EARTHING, LIGHTNING & SURGE PROTECTION
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DEHNguard MD: surge protection with maximum flexibility and future-ready design
as a brother of the lightning protection fraternity, we must advise that further risk management be considered for solar particle storms. We are talking here about Miyake events – a far more energetic event than even the CE. By comparison, the 1989 Quebec blackout (collapse of the electricity grids in the area) had a Dst index (measured in nano-Teslas), with more negative values indicating greater storm severity. Quebec was -589 nT, with the CE estimated at 1,760 nT; the energetic level of a Miyake event could be up to 80 times higher than the CE. The Miyake events of 774 and 993 were both five times larger than the CE, and 14,375 years ago, there was one twice their size, which took three years to dissipate the isotope production. Carrington-type events are predicted to occur somewhere between every 100 and 500 years, Miyake events between 400 and 2,400 years, averaging every ~1,000 years. Miyake events are confirmed through research on the presence of cosmogenic isotopes C14, Be10, and Cl36 in tree rings and ice cores, which date and quantify the events. The potential catastrophic consequences of something 10 times stronger than the Carrington event are frightening and warrant consideration of solutions in our centralised power generation and massive electricity distribution infrastructure. I suppose the only solution would be to beg and plead (and mostly pay) the occupiers of the moon to slip between the sun and earth on the right day at the right time, but the magnetosphere will still take an enormous hit unless they can move a bit further from the earth. If that is too much of an unlikely risk solution for you, please consult us to explore solutions for your protection requirements against the next Miyake event. Getting off the catastrophic doom dialogue, Stefan also raised the complete lack of knowledge and awareness of the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere and its graduated constituent parts or zones, so to speak, as we get further and further away. He also mentions our lack of information or knowledge about how the interactions of these zones form part of the great system that sustains the earth and us. The good news is we can change it; we can do more research, but alas, it will take time. There are currently over 11,000 active satellites orbiting Earth, with thousands more inactive and creating space debris. Some totals put the total number of active and inactive satellites in the region of 17,000 devices, some nuclear-powered. The number of active satellites is rapidly increasing, largely due to the Starlink constellation. Starlink’s competitors are lining up to pollute the mesosphere further, and the question is, after we have burnt up a few thousand satellites at a specific level of our atmosphere, what will the consequences be of a layer of a now comparatively conductive region where there never used to be? Will we be able to clean it up if needed? Should a Carrington, or worse, a Miyake event occur, our satellites would see it in real time. Would those who know this information release it to the public?
I n today’s increasingly complex electrical infrastructure, engineers and installers face a dual challenge: ensuring high- performance surge protection while maintaining flexibility to accommodate changing system requirements. The DEHNguard MD series answers this challenge with an innovative blend of robust protection technology and installation- friendly design. Bringing together Type 2 + 3 surge protection, innovative connection technology, and broad application versatility, DEHNguard MD sets a new benchmark for modern electrical safety solutions. Innovation at the core: the double-screw connection At the heart of the DEHNguard MD series lies its most distinctive feature, the innovative double-screw connection. This design enables both stub and feed- through wiring, offering unparalleled flexibility during installation. Conductors of varying sizes can be connected easily, whether using one conductor up to 35 mm² or two conductors up to 16 mm² each. For installers, this means fewer constraints, fewer components, and simpler planning. Perhaps even more valuable is the feed-through wiring option. By eliminating the need for upstream terminal blocks, the DEHNguard MD series not only saves valuable space inside panels and enclosures but also reduces material and labour costs. This becomes especially advantageous in retrofit scenarios, where available space is limited and system downtimes must be minimised. regardless of the facility type. DEHNguard MD is engineered with these realities in mind. By removing the need for extra wiring accessories, the system frees up space inside switchgear and sub-distribution boards, leaving room for future expansion. This is a critical advantage in settings where additional equipment or extensions to automation networks are expected. Moreover, the double-screw connection simplifies the retrofitting process, allowing surge protection to be integrated seamlessly into existing installations without extensive redesign. This efficient Designed for retrofitting and expansion Modern systems evolve constantly,
integration helps reduce overall system costs and installation time – key considerations for operators and system planners alike. Compliance made simple Meeting conductor length requirements can be challenging when installing surge protective devices. The DEHNguard MD series addresses this through its feed- through wiring capability, which makes it easy to comply with the standards set out in DIN VDE 0100-534/ IEC 60364-5-53. Installers gain confidence knowing that their installations meet the latest safety and performance regulations while maintaining clean, organised cable routing. Maintenance made easy Equipment uptime is essential, and the MD series is designed to support uninterrupted operation. Its pluggable protection modules can be replaced quickly and easily in the event of a fault, minimising downtime and simplifying routine maintenance. The integrated floating remote signalling contact (FM) ensures continuous monitoring of device status, providing critical information to building and system management teams. A versatile solution for wide-ranging applications The DEHNguard MD series is built to perform across an impressive spectrum of environments. Whether used in sub- distribution boards, machine control cabinets, industrial process systems, or railway applications, it delivers consistent, reliable protection. The devices are also ideally suited for modern automation systems, supporting stable power distribution in functional and commercial buildings.
Its Type 2 + 3 certification by DEKRA confirms the DEHNguard MD’s ability to protect terminal equipment even with cable lengths up to 10 m, a valuable assurance for installations where sensitive electronics are located downstream. Product variants for every requirement To support a wide range of system configurations, the DEHNguard MD portfolio includes multiple variants, such as: • DEHNguard MD TNS 275: Type 2 + 3 for TN-S systems • DEHNguard MD TNS 275 FM: with remote signalling contact • DEHNguard MD TNS ACI 275 FM: Type 2 with ACI technology • DEHNguard MD TNS 150 FM: Type 2 + 3, lower voltage • DEHNguard MD TNS 385 FM: Type 2 + 3, higher voltage • DEHNguard MD TT 275: Type 2 + 3 for TT and TN-S configurations This variety ensures that designers and installers can select exactly the right device for their electrical system, without compromise. With the DEHNguard MD series, DEHN delivers a future-ready surge protection solution built around flexibility, efficiency, and safety. Its clever double-screw connection design, simplified installation, and wide range of applications make it a standout choice for both new builds and retrofits. Whether planning for today’s requirements or anticipating tomorrow’s expansions, DEHNguard MD provides the reliable, adaptable protection modern electrical systems demand.
Enquiries: www.dehn-africa.com
SEW-EURODRIVE opens new Gqeberha facility SEW-EURODRIVE officially opened its expanded state-of-the-art facility in Gqeberha at the end of last year, marking a major milestone in its strategy to strengthen regional support in the Eastern Cape. infrastructure to the engineering depth we can now offer locally.” The 2,400 m² facility significantly expands on the company’s previous footprint, offering modernised assembly bays,
across the Eastern Cape region.” Looking ahead, SEW-EURODRIVE has confirmed further expansion plans, including the launch of a customer-focused experience centre. Steyn says that this interactive space will showcase next- generation mechatronic drive technologies, conduct energy optimisation studies, and provide a real-world environment for customers to trial the latest control platforms and software. “Our expanded facility reflects our belief in the Eastern Cape’s potential and our readiness to support its industrial evolution,” Steyn concludes. “This is about delivering innovation and support where it is needed most – right here, on the ground, with our customers.”
dedicated painting and dispatch zones, and a fully equipped service centre complete with high-pressure cleaning systems, conformance and quality testing, as well as overhead cranes rated for drive units up to 10 tonnes. The facility is already transforming response times and service efficiency. “We have shifted from being a branch office to a regional powerhouse,” Steyn adds. “We can assemble to order, stock critical components, and carry out major repairs – all without sending equipment elsewhere. That is a game-changer for uptime and operational continuity for our customers
The new facility, which drew high praise from customers who attended the event for its scale, technical capability, and level of investment, positions the company as a powerful local partner to the province’s fast-growing industrial sector. “This is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of our long-term investment in the region and the industries that drive it,” Phillip Steyn, SEW-EURODRIVE Gqeberha branch manager, says. “Our customers were visibly impressed by the capabilities we have brought under one roof – from advanced assembly and service
Enquiries: https://elpasa.org.za/
Enquiries: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
JANUARY 2026
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