CONTRACTORS’ CORNER
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Solar installers cutting costs with cheaper cables T he solar industry is seeing a sharp rise in unsafe and non-compliant wiring practices, as some installers flexible tinned copper conductors with high conductivity. The tinning process enhances the copper’s conductive properties and minimises the risk of oxidation. Tinning
A solar installation costing hundreds or even millions of rands could be severely compromised with ordinary cabling, with the faults sometimes only becoming apparent after a few years. - Andre Smith, SOEW
and suppliers continue to use standard AC power cables in photovoltaic (PV) solar installations. South Ocean Electric Wire (SOEW), an Alrode-based JSE-listed cable original equipment manufacturer (OEM), warns that the use of standard cabling in solar installations can lead to serious risks, including overheating, insulation failure, fires, and costly system breakdowns. “A solar installation costing hundreds or even millions of rands could be severely compromised with ordinary cabling, with the faults sometimes only becoming apparent after a few years,” explains Andre Smith, CEO at SOEW. “One of the criteria we recommend is that solar cabling be rated at 1,500/ 1,500 V DC and able to be used in systems rated 1,800/ 1,800 V DC as per SANS 62930. It should be noted that PV cables are DC-rated, whilst normal power cables are AC. AC cables are rated 600/ 1,000 V but AC cables have no 1,000/ 1,000 V rating.” Can normal cables be used for solar power systems? Smith notes that using regular electrical cables instead of PV cables for a solar installation is not recommended. PV cables are specifically designed to meet the unique demands of solar systems, including UV resistance, weather resistance, and high-temperature tolerance. Regular electrical cables may not possess these characteristics and could lead to safety hazards, decreased performance, and reduced lifespan in a solar environment. What is the difference in conductivity between PV cables and normal cables? Smith adds that PV cables often use
promotes soldering when required. Normal cables may either use copper or aluminium conductors, with copper being the more conductive of the two. Copper conductors offer superior electrical conductivity compared to aluminium conductors but also come at a higher cost. What are the key characteristics of a high-quality PV cable? “PV cables have insulation materials specifically engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, temperature variations, and harsh environmental conditions. This insulation provides protection against UV radiation, ozone resistance, moisture, and abrasion, ensuring long-term performance and cable durability. The insulation is normally cross- linked low smoke and zero halogen (LSZH), and these properties are designed to enhance safety in case of fire,” Smith notes. connectors designed and engineered to guarantee proper and secure connections that minimise voltage loss, heating, water ingress and disconnection. The outer diameter of the cable is critical to the connector; it is therefore not recommended to use an ordinary power cable.” Cable cost Smith argues that PV cabling costs more than ordinary cable due to its additional properties. But in the long term, it will last longer than ordinary AC power cabling. Special connectors “In addition, PV cables use special
give our clients and installers assurance that we go beyond standard certification requirements. “Our cables are marked with SANS 62930 IEC 131, which denotes that the insulation and sheath both include cross-linked LSZH insulation, which provides properties designed to meet enhanced fire safety compliance,” Smith concludes.
7. Troubleshooting residential electrical issues: Homeowners and electricians can use the Fluke 1AC II or T5-1000 to check for live wires during installation or repair of electrical fixtures. 8. Testing automotive electrical circuits: Use the Fluke T5-1000 to diagnose electrical issues in vehicles by measuring voltage in various automotive circuits. 9. Maintaining HVAC systems: Ensure HVAC systems are receiving the correct voltage and function properly with the Fluke T6-1000 PRO. 10. Complete safety inspections: Conduct regular safety inspections in residential, commercial, and industrial settings using the Fluke 1AC II to detect any live wires or faulty installations. Conclusion Voltage testers are essential tools for ensuring electrical safety and efficiency when testing current sources. By understanding how to use these devices and recognising their applications, you can enhance your electrical testing and troubleshooting capabilities. Fluke’s range of voltage testers, including the Fluke T6-1000 PRO, T5-1000, and 1AC II, provides reliable and accurate measurements for a variety of tasks. product. Solar cabling needs to meet both TUV and SANS IEC 62930 standards, which include testing under all different operating conditions. This guarantees safety, reliability and performance in every installation. “Each cable produced at SOEW undergoes compliance testing internally by our laboratory personnel who have over 28 years of cable testing and quality assurance experience, as well as external SANAS 17025-accredited laboratories testing to
Compliance with the standard “Compliance is key in selecting the correct
Enquiries: https://soew.co.za/
HOW TO USE A VOLTAGE TESTER
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troubleshoot, and maintain circuits in a variety of settings. Here are a few typical applications and the testers to use in each scenario: 1. Verifying power supply: Use the Fluke 1AC II to quickly check if an outlet or power source is live before plugging in devices or performing maintenance. 2. Troubleshooting circuit breakers: The Fluke T6-1000 PRO can measure voltage and current simultaneously, helping identify faulty breakers or overloaded circuits. 3. Testing light fixtures: Ensure light fixtures are properly connected by using the Fluke T5-1000 or T6-1000 PRO to measure the voltage at the fixture’s terminals. 4. Inspecting electrical panels: Use the Fluke T6-1000 PRO to safely measure voltage in electrical panels without making direct contact, reducing the risk of electric shocks. 5. Checking outlet wiring: Verify that outlets are wired correctly by measuring voltage and continuity with the Fluke T5-1000. 6. Maintaining industrial equipment: Regularly monitor the voltage and current of machinery with the Fluke T6- 1000 PRO to ensure efficient operation and prevent downtime.
3. Test for voltage For non-contact voltage testers: Hold the tester close to the individual wire you want to test. The Fluke 1AC II will light up and beep if voltage is present. For contact voltage testers: Touch the probes to the wires or terminals of the circuit. The Fluke T5-1000 and T6-1000 PRO will display the voltage reading on the screen. 4. Interpret results If no voltage is detected, it is safe to proceed with work on the circuit. However, if voltage is detected, further investigation is needed to ensure the circuit is safe to work on. 5. Verify continuity Set the tester to continuity mode. Touch the probes to the two points of the circuit. A continuous circuit will cause the tester to beep or display a continuity indicator. 6. Record measurements Note the voltage readings for documentation or further analysis. The Fluke T5-1000 and T6-1000 PRO feature a HOLD function to freeze the display if necessary.
Whether you are verifying power supply, troubleshooting circuit breakers, or conducting safety inspections, these tools help you perform your work safely and efficiently.
Ten use cases for voltage testers Fluke voltage testers can help test,
Enquiries: www.comtest.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
FEBRUARY 2026
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