CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | EDITOR’S COLUMN
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Editor’s note: powering reliability W elcome to the July issue of Sparks! This month, our spotlight is on Standby, Backup,
Whether it’s hospitals, data centres, manufacturing plants, or even our own homes, the consequences of power interruptions are too significant to ignore.
systems, expert commentary on evolving standards, and real-world case studies that show how organisations are building resilience against outages. We’ve gathered insights from industry leaders and innovators who are reimagining emergency power for a more connected, electrified world. At Sparks, we believe that sharing knowledge is the first step towards progress. We hope this issue empowers you to make informed decisions about your power strategies and inspires you to think proactively about reliability and safety.
and Emergency Power – a topic that has never been more vital. As global demand for uninterrupted power continues to rise, the need for reliable backup solutions has moved from the periphery to the very heart of every critical infrastructure plan. Whether it’s hospitals, data centres, manufacturing plants, or even our own homes, the consequences of power interruptions are too significant to ignore. In this issue, you’ll find in-depth features on the latest advances in standby and backup
Minx Avrabos sparks@crown.co.za
How to tell whether your mini-substation is truly new or refurbished A s demand grows for reliable electrical infrastructure across mining, industrial and commercial projects,
For companies investing in electrical infrastructure that underpins critical operations, understanding the origin and condition of equipment is essential. “Electrical infrastructure is not an area where shortcuts should be taken,” Claassen concludes. “Companies should ensure they are working with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate the integrity, traceability and quality of the equipment being supplied. Knowing exactly what you are buying is critical to protecting both your operations and your investment.”
One of the most effective ways for buyers to protect themselves, Claassen notes, is to ensure that suppliers can provide full traceability and documentation for the equipment supplied. “A genuine new mini-substation should include full manufacturer’s documentation,” he says. “This includes serial numbers for major components, factory acceptance test (FAT) reports, compliance certificates and detailed engineering documentation.” “Customers are encouraged to witness key points during the manufacturing process, such as inspecting the active part of the transformer prior to tanking (in the case of oil-type transformers) and the FAT of the transformer, as well as the FAT of the completed minisub,” Claassen says, adding that Trafo Power Solutions offers this to customers either in person or remotely via video link. Claassen also points out that refurbished equipment has a place in the market when it is properly described and supplied for suitable applications. “Refurbished electrical infrastructure can be a viable option in certain circumstances, provided it has been properly inspected and tested and clearly labelled as refurbished,” he explains. “The key is transparency, so the buyer understands exactly what they are purchasing.” 2. Verifies all connections are sound. 3. Powers up the load cell and measures no-load mV for bridge balance. 4. Measures resistance through the strain gauge bridge — input, output, and balance — in sequence. 5. Performs an insulation test at 50 V (measured in MΩ) to detect water ingress, with low readings highlighted onscreen. If a load cell has been overloaded, the zero balance will be out of spec. Water penetration shows up in the insulation test. The full result is summarised on the backlit graphic display. Indication and calibration To show units, set sensitivity, range, decimal, and units. Zero trim for deadweight, span trim for accuracy. Tare and other functions are included. Supports one 350 Ω load cell or up to three 1000 Ω cells (5 V excitation). For load cell amplifier calibration, inject a known mV value through the 4 mm sockets and simultaneously measure the corresponding mA output. The mA measurement is isolated from
“These units are responsible for safely stepping down and distributing power within a facility or operation,” he says. “If a company unknowingly installs equipment that has already experienced significant operational wear, it may introduce serious reliability risks into its power system.” The potential consequences can be severe. Electrical equipment that has unknown maintenance history, or hidden deterioration in key components such as insulation systems or protective devices. “In the worst cases, companies only discover the true condition of the equipment when a failure occurs,” says Claassen. already seen years of service may have a reduced operational life, an “That can lead to costly downtime, damage to connected equipment, and, in extreme cases, safety incidents.” Claassen emphasises that Trafo Power Solutions fully supports open competition in the electrical equipment market but stresses that transparency and honest representation of equipment are essential. “We believe in a competitive market, but the issue here is about intent,” he says. “If refurbished electrical equipment is clearly labelled as refurbished, the customer can make an informed decision. The problem arises when equipment is misrepresented as new.” spreadsheet software. • Compact and rugged - 86 x 155 x 43 mm, IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance. • Lithium-Ion battery with approximately eight hours of run time (measured and sourced combined), with temperature sensing built in. • Programmable auto-off and selectable date/time settings. • Standard accessories included: battery charger, carry case, non-slip rubber cover, and safety leads. • Two-year guarantee against faulty materials and workmanship. Field testing without removing load cells A key benefit of the Calog-LC II is in situ load cell testing—no need to remove the load cells. Test each cell and get a diagnostic readout in under ten seconds. The automated test sequence: 1. Detects whether the wiring is 4-wire or 6-wire (3- or 5-wire results flag a fault condition).
mini-substations are increasingly being installed to support new developments, expansions and upgrades. However, a concerning trend is emerging in parts of the market, where previously used equipment is cosmetically refurbished and sold as new. According to David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, many buyers may not even realise they are purchasing refurbished equipment until problems begin to emerge. “In some cases, mini-substations are removed from facilities that are being upgraded or demolished, and these units are then bought very cheaply,” Claassen explains. “They are cleaned, repainted and sometimes fitted with a new nameplate before being sold back into the market as supposedly new equipment.” While the exterior of such equipment may appear new, the internal components, including the transformer, switchgear and protection systems, may already have years of operational history. Claassen notes that this practice is particularly concerning because mini- substations form a critical part of the electrical infrastructure in industrial operations. designed and manufactured Calog calibrator range, including the 4-20mA Loop Calibrator, delivers. Built around modern component technology, an intuitive interface, and a rugged IP54-rated housing, the Calog series is engineered for the demands of real industrial field calibration work. Common features across the Calog Calibrator Range All Calog calibrators offer a consistent set of key features, providing the same practical tools for engineers regardless of the specific model: • Key-per-digit numeric entry for fast source value setup - scroll each digit independently up or down without cycling through the full range. • 128 x 64 backlit LCD display - switchable between numeric or trending views with programmable timing. • Data-logging via SD card or USB - download to a PC and open in
www.trafo.co.za
Field calibration made easy W hen electrical contractors need reliable, portable process calibrators, Instrotech’s locally
the mV source to prevent ground loops. Alternatively, enter the sensitivity and range, set a target mass value, and the calibrator calculates and outputs the correct mV equivalent — or vice versa. The Calog-LC II can also simulate a load cell transmitter by sourcing mA directly into a display or SCADA system, with the output configurable in mA or scaled to mass units.
www.instrotech.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JULY 2026
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