TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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Surge protection for modern control systems A s industrial automation, smart buildings, and safety systems become increasingly interconnected, the
discharge capability and voltage limitation is essential to ensure both system reliability and long-term equipment protection. Installation and maintenance considerations Ease of installation and maintenance significantly influences the practical suitability of surge protection devices. Features such as push-in connection technology, angled terminals, and compatibility with common conductor sizes help reduce installation time and minimise wiring errors. Integrated test points allow voltage measurements to be taken directly at the arrester, supporting faster diagnostics and routine inspections. The ability to disconnect signal lines simplifies commissioning and servicing. Modular designs, separating the base from the protection module, are increasingly common. In these systems, surge protection components are contained within a pluggable module that can be replaced without tools. Maintenance can therefore be performed safely and efficiently without disturbing field wiring. For PCB-based applications, mountable base components allow surge protection to be integrated directly into electronic assemblies. Remote signalling contacts at the base level enable condition monitoring while conserving enclosure space. High availability is essential in industrial plants and building services installations. Surge protection devices are therefore often designed with fail-open characteristics, ensuring signal circuits remain operational even after the protective element has Operational safety and system availability It is a common habit, but it is also one of the most inefficient ways to cool a home. Traditional air conditioning units that stop and start repeatedly consume significantly more energy than those maintaining a steady temperature. In a landscape where electricity tariffs are rising and grid stability remains a background concern in many
exposure of measuring and control circuits to lightning and surge events continues to grow. Even short-duration overvoltages can interrupt communication interfaces, damage sensitive equipment, and cause costly process disruptions. Effective surge protection for signal, bus, and communication lines has therefore become a core design requirement in modern electrical and automation installations. One example of how this challenge is addressed in practice is the BLITZDUCTORconnect range from DEHN. It reflects current design approaches that combine high discharge capacity with compact construction for control and instrumentation systems. Universal combined arresters for critical circuits Measuring and control circuits often require protection against both direct lightning currents and induced surge voltages. Combined lightning current and surge arresters are commonly used for this purpose, particularly on signal lines, bus systems, and telecommunication interfaces. Devices in this category are typically designed to withstand lightning current impulses of several kiloamperes (10/ 350 µs) while also handling high nominal and maximum surge currents (8/ 20 µs). This enables them to manage demanding transient conditions found in industrial environments. Maintaining a low voltage protection level is equally important. Sensitive terminal equipment in automation, instrumentation, and communication systems can be vulnerable to excessive residual voltages. Achieving the correct balance between
reached end of life. Secure locking mechanisms help prevent accidental removal during operation, while still allowing controlled replacement during maintenance. Resistance to vibration and mechanical shock is important in industrial environments subject to movement or impact. Effective earthing and bonding networks remain fundamental to surge protection performance. Designs that provide reliable lightning-current-capable connections via standard 35 mm DIN rails support dependable bonding under severe transient conditions. Visual status indicators that do not rely on auxiliary power allow rapid on-site condition checks. Remote signalling modules enable integration into central monitoring or building management systems, supporting proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of unnoticed protection failures. Compact construction and compliance Space in modern control panels and switchgear assemblies is increasingly limited. Surge protection devices with narrow widths that protect multiple signal lines within a single module offer clear advantages in high-density installations. Compliance with international standards and certifications such as UL, CSA, SIL, ATEX, IECEx, and CCC remains essential, particularly for projects involving hazardous
locations or global supply chains. Dedicated solutions for intrinsically safe circuits further extend applicability in potentially explosive atmospheres, where electrical safety and surge coordination must be carefully aligned. part of a broader lightning and earthing strategy. Applications range from building automation and HVAC systems to safety and security installations. By combining high discharge capacity, controlled protection levels, modular construction, and robust A system-based approach Surge protection for control systems forms mechanical design, modern signal line arresters support a coordinated approach to protecting today’s interconnected control infrastructure.
Enquiries: www.dehn-africa.com/en-za
A smarter way to cool homes As temperatures remain high across the country, South African households face a familiar dilemma: how to stay cool without the electricity bill skyrocketing. For many, the default strategy is to run the air conditioner at full blast until the room is freezing, then switch it off until the heat becomes unbearable again.
cities, efficiency is a financial necessity and not just part of a green philosophy.
have evolved to address air quality. Air conditioners can become breeding grounds for mould if moisture is allowed to sit in the unit after it is switched off. Newer models now incorporate auto- cleaning functions that automatically dry the heat exchanger, preventing bacteria and mould growth. This ensures that the air being circulated remains clean, preventing the “stale” smell often associated with older units and maintaining a healthier environment for bedrooms and nurseries. Smarter management Efficiency is also driven by visibility. Integration with platforms like the LG ThinQ app allows households to monitor their energy consumption in real time from a smartphone. Being able to see exactly how much power is being used – and having the ability to adjust it remotely or set schedules – shifts air conditioning from a passive appliance to a managed home asset. As South Africans enjoy the summer months, the focus should shift from simply “surviving the heat” to managing the home environment intelligently. Modern cooling is about temperature control, yes, but it is also about balancing comfort with cost-effective, sustainable energy habits.
The shift from ‘off’ to ‘controlled’ The latest generation of residential cooling technology is moving away from this binary “all-or-nothing” approach. LG Electronics South Africa has introduced Active Energy Control (AEC) to its Dualcool inverter range, a feature designed specifically to give users granular control over their power consumption. Rather than simply choosing a temperature, AEC allows homeowners to actively cap the unit’s energy intake. Users can limit the motor’s performance to 80%, 60%, or even 40% of its capacity. This essentially acts as a “dimmer switch” for electricity usage. This is particularly relevant in South Africa. On a mildly warm day, running an AC at 100% capacity is overkill. By throttling the system to 40%, families can maintain a comfortable environment for sleeping or working while minimising the impact on the household budget. It also reduces the startup load, which is critical for homes running on solar inverters, as many households are choosing to become more and more energy independent.
Modern cooling is about temperature control, yes, but it is also about balancing comfort with cost-effective, sustainable energy habits.
-LG Electronics
Hygiene and health in closed spaces Beyond efficiency, the mechanics of cooling
Enquiries: https://www.lg.com/za/
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2026
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