CONTRACTORS’ CORNER | EDITOR’S COLUMN
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Editor’s Note: Powering progress in June W elcome to the June issue of Sparks! As we reach the midpoint of the year, we’re excited to bring you a comprehensive look at some of the industry’s most vital components: DBs, Sockets &
As we reach the midpoint of the year, we’re excited to bring you a comprehensive look at some of the industry’s most vital components:
and switches, and a closer look at advances in tooling that make every job safer and more efficient. Our lighting feature explores solutions for a range of settings, from commercial to residential, ensuring you have the knowledge to tackle any challenge. Looking ahead, our July issue will focus on Cables & Cable Accessories, Standby, Backup & Emergency Power, and Lighting. Don’t forget—the submission deadline is 10 June 2026. I invite your contributions!
Switches, Tools & Tooling, and Lighting. These elements are at the heart of every successful project, whether you’re working on new installations, upgrades, or maintenance. This issue is packed with the latest product developments, practical tips from industry professionals, and expert commentary to help you stay ahead of the curve. Inside, you’ll find in-depth articles on distribution boards and their evolving technology, reviews of the latest sockets
DBs, Sockets & Switches, Tools & Tooling, and Lighting.
Minx Avrabos sparks@crown.co.za
Unlocking the power of thermal imaging: HIKMICRO and HellermannTyton’s complete solution for electrical contractors I n the world of electrical maintenance, the ability to detect problems on discipline like thermography. Jeanri Mellanby, a Level III Thermographer and BDM for HIKMICRO, leads these sessions, bringing over 20 years of industry industrial thermal imaging cameras, maintenance teams can identify these indicators early on, reducing unplanned downtime, improving safety, and saving thousands in repair costs.
before they become costly failures is invaluable. HellermannTyton, as the authorised distributor of HIKMICRO in South Africa, now offers a powerful combination: state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras, internationally certified training, and full aftercare support— delivering a complete solution for electrical contractors. Practical, high-performance thermal imaging HIKMICRO delivers an accessible, high- quality, and affordable thermal imaging solution that enables fast, accurate fault detection. This helps reduce equipment downtime and improve maintenance efficiency. The HIKMICRO range offers models at various price points, making advanced thermal imaging accessible to contractors with differing budgets and project scopes. Why early fault detection matters Industrial equipment seldom fails without warning. Overheating, electrical faults, bearing wear, insulation breakdown, loose connections, steam leaks, and overloaded systems all exhibit heat signatures before catastrophic failure. With HIKMICRO’s schedules leave little room for error. Clients are increasingly looking for partners capable of delivering complete electrical solutions rather than fragmented supply packages. MCA’s growth reflects that shift. Opportunities for young professionals At a time when South Africa faces a growing technical skills shortage, MCA continues to invest heavily in apprenticeship and mentorship programmes. Young electricians, technicians and engineers entering the business are exposed to large-scale industrial and mining projects early in their careers, often working on equipment destined for major operations across the continent. For many apprentices, it changes their perception of the industry entirely. “People think electricians only wire houses
experience and a groundbreaking role as the first female Snell Group trainer. The next Level I training is at HellermannTyton from July 20 th , open to users of any thermal camera. Why get certified? • Internationally respected thermography certification • Vendor-neutral, ASNT-aligned standards • Real-world inspection training for electrical, mechanical, utility, and building applications • In-person, hands-on sessions for real competency • Learn from experienced professionals. • Enhance career prospects and technical credibility. Who should attend? Electricians, engineers, maintenance staff, reliability engineers, condition monitoring specialists, thermographers, utility and mining professionals, solar inspectors, and facility maintenance teams will all benefit. The complete solution: technology, training, and support With HellermannTyton as your partner, you gain access to
Why industries are switching to HIKMICRO • High-resolution thermal imaging • Exceptional temperature accuracy • Fast, reliable fault detection • Easy-to-use reporting software • Rugged industrial design suitable for harsh environments • Outstanding performance-to-price ratio • Ideal for electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, utility, mining, and solar inspections From handheld cameras to advanced solutions, HIKMICRO empowers contractors to see what the naked eye cannot—enabling predictive maintenance to start today. The critical factor: certified skills and training A thermal camera is only as good as its operator. That’s why HellermannTyton supports their technology offering with certified Snell Thermography training (ASNT Levels I, II, & III). After years of pandemic disruption, in-person practical training has returned—vital for a hands- realise how big this industry really is.” Training at MCA combines formal apprenticeship structures with practical mentorship from experienced engineers and technicians, who have been with MCA for nearly two decades. That staff retention is uncommon in the industry and speaks to the company culture Smith has built over the years. MCA also participates in youth development initiatives such as Yes4Youth, helping school leavers and graduates gain exposure to the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Balancing local strength with global competitiveness While MCA remains firmly rooted in South Africa, its focus increasingly extends beyond local borders. The company continues expanding its footprint into
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cutting-edge HIKMICRO cameras, globally respected training, and ongoing support across Southern Africa and beyond. This collaboration means better tools, greater knowledge, and a safer, more reliable future for your clients and your business. Take your maintenance program to the next level—book a demonstration, get certified, and discover why thermal imaging is no longer optional for modern electrical contractors.
For more information, email Jeanri at hikmicroafrica@gmail.com
MCA GROUP: BUILT IN SOUTH AFRICA. ENGINEERED FOR THE WORLD That integration has become particularly valuable in mining projects across Africa, where remote locations and compressed or small buildings,” one apprentice explains. “Then you walk into a workshop building mining MCCs for major operations, and you broader African and international markets, particularly within mining and industrial infrastructure sectors, where demand for reliable electrical systems remains strong.
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remains fundamental to this industry. It’s an approach that has helped MCA build long-term partnerships across multiple sectors, not simply through product supply, but through consistent delivery and technical expertise. Looking forward As industrial projects across Africa continue to demand higher levels of safety, reliability and technical integration, companies capable of combining engineering depth with practical execution will remain critical to the sector’s growth. For MCA, the focus moving forward remains straightforward: continue building high- quality electrical solutions, continue investing in people, and continue proving that South African engineering can compete on the global stage. After more than three decades in business, the company’s trajectory indicates that the approach is working.
At the same time, MCA believes South African engineering expertise still holds significant global value when supported by quality manufacturing and technical competence. That is exactly why quality and relationships remain so important at MCA. Relationships still matter In an era increasingly dominated by automation, procurement systems, and transactional business models, MCA has maintained a relationship-driven approach. For many clients, particularly in mining and heavy industry, technical support and responsiveness remain as important as the equipment itself. “We maintain strong, responsive client relationships—our clients can reach us at any time, and support is always available,” says Kevin Dodd. That level of accountability
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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JUNE 2026
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