The Johannesburg branch held its latest technology evening on 9 March, when Tony Rayner from Phoenix Contact enlightened us to the general effects of lightning and switching transients as well as precautionary measures including surge protection for automation equipment as well as legal plant requirements such as earthling in compliance with IEC 61312.
Lightning and switching transients, as explained by Tony, are the greatest cause of damage to electrical equipment. In South Africa, lightning results in insurance payouts of hundreds of millions of rand annually with 65% of electronic failures being associated directly or indirectly to transients.
The importance of protection was emphasised as, with lightning alone, at any given time there are some 2000 thunderstorms in progress around the world. These storms produce about 30 to 100 cloud to ground flashes each second, or about 5 million flashes a day. Other causes of transients are electrical switching and electro-static discharge.
Tony entertained us with some fascinating visuals that put an end to old myths like lightning always strikes the highest point. With footage from a high-speed camera, he showed the audience how lightning can strike the same spot more than once, in this instance 17 times.
The presentation ended with the different technologies and classes available for transient and surge protection. Much has been done to understand the dynamics of lightning. With this in mind, reputable manufacturers of lightning and surge protection devices are able to protect equipment against damaging transients effectively when correct installation and earthing procedures are adhered to.
This fascinating presentation was CPD accredited allowing all who attended eligibility for 0,1 CPD points.
Remember to diarise the following:
* The anticipated annual Golf Day on 29 July at the Kempton Park course.
If you have any ideas for site visits or topics for technology evenings, please do not hesitate to contact the committee who will endeavour to organise or get an industry expert to present.
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