ED'S COLUMN | CONTRACTOR'S CORNER
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Cheers to 2025
your screens? And I’m not just talking about work-related screentime; ‘doomscrolling’ on social media has so many of us hooked – me included. Don’t worry, I’m not about to launch into some ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ lecture on how to improve your life with time management and discipline. But this is a good time of the year to reflect on the year that was and what we want for 2026. Who knows, maybe you had the best year of your life and want 2026 to be exactly the same. In my experience, you are in the minority. For the rest of us, a little bit of reflection goes a long way. What’s that Lewis Carroll quote? “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” So where are you going in 2026? To bring a bit of holiday cheer to the final month of 2025, Sparks has teamed up with some advertisers to bring you our popular annual Happy Holidays competition. Check out the cool prizes you could win to start your year off right. (More on pages 2–3.) Our feature themes this month include Tools of the Trade; Distribution Boards, Switches, Sockets, and Protection; and our usual Lighting section. From new products
to case studies and thought leadership, this edition features a mix of informative reads curated for your reading (and educational) pleasure. Be sure to read more about the 25th anniversary edition of the ElectroBase Supplier of the Year awards that took place last month (pages 6–7). Don’t miss our personality profile on page 16 either. Have you met Fiona Reid, the managing director of Liquid Lighting, who built her empire from the ground up with hard work and dedication? You should. There is something for everyone in this edition. (Well, maybe not for your bored teenager or non-industry professionals, but you know what I mean.) Wishing everyone a great end to 2025 and a productive 2026 ahead. May you achieve all your goals next year. And if you don’t, may you be kind to yourself and try again. Ilana Koegelenberg sparks@crown.co.za TechAccess provides on-the-ground support while leveraging Schneider Electric’s global innovation and roadmap. • Long-term reliability: from proactive maintenance to modernisation of older systems, customers enjoy end-to-end lifecycle assurance. The future New-generation three-phase UPS solutions offer higher efficiency, smarter monitoring, and integration into broader digital infrastructures. A report by MRA echoes this sentiment, stating that modern UPS systems are no longer just backup; they’re part of a broader energy strategy, especially in digital and automated environments. Robberts concludes: “Our goal is to keep customers informed, supported, and prepared. By working closely with Schneider Electric, we help businesses adapt to evolving challenges, modernise their power protection, and safeguard their operations well into the future.”
blink of an eye. I still have so many goals on my 2025 list that aren’t even close to done. How’s your list looking? As we enter the final month of the year, I’ve noticed a mix of sentiments. Many people seem exhausted, near burnout, and ready for a break. Others have their eyes on the prize, pushing through to the final hurdle, but also unmistakably counting down to some time off. The lucky ones only have to make it halfway through December, but many others will only find rest in the new year. Then it’s rinse and repeat for another busy 2026. We seem to be getting busier every year. The to-do list never gets any shorter, yet the time available to complete tasks keeps reducing. We work longer days, we switch off less, and before you know it, you’re eating lunch at your desk, checking emails on one screen and listening to a podcast on another. Where is the balance? Realistically, I doubt the pace of the world will slow down. That means it’s up to us to find little moments of joy, of rest, of fulfilment to keep us going. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness, but what are you NOT making time for when you’re glued to
I t’s difficult to avoid the clichéd opening of ‘where has the time gone?’ when this year truly feels like it has flown by in the
Beyond backup, the power of the three- phase UPS T he South African economy continues to grapple with the realities of unpredictable power supply, including Schneider Electric. “Fluctuations such as undervoltage, overvoltage, and spikes are increasingly common, and they can have a devastating effect on industrial operations. We’ve seen cases where manufacturers
unplanned downtime and avoided costly equipment replacements.
The power of partnership But technology alone cannot overcome an unstable power supply. Govender says: “Schneider Electric relies on its channel ecosystem to extend expertise and support across Africa. Partners like TechAccess are trusted integrators who bring decades of experience, industry knowledge, and customer relationships. Together, we ensure that solutions are implemented correctly, maintained properly, and supported throughout their lifecycle.” The partnership between Schneider Electric and TechAccess is built on more than 15 years of collaboration, earning TechAccess the status of Elite Partner. This trusted relationship means customers benefit from: • Expert integration and support: ensuring UPS systems are installed, commissioned, and maintained to international standards. • Local presence with global backing:
voltage dips, spikes, and brownouts, which are often more disruptive than loadshedding itself. In fact, according to a KCS Group Intelligence report, voltage dips and brownouts are increasingly cited (by manufacturers and SMEs) as more damaging than scheduled loadshedding. These fluctuations cause equipment failures, data losses, and production halts, often without warning. In critical sectors, particularly, power quality is just as important as supply. As mentioned, poor-quality electricity not only leads to costly downtime but also damages sensitive equipment, shortens asset lifespans, and increases maintenance costs. This is where three-phase Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems become indispensable. More than just backup devices, these solutions stabilise power, condition supply, and act as a first line of defence against irregularities. Three-phase UPSs ensure the smooth flow of electricity to heavy machinery, IT infrastructure, and data centre equipment whilst also safeguarding operations, enhancing resilience, and protecting investments. Power quality is non-negotiable “Loadshedding is no longer the only challenge,” explains Sashen Govender from
had to scrap hundreds of thousands of rands worth of goods because voltage dips damaged production equipment. With the right UPS in place, these risks are significantly reduced.” A three-phase UPS bridges the gap between unstable power and business continuity. It not only prevents equipment damage but also reduces operational costs by cutting down on downtime and extending the life of critical assets. Tailored solutions While the technology is vital, implementation is equally critical. Wendy Robberts, senior account manager, TechAccess, stresses that every business has unique requirements. “UPS systems, like the business in which they operate, aren’t one-size-fits-all. This is why we work closely with Schneider Electric to design bespoke solutions for specific loads and applications. Our role is to ask the right questions, evaluate requirements, and deliver solutions that are not only effective but also scalable for future growth.” As a perfect example, a leading engineering manufacturer was plagued by production losses due to voltage dips. After TechAccess installed a Schneider Electric three-phase UPS, the facility eliminated
Enquiries: https://techaccess.co.za/
Our goal is to keep customers informed, supported, and prepared. -TechAccess
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
DECEMBER 2025
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