News


Schneider Electric’s ‘Best Practice Days’ educate delegates to become specialists in new energy development

October 2015 News

More than 80 energy enthusiasts recently attended Schneider Electric’s Best Practice Days at its Midrand campus. The Best Practice Days are free events hosted by Schneider Electric with the purpose of introducing customers to new technol-ogies and products designed to achieve energy efficiency.

Ernie Smith.
Ernie Smith.

“Best Practice Days are not focused on product presentations or sales pitches, but provide a platform for Schneider Electric to create awareness of the latest developments in energy efficiency solutions. We have also found them ideal to assist people in changing their mindset from legacy technology to the business benefits new technology can bring – both from a cost and productivity point of view,” says Ernie Smith, southern Africa’s vice president: partner business at Schneider Electric.

“Consequently, a fundamental objective of the events is to equip delegates with the knowledge to utilise these new products appropriately, as when proven products are not applied correctly they are both subject to premature damage and do not show all the benefits that they are designed to achieve.”

The latest event was structured around two main technical topics: surge protection devices (SPDs) and residual current protection. The day highlighted, in particular, how SPDs provide a degree of protection against transient over-voltage, a concept that was contrasted at the event against that of temporary over-voltage. The second topic emphasised protective devices that are aimed at mitigating the risks associated with electric shock, and dealt with both direct contact and indirect contact scenarios.

“In general, people will typically only install what is required by law, or by insurance providers. We, however, believe that it is fundamental to have a proactive rather that reactive approach to energy management and, as such, inform our clients about the benefits of prudent selection and deployment of protective equipment as a preemptive measure,” adds Leslie Monk, specification engineer at Schneider Electric South Africa.

Indicative of the success of the event was the genuine interest expressed by delegates and their engagement with the subject matter and Schneider Electric specialists.

For more information contact Ntombi Mhangwani, Schneider Electric SA, +27 (0)11 254 6400, [email protected], www.schneider-electric.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.

Read more...
Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.

Read more...
UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.

Read more...
Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Read more...
Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.

Read more...
Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.

Read more...
Schneider Electric launches first registered Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.

Read more...
Food industry operations – not as simple as flipping a switch
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The food industry represents a huge portion of the global economy, and is expected to reach $9,68 trillion in 2025. It is completely reliant on power, and due to its sheer size and the nature of its operations, power interruption can be catastrophic for its bottom line.

Read more...
4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.

Read more...