Thatched roofs are extremely popular in South Africa. Constructed of material such as straw, reed, grass or coconut leaves, a thatched roof is more susceptible to catching alight as a result of a lightning strike than any other roof type, according to the South African National Standard (SANS). Thatch is particularly prone to ignition because it becomes ‘fluffy’ at the surface and, if moist, methane and other flammable gases can be formed.
If recommended protective measures are not considered, the effects of lightning can cause serious damage. However, prior to providing these protective measures, it is important to analyse the risk effects described in standards guide, such as SABS 0313: 1999, SABS IEC 61662-1: 1995 and IEC 62305-2.
When a thatch roof is constructed, wire mesh is used to reinforce and secure the bundles of thatch. Should lightning strike, then current flows through the wire mesh and thermal effects (generated heat) may occur, and set the roof alight.
Dehn Africa can assist in the avoidance of lightning related disasters, and ultimately extend the lifespan of these structures, through the provision of lightning protection system components for use specifically on thatched roofs. The company has recently introduced new methods of protecting thatched roofed structures in South Africa, and it is no longer necessary to have a 30 metre long mast installed. The latest preferred external protection system for installation on thatched buildings is the high-voltage-resistant insulated lightning protection system that is compact, neat and approved by leading insurance companies and SANS.
For protection measures to be successful, air-termination conductors on thatched roofs must be installed as elevated traverses, for example: on isolating supports, with certain distances also to be kept for the eaves. Systems should be designed to provide sufficiently low impedance so that the lightning energy can follow the required route. For protection measures to be successful, air-termination conductors on thatched roofs must be installed as elevated traverses, for example: on isolating supports, with certain distances also to be kept for the eaves.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Monitoring the voltage drop in cables Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
With its new M12Plus connectors, Turck Banner is directly shifting the condition monitoring of cables subject to severe stress to the connection technology. The connectors, which come with voltage and current monitoring and a Bluetooth chip, enable measured voltage and current values to be sent wirelessly to a controller.
Read more...Mesh networks: a multidirectional electrical superhighway Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Today, many power industry stakeholders are faced with mounting requirements for improved grid reliability, resilience and distribution efficiency. It’s a challenge which requires power service providers to rethink their infrastructure. Enter mesh networks, which can overcome the limitations of traditional star networks.
Read more...Versatile flexible copper busbar
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems specialises in the supply and support of industrial electrical, automation and global software and hardware brands, and is now able to offer the Cubic range of Cu-Flex flexible copper busbars.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions upgrades DRC mine transformers
Electrical Power & Protection
With its experience in Africa and its agility in executing projects rapidly, Trafo Power Solutions is supplying three mini-substations and two transformers to a copper-zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read more...Acquiring locally-manufactured transformers ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
Speed and efficiency are of the essence in the fast-evolving power generation and distribution space; but a significant challenge is the prolonged lead times associated with acquiring transformers – key components in any electrical infrastructure.
Read more...Seaward testers power PV specialists Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
One of Asia’s leading clean energy specialists, Solarvest, uses the latest electrical safety test equipment to ensure the solar photovoltaic (PV) installations it services and maintains operate at peak performance levels.
Read more...Multi-purpose contact block
Electrical Power & Protection
The TME catalogue has been expanded to include products from Schlegel. This German, family-owned company has been specialising in the production of high-quality electromechanical components for almost 80 years.
Read more...ACTOM supplies transformer units to Kamoa Copper Mine ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM Distribution Transformers, recently secured an order for the supply of its neutral electromagnetic couplers, with earthing resistors, and an auxiliary transformer) to Kamoa Copper Mine in the DRC.
printer friendly version