Safety of plant, equipment + people: Products + services
Non-compliant cables are causing electrical failures
conductor and insulation, leading to an eventual breakdown,” Smith explains. “Some cables fail during commissioning and testing, others imme- diately after energisation. Some may operate for a period before fail- ure occurs. Whenever failure occurs, it results in unwanted downtime, costly fault-finding and repairs.” He highlights another issue with imported products which is that the original equipment manufacturer is often difficult to reach, war- ranties may not be honoured, and replacement stock is frequently unavailable locally at the time of failure. To avoid these risks, Smith advises all users of electrical cable and wire to purchase products from a reputable local manufacturer with sound guarantees in place. “Because SOEW maintains a fully compli- ant test laboratory capable of testing from raw material through to finished product, including ageing tests, the company can provide the necessary guarantees, backed by a 35-year history in the South African cable sector.”
According to South Ocean Electric Wire (SOEW), failures of cable and wire products are occurring regularly across South Africa from household installations to critical generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Andre Smith, CEO of the JSE-listed company, which is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of low-voltage electrical wire, cable and accessories in South Africa, says the main causes are products that do not comply with specifica- tions and the use of inferior materials. “Non-compliance against specification typically involves issues with the type and quality of conductor measured by conductor resistance, insufficient radial thickness of the extru- date and incorrect lay length. “Inferior materials being used include recycled metals or cladded metals with reduced current-carrying capacity, or insulation material not suited to the environment and failing environmental stress crack resistance.” Smith adds that there is often a lack of metal deactivators in insulation materials or inadequate, lack of or inferior ultravi- olet stabilisers such as carbon black, and poor or inadequate dispersion of these essential additives in the extrudate. “Another frequent cause of failure is that, for transport or storage, cables are wound onto drums where the minimum bending radius is exceeded. This occurs when cables are wound onto a drum with a reduced belly diameter, either after rewinding onto a different drum by a wholesaler, distributor or contractor, or by an original equipment manufacturer seeking to maximise use of space in a container for import purposes. “Exceeding the bending radius severely damages cable in- tegrity, harming insulation and creating air gaps between the
For more information visit: www.soew.co.za
Quality is critical for the safe and efficient performance of electrical cables.
Managing complexity in industrial demolition
derives from minimising risk at each step,” says Bester. “By planning and sequencing each stage, we ensure demolition is carried out safely and without compromising surrounding infrastructure.” Jet Demolition offers a broad scope of services aligned to heavy industrial requirements. These include handling of hazardous material, removal of large-scale plant and equipment, and associated site clearance activities. The company also undertakes mine-related demolition works such as shaft capping and closure activities, supporting clients in meeting regulatory obligations. Demolition in high-risk industrial environments demands strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards. Jet Demolition maintains a strong focus on SHERQ compliance, supported by trained personnel, engineered methodologies, and appropriate equipment selection. “Safety is non-negotiable on every site,” adds Bester. “Our teams are experienced in complex environments and trained to manage hazards effectively, prioritising risk mitigation at all times.” As heavy industrial facilities face restructuring, downsizing, realignment, or end-of-life decommissioning, responsible closure is a strategic necessity. Professional demolition ensures unsafe structures are removed, hazardous areas are secured and sites are prepared for rehabilitation or future use. “Responsible closure is about leaving a site in a condition that meets regulatory requirements and supports long-term sustainability,” says Bester.
When businesses move or industrial facilities close down, the need arises for safe, strategic decommissioning and demolition solutions. Jet Demolition has long been a trusted partner for companies managing complex industrial sites, from mining to large-scale processing plants. Demolition projects in industry often involve ageing infrastructure, heavy process equipment, and structurally complex environments that require careful planning and execution. “Complex industrial demolition involves more than dismantling structures,” says Jet Demolition Contracts and Project Manager Kate Bester. “It requires detailed planning, engineering input, and a clear understanding of operational and safety risks to ensure every project is executed safely and efficiently.” Heavy industrial environments present particular challenges, including confined spaces, elevated structures, heavy concrete and steel components, and potentially hazardous materials. Jet Demolition approaches each project with a comprehensive assessment to determine the safest and most efficient demolition methodology. Specialised equipment and attachments are used to enable precise dismantling and limit risk exposure. Where necessary, sectional demolition techniques are applied to minimise disruption to surrounding operations. “Our methodology
For more information visit: www.jetdemolition.co.za
APRIL 2026 Electricity + Control
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