The Durban branch’s May technology meeting was held as usual at the Westville Country Club on Wednesday 4 May. It was kindly sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the speaker for the evening was Tony Rayner, the Trabtech product manager for Phoenix Contact.
Vinesh Maharaj (right) thanks Tony Rayner after the presentation
Starting with some basic facts about electrical transients both natural and manmade, Tony presented a clear and concise overview of the principles and types of protection that can be adopted to minimise the risk of harm to people and to equipment. The reasoning behind the adoption of different classes of electrical protection devices to suit different types of surge was explained, together with some well illustrated principles of good earth bonding and layout for protective systems. His talk was very well received by an attentive audience, and Phoenix Contact was thanked for sponsoring the evening. The talk was followed by some enjoyable and animated networking over supper and drinks.
Forthcoming attractions
The topic for the next Technology evening is: ‘Taking the D out of SCADA (and turning it into information)’. Most of us probably suffer from inbox overload because we get fed ‘DATA’ and not the ‘INFORMATION’ that is generally required for reporting to decision-makers within an organisation. Join us and listen to Malcolm Heathfield tell us how the Adroit Scada solution takes the strain out of information gathering. (Malcolm runs the Scada Intelligence Products business unit at Adroit, driving the new product range including Adroit Scada Intelligence and Alarm Analysis.)
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version