Flameproof switchgear for system protection
April 2021
Electrical Power & Protection
Becker Mining South Africa’s Energy Distribution division manufactures customised switchgear, designed for the efficient distribution of electrical power.
“These systems are certified for safe and dependable use in hazardous and non-hazardous applications in surface and underground mining, as well as chemical and petrochemical plants,” says Nico de Lange, vice president: Operations and Systems, Becker Mining South Africa. “Becker’s compact flameproof KE 1008 1,1 kV switchgear units comprise power bus technology and plug connections that ensure a high level of operator safety and system protection.”
KE1008 switchgear units have seven module slots, one earth leakage monitor and a lighting module. Parameters for the slide-in modules can be set at the closed, compact station during operation, or via various fieldbus systems.
Notable characteristics of this system include Modbus and Profibus communication, temperature and power factor monitoring, maximum voltage recording, kilowatt-hour monitoring, an operational hour meter and individual phase current and voltage display. Machine selection with pre-set safety settings is available for ease of operation.
Safety protections comprise short circuit, loss of vacuum, earth leakage, earth fault lockout and pilot relay. Added to these are over- and under-current, thermal curve, over- and under-voltage, loss of phase and phase imbalance occurrence protections. For enhanced safety, this unit has an interlocking system and can only be powered up on closing of the main door. All external electronics are rated as intrinsically safe (IS).
Other features include modular mounting on a skid or trailer and a quick opening door, which cannot be opened until all slide-in modules of a housing have been disconnected. This compact station has separate compartments for a contactor unit, the display and relay module.
KE1008 switchgear also comprises Becker’s HPC 450 V5 contactor unit, which is a 1,1 kV unit rated to 450 A, with IECEX certification. These contactor modules are fitted with fully integrated electronics for control, monitoring and protection functions, and comprise proven technology that has been successfully used in the global mining sector for over twenty years.
Further reading:
The journey towards renewable energy in the Seychelles
Electrical Power & Protection
The Seychelles is committed to its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Recent technological advancements and strategic planning are steadily paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Read more...
High performance power distribution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hexagon Electrical plays an important role in enhancing efficiency and safety through the supply and support of a wide range of critical equipment for hazardous industrial and mining sectors in Africa.
Read more...
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...
printer friendly version