Spotting power failures before they occur
July 2000
Electrical Power & Protection
Gail Norton Instruments
Traditionally, the thermal method used to locate switchgear faults was to 'look' at the switchgear cabinet from the outside, with infrared cameras or infrared sensors. This had the disadvantage that any changes in temperature in parts of the switchgear would take a long time to propagate to the surface of the cabinet. By the time the externally mounted sensors were able to register any change, the chances are that it may be too late to do anything about it. There is also the problem of internal cabinet walls (as well as other switchgear) masking areas that may be faulty. Of course this is also a temporary set up and not practical to have permanently installed.
Gail Norton Instrumentation is offering a much better solution. Already used by many leading companies in the UK, the Exertherm system has probes mounted inside the cabinets, with a separate probe monitoring each critical area within the switchgear box. The non-contact IR sensors, requiring no external power source, compare the target temperature to the local ambient temperature. The resultant signals are sent to a remote PC, where they can be displayed on the screen. The system is always on and running.
When an unexpected change in the monitored temperature occurs, two audio-visual alarms give operators ample warning to take action before a major failure occurs. Trend analysis of the probe's output data over time allows potential problems to be highlighted long before an expensive failure happens.
Installation is easy, with a simple link that will interface to most building management systems via a serial port. It is quickly fitted to new or existing systems - and it is expandable. With the Exertherm, one can be made aware of imminent switchgear failure in time to rectify the situation before the power dies.
Gail Norton Instrumenation
(031) 701 4861
Further reading:
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.
Read more...
As wind energy gains momentum, lack of grid infrastructure remains a bottleneck
Electrical Power & Protection
Interest in wind energy has gained significant momentum in South Africa, opening up new opportunities for investment. However, lack of grid infrastructure could prove to be a stumbling block in unlocking this potential.
Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.
Read more...
Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.
Read more...
A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.
Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.
Read more...
The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.
Read more...
Optimising purification for green hydrogen production
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.
Read more...
A new chapter in geothermal engineering
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The town of Geretsried in southern Germany has become a focal point in the global shift toward renewable energy. While the world’s attention often turns to wind turbines and solar panels, a quieter but no less powerful force is at work deep beneath the surface, geothermal energy.
Read more...
Harnessing the ocean with wave energy
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Wave energy is emerging as one of the most promising yet underutilised renewable sources. Tapping into the rhythmic, predictable power of ocean waves, this technology offers a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels and a valuable complement to wind and solar energy.
Read more...
printer friendly version