DB S, SWITCHES, SOCKETS & PROTECTION
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Powering the present, protecting the future S olar energy and energy efficiency
while remaining adaptable for tomorrow. Energy efficiency is not achieved through a single product or technology, but through systems that work together seamlessly. Looking ahead, the conversation around energy will only intensify. Carbon reduction targets, cost pressures, and technological advances will continue to shape how power is generated and consumed. The opportunity lies in designing electrical systems that are efficient by default, resilient by design, and scalable for future needs. Solar energy may be the headline, but efficiency is the quiet enabler that makes the transition sustainable. By investing in quality electrical infrastructure now, we are not just keeping the lights on; we are building a smarter, more secure energy future for generations to come.
and longevity. When efficiency is designed into everyday touchpoints, energy savings become effortless rather than behavioural. For installers, electricians, and specifiers, this shift demands a higher standard. Products must not only comply with regulations but also support the realities of modern living: home offices, electric vehicles, backup power, and decentralised generation. Reliability is non-negotiable because in a world that depends on uninterrupted connectivity and productivity, electrical failure carries real economic and social costs. Voltex’s role in this evolving ecosystem is to support the industry with solutions that balance innovation, compliance, and practicality. From solar-ready distribution equipment to durable wiring accessories, the focus is on products that perform today delivers high-quality safety signage that protects people, property, and productivity across all workplace environments. When fire breaks out and smoke fills the air, clear signage can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, there’s no time to read fine print or guess where to go. Across all industries, SafeQuip’s compliant, high-visibility signage provides clear direction to exits, extinguishers, hydrants, and assembly points, helping people reach safety quickly and enabling emergency teams to locate critical fire-fighting equipment without delay. Visibility in the dark When a fire breaks out, heat, smoke, or damaged wiring can cause electrical systems to fail. With visibility reduced, it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, even in familiar spaces. In high-rise buildings, industrial plants, and public facilities, photoluminescent, or glow-in-the-dark, signage from SafeQuip guides people safely out of danger. The technology requires no electricity. It charges naturally from existing light sources and remains visible for extended periods. It meets emergency safety standards, performs reliably, and ensures escape routes remain visible, even when everything else goes dark.
point. Well-designed distribution boards, correctly rated protection devices, and intelligently planned circuits ensure that power is delivered safely and with minimal losses. As solar installations become more common, DBs are evolving to accommodate bidirectional power flow, battery integration, and surge protection that can handle increasingly complex systems. A poorly specified board can undermine even the most advanced solar setup. Equally important is what happens at the endpoint. Switches, sockets, and control systems are no longer passive accessories; they are active contributors to energy management. Smart switches, timers, and occupancy sensors reduce unnecessary consumption, while robust sockets designed for modern loads improve safety 20 baseline, thanks to net-zero initiatives in its distribution centres and fleet. A number of key sites are powered by solar panels and almost half of RS’s global fleet is now electric or hybrid. Greener packaging: 89% of packaging now includes over 50% recycled content, and 95% is recyclable. RS has also introduced a bio-based polymer into plastic carriers used for small electronic items at its Corby site – helping to cut single-use plastic and support circular solutions. Logistics decarbonisation: Product transport emissions intensity is down 35% since the 2019/ 20 baseline, supported by logistics optimisation to reduce distance travelled and the switch to electric last-mile – all enabled by the regional distribution model and logistics carriers prioritising sustainability. Better World products: RS’s flagship sustainability initiative now includes c. 33,000 products from more than 140 suppliers, and it has plans to expand the range even further in 2026 via Better World solutions, which help customers run their businesses more sustainably. Supplier collaboration: RS works in partnership with its suppliers to prioritise carbon reductions, optimise sourcing and distribution routes, and improve the sustainability benefits and features of their products. 40% have set science-based targets, 57% have joined EcoVadis, and 78% of RS PRO suppliers are Sedex members. Andrea Barrett, chief sustainability officer, said: “Being on the CDP A List reflects our leadership on climate change and the efforts of our teams and partners across the global industrial value chain to reduce environmental impacts while creating long-term value for our stakeholders.” “There’s still more to do, and we’re working closely with suppliers to drive value for the environment and our stakeholders through sustainable products, carbon reductions, and greater transparency.’’
are no longer fringe conversations reserved for early adopters. They are now central to how homes, businesses, and municipalities plan for resilience, affordability, and sustainability, says Voltex. In today’s climate of rising energy costs, grid constraints, and environmental accountability, the way we generate and use power matters more than ever. South Africa’s energy landscape has forced consumers to become more energy literate. True progress lies in pairing renewable energy with smarter, more efficient electrical infrastructure. This is where modern electrical design, quality components, and future-ready thinking come into play. Energy efficiency begins at the distribution RS Group retains its place on the CDP A List
Enquiries: www.voltex.co.za
High-visibility signage for when every second counts S afety signage is one of the most overlooked parts of a workplace – until a fire breaks out. SafeQuip heavy-duty, weather-resistant options for industrial sites to sleek, modern is why SafeQuip offers a full range of signage solutions for any application. From
finishes for offices, the goal remains clear: compliant communication that saves lives. For businesses that want their safety signage to reflect their brand, SafeQuip offers fully customisable options. Companies can include their own logo, colours, and messaging while still meeting all safety and compliance standards. Framing safety Safety communication doesn’t end with signs. Details such as evacuation routes, emergency numbers, and fire procedures should always be easy to find and well- protected. Yet in many workplaces, these notices end up taped to doors or bathroom cubicles, curling at the edges and only replaced when inspections are due. SafeQuip’s framed display systems fix that problem. Built to last, these frames keep safety documents protected and easy to read. They help workplaces stay organised and professional while ensuring vital information is always close at hand. From compliance to commitment As technology changes the way we work, safety standards have to change with it. SafeQuip’s signage may not speak, but it communicates a powerful message: people matter and safety comes first.
Andrea Barrett, chief sustainability officer, RS Group.
RS Group has retained its place on the CDP A List for 2025, once again placing it in the top 4% of companies globally for climate leadership. CDP is the most extensive and prestigious benchmark of climate action and disclosure globally, with two-thirds of global market capitalisation, from 130 countries, disclosing critical environmental data through CDP. The A List is reserved for those companies showing advanced climate leadership, and this recognition reflects the progress RS is making across its 2030 ESG action plan, from cutting carbon and decarbonising logistics, to expanding the Better World product range, and working closely with suppliers to build a more sustainable industrial value chain for its customers. Key highlights driving this achievement at H1 2025/ 26 include: Carbon emissions: Down 64% since its 2019/
Safety that fits the space Every environment is different, which
Enquiries: https://safequip.co.za/
Enquiries: https://za.rs-online.com/web/
There’s still more to do, and we’re working closely with suppliers to drive value for the environment and our stakeholders through sustainable products, carbon reductions, and greater transparency.’ - Andrea Barrett, RS Group
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
FEBRUARY 2026
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