CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | EDITOR’S COLUMN
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Embrace the tool, don’t fear it
at Tridonic’s recent customer event, while on page 16, we look at the fascinating story of Stadialux, the South African-designed stadium floodlight that took on the global giants and lit up venues from Johannesburg to the Sydney 2000 Olympics. There’s plenty to discover this month, so grab a coffee, dig in, and let’s make March a good one. Happy reading!
it all goes away isn’t a strategy. Businesses that refuse to engage with AI risk being left behind, while those that take the time to understand it, set ethical boundaries, and integrate it thoughtfully will be the ones that thrive. Are you keeping up? You’ll find a great example of this thinking in our Lighting section this month, where Daniel Hammond from the BHA School of Lighting shares ways to use AI to enhance the creative process without losing the human element that makes their work meaningful (page 16). Beyond AI, this edition also includes a key focus on Tools & Tooling. On the cover, we take a look at HellermannTyton’s range of electrical measurement tools, with more tool-related news on page 8, including Tork Craft’s 127-piece Trackbox Racing Edition toolbox from Vermont Sales. We also explore Standby, Backup & Emergency Power (from page 9). And there’s plenty more in our regular Lighting feature too: on page 14, see what happened Smart geyser cuts water heating costs by up to 85% W ith electricity tariffs set to rise again in 2026, households and businesses are under increasing pressure to cut energy costs. The innovative integrated heat pump (IHP) geyser from Power4Less offers a breakthrough solution, reducing water‑heating expenses by up to 85% while delivering reliable, eco‑friendly performance. Unlike conventional geysers that rely on electricity-hungry elements, the IHP geyser harnesses natural heat from the surrounding air. A fan draws air into the system, where heat is absorbed, compressed, and transferred directly into the water. This cycle repeats continuously, consuming less than half a kilowatt of power – less than a kettle – and cutting energy usage by up to 85% when compared to traditional geysers. The numbers speak for themselves: A 200 L electric geyser uses a 4 kW electric element to heat water to 55 °C. The average cost of electricity is R3.91 per kWh (2025 prices). Let’s assume this geyser is used once in the morning and once in the evening for two showers. This equates to an electricity spend of around R78.20 per day or R2,377 per month over 30.4 days. In comparison: The IHP geyser uses 0.5 kW to heat water to 60 °C on both the 200 L and 300 L models. This is up to 85% less power usage. We’ll keep electricity costs at R3.91 per kWh and the same morning and evening usage for two showers. This equates to an electricity spend of just R7.04 per day or R214 per month over 30.4 days. This is a saving of R2,163 every month and annual savings of up to R26,000! Savings are also compounded as tariffs continue to rise. The IHP geyser integrates seamlessly with smart app controls and a colour touchscreen keypad, allowing users to adjust water temperature or power down remotely during holidays or off-peak business periods. To prevent those “geyser bursting at 3am” fiascos, the IHP geyser is crafted
going to save the world or destroy it. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. Let’s be honest: AI is here to stay. It’s not a passing trend or a gimmick. It’s a tool, and like any tool, its value depends entirely on how you use it. Used responsibly and ethically, it can help businesses streamline processes, improve decision-making, and free up time for the work that truly requires a human touch. Used carelessly, without thought or oversight, it can cause real problems. The keyword here is “responsibly”. There’s a lot of fearmongering out there suggesting that AI is coming for our jobs. But let me put it this way: when the calculator came along, people worried it would replace the need for anyone who could do maths. It didn’t. It just made the process faster and freed people up to focus on more complex problem-solving. AI is much the same. It’s not here to replace you. It’s here to support you. Burying your head in the sand and hoping
Happy reading!
Ilana Koegelenberg sparks@crown.co.za PS. This is my last edition as Editor before I hand over the reins to Minx Avrabos. Thank you to everyone for your support and for teaching me about your incredible industry. You’re in good hands, and I look forward to watching this industry continue to innovate from the sidelines. All the best!
I f you’ve been anywhere near the internet lately, you’ll know that artificial intelligence (AI) is the topic on everyone’s lips. And with it comes a whole lot of noise. Depending on who you listen to, AI is either
from stainless steel, designed not to leak or burst, and carries a robust 10-year warranty. The IHP geyser also carries an exceptional suite of local and global certifications, which affirm its compliance with the highest international safety and performance standards, including SABS, NRCS, TUV, IEC, and EU A+ efficiency ratings. Power4Less, one of the country’s leading suppliers of energy-efficiency solutions, is the powerhouse behind the innovative IHP geyser. Power4Less CEO Nafisa Fareed stated, “The IHP geyser represents a complete rethink in energy usage. Where the geyser was previously the biggest user of power in a household or business, the IHP geyser becomes the biggest energy saver. Our clients see the value, not just in theory, but in measurable returns from the first month.” The revolutionary product is backed by some of South Africa’s most trusted brands, including Nedbank as the official financier, the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA) as the preferred installer, and Builders Warehouse as the preferred supplier. Through Nedbank’s innovative, affordable financing mechanism, supported by full supply, installation, maintenance, and insurance services, businesses can enjoy the benefits monthly while the geyser pays for itself with the savings generated. The IHP geyser is compatible with electric, solar, and hybrid power systems. It is available at Builders Warehouse, accredited hardware and plumbing stores, and via the Nedbank Avo platform.
Solar & Storage exhibition returns to Joburg in March S olar & Storage Live Africa, the 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The three-day event will bring together more than 20,000 attendees, 650 sponsors and exhibitors, and 200 speakers across four conference tracks. The exhibition focuses on solar, energy storage, electric vehicles, and the wider energy transition, providing a platform for technology providers, project developers, and industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge solutions. The event will feature a free-to-attend conference covering the latest trends, market developments and technologies shaping the energy sector. Keynote presentations, case studies, and country continent’s largest renewable energy exhibition, is set to take place from
spotlights will be complemented by interactive discussions and workshops. The exhibition will include specialised zones, such as a start-up area, an Installers University, a training hub, and a Dealmakers Hub. Networking opportunities will be supported by a dedicated lounge, a guest buyer programme and a networking app to facilitate business connections. The show is backed by host utility partner Eskom and industry associations, including SAESA, SAPVIA, and SAREBI. Attendees are expected from South Africa and numerous other countries across Africa and beyond. Solar & Storage Live Africa is part of a wider regional series, with sister events planned for Egypt (6-7 April 2026), Dubai (9- 10 June 2026), Kenya (26-27 August 2026), Cape Town (20-21 October 2026) and Riyadh (23-25 November 2026). Registration for the event is now open and free.
Enquiries: https://www.terrapinn.com/ exhibition/solar-show-africa
The exhibition focuses on solar, energy storage, electric vehicles, and the wider energy transition, providing a platform for technology providers, project developers, and industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge solutions.
Enquiries: www.pwr4less.com
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2026
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