Sparks Electrical News September 2026

LIGHTING

20

Every kilowatt counts: South Africa’s energy efficiency imperative

unnecessary operation. This means lower energy use, less wear, and better process control. Switching to LED lighting reduces electricity use, lasts longer, and lowers maintenance needs, which is especially important in large facilities. Adding sensors and controls ensures that lighting operates only when needed. Though small individually, these changes add up significantly over time in large facilities.

efficiency is knowing where to begin. Monitoring energy use by area or equipment helps businesses spot peak demand, waste, and inefficiencies. Poor power quality, such as low power factor or harmonics, can degrade performance and damage equipment. Correcting these issues and managing power effectively is vital for efficient, reliable systems. Solar PV and batteries improve resilience, but first, businesses should reduce their demand. Efficient lighting, motor control, automation, and energy management make renewables more effective. Focus on cutting unnecessary consumption before adding new generation. Solar is part of the answer but not the whole answer ACDC Dynamics expands into Namibia For over 40 years, ACDC Dynamics has supplied industry with solutions for motor control, automation, lighting, protection, renewables, and smart infrastructure. Now, that reach is expanding. In October 2026, ACDC Dynamics opens a new 3,000 m² Namibia facility with an ACDC Express store, offering better support and access to products across the region. This brings products, expertise, and support closer to businesses powering South Africa. See the problem? Let’s solve it. Energy efficiency starts by asking better questions, not replacing everything. Once the problem is visible, the right solution becomes much easier to identify. ACDC Dynamics combines products and practical solutions in efficiency, automation, monitoring, power management, and renewables.

poor power quality quietly add to costs. Energy efficiency begins by identifying and addressing these losses. Start where the energy is being used Industrial environments offer major efficiency opportunities in everyday equipment. For example, pumps and fans often run at full speed even when not needed. A Variable Speed Drive (VSD) lets motors match speed to demand, avoiding

In South Africa, electricity is no longer just an overhead; it’s a key business variable affecting costs, planning, and competitiveness. Today, businesses must ask not only, “Where will our power come from?” but also, “Are we using it as efficiently as possible?” That distinction matters. Before expanding generation or backup capacity, businesses should find value in existing operations. Motors running unnecessarily, lighting empty areas, and

Find the energy you can’t see One of the biggest barriers to improving

ACDC Dynamics – Think Electrical. www.acdc.co.za

OCTOBER 2026 FEATURES

• DBs, Switches, and Sockets • Energy Measurement and Supply • Lighting

NOVEMBER 2026 FEATURES

• Standby and emergency power • Energy efficiency • Lighting

Editor: Minx Avrobos sparks@crown.co.za Advertising: Carin Hannay 072 142 5330 carinh@crown.co.za Design: Ano Shumba Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140 e-mail: sparks@crown.co.za Website: www.crown.co.za Printed by: House of Print The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: (011) 622-4770

Q2 2026 - 10,114 Local: 8,028 Africa: 2,086 per month

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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

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