The branch held its May Technology Evening at the Eskom Marketing Centre in Edgemead. The topic was ‘Lightning and Surge Protection’ presented by Tony Rayner, product manager at Trabtech Surge & Lightning Protection (Phoenix Contact). The presentation covered the following topics: lightning and its dynamics, earthing and bonding, basics of lightning and surge protection and personal safety.
Tony explained how lightning works, the different types of lightning and the dangers. He then highlighted the differences between transients and surges. Transients are short duration faults, while surges last longer. The different classifications of protection devices were also discussed. There are three classes: Class 1 (usually installed at the main incomer level: lightning protection), Class 2 (usually installed at the main DB level: switching protection), and Class 3 (usually installed at the device). Tony advised that a cost benefit analysis should be done to determine the level of protection required, especially at device level.
The branch thanks Tony and Phoenix Contact for their support.
SAB Newlands Brewery site visit
On 9 May, branch members had an interesting site visit to SAB’s Newlands Brewery. The tour included a presentation on the History of SAB, the brewery, and the making of beer. It was interesting to hear the history of how SAB became such a successful South African company. This was followed by a tour of the brewery from raw material to final product, including the packaging processes. The tour was rounded off with a much enjoyed beer tasting session. It was an interesting well organised tour, for which the branch would like to thank the SAB staff involved.
Cape Town branch members in front of the Charles Glass statue.
SAIMC Zambia SAIMC
SAIMC News
SAIMC Zambia marked its 21st anniversary with the annual SAIMC Banquet, held on 29 November 2025 at Mukwa Lodge in Kitwe, Zambia.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch closed off its 2025 technology meetings with an exceptionally well-attended session on selecting and applying signal transducers.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban year-end dinner SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted its much-anticipated annual year-end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club on 22 November 2025. Durban’s summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for a warm, ...
Read more...Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025 SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version