The branch held its May Technology Evening at the Eskom Marketing Centre in Edgemead. The topic was ‘Lightning and Surge Protection’ presented by Tony Rayner, product manager at Trabtech Surge & Lightning Protection (Phoenix Contact). The presentation covered the following topics: lightning and its dynamics, earthing and bonding, basics of lightning and surge protection and personal safety.
Tony explained how lightning works, the different types of lightning and the dangers. He then highlighted the differences between transients and surges. Transients are short duration faults, while surges last longer. The different classifications of protection devices were also discussed. There are three classes: Class 1 (usually installed at the main incomer level: lightning protection), Class 2 (usually installed at the main DB level: switching protection), and Class 3 (usually installed at the device). Tony advised that a cost benefit analysis should be done to determine the level of protection required, especially at device level.
The branch thanks Tony and Phoenix Contact for their support.
SAB Newlands Brewery site visit
On 9 May, branch members had an interesting site visit to SAB’s Newlands Brewery. The tour included a presentation on the History of SAB, the brewery, and the making of beer. It was interesting to hear the history of how SAB became such a successful South African company. This was followed by a tour of the brewery from raw material to final product, including the packaging processes. The tour was rounded off with a much enjoyed beer tasting session. It was an interesting well organised tour, for which the branch would like to thank the SAB staff involved.
Cape Town branch members in front of the Charles Glass statue.
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