SA gets new plug and socket system
by Mark Botha, editor
The Wiring Code has identified SANS 164-2 as the preferred standard for plugs and socket systems in SA and it is now expected that this configuration will be phased in on new installations as of next year... (more)
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New compulsory specification for luminaires
by Connie Jonker, IESSA technical adviser
The compulsory specification VC 8055 has been replaced by VC 9012 following a request by industry. Previous specifications had the disadvantage that each stakeholder applied a different focus to safety requirements... ( more)
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State of the skilled labour force: an engineer's perspective
by Brian Turner, retired engineer
The powers that be cannot seem to understand why we have a major shortage of skilled people in South Africa. Unfortunately, this is not something that has occurred overnight but rather started back in the 1980s... ( more) |
Focus on Leon Viljoen, new CEO of ABB
by Mike Rycroft, EE Publishers
"Business should be a lot more involved in discussions with government to determine the direction and future of this country. Business is sometimes quick to blame, but we are not involved enough in discussion"... (more)
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Amendments to the Main Collective Agreement
by Lucas Bowles, ECA(SA)
Amendments to the Agreement have been finalised and submitted to the Department of Labour for approval. They include changes to rules on wages, leave bonus, the collective bargaining levy, overtime and allowances, among others... ( more) |
Spotlight on the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa
by Mark Botha, editor
The Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA) promotes the science, technology and art applied in the field of lighting. It facilitates international information exchange while promoting sound lighting and market practices in the interests of the public... (more)
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Vector Inbox
This month, our readers express their fears at losing engineering skills in consulting practices and call for a scrap metal Act to help curb copper theft... ( more) |
Infrared LED technology for touchscreens
Information from Osram
The advent of high-efficiency infrared LEDs has made intuitive and robust touchscreens for various devices and controllers attractive to both industry and the end-user... ( more)
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SA digital laser a world first
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EE Publishers
Researchers at South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed the world's first digital laser. This development oaves the way to many new applications for laser technology... (more)
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Automatic energy optimisation for efficiency, precision system control
Information from Danfoss
Drive manufacturers have attempted to improve the low speed efficiency of motors, but most products require tedious manual adjustment. "Automatic energy optimisation", a promising innovation, offers a solution... ( more) |
Energy efficiency for machines: the smart choice for motorisation
Information from Schneider Electric
Machines are designed according to performance criteria and productivity but the rising cost of energy demands new strategies in terms of machine design... ( more) |
Largest ever maritime salvage challenges engineers
by Edwina Ross, IDC Technologies
Righting the ill-fated liner Costa Concordia off the environmentally-sensitive Tuscan coast in the Mediterranean Sea has challenged engineers tasked with conducting the world's largest maritime salvage project ever... (more)
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Reasons for using controlled mechanical brakes - part 2
by Grant Ray Sutherland, 1958
Taken from the ICMEESA archives, this article discusses a calliper-type brake gear to operate with oil-controlled spring units for even distribution of pressure and wear. Controlled retardation speeds up the winding cycle of AC and DC winders with safety... ( more) |
Commercial heat pumps: a retrospective M&V case study
by R Larmour, University of Cape Town
Aspects of the measurement and verification (M&V) of a commercial energy efficiency project including optimal data usage; target specification and the possible effects of the subsidy structure on M&V credibility... (more)
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Truths about UPS safety
by Bob Lauricella and Zach Greenhaw, Eaton
When working with data centre and commercial facility power systems, shocks of 100 to more than 2000 mA are possible. Energised electrical equipment may also present the risk of arc flash... ( more) |