Recent events have brought the reality of large-scale power cuts into our homes and businesses. Power outages are here to stay and will be an annoying and costly part of our lives in times to come.
The solution is to treat electricity as a strategic resource and improve energy management in the home. Two such measures are manufactured and distributed by CBI-electric: low voltage, the energy control unit (ECU) and the load control relay (LCR).
Both the ECU and the LCR are load shedding devices used to control non-essential loads eg, electrically heated water tanks, under-floor heating and airconditioning units during high demand periods.
For example, when a stove (the controlling circuit) is switched on and the current exceeds the rating of the ECU or LCR, the supply to the hot water geyser (controlled circuit) will be temporarily interrupted. The ECU or LCR rating should be low enough to ensure the timely interruption of the controlled circuit. Both the ECU and LCR are compact in size for convenience of mounting.
The ECU is equipped with the following:
* An LED indicates whether the controlled circuit is interrupted or connected.
* Operating point is unaffected by ambient temperature.
* Instantaneous interruption of controlled circuit at 105% and instantaneous re-connection at 65% of controlling circuit rated current.
* Controlled circuit switching capabilities 21 A at 230 V (resistive load).
The LCR has the following features:
* A bimetal control unit, which allows for greater tolerance of switching point and interrupts the controlled circuit at 125% and reconnects at 80% of the controlling circuit rated current.
* Controlled circuit switching capabilities of 3 and 5 kW for resistive loads.
Read more...Why utilities must prioritise maintenance of SA’s remote data Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The story of power generation is more than meets the eye. Beyond energy distribution and the infrastructure are invisible, point of presence data centres located the remotest parts of our country that play a fundamental role in keeping systems running
Read more...The house that revolutionises substations WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Traditional substations have major drawbacks in terms of their construction and resilience. One solution is the E-house, a prefabricated, customised and transportable steel structure designed to house a range of electrical and automation equipment.
Read more...Localised inverter-integrated transformer
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transform
Read more...ABB innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
The application of sensor technology to reduce the operational and standby power losses of traditional current and voltage transformers can lead to energy savings of 181 MWh over a 30-year period, the lifetime of a typical switchboard in the African environment.
Read more...UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.
Read more...ACTOM advances energy infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025.
Read more...Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.
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.