Safe and reliable phase comparators
January 2011
Electrical Power & Protection
Dehn’s PHV phase comparators, available from Surgetek, are two-pole devices that offer safe and reliable operation while testing for in-phase conditions in three-phase electrical systems. They are suitable for voltages up to 36 kV/50 Hz, have SABS approval and meet the requirements of IEC 6148 standards.
The PHV phase comparator has distinctive red rings on both test prods that mark the end of the insulating sections in the direction of the operating head/indicator. It represents a visible limit of contact with live and earthed system parts, as well as the depth of penetration allowed into electrical systems. The type PHV is suitable for use in indoor and outdoor systems, but not in wet conditions.
The eccentric mounting of the indication ensures good visibility from various angles, and provides for an out-of-phase condition when the phase angle between the two parts of the system to be tested is between 60° and 300°. A clear and sharp threshold is provided and the indication remains at a constant frequency over the testing range. Used in contact with the parts to be tested, the PHV phase comparator is insensitive to magnetic and electrical interference.
Various colour coded test prods are available for select voltages with a simple bayonet connection that ensures easy coupling to the test unit. Compact prods are ideal for use in areas where space is limited, while the standard versions are suited for areas where larger span and separation is required. Test prods with a 90° angle are available for testing in switchgear where the axis of the bushing is mounted in a vertical plane.
For more information contact John van Staaden, Surgetek, +27 (0)11 792 1303, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za
Further reading:
Schneider Electric introduces next-generation BlokSeT switchboard
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its next-generation BlokSeT low-voltage switchboard in West Africa, offering high reliability, predictive maintenance capability and digital integration for critical infrastructure and industrial applications.
Read more...
Powering South Africa’s renewable energy expansion
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM Distribution Transformers, the sole NECRT contract holder for Eskom, is powering South Africa’s renewable energy expansion through robust neutral earthing transformer solutions deployed across solar and wind projects in southern Africa.
Read more...
You can’t digitise a blackout
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Across East Africa, smart meters and AI promise cleaner, more reliable power, but digital tools cannot optimise a grid too weak to carry the load. Schneider Electric’s Symphrose Ochieng sets out why operators should strengthen physical infrastructure first, then add digital capability in phases.
Read more...
Battery energy storage is key to powering South Africa’s manufacturing sector
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s shift to renewables is creating a significant opportunity in battery energy storage, but local manufacturers face an uphill battle against cheap imports and stop-start demand. Richard van Moltke of ACTOM Static Power examines what it will take to build a sustainable local battery storage industry.
Read more...
Decarbonisation is reshaping mining strategy in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Electrical Power & Protection
Mining companies across Africa are embedding decarbonisation into operational strategy, driven by investor, regulatory and customer pressure to reduce emissions while improving resilience.
Read more...
How to tell whether your mini-substation is new or refurbished
Electrical Power & Protection
Cosmetically refurbished mini-substations are being misrepresented as new equipment and sold back into the market, posing serious reliability and safety risks for mining, industrial and commercial operations. Trafo Power Solutions explains what to look for and what questions to ask before purchasing.
Read more...
Optimising energy reliability for African manufacturing
Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Unreliable power can cost African manufacturers as much as 31% in sales. Behind-the-meter power offers manufacturers in sub-Saharan Africa control, visibility and resilience in their energy provisioning.
Read more...
Electrical solutions for FMCG manufacturing giant
Electrical Power & Protection
An electrical upgrade at a leading fast-moving consumer goods facility demonstrates how ACTOM Kenya turned a fragile, reactive power infrastructure into a resilient, data-driven backbone for production. The project is also a case study in bridging legacy equipment with modern automation without disrupting operations.
Read more...
Yokogawa digital plant to accelerate green hydrogen revolution
Yokogawa South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Yokogawa explains how a digital plant approach and autonomous operations can integrate the full green hydrogen value chain, from renewable power generation to end-use applications, and why digitalisation and system integration are central to making green hydrogen viable in South Africa.
Read more...
Power and energy meter with Modbus RTU interface
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The eCap universal power and net quality meter measures voltages, currents, power, power factor, energy, frequency and total harmonic distortion, with fully galvanically isolated transmission via an integrated Modbus RTU/RS485 interface.
Read more...