-year/ 90 000 km

• High-mounted Centre Stop Light

• Warranty and Roadside Assist: Five-year/ 120 000 km

• Power assisted steering • Height adjustable steering column

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)

• Height adjustable driver’s seat

Travel in exceptional safety with Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control, including ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, as well as airbags for the driver and passenger on selected models.

• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) • Brake assist system (BAS)

• Cabin air filter (pollen)

Built for endurance, the Isuzu KB Single Cab is legendary for taking on any challenge, no matter how big or small the job. Its workhorse capabilities get the job done, while still providing optimal balance between fuel economy and performance.

• Electronic stability control (ESC)

• Anti-dazzle rear view mirror

• Side impact protection bars

• Dashboard illumination control

• Seatbelt pre-tensioners

• Lockable glove box

• Driver and front passenger airbags

• Audio input terminal: Auxiliary USB, iPOD

• Collapsible steering column

• Door trim with storage pockets and integrated cupholders

• Remote controlled central locking • Interior door unlock button • Anti-theft alarm system • Transponder Immobiliser System • Front fog lights multireflector

The classy interior of the Isuzu KB double cab 18

• Air conditioner

• Radio tuner with RDS, frontloading CD player and MP3 functionality • Integrated Bluetooth® mobile Hands-free • 16” Alloy wheels • Sliding rear window

More info:

+27 (0)13 653 4300

Email:

salesman@kohlerauto.com

Website:

www.kohlerauto.com

SA Electrical Contractor

Contractual

Is your warranty valid?

What the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 says about product liability

By Roelf Nel (Director) and Carin van Wyk (Candidate Attorney), Roelf Nel Incorporated, Infrastructure Project Attorneys.

Roelf Nel Roelf is a director at Roelf Nel Incorporated, a firm of infrastructure project attorneys, specialising in construction and engineering law. He acts for all role players in the construction industry including contractors, subcontractors, employers, consultants and suppliers in all stages of construction projects from feasibility to close out.

Roelf regularly presents CPD accredited workshops for the Pretoria, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Institutes for Architecture, the Architects Association of Botswana, Master Builders South Africa North (MBSA), the Electrical Contractors Association and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on the standard form building contracts.

He is a RICS accredited civil commercial mediator and serves on the RICS Presidents Panel of mediators and on the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (SAICE) presidents panel of mediators.

Roelf is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).

Roelf Nel, Director, Roelf Nel Incorporated

P

rior to the commencement of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 manufacturers and/or supplier of goods could, in terms of a contractual warranty, exclude their liability for risk of loss or damages to property (and any other loss) resulting directly

from defective or unsafe goods and services supplied by them. These warranties only covered the potential claim for the replacement of faulty goods and not for associated damages or loss incurred as a direct result thereof. This limited ‘product replacement only’ warranty will no longer be of any force or effect in terms of the Consumer Protection Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act or CPA”).

20

Safe The aim of the Consumer Protection Act is to ensure that all goods provided are safe to use, are reasonably suited for the purpose for which they are generally intended and are of good quality, good working order and free of any defects (Section 55 of the CPA). The Act further provides for the right to demand quality service which includes the use, delivery or installation of goods that are free of defects and of a quality that a person is entitled to expect. (Section 54 of the CPA).

Liability for harm and damage which arises as a direct result of the defective or unsafe goods is now governed by Section 60 and 61 of the

SA Electrical Contractor

Contractual

“The limited “product replacement only” warranty will no longer be of any force or effect in terms of the Consumer Protection Act. Electrical Contractors are bound by Section 60 and 61 of the CPA and must, therefore, ensure that their warranty is amended to incorporate not only liability for product replacement of defective or unsafe goods but also include liability for direct damage or loss caused by or arising from the replacement of defective or unsafe goods supplied by them.”

Act. These sections are important to all suppliers and/or manufacturers, as that they apply broadly to the supply of all goods and services, and are not limited to transactions to which the CPA applies. Therefore Section 60 and 61 apply to transactions which fall within the ambit of the Act but also apply to transactions which would normally be exempt from the application of the Act (for example between a contractor and subcontractor). This means that Section 60 and 61 of the CPA must be taken into consideration when drafting a warranty clause for the supply of goods even when the goods are being supplied by a subcontractor to a main contractor.

In the event that the goods provided are unsafe, have a product failure, defect or hazard or that inadequate instructions or warnings have been provided as to the use of the goods, the supplier and/or manufacturer will be liable for the costs of the replacement of the above-mentioned goods as well as any loss or damage to property and other or economic loss which was directly caused by the defective or unsafe goods. These costs can include for example the costs associated to the of removal of the defective goods, and the installation of the new goods. Damages which cannot be directly attributed to the defective or unsafe goods will most likely be limited.

Liability for damage

Claims

The CPA provides for the safety monitoring and recall of any goods which may be unsafe, defective or hazardous (Section 60 of the CPA). These goods may cause potential harm to the public. The National Consumer Commission has been set up to promote effective investigation and programmes to monitor potentially unsafe goods.

The section of the CPA regulating liability for damages caused by goods cannot simply be waived in an agreement. Any clause in any agreement which waives liability will be inconstant with the law and will not protect the supplier and/or manufacturer from claims arising from direct damage caused by unsafe or defective goods supplied (section 51 of the CPA). It is therefore recommended that all warranty clauses be carefully considered and amended to be brought in line with the provisions of Section 60 and 61 of the Consumer Protection Act.

The CPA provides for the liability for damage caused by unsafe or defective goods (Section 61 of the CPA) which relates directly to the warranty. This section says that a supplier and/or manufacturer of any goods is liable for any harm caused, as a consequence of supplying goods which are; unsafe goods, goods with a product failure defect, hazard or situations where inadequate instructions or warnings have been provided to a person with regards to potential hazards arising from the use if the goods. This liability extends to the supplier and/or manufacturer irrespective whether the harm or damage resulted from any negligence on the part of any of the supplier and/or manufacturer.

In conclusion, the limited “product replacement only” warranty will no longer be of any force or effect in terms of the Consumer Protection Act. Electrical Contractors are bound by Section 60 and 61 of the CPA. Electrical Contactors must therefore ensure that their warranty is amended to incorporate not only liability for product replacement of defective or unsafe goods but also include liability for direct damage or loss caused by or arising from the replacement of defective or unsafe goods supplied by them.

Liable The parties which can be held liable include a producer, importer, distributor or retailer of any goods. This also includes associated services of the production and installation of the goods which includes those parties who applies, supplies, installs or provides access to any goods. If more than one of the abovementioned parties are liable, then the parties are held to be jointly (and severally) liable for the loss occasioned by the damage or harm caused by the goods.

www.ecasa.co.za

More info:

+27 (0)87 345 3704

Email:

roelf@roelfnelinc.co.za

Web:

www.roelfnelinc.co.za

21

Contractual

Insurance of building work

complex but important, says JBCC

B

uilding operations invariably involve a variety of risks which could affect the environmental, financial, political and technical aspects of a building project. It is therefore important for the parties involved to take out adequate and the correct insurance for the full lifespan of a project, advises Uwe Putlitz, CEO of the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC).

Putlitz says generally five types of insurable risk generally apply to all construction projects: • Contract Works Insurance (CWI) deals with the whole works during the construction period including plant and materials, work by specialist contractors, and additional professional fess where damage to the works occurs. Such a policy must be extended to include possible damage to existing buildings during alterations and additions and/or to include adjoining structures; • Supplementary Insurance (SI) deals with expense or loss caused by events outside the normal control of the parties, including civil commotion, riots, strike action etc not included in the CWI policy. SI can be obtained from the South African Special Risks Insurance Association (SASRIA) in South Africa, or the Namibian Special Risks Insurance Association (NASRIA) in Namibia. Supplementary to the CWI, SI is not available to the public and needs to be arranged by a broker; • Public Liability Insurance (PLI) provides indemnity in the event of a death or injury to any person and or accidental loss or physical damage to tangible property; • Removal of Lateral Support Insurance (RLSI) applies where the execution of the works may cause weakening or damage or interference with the support of land or property on site or adjacent to the site and the consequences thereof; and • Other Insurances (OI) applies to cover risks in transit of goods imported from overseas specifically for installation in a project.

“The tender documents must specify if the employer or the

22

contractor must insure the works in the joint names of the parties.

Regardless of who insures the works, the beneficiary should be the employer – and he or she should pay the premiums.”

Putlitz says the concept of insurance is straightforward but the actual selection of appropriate policies for specific contracts is not. “That is why it is important to deal only with a broker experienced in construction industry insurance matters: this type of cover is not a do-it-yourself activity and, if dealt with improperly, all claims will be rejected. The insurance must be carefully considered to include and list all identified risks including the location of the works, the type of structure, the method of construction and where existing structures or other site conditions may be at risk.

“The period of insurance generally applies until the date of practical completion when the employer can occupy the works, but it is advantageous to include the contractor’s defects liability period in the CWI to cover malfunctions of mechanical and electrical equipment, waterproofing coatings, and even landscaping. It is equally important for subcontractors to insure the tools they use on building sites and maintain general business insurances.

“Should an accident occur, and someone gets hurt or killed, reparation is sought from the Public Liability Insurance policy, so it is important that both the employer, the contractor, and sub-contractor maintain separate policies. A third party is not governed by the contract and may therefore institute an action of recourse for injury against any one of the contracting parties, or jointly.

“Finally, it should be remembered that omissions from an insurer’s proposal form or false declarations will invalidate an insurance policy,” Putlitz adds.

More info:

+27 (0)11 482 3102

Email:

info@jbcc.co.za

Website:

www.jbcc.co.za

SA Electrical Contractor

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WIRELESS CHARGER IN FLUSH WALL-MOUNTED POWER STRIP

WIRELESS CHARGER FLUSH WALLMOUNTED IP66 - IK8

With Legrand induction chargers, experience the best of wireless, unconstrained technology.

No more flat batteries! You can listen to music, watch a film, or keep in touch with family, colleagues and customers without any restrictions.

For more information on where to buy, go to

www.legrand.co.za

CONVERT YOUR GEYSER TO SOLARTHE SMART WAY

–

Tech Talk

The smart way to convert to solar power – available at a Voltex branch near you

T

he patented innovative product, GeyserWorx®, has been locally designed to use the existing geyser (hot water boiler) to reduce your electricity bill by up to 30%, dependent on weather and lifestyle. With electricity costs rising way above inflation, it will become an ever bigger portion of the running costs in the domestic and commercial environments.

Wi-Fi and mobile app

During the day, photovoltaic panels are used to electronically heat the water up to 70 °C. By using a microprocessor-based technology, the controller can be set to optimise the geyser consumption depending on the consumer’s needs. During periods of low sun levels, normal utility power is used to ensure that the hot water is kept above 55 °C.

The GeyserWorx mobile application allows the user to set the geyser’s water temperature, as well as switch the system into manual mode to boost the temperature using normal utility power. Timers on the geyser can be set according to a consumer’s lifestyle. The consumer can control and ensure that normal utility power is not used during stipulated times.

With ‘time of use billing’, the cost of electricity will be substantially higher during peak times of the day, thus, one would want to ensure that normal utility power is not used during these times. A ‘Holiday Mode’ is provided to switch the system off, ensuring there is no activity in the home over a designated period. The system will automatically restart, based on a specified date and time.

Multiple geysers This SANS 10400-AX2-compliant product can be configured to run multiple geysers, as well as medium-sized commercial geysers. The installation process is quick and easy and takes no longer than half a day to install and to get the system up and running to maximum efficiency. GeyserWorx has no moving parts, which ensures that there is no wear and tear. Due to the fact that an existing geyser can be used with this product, no modification is required in order to accommodate new plumbing. The photovoltaic panels are guaranteed to last at least 20 years and there is no glycol or other heating medium involved that could contaminate water sources.

The controller unit comes enabled with Wi-Fi, phone app and can be connected to the internet. By using the latest technologies, the GeyserWorx software can be updated as and when new features are made available.

The mobile application also has further benefits, such as: • Drip tray leak detection • Scale build-on on heating element detection • Protection of the existing geyser from overheating

No batteries As no batteries are required there is no danger to humans or the environment. What makes conventional photovoltaic systems inherently unaffordable is the initial cost of the batteries and further, the ongoing replacement of these batteries due to their limited lifespan. To this end, GeyserWorx is far cheaper in that there is no requirement for batteries which reduces both the upfront and ongoing costs of the solution.

www.ecasa.co.za

More info:

+27 (0)11 879 2000

Email:

smartcontrol@voltex.co.za

Website:

www.voltex.co.za 25

Tech Talk

Test plug top a simple tester to make

By Chris Koen, Regional Director, ECA(SA) Highveld Region

T

o test an electrical installation, an electrician needs to use test equipment such as an earth leakage tester, loop impedance tester, prospective short circuit tester or an insulation tester, amongst others.

There is another way: A ‘test plug top’ is a simple tester that any electrician can make up – see photos 1 to 4. At the back of the test plug top, there are test points, which make it possible to determine different values and allow the registered person to perform different tests as per the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) requirements.

Remember, the size of the conductor may be reduced in ring circuits and, therefore, this test is important as it eliminates the overloading of the reduced conductors.

8.6.8 Insulation resistance NOTE 1: Before power is connected to any new or altered circuit, the test for insulation resistance should be carried out to ensure there is no shortcircuit or high impedance faults in the installation, and that it is safe to energise.

NOTE 2: In the case of existing installations where the power may not be switched off from certain circuits in order to carry out this test, the fact that the circuits are subject to the supply voltage can be regarded as evident that the insulation resistance is compliant.

8.6.8.1 When carrying out insulation-resistance tests, a. use an ac or dc voltage of at least twice the nominal voltage, with a minimum of 500 V, NOTE: The working voltage is taken as the maximum of the voltages measured a. in the case of ac, between each phase conductor and either the neutral or the earthing conductor, and b. in the case of dc, between positive and negative conductors. c. ensure that all fuses are in place and switches and circuit-breakers are in the closed positions. Loads may be disconnected.

Let’s look at SANS 10142-1 (Edition 2): 8.6 Testing [Certain tests shall not be carried out in hazardous locations. Due to the characteristics of the intrinsic safety features of equipment, such equipment can be damaged by certain tests. Certain tests might be impractical in existing installations already under power.]

8.6.3 Resistance of earth continuity conductor Use a resistance meter to measure the resistance of the earth continuity conductors between the consumer’s earth terminal and the earthing terminals of all points of consumption and switches. The values shall not exceed those given in Table 8.1.

For example, a 20 Amp circuit breaker needs 0.55 W resistances to be functional. By using a test plug top, it will make it easier for the registered person to perform this test and he/she could save valuable time when testing an installation.

8.6.4 Continuity of ring circuits Remove both ends of each live conductor, separate them and test the circuit for continuity. Ensure that the two ends of the live conductor are connected to the same terminal after the test (see 6.6.1.13).

After separating the two conductors (live and neutral) it would be easy to determine a break in the ring circuits by using the test plug top to test back to the distribution board. This saves time by determining the position of a possible break without the unnecessary opening of socket-outlets.

26

NOTE: To prevent damage, ensure that voltage-sensitive electronic equipment such as dimmer switches, touch switches, time delay devices, power controllers, electronic starters for fluorescent lamps, earth leakage units, surge arresters and certain appliances are disconnected so that they are not subjected to the test voltage.

Reasonably safe To perform the above-mentioned tests, the socket-outlets must be opened; and, in the case of new installations, it is possible to perform these tests without a test plug top (8.6.8.1 and 8.6.8.2). However, when older installations need to be certified as reasonably safe, using the test plug top will eliminate the need to open socket-outlets and this will prevent any damage to the client’s structure, such as paint, plaster, tiles, etc that can happen when opening the socket outlet for the inspection test.

In section 4 of the Certificate of Compliance – Inspection and Tests, item 16 asks for the testing of ‘all switching devices, make-and-break circuits …’

Now, using this easily made ‘test plug top’, it’s possible to do this with or without power, and, at the same time, you will also be able to determine that a socket-outlet’s tube makes proper contact with a plug top. Remember that special care neds to be taken when testing with the power on.

Using the test plug top will reduce the time spent testing all the socket outlets in an installation because it’s not necessary to open each one – and, at the same time, confirming that the socket outlets and circuits are safe.

More info:

+27 (0)11 392 0000

SA Electrical Contractor

Tech Talk

How do I know which training providers are legitimate?

and other FAQs answered

L

ucas Bowles, Regional Director, East/ South Cape regularly compiles a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) from the region’s members. The Regional Executive Committee then meets to compile the answers to the questions – and these are presented at members’ meetings. The questions asked by members in the East/South Cape are being asked by members countrywide and these are shared for the benefit of the electrical contracting industry in South Africa.

Q: So many training providers want me to send my employees for training. How do I know which training providers are legitimate?

A: Training and trade testing in all industries in South Africa were decentralised many years ago in terms of government policy. As a result, the concept of a centralised trade testing organisation referred to by many people as COTT no longer applies.

It has been replaced by a system of sector education and training authorities (SETAs), that have been empowered to accredit training providers and trade test centres. Strict criteria are applied before accreditation is granted and the important question to ask when approached to register for a specific training course or skills programme is: Is your training accredited?

Any training provider who offers a particular training course should easily be able to confirm whether or not such training has been accredited. Non-accredited training is, unfortunately, a waste of time and is therefore not recommended.

All training providers must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and very strict quality control measures must be complied with before accreditation is granted to a service provider.

The QCTO has assumed responsibility for the issuing of Trade Test Certificates in terms of Section 26 (D) 4 of the Skills Development Act.

The ECB thereafter changed its name to the Electrical Conformance Board but their role and function in the electrical industry is unclear. They are currently presenting courses on the Wiring Code and other safety standards applicable to the electrical industry. The ECB also sells CoCs to Industry.

It is important not to confuse the ECB, NBCEI and the ECA(SA) with each other.

• ECA (SA) The ECA is a voluntary employers’ association that provides a variety of benefits for members. The ECA plays a vital role in the electrical industry and, apart from the Union, we are the only other party to the bargaining council where we determine the rules. The ECA(SA) is party to the setting up, writing and amending of the safety regulations (SANS 10142-1).

The ECA(SA) has a direct relationship with the Department of Labour (DoL). While some may deny it, the ECA(SA) has a ‘big voice’ and calls most of the shots in terms of the electrical contracting industry.

• NBCEI It is compulsory to be registered with the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) if you employ workers. The bargaining council acts as the ‘referee’ between the employers and the employees.

It’s critically important to do the right thing – that is to register your employees. It is not just the law, it’s the morally correct thing to do. The levies and contributions you think you are saving by not registering someone is going to look and feel like a bargain if an employee dies on site.

• ECB The ECB has absolutely nothing to offer you that the ECA cannot.

Q: What is the relationship between the ECA(SA) and the ECB?

Q: Must ECA(SA) members support ECB training seminars?

A: There is currently no formal relationship between the two organisations. Up to 2012, the ECA acted as an agent for the Electrical Contracting Board (ECB) to register electrical contractors in South Africa and to provide those contractors with Certificates of Compliance. When the Department of Labour took over the function of registering electrical contractors in the country, the ECB’s role as registering authority ceased.

A: It would appear that the ECB’s main source of income is derived from the presentation of courses. There are many training providers offering training on a wide range of topics that affect the electrical contractor. Be careful of ‘supposed’ benefits. Some training providers say that course attendees receive the latest Code for ‘free’. You are still paying for it, which is evident by the amount charged for the course.

www.ecasa.co.za

Lucas Bowles, ECA(SA) Regional Director, East/South Cape

The ECA(SA) provides its own training – both technical and management – and members are free to decide which service provider they would like to support. Legally, there is no requirement to attend ECB training. We would, however, prefer our members to rather support the Association that they belong to. By supporting the ECA training – even if some courses may work out marginally more expensive – the money stays in the Association, which really means ECA members benefit, directly and indirectly.

Q: What is the reason for having to protect each geyser with its own earth leakage protection device?

A: Unfortunately, the SANS Committee that authorises the changes to the Wiring Code does not provide reasons or motivation for any amendments that are agreed upon by the Committee. As an Association, we like many other people could therefore only speculate on the reason for such drastic decision. It is important for members to bear in mind that the cost of this amendment must of necessity be for the customer and therefore it serves no purpose to ask for the reason of such amendment. The reality is that the law requires all new installations after 15 March 2017 to comply for safety reasons.

Q: Which block on the CoC do I tick for a brand-new installation where I am required to carry out additional work – ‘New’ or ‘Existing’?

A: Existing – as it is a supplementary certificate being added to the original certificate – The original certificate is still valid for the part of the installation it was issued for.

More info:

+27 (0)41 364 0162

Email:

adminpe@ecsasa.co.za 27

Tech Talk

Applying IP ratings to flexible conduit

I

ngress Protection or IP ratings are often misunderstood and applied incorrectly when it comes to flexible conduit. Meirion Buck, Senior Design and Technical Manager for Adaptaflex – a brand of ABB – explains how the ratings work.

Conduit selection is a serious matter – and often, fire protection is considered the main specification criteria in conduit selection. The fact is, all conduit systems must comply with international conduit standard IEC 61386.

Amongst the properties needed for this approval standard is ingress protection or IP ratings against solids and liquids.

However, at the higher end of the IP ratings it is not always so clear cut. ISO 60529 specifies how products should be tested and define the particular test for each rating. The standards also clearly explain the meaning of each individual IP rating.

The variation in the specification can best be understood by comparing the methods of determining the IP ratings to static and dynamic tests. Static tests have the items immersed in a measure of water, whereas dynamic tests subject the item to jets of water.

Testing procedures Dynamic tests vary quite considerably; an IPX4 rating is equivalent to water from a garden hose at typically 10 litres/min for five minutes through 180°, whereas an IPX6 is closer to a fire hose delivering 100 litres/min for three minutes.

On a typical Ingress Protection rating, say IP54, the first number stands for the protection again dust and solid objects, while the second number stands for the protection against liquids. In this case IP54 means, 5 – protected against dust – limited ingress no harmful deposit; 4 – protected against splashing water through 180° – no harmful effects.

The tests, up to IPX6, are carried out on a static product where the water is either splashed or sprayed around the product under test. The 28

intensity of the water test ranges from falling drops of water through to a powerful spray jetted on to the product from specified angles.

The water test conditions are very specific within the EN 60529 standard, defining water flow rates and duration of test. Even the diameter of the water jet hose nozzle is specified along with the distance from the test piece. For IPX6 the flow rate is 100 litres per minute for duration of at least three minutes.

IPX7 and IPX8 use static tests, conducted by immersion in water. IPX7 test is temporary immersion. This is a pre-set depth of one metre and a pre-set time of 30 minutes. During the test there should be no ingress of water to cause harmful effects.

The continuous immersion IPX8 test, is set against a pressure and a time agreed between manufacturer and user. Again, during the agreed period, there should be no ingress of water in quantities sufficient to cause harmful effects. The test has to be more severe than the IPX7 test.

For IPX8 the test states - ‘protected against long periods of immersion under pressure’.

Hence the result of the test should be specific and clearly quantified. For example, IPX8 15 bar, illustrating that the product has been tested at a depth of 150 metres of water for a specified time.

The test against IPX8 the pressure rating must be clearly stated to clearly indicate the depth of water at which the test was carried out.

This is standard practise on cable data and clearly indicates the operational capability of a product. For example, IPX8 15bar 30 minutes.

The German DIN 40050 standard for automotive use, has an IP69k test, which typifies installations on vehicles subjected to pressure jet washes. This involves spraying high pressure water at 60 to 80 °C at angles of 0, 30, 60 and 90 degrees at between 10-15 cm distance.

In relation to IP ratings it can be clearly seen that spray tests up to IPX6, are quite different

to immersion tests for IPX7 and X8. Indeed, products that have IPX7 or IPX8 may well fail the IPX6 test, as the jet of water can, in some cases, force its way past a gasket or seal that protects well under static loads when the weight of water is helping to compress it even further.

For this reason, Adaptaflex uses dual ratings for ingress protection for its high IP systems. In this way conduit users have all the facts about whether a conduit system is suitable for use in direct jet spray and/or immersion applications.

For example, Adaptaflex’s liquid tight conduit systems have an IP66, IP67 and an IP68 rating at 10 bar for 30 minutes. This affords both immersion and spray approval, making the product suitable for use in both applications.

Application suitability Specifiers should always consider the system – not individual parts as the IP rating is always applied to the system. Conduits themselves have no IP rating until a fitting is applied.

Remember also that systems should not be mixed. Never use conduits with fittings from different suppliers.

Whatever the application, the product has to be fit-for-purpose and it is a responsibility of the specifier or electrical contractor carrying out the installation to ensure the product meets the requirements. This they can do by checking with the manufacturers that the information being given is correct.

So, the higher the IP number does not necessarily mean the better the performance as clearly defined by the spray and immersion tests. Clear knowledge of IP ratings means you can apply the most economical solution, designed to meet the requirements of the installation and fit-for-purpose.

More info:

Claudeen Forbes on +27(0)11 202 5206

Email: claudee.forbes@za.abb.com Website: www.abb.com/africa

SA Electrical Contractor

— Critical power & cable protection We have got it covered

With a range of metallic and non-metallic flexible conduit systems, Adaptaflex combines innovative design with dedicated manufacture to provide essential solutions for the protection of critical power and data cable.

ABB’s food and beverage conduit systems, are designed to protect complex processing equipment with sensitive electrical wiring systems, controls and automation. These solutions enable food and beverage processors to increase revenue, plant sustainability, food safety and brand equity.

Tel. +27 10 202 6995 | www.adaptaflex.com

Tech Talk

Get wise about using

variable speed drives

T

he benefits of variable speed drives (VSDs) are making this technology a popular choice among users of electric motors; now, with the introduction of the WEG Insulation System Evolution (WISE®) to all WEG motor lines, customers have full assurance that all WEG motors are VSDcompatible. “Not all standard electric motors are suitable to be used with VSDs,” says Fanie Steyn, manager rotating machines at Zest WEG Group. “The motor insulation systems are susceptible to insulation damage caused by the harsh switching frequencies and voltage peaks generated by VSDs.”

Power transistors Steyn explains that VSDs use power transistors – typically insulated-gate bipolar transistors or IGBTs – for the switching process. To achieve the high frequencies necessary for switching, the transistors have to turn ‘on’ and ‘off’ to conduct current repeatedly at high speeds.

This results in voltage pulses with a high dV/dt, or rate of voltage change over time.

“When squirrel cage electric motors are fed by these high frequencies, the voltage pulses – combined with the cable and motor impedances – may cause repetitive conditions of over voltage or voltage overshoots at the motor connection terminals,” he says. “This 30

may degrade the motor insulation system and reduce the motor’s useful lifespan.”

More info:

+27 (0)11 723 6000

Email:

marketing@zestweg.com

To ensure that this does not occur in WEG motors, the WISE insulation system has been developed through the use of enhanced materials in the production of the motor insulation. These materials include VSD‑compatible wire, insulation film, impregnation material and suitable cables.

Website:

www.zestweg.com

Dielectric strength WEG has also specially developed its LackTherm varnishes for the insulation systems of its electric motors, which are applied to the 99,9% pure copper wire during the enamelling process. These LackTherm varnishes have excellent dielectric strength, flexibility, hardness and chemical resistance, as well as strong adhesion properties.

During the impregnation process, the stator coils receive layers of high‑solid resins and water‑based coatings which are environmentally‑friendly and free from harmful solvents – as required by the ISO 14000 guidelines.

“This process allows any WEG motors to be used with VSDs, as the WISE insulation system ensures that the motor windings are protected against voltage peaks and voltage variations,” says Steyn.

SA Electrical Contractor

Earthing, Lightning and Surge Protection

ELPA to empower

lightning protection industry specialists

F

rom designers through to installers and inspectors of lighting protection systems (LPSs), as well as electricians and electrical engineers, the Earthing and Lightning Protection Association (ELPA) is ensuring that it implements all programmes necessary in its quest to become South Africa’s recognised National Professional Body for earthing and lightning protection.

ELPA national director Trevor Manas clarifies, “ELPA aims to assist with providing industry accreditations, certification, benchmarks for quality of design and installation, as well as information and education on lightning safety.” Having been officially established in June 2017, after two years of hard work by lightning protection industry experts from around the country, Manas says the umbrella body has already notched up a number of achievements.

Certification exams for lightning protection installers, surge protection installations and lightning protection design “During 2017, we held two successful sets of certification exams for lightning protection installers,” Manas says. “In January 2018, we followed this up with the introduction of accreditations for electricians who carry out surge protection installations. This new programme covers the proper selection, coordination and installation of surge protection devices (SPDs) to power supply systems, and we believe that electricians will gain extremely valuable guidance in this part of their scope of works.

“At the same time, we launched our first designers’ accreditations, noting that the actual science of lighting protection really comes together in the lightning protection design. The designers’ course will follow a modular process: there are five parts to each module, and each module will take a month to complete.”

More to come through the CoC programme Other certification exams will follow in the first quarter of 2018, and are linked to the launch of the ELPA Certificates of Compliance (CoC) programme in late 2017.

Manas explains, “The CoC programme is aimed at ELPA-accredited designers, installers and inspectors of LPSs. It entails the keeping of a register of designers and installers, as well as the inspectorate whose members check the work being done by the installers. To this end, another round of lightning protection installation certification exams took place in January, marking the third such set of exams since August 2017. We will also hold our first course for testers/assessors within the first quarter of the year.”

www.ecasa.co.za

Moving matters online Noting that much of South Africa is subject to high lightning ground flash density, with a consequent wide-ranging need for the installation of LPSs, ELPA is making use of online facilities for some of its courses.

Manas says, “In a bid to nationalise our courses, we are introducing some online assessments, starting with the installation accreditation, which currently takes the form of a 90-minute written exam, followed by a face to face interview with the examiners while still on-site. We are now offering candidates an online examination, and then carrying out Skype interviews with them post exam. In this way, we can accommodate the substantial number of candidates from around South Africa who want to take our ELPA installation exam.”

CPD programme to boost electrical engineers in the science of lightning Over and above the LPS certification exams for designers, installers and inspectors, ELPA plans to spread its net wider still. “In order for participants to maintain their membership, we will be implementing a CPD programme,” says Manas. “We envisage an online element here too, and are exploring the use of webinars as a platform for the necessary learning to take place. ELPA is offering electrical engineers a 50% discount on a two-point CPD accredited lightning protection seminar when they join the association in January or February 2018.

This would be extremely valuable to all electrical engineers, as lightning protection is not a subject included in an electrical engineering degree and is normally only offered as part of a post-graduate high voltage study programme.”

Moving at the speed of light(ning)!

“It is tremendously satisfying to see ELPA, while technically still in its infancy as such a newly established organisation, already moving so quickly in our quest to achieve certainty through certification and compliance. I believe that, in the pursuit of becoming the recognised National Professional Body for earthing and lightning protection, it bodes well for the rest of 2018 that we are getting off to such a solid start,” Manas concludes.

ELPA is supported by various institutions such as Wits University, the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECA) and the Department of Labour.

More info:

+27 (0)76 516 8964

Email:

info@elpasa.org.za

Website:

www.elpasa.org.za

31

Win a trailer

Win a trailer

Bakgat Elektries, Western Cape: Morne Vermeulen (Okavango Wholesalers); Wian van Niekerk (Bakgat Elektries); Sean Naude (Schneider Electric); Thomas de Wet (Schneider Electric); Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); and Bles Kemp (Okavango Wholesalers)

Capital Power Projects, KwaZulu-Natal: Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); Lindokuhle Xulu (Capital Power Projects); Gerhard Groenewald (Schneider Electric); Shantonette Pillay (ECA); Mandla Ngidi (Capital Power Projects) Thami Hlongwa (Capital Power Projects)

Champion Electrical, Western Cape: Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); Dean Martch (Voltex); Hannes Potgieter (Champion Electrical); Vivian Grovers (Voltex); and Tony Smith (Voltex)

Costa’s Electrical, Western Cape: Bruce Gold (Plumstead); Costa Hendricks (Costa’s Electrical); Thomas de Wet (Schneider Electric); Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric), Roland Hendricks (Plumstead Electrical)

Mega Tec Electrical, East London: Gerhard Groenewald (Schneider Electric); Ellen Maré (ECA); Riaan Oosthuyzen on behalf of Donovan Sumner (Mega-Tec Electrical); Michael Taberer (ECA); and Etienne Petzer (Schneider Electric)

Nick’s Electrical Free State: Ryno van der Westhuizen on behalf of Gavin Stuart (Nick’s Electrical) and Pieter du Toit (ECA)

32

SA Electrical Contractor

Win a trailer

Fortuin Electrical, Western Cape: Morne Vermeulen (Okavango Wholesalers); Sean Naude (Schneider Electric); Johan Fortuin (Fortuin Electrical); Thomas de Wet (Schneider Electric); Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); and Bles Kemp (Okavango Wholesalers)

Elec-A-Lyte Electrical, KwaZulu-Natal: Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); Perumal Pillay (Elec-A-Lyte); Shantonette Pillay (ECA); and Gerhard Groenewald (Schneider Electric)

Gauteng winners: Riaan Kriel (TMK Electrical); Jaco van der Westhuizen (GB Electrical Contractors); Nelisiwe Mhlanga (Schneider Electric); Fausto Vietri (Noby’s Electrical); Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric); and James Calmeyer (Schneider Electric)

Gauteng: Lesedi Corporate Services: Theo Kleynhans (Schneider Electric) and Frik Jacobz (Lesedi Corporate Services)

Knell Elektries, George: Gerhard Groenewald (Schneider Electric); Edghar Knell on behalf of George Knell (Knell Elektries)

No Limit Electrical, Western Cape: Thomas de Wet (Schneider Electric); Sean Naude (Schneider Electric); Ettienne Olwagen (No Limit Electrical); and Chris Neethling (Schneider Electric)

A

ll the winners of the Schneider Electric Win-A-Trailer competition have been announced and 14 trailers were handed over to the new owners in Gauteng, E.Cape, W.Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The competition was launched in July last year and electrical contractors who purchased Schneider Electric wiring devices (S2000, S3000 or ZENcelo) to the value of R500, were given one entry into the competition.

And the winners are …

Gauteng: Fausto Vietri (Noby’s Electrical); Jaco van der Westhuizen (GB Electrical Contractors); Riaan Kriel (TMK Electricals); and Frik Jacobz (Lesedi Corporate Services).

www.ecasa.co.za

Free State/Northern Cape: Gavin’s Electrical t/a Nick’s Electrical.

Eastern Cape (East London): Donovan Sumner (Mega Tec Electrical); (George) George Knell (Knell Elektries) KwaZulu-Natal: Perumal Pillay (Elec-A-Lyte Electrical); Cephas Matopi (Capital Power Projects); Western Cape: Wian van Niekerk (Bakgat Elektries); Hannes Potgieter (Champion Electrical): Costa Hendricks (Costa’s Electrical); Ettienne Olwagen (No Limit Electrical); and Johan Fortuin (Fortuin Electrical).

More info:

www.schneider-electric.co.za 33

Gallery

The new group of construction electrician apprentices went on a factory tour of Crabtree in Germiston on Friday, 9 February. They are (back): Dawid Odendaal; Trinity Nkuna; S’thembiso Malinga; Bulelani Lila; Nsovo Mathebula; Thabo Mashego; Neo Nkoane, Thapelo Seutlwadi; Potego Mathabe; Bafana Mashaba; and Sandile Buthelezi. (Front): Kate Lukhele; Siyamthanda Mhlana; Rifilwe Maila; Ntombi Zwane; Jennifer Delport; Grace Poopedi; Daizy Sekepe; Busi Magogodi and (ECA trainer) Angie Mkhomazi.

The ECA(SA) Highveld region held another successful Certificate of Compliance course in Meadowdale on 15 February, presented by Anthony Schewitz, the regional Technical Advisor. It was a full-house with 26 delegates attending this course, which forms part of the Unit Standards competency requirements by the Department of Labour when applying for a Wireman’s License. Attending the course are: (Back) Anthony Schewitz (Technical Advisor); Marvine Malaka; Craig Hogan, Irvin Moorcroft; Sakkie Mncube; Timo Pretorius; Bruce Paterson; Gary Theresson; Louis Braun; Mkateko Maluleke; Mzondeleli Songwevu; Dirk Visser; Jongithemba Marwarwa; (middle row) Wynand van der Linde; Jan Smit; Eugene Jacob; Letlhogonolo; Khethani Shezi; Gary Chittnden; (seated front) Jorge dos Santos; Mziwanele Sithole; Arthur Mchunu; Mike Mvelase; Phistus Tsire; and (front) Dumisani Mnisi.

34

SA Electrical Contractor

Gallery

Attending the Installation Rules course (Papers 1 and 2) being held at the ECA(SA) Highveld region from 5 to 9 March are: (Back) Chris Koen (ECA Regional Director, Highveld); Anton Slabbert; Clint de Jager; Adriaan Scholtz; Tinus Henning; Clinton Brits; Leola Schroder (Personal Assistant to Chris Koen); Anthony Schewitz (ECA Technical Advisor, Highveld region); (front) Thomas Zackey; Ananias Muchekechi; Darren Wiid; Johan Erasmus; and Rico Oosthuisen.

Frans Swanepoel (back left) presented the ECA(SA)’s Electric Fence Installer Course at the Meadowdale Training Centre this week. Attending this course are: (Back) Frans Swanepoel (presenter); Quinton Rheeder (STS Electrical Contractors); Sibusiso Manana (Mncusi Business Enterprises); Clint Constance (Meco Electrical); VJ Gumede (VT&SI Electrical and the ECA’s #1 Facebook Fan); (Front) Gerhard Oosthuizen (GRO Electrical); and Hennie Harmse (Proud Electrical).

Attending the Master Installation Electrician course at the ECA(SA) Highveld region on 15 March are: Anthony Schewitz (ECA Technical Advisor); Pavan Moodlier; Lawrence Matidze; Ross Fuller; Tony Fuller; and Chris Koen (Regional Director. ECA Highveld region). The next MIE course will be held over three days from 4 June – 6 June 2018. To find out more about the MIE course, contact Leola Peterson on 010 271 0686 or email leola@eccasa.co.za.

www.ecasa.co.za

Giving credit where credit is due … Mark Mfikoe (National Director, ECA), Lucas Bowles (Regional Director, East/South Cape) and Calli Pieterse – past president of the ECA(SA), who presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Lucas for his “many years of voluntary service” on the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC).

35

Cool Tools

How do I measure the power

consumption of a specific circuit?

MT 6305 Compact Power Meter

M

ajor Tech’s K6305 easy-to-use compact power meter effectively helps to locate, predict, prevent and troubleshoot problems in power distribution systems and, says Werner Grobbelaar, sales manager, “it’s an absolute must have”.

“We are all looking for ways to save money, yet our monthly electricity bill never comes to mind. How much energy do we use? Which appliance draws the most power? What equipment can we avoid using to reduce costs? Of course, there are many different sources of alternative energy, but these are not always accessible due to the high cost of existing technology,” says Grobbelaar.

“Being aware of energy saving is one thing but measuring it is quite another,” he adds.

“We hear from clients who say, yes, we use electricity and yes, we have a meter somewhere in the building but that only gives us a total. How do we measure the energy consumption of some of our appliances?”

Grobbelaar explains. “To go down this road, we need to be able to identify what is essential and what is not and, only after that, can we measure consumption.”

Complete solution Major Tech’s rugged K6305 compact power meter offers the complete solution with its 3P4W, 3P3W or single-phase measurements with recording intervals from 1 sec up to one hour. “The single-phase measurement also allows the user to measure three different loads, which enables us to measure the total supply, essential loads and nonessential loads,” explains Grobbelaar, “and this also makes the K6305 ideal for any solar installation quotation.”

36

The K6305 power meter measures instantaneous power, integrated power and has a demand feature. “This instrument has a wiring check function that enables the user to check phase angle, and this eliminates incorrect connections,” says Grobbelaar.

The meter checks the connections and displays the results on the LCD screen. A wide selection of clamp sensors allows measurements from 0.1 A to 3 000 A – and the instrument automatically recognises the type of clamp sensor that is connected to it.

SD card technology The K6305 meter utilises SD card technology that offers the user recording times of up to one year. It also has a 3 Mb internal memory and the data can be transmitted to PC via USB or Bluetooth. Measured data can be checked on Android devices in real-time by using the Bluetooth function.

Features The K6305 complies with IEC61010-1, CAT III 600V safety standards and its features include power and energy measurement such as voltage (True RMS), current (True RMS), active power, apparent power, reactive power, active energy, apparent energy, reactive energy, power factor (cosθ), frequency, demand measurement and current flowing on the neutral line (only on three-phase four-wire measurement).

More info:

+27 (0)11 872 5500

Email:

sales@major-tech.com

Website:

www.major-tech.com

SA Electrical Contractor

Cool Tools

Safe predictive maintenance

with wireless tools

I

t’s the foundation of any electrical safety program: limiting the exposure of workers to the electrical hazards of shock and arc flash. Using test leads and clamps to probe inside a live panel when troubleshooting and performing routine maintenance always exposes workers to danger. Electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) is a last line of defense and must never be relied upon as the primary method of protecting electricians and technicians. Safe work practices – including the use of non-contact test tools that do not require electrical workers to place themselves in harm’s way – must first be considered when it comes to electrical safety.

More info

+27 (0)10 595 1821

Website:

www.comtest.co.za

Fluke Connect, introduced in 2014, added a new level of efficiency and effective collaboration for maintenance and troubleshooting, in all kinds of manufacturing, commercial, and retail facilities. Technicians can monitor real time results from more than 20 different Fluke test tools from a smart phone (up to 10 at a time on iPhone and six on Android). This information can also be securely shared, in real time, with authorised team members in other locations.

In addition, test results and maintenance data can be collected through the Fluke Connect app and stored by asset in secure Fluke Cloud storage. That means that troubleshooting and maintenance staff can access that data in the field to compare new measurements to baseline measurements to quickly identify problems.

The end-result is that technicians can use Fluke Connect to quickly identify and diagnose problems while securely sharing the related data, when they want and with the specific people they have given permission to view it.

Fluke’s newly released clamp meters – the Fluke 376 FC True-RMS ac/ dc clamp meter with iFlex and the Fluke 902 FC True-RMS HVAC clamp meter allow the technicians to access tight places and work around large, awkward conductors and can transmit measurements to a smartphone or tablet for later, detailed analysis. Those measurements can be uploaded to the cloud. Technicians can combine measurement data from multiple Fluke Connect test tools to create and share reports from the job site via email and collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive video calls or email, increasing productivity in the field.

The 376 and 902 clamp meters also decrease the frequency that technicians will need to wear personal protective equipment when working on high voltage/current panels. Technicians simply turn off the panel, verify the panel is de-energised using standard safety procedures, place the clamp and sync it to a smartphone with the Fluke Connect app, close the panel, re-energise it, and take measurements from a safe distance.

www.ecasa.co.za

37

Lighting

Combining functional with

fashionable “O ne of the most important elements of interior design is the selection of suitable light fittings that will create the desired ambiance in a home, office, restaurant or hotel.

Quite simply, lighting needs to be functional, yet also enhance the mood, aesthetics and style of the décor,” says James Smith, Magnet’s SLV lighting solutions specialist.

SLV’s wide range of pendant fittings includes the MEDO range of ceiling lights, which combine decorative and functional features necessary for homes, retail spaces and offices.

The MEDO 40 fittings have an elegant material contrast of aluminium, steel and acrylic glass

construction and can be installed individually, or in combination with different size luminaires in various colours. MEDO 40 surface ceiling mounted luminaires are available in black, white, silver, grey and wine red. The LED module, with four bulbs, gives a pleasing lighting effect and the integrated LED driver allows direct connection to the 230 V mains supply.

Other features of this ceiling light include an A+ energy efficiency class, maximum consumption of 31 W, a luminous flux of 640 lm, direct light distribution curve 1 and rotationally symmetric light distribution curve 3.

More info:

+27 (0)11 397 7936

Website:

www.magnetgroup.co.za

Energy efficient, vandal-resistant

LED post top launched BEKA Schréder recently launched a variety of new and exciting high-quality LED luminaires, which have been designed and manufactured in South Africa.

One of the new luminaires is the cost-effective Kazelle LED post top, which emits a pleasant, glare-free light. Its minimalistic and modern look is designed around the compactness of the LED engine, which allows this post top to blend into any architectural landscape. At the same time, sustainable lighting solutions are provided that dramatically reduce energy consumption and improve visual comfort for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

The Kazelle is available in neutral white (4 000 K) or warm white (3 000 K) light.

38

Optional control solutions are available, which enable further energy savings.

Reliable, efficient, discreet and vandal resistant, the Kazelle emits no upward lighting. Furthermore, it has been designed for easy installation. With virtually no maintenance required, the Kazelle guarantees longlasting performance and massive savings.

Simply turn it on and enjoy your new landscape!

More info:

+27 (0)11 238 0094

Email:

n.smith@beka-schreder.co.za

Website:

www.beka-schreder.co.za

SA Electrical Contractor

Lighting

Be kind to the environment...

Go green in 2018 –

switch to LED lamps

C

limate change is a reality – there is no doubt about that. Plastic, mercury and toxic chemicals carelessly discarded over decades are now taking their toll on our fragile world.

Rhodam Evans, product manager at Major Tech says we all need to take care of the environment because it’s everyone’s responsibility. Recycling is great but it isn’t enough, we have to switch to a cleaner, greener lifestyle. Many people are already aware of the increasing pressure being placed on the environment and have implemented daily steps to minimise their ecological footprint but, says Evans, many people are unaware of the available technology that we can use to reduce our carbon footprint.

Major Tech’s range of LED lighting gives consumers bright new possibilities and costeffective solutions. “The future of lighting is the LED way,” he says, adding that, in the past, the uptake of LED lights was slow because there was a lack of information about LEDs and they were perceived as being expensive.

Evans says that over the past few years, as LED technology has evolved and improved, the price of LED lights has dropped drastically and they have become more affordable. “LEDs can be seen as a long-term investment and they’re a wise choice because they’re kind to the environment as they’re energy-efficient and don’t contain mercury or other poisonous substances.

“For smart homeowners and property developers who want to be financially prudent while helping to keep the environment clean and green, the choice is clear … “ He says that Major Tech offers a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial products so improving lighting can be quite effortless.

“Replacing your current bulbs with LEDs is easy.

Major Tech produces a range of retrofit lamps that will fit right into your existing lamp sockets so that you can start saving money immediately.

In most cases, you can retrofit a like-for-like LED bulb with the same base fitting as well as similar shape and light output – but with a very long life and reduced maintenance.”

LED features include: • Low power consumption and a long life of around 25 000 hours.

• 360° light beam angle for all over illumination.

• Reduced labour and maintenance costs.

• Easy to install.

• Available in warm white 3 000 K and cool white 6 000 K. Enquiries:

+27 (0)11 872 5500

Email:

sales@major-tech.com

Website:

www.major-tech.com

“It’s understandable that, in tough economic times, many consumers have to watch their spending and while many go for the cheapest option, this is usually ‘penny-wise, pound foolish’.

“Although LEDs are slightly more expensive, they last a very long time and are energy efficient – so, in the end, are more cost effective.”

“We all need to take care of the environment because it’s everyone’s responsibility.

Recycling is great but it isn’t enough, we have to switch to a cleaner, greener lifestyle.”

Rhodam Evans, product manager, Major Tech

www.ecasa.co.za

39

Lighting

One-touch control – personalised solutions for exact lighting requirements

L

egrand’s intelligent Vantage home automation and lighting control system combines advanced technology, simplified software and the latest products, for one-touch control of electrical functions in commercial, residential and luxury marine applications.

The Vantage system, which ensures elegant and easy integration of technology into a lavish environment, offers personalised solutions for exact lighting requirements – by controlling artificial and natural lighting. The flexibility of this system also provides precise solutions for climate control and sound diffusion.

The Vantage Controls system is suitable for single-room lighting control and is easily customised for an entire house, office or hotel lighting automation project.

Flexibility and functionality According to Legrand, key benefits are flexibility and functionality, user 40

comfort, improved safety and energy efficiency, as well as adherence with green initiatives. Although this system is easy to operate, initial planning and programming of the installation is important.

This lighting system is controlled through Vantage keypads, touchscreens or Equinox apps. Other products include InFusion controllers, dimming modules, sensors, timers and thermostats – all with a modern design for enhanced aesthetics and increased capabilities.

User interface The Vantage system has simple screens, similar to a smartphone, with an intuitive Equinox user interface and simple keypad, that enable users to operate the system without formal training. Changes to settings can be made as often as is necessary, until the user is fully satisfied with scenarios. It is easy to add or remove features, with a swipe of a finger.

Pre-programmed widgets – or applications – are embedded in the screen design to include lighting, weather, climate, scenes, shading and timers.

SA Electrical Contractor

Lighting

Control platform By integrating electrical functions of the establishment into the InFusion control platform, users are able to easily control lighting, temperature and audio/visual, from any room in the building. A simple mobile app enables full control and monitoring of the installation remotely, from anywhere in the world.

Vantage Controls – a Legrand brand – has received many prestigious global awards, including the Electronic House 2017 Product of the Year and Architectural Record’s Product of the Year in 2016.

More info:

+27 (0)11 444 7971

Email:

legrand.south-africa@legrand.co.za

Website:

www.legrand.co.za

Personalised settings Personalised settings, with multiple profiles, enable the programming of scenarios to suit the needs of all users in the establishment. Typical applications include one-touch lighting controls for on, off and dim in one room, or for the control of all lights on an entire floor or building.

It is easy to adjust the temperature in a room for personal comfort and energy savings and to set the shutters to open in the morning and close in the evening. A single touch to saved scenarios for lighting illuminance, music selection or temperature control, sets the scene at any time or for a special event.

InFusion controllers – the main brain of the system – are available as a IC-DIN-II Lite controller and IC-DIN-II controllers, with Lithium battery back-up.

Co-ordinated dimming The Vantage solution offers co-ordinated dimming of all lighting loads, including incandescent, fluorescent and LEDs. The dimming module, which is mounted in a main or secondary power enclosure, designed for expansion. With one controller, the centralised lighting system allows for up to 120 stations and with multiple controllers (up to 31) each with its own stationbus connection, the system can control 120 on bus and 60 on Ethernet.

Legrand mini sensors, which are discretely flush-mounted to avoid clutter, are the smallest sensors available.

Retrofit What’s also important, is Vantage has been designed to accommodate new installations and retrofit (wireless) projects, as well basic layouts that will eventually be extended to complete automated installations.

Legrand SA, through its network of accredited Vantage system integrators, offers the local market an advisory service for system selection, design and synchronisation. Assistance with programming, implementation and on-going support is also provided.

Vantage Controls offers a five-year manufacturing warranty on lighting controls and automated solutions.

www.ecasa.co.za

41

Lighting

Ceiling lights: Flush-mount vs semi-flush mount –

selecting the right option

W

ith so many beautiful lighting designs available, it’s easy to forget about the humble flushmount and semi-flush mount ceiling lights. They may be the most common lighting fixtures in your home, but should certainly not be overlooked – and for good reason, too.

If you’re planning on installing them and are unsure whether to opt for flush- or semi-flush mount and you’re not sure what is best for your space or what the benefits of installing them are, read on …

Eurolux recently added several new products to its range of ceiling lights. These modern and minimalist flush-mount ceiling lights are available in a variety of sizes and all come with replaceable LED lamps. They all differ in design, too. The round fixtures have unique elements such as single silver rims (C545, C546, C547), tiered silver rims (C548, C549, C550), and subtle silver rings (C551, C552, C553). There are also designs that are saucer-shaped (C542, C543, C544) and square-shaped (C559, C560).

Flush-mount vs semi-flush mount Flush-mount fittings ‘sit’ directly against the ceiling while semi-flush lights hang down slightly and are usually suspended on a short stem, creating space between the ceiling and actual shade. While both are great for lowceiling rooms and small spaces, flush-mounts work particularly well as they allow for greater overhead clearance.

The immediate area around furniture such as dining room tables, desks or beds allow for more flexibility as people are either seated or lying down here, so headroom is less of a concern. Closets, hallways and staircases on the other hand, are a totally different story as objects are likely to be moved in and out of these spaces and the lighting fixture should not impede movement in the room.

Illumination If more illumination is required in the room, then semi-flush mount lights are better suited to the task, as the gap between the top of the light and the ceiling allows for light to be reflected off the ceiling while also providing direct downward light, which helps to brighten the entire space. When it comes to semi-flush mounts, more decorative options are available in comparison to the more utilitarian flush-mount.

Because of their close proximity to the ceiling, the likelihood of dust and insects gathering inside the fixture is decreased, which means they don’t need to be cleaned as often as the lower hanging option. The proximity to the ceiling is also ideal for strategically hiding unsightly marks on the ceiling as they won’t be visible once the fixture is in place.

Streamlined Flush-mount lights are undoubtedly decorative – such as the Clemente (C143) and Toleda Brown Orange Square (C134) – and, as they tend to be simpler and more streamlined in design, they are a more subtle choice than an obvious focal fixture.

42

To view the full range of flush-mount and semiflush mount fixtures, visit the Eurolux website.

More info:

+27 (0)21 528 8400

Email:

info@eurolux.co.za

Website:

www.eurolux.co.za

Height and purpose Now that you’re familiar with the difference between the two, it’s time to consider the area where the light fitting will be installed and the area’s main function. A primary consideration should be the ceiling height and the path of ‘foot traffic’ through the room. If people will be walking under the fixture there must be enough room to do so without tall people bumping their heads!

At the other end of the spectrum are rooms with tall ceilings in which flush-mount or semi-flush mount lights would appear to be out of scale in a voluminous space. Another consideration is the use of the space.

SA Electrical Contractor

Lighting

What is the legally correct method to use when

connecting a simple GU10 230 V tail in a ceiling void?

By Cecil Lancaster, ECA(SA) Regional Director, Bosveld region

A

wholesaler recently approached the ECA’s Bosveld office with a contentious issue – the ongoing debate about how one should install GU10 230 V tails for recessed down lighters.

This method is definitely not recommended, and should only be considered if it is already part of an existing installation, and where replacement would not be practical.

The wholesaler says he has come across electricians who say that a simple insulated 15 A connector block is sufficient in an open ceiling cavity; and then again, there are other electricians who say that the connection needs to be in either a small junction box and/or a round PVC loop in a box with a lid.

Nevertheless, compliance of the termination to subclause 5.2.1 of SANS 10142-1 remains nonnegotiable, and particular attention needs to be paid to clause 6.3.7.1 (see below).

The wholesaler asked the ECA(SA) to clarify: What is the legal method that must be used when connecting a simple GU10 230 V tail in a ceiling?

Compliance Firstly, distinction must be drawn between new installations and the certification of existing installations.

New installations must be 100% compliant. Existing installations sometimes require some relaxation, as the work was previously done by others, the budget is tight, and the minimum requirement is the general safety principles of the code, and reasonable safety.

First prize, and non-negotiable for new installations, is to use the proper 230 V luminaire with an approved termination system from the outset.

Unfortunately, the practice to use or convert 12 V luminaires without lampholders, and then to add 230 V lampholders has taken root.

This is not recommended as it is not approved or designed for that application, but is rather modified to ‘make a plan’.

5.2 Safety 5.2.1 Live parts It shall not be possible to touch any live part within arm’s reach with the standard test finger (see SANS 60529) a. during normal operation, or b. when a cover is removed, unless the cover is removed with the use of a tool or a key.

The next best method to use when retrofitting 12 V luminaires to 230 V is to use the kit which provides a termination facility and fixing and earthing We have come across a method being used by some electricians that is not acceptable – where only a 230 V lampholder with leads is used.

www.ecasa.co.za

6.3.7.1. Joints and terminations of cables, cores and conductors shall be made in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions or the appropriate part of SANS 10198. Flexible cables shall only be joined using termination boxes, cable couplers or manufacturers’ jointing kits. All joints shall be accessible, protected against strain, and protected in accordance with 5.2.1, except for joints made and sealed permanently and intended to be maintenance free.

More info:

+27 (0)12 342 3242

More info:

+27 (0)12 342 3242 43

Pics: Eurolux

Clause 6.3.7 Joints and terminations Kit

ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards

2017 ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards –

spotlight on the winning entries A

t the ECA(SA)’s annual Presidential Excellence Awards, held in November 2017, the electrical contracting industry’s top achievers were honoured. The judges said it was no easy task as the standard of the entries was exceptionally high. But what is it that the winners have that makes their entries stand out from the rest?

Over the next few issues of SA Electrical Contractor we will showcase the winning entries to inspire our members and encourage them to enter the awards this year and compete with the finest.

Company background and history Brand Engineering SA (Pty) Ltd, a member of Brand Engineering Holdings, has been operating for more than 45 years in the construction and manufacturing sectors. It carries out electrical, instrumentation and automation installations for commercial, industrial, infrastructure, mining, marine and renewable energy projects (solar and wind), not only in Southern Africa, but on the African continent as a whole, where strong partnerships with local companies have been formed.

We begin with Brand Engineering and its two empowerment companies, Besamandla (W.Cape) and Besamandla (E.Cape) – the finalists in six categories, and taking the winner’s trophy in five of those:

Installation of the Year – Industrial Sponsor: Comtest Awarded to: Brand Engineering Contract: Elandsfontein Phosphate Mine: Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Installation Location: Hopefield, Western Cape Project duration: April 2016 – April 2017 Total value of contract: R27 325 331 Scope of Work The scope of work was to undertake the electrical, control and instrumentation installation for the Elandsfontein Processing Plant, including the receipt and handling of free-issue cable, luminaires, transformers, instruments and motor control centre panels. Once the steel installation was completed; Brand undertook the full electrical installation comprising of electrical and instrumentation works.

Electrical included all reticulation via trenches or cable trays, full earthing system for plant structures, installation of transformers and installation of MCCs with all ancillaries.

Under the MV works, Brand undertook the placement of transformers, laying of MV cables into trenches (along with fibre optic cabling), mechanical protection of cables, backfilling of trenches, terminating of MV cables as well as the testing and commissioning of the transformers, which were supplied and free issued by Actom.

to earth rods. A tee-off CAD weld was made on the earth ring wherever a structure needed an earthing tail. This tail would be of 70 mm² PVC insulated copper.

Earthing: A full earthing scope was executed in accordance with the design. This comprised 280 x 1.8 m earth rods to be driven into the platform. 70 mm² bare copper earth was placed into earthing trenches and CAD welded

Instrumentation and control: Instrumentation included the handling and installation of instruments with an instrument count of 929 devices and an ASi node count of 1 113. The ASi (Actuator Sensor Interface) system was

44

Cabling: MV cabling was generally underground with LV cables to devices and sub-DBs traversing the cable ladders.

employed, which allows for easy installation of nodes via insulation piercing contacts.

The scope also included the supply and installation of air manifolds, Dekabon air tubing in 8 mm and 12 mm gauge, as well as all the T-pieces and connectors required for installation. Manifolds connected via flexible hoses to main air lines installed by others.

Main air system fed by six compressors and accumulator tank. The manifolds required had to be specially made from stainless steel and an additional cost was authorised for this.

SA Electrical Contractor

ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards

Installation of the Year – Office Blocks Sponsor: Mufaro Awarded to: Besamandla (E.Cape) Contract: New Product Testing Institute, Coega Zone 2 : Electrical Installation Contract duration: June 2016 – May 2017 Total value of contract: R9 046 543 Scope of Work The scope of works for this project included the following: • The complete electrical installation.

• Supply and installation of 11 kV MV switchgear.

• Supply and installation of 630 kVA transformer.

• Supply and commissioning of 30kVA UPS. • All LV cable reticulation to sub DBs. • Supply and installation of all trunking, cable ladders and wire ways.

• Supply and installation of all luminaires as per suppliers’ requirements.

Project review and challenges faced The building and installation consisted of:

• Supply and installation for the complete lightning protection installation.

• The office sections with an auditorium, offices, bathrooms, laboratories and canteen facilities.

• Supply and installation of all electronic services including fire detection, CCTV, access control.

• The warehouse section, which included test cells which will be used for the testing of tyres, rims etc.

• Supply of all LV distribution boards including HVAC DBs and connection of all HVAC equipment.

• 120 kW PV installation on the roof consisting of three inverters, solar log, weather station and 383 PV panels.

The complete electrical installation had to comply with Green Star SA requirements.

The majority of all the light fittings were LED fittings with Dali control to enable the light system to be controlled via the BMS system.

A 120 kV PV installation was installed on the roof, and this feeds back into the grid. The building is one of seven building in South Africa to receive a Six Green Star grading for design. A new introduction to the industry was the supply and installation of three car charging stations to meet the Green star requirements for this project.

Scope of Work Besamandla’s scope was for the execution of trenches at the solar field and the pulling and laying of cables. Besamandla was contracted to do 30 km excavating of trenches and 220 km of pulling and laying cables.

All electrical cables and I&C cables were free issued and supplied by Dankocom.

Grounding material was free issued and supplied by Dankocom.

Two variation orders were then added onto our initial scope of work: the installation of 502 local control panels (LOC) and the installation of 502 LOC cables trays and 30 SFDP cable trays.

Challenges faced on project

Reticulation Contractor of the Year

Project overview

Sponsor: Novare

The Ilanga-1 Concentrate Solar Project (CSP) consists of the erection of a solar thermoelectric generation Power Plant, by means of a 100 MWe water steam cycle, which will be used as a primary energy source. The plant includes a thermal storage system by means of molten salts which permits extended operation and electrical power generation during low irradiation conditions and after sunset.

Awarded to: Besamandla (W.Cape) Name of project: Ilanga CSP Project: Execution of trenches at the solar field (including pulling and laying cables), in Upington, Northern Cape.

Project duration: November 2016 – July 2017 Total value of project: R26 764 863

www.ecasa.co.za

As this was the first CSP the company has worked on, it was challenging as the installation was complex and had tight deadlines. The client is a first world international consortium with the highest quality standards, which demanded an ISO:9001 system on site. This project was paperwork-driven and required our records to always be updated and submission of procedures for all installations needed to be done on site. The client had very high demands that needed to be met. The language barrier did not make this project easy; the Spanish had their way of operating and we had our way and this required us to adjust to the European work ethic.

45

ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards

Best Contributor to Renewable Energy Sponsor: Schneider Electric Awarded to: Besamandla (W.Cape) Name of project: SANBI Hantam Botanical Gardens 26,5kWp and Gatehouse 2,5kWp PV Plants; Free State National Botanical Gardens and Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens Duration of project: October 2016 – March 2017 Total value of project: R9 304 844 Project overview SANBI Hantam main plant is a 26,5 kWp solar PV plant constructed using 84 Jinko 315 W polycrystalline PV solar modules with one string inverter connecting 84 modules and total system rating of 25 kWac. This system was installed as an off-grid system and energy produced by solar farm is used to charge a 220 kWh battery system, which feeds the consumer. A total of 12 batteries were procured and imported. Provision was made for a change-over switch that when battery capacity drops to below 50%, the consumer is disconnected from the battery system and put back on the grid. Once batteries have charged back to 75% consumers are switched back to battery system.

Only two technical parameters were a pre-requisite for bid compliance, being an off-grid system with the ability to run continuously on batteries for 72 hours and not to export any surplus energy back into the grid.

The system has been operational for the past six months and is fully off the grid.

Scope of Work Besamandla’s scope of works was to undertake the full engineering, procurement and construction of the PV Plant. Electrical scope included the supply and installation of the PV modules, DC stringing to inverters, AC interconnection cabling, and the supply and installation of suitable distribution boards, and battery systems. Hantam receives a 400 V supply from Eskom. A weather station, metering system and information system were also installed.

The scope of works at Hantam Botanical Garden was the installation of a 26,5 kWp solar plant and the installation of a new LV network and communication network coupled with the battery plant as well as LV changes to client supply and Eskom metering point A battery container was procured, and the installation of the batteries and all electrical work was done by Besamandla in Cape Town. Once the installation was completed, the container was transported to site and commissioned.

At the gatehouse, a rooftop system consisting of eight Jinko 315 W polycrystalline PV solar modules, a 5 000 W single-phase inverter and 22 kWh battery system was installed.

46

SA Electrical Contractor

ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards

Installation of the Year – Hotels and Hospitals Sponsor: Nestlife

• Supply and installation of bedhead ducting, theatre lights and pendants.

Awarded to: Besamandla (E.Cape)

• Supply and install two 1 250 kVa generators controlled via three PLCs situated in three different substations.

Name of project: Cecilia Makiwane Hospital : Electrical medium and low voltage installation – Medical – Mdantsane East London Completion date: 1 February 2017

• Generators to generate 11 kV supply via two step-up transformers and 11 kV switchgear to be controlled with PLCs for switching purposes.

Total value of project: R99 949 140

• Supply and install two 300 Kva UPS units.

Project overview: Complete MV, LV and SCADA network. Bedhead ducting, theatre lights and pendants installation.

• Supply and install 9 x 6 kVa UPS units in theatres and critical areas.

Scope of Work The scope included: • Supply and installation of new cable trays and trunking throughout the hospital.

• Supply and installation 79 distribution boards.

• Supply and installation of a total of about 11 500 light fittings.

• Small power to theatres, wards, ICUs, and HVAC equipment.

• Supply and installation of MV cables from the main substation situated about 1 km away to the hospital substation.

• The supply and installation of all 29 800 m of LV cables to LV distribution boards and street lights.

• The supply and installation of a SCADA system which was installed by a specialist subcontractor.

www.ecasa.co.za

• Supply and install two 2 500 kVA dry-type transformers and 1 x 315 kVA oil transformer.

• The supply and installation of 11 500 m of cable trays and trunking to facilitate all services, electrical, data and fire detection.

It was a requirement as part of this contract to allocate 25% of the work to SMME contractors. The packages for the SMMEs included the following disciplines: • A package for the small power to blocks D, K and E1.

• A package for the small power to blocks A, B, H1, E2 and F2.

• A package for all the excavations for the new MV cable route as well as the installation of the cable.

• A package for the installation of all cable trays and wire ways.

More info:

+27 (0)21 550 9100

Email:

info@brandsa.com

Website:

www.brandsa.co.za 47

www.ecasa.co.za

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS COMPANY

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

PAGE

ABB

+27 (0)11 202 5206

www.abb.com/africa

29

ABERDARE CABLES

+27 (0)11 396 0000

www.aberdare.co.za

17

COMTEST

+27 (0)10 595 1821

www.comtest.co.za

37

FEM

+27 (0)11 359 4300

www.fem.co.za

KEMTEK

0861-KEMTEK

KÖHLER AUTO

www.kemtek.co.za

+27 (0)13 653 4300

7

14

www.kohlerauto.com

19

LEGRAND +27 (0)11 444 7971 www.legrand.co.za 23 MAJOR TECH

+27 (0)11 872 5500

www.major-tech.com

IFC, OBC

SAFEHOUSE +27 (0)11 396 8251 www.safehousesa.co.za 11 TRINITY CABLES

+27 (0)11 453 8782

IBC

VOLTEX +27 (0)11 879 2000 www.voltex.co.za 24

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ECA(SA) REGIONAL OFFICES AREA OFFICE

Johannesburg

TELEPHONE +27 (0)11 392 0000

FAX

+27 (0)11 974 9402

EMAIL

info@ecasa.co.za

Pretoria +27 (0)12 342 3242 +27 (0)12 342 3455 infopta@ecasa.co.za Durban +27 (0)31 312 6313 +27 (0)31 312 0851 ecakzn@ecasa.co.za Bloemfontein

+27 (0)51 447 0859

+27 (0)51 430 2355

pieter@ecasa.co.za

Port Elizabeth

+27 (0)41 363 1990

+27 (0)41 364 0162

adminpe@ecasa.co.za

East London

+27 (0)43 726 6359

+27 (0)43 726 6740

adminel@ecasa.co.za

Cape Town

+27 (0)21 462 2690

+27 (0)21 465 6319

ecact@iafrica.com

NATIONAL HELP DESK

087 944 4555

Website: www.ecasa.co.za

Trinity CABLES cc

240 Albert Amon Road Meadowdale trincab@mweb.co.za

TEL: (011) 453-8782 TEL: (011) 453-8783 FAX: (011) 453-8789