Lightning - containing the threat
December 2003
Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning events are one of the major threats to our commercial/industrial as well as domestic environment. Every year, many millions of rands worth of direct and indirect damage is experienced through lightning events, the damage may be structural, or plant and equipment - resulting in plant downtime, not to mention the potential danger of personal injuries that may be sustained.
It is important to realise that lightning protection is essentially a risk management procedure. Whilst no guarantees of absolute protection against this natural phenomenon can be offered by any protection system, well designed and appropriate lightning protection systems can and will significantly reduce the risks of damage or injury associated with lightning events.
This is according to Ian McKechnie, managing director of Centurion-based specialist consulting engineers and solution providers Innopro. McKechnie adds that companies such as Innopro, with specialised expertise in the field of earthing and lightning protection, can provide their clients with a valuable impartial and independent expert service in this area. The company can provide clients with investigation services on existing installations, coupled with the design of appropriate and cost effective remedial measures. They can also provide designs in respect of new installations, industrial plants, buildings and other structures. These designs and remedial actions can then be used and implemented directly by appropriate in-house client personnel, or can be competitively quoted or tendered for as defined and measurable requirements, again ensuring the client a cost-effective, appropriate and measurable solution.
Many companies and organisations have experienced lightning related problems in the past lightning season. With the new lightning season upon us, it is essential for infrastructure owners and operators to assess the existing problem areas and take appropriate remedial action.
Innopro is a specialist consulting engineering company and solution provider, specialising in the areas of industrial EMC, earthing and lightning protection. Operating from Centurion, clients are serviced locally, nationally and internationally, in a variety of industry sectors including aviation, petrochemical, telecommunications, IT and general industrial infrastructure.
For more information contact Ian McKechnie, managing director, Innopro, 012 667 5151, [email protected]
Further reading:
South African businesses can alleviate energy price crisis
Electrical Power & Protection
While grid instability remains a concern, the immediate and most critical driver of South African commercial and industrial investment in renewable energy is the escalating cost of electricity.
Read more...
Real-time modelling is the key to a resilient, bi-directional energy grid
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Utilities and municipalities are facing a challenge as the country’s legacy power grid, engineered for one-way energy delivery from centralised suppliers to end-users, must rapidly evolve to meet a new paradigm.
Read more...
Shielding data centre growth from the looming power crunch
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s digital economy is placing unprecedented strain on the power grid. The good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. By adopting proactive strategies such as alternative power sources, infrastructure planning and software, operators can secure capacity, build resilient facilities and scale sustainably.
Read more...
Circuit breaker innovations
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology have seen a major step forward in setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in data centres, industrial and commercial infrastructure.
Read more...
Common battery tester errors and what they mean
Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Battery testers help quickly assess battery health, diagnose issues, and determine whether a battery needs a charge or replacement. This guide covers some of the most common battery tester errors, what they mean, and what can cause them.
Read more...
Cathodic protection design considerations that influence ESG outcomes
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are at constant risk of corrosion. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.
Read more...
Africa’s digital future – building critical power infrastructure for data centre leadership
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is growing rapidly, and countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are leading the way. However, a major challenge remains. Sustainable and reliable power systems must form the backbone of Africa’s digital growth to ensure lasting success.
Read more...
Recovering condensate and waste heat
Electrical Power & Protection
According to Associated Energy Services, strong partnerships with thermal energy users optimise opportunities to benefit from condensate return. waste heat recovery and the prevention of system contamination.
Read more...
Quantum engine powered by particle entanglement
Electrical Power & Protection
In a landmark achievement that signals a new era in energy research, a team of physicists in China has carried out the first successful test of a quantum engine powered by particle entanglement. This technological breakthrough represents a fundamental shift in our approach to energy production.
Read more...
Advancing sustainability in South Africa’s fruit industry
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric, together with Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its advanced SF6-free MV switchgear at Two-a-Day situated in Grabouw in the Overberg district.
Read more...
printer friendly version