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R 2.5 MILLION WORTH OF MAINTENANCE TO EXTEND THE PROTEA TRANSFORMER’S LIFE SPAN UP TO 40 YEARS

Issued by George Municipality on 12 April 2022

The Protea Transformer that feeds power to Pacaltsdorp, Hansmoeskraal and Syferfontein had undergone R2.5 million worth of maintenance in the 2021/2022 financial year.

According to the director of the George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Department, Mr Bongani Mandla, a transformer is the most critical component within the electricity distribution network, its function is to increase the voltage, also known as stepping up the voltage, or they can decrease the voltage also known as stepping down the voltage.

Mandla confirmed that maintenance was necessary for this transformer as one of its components is rusting.  “The trigger for this maintenance, which is funded from George Municipality’s capital budget and loans, was excessive corrosion on the main tank,” he said.  “The Unit was sent to an external service provider and upon intrusive inspection, it was detected that the active components and accessories needed to be refurbished or replaced.”

The average lifespan is approximately 30-50 years dependent on application, loading and environmental conditions. The average lead time for a new power transformer is nine to fifteen months. This refurbishment project will extend the usable life of this transformer by approximately 30-40 years.

The Portfolio Councillor of the Electrotechnical Services directorate Cllr Nosicelo Mbete visited the site as part of her series of visits to Electrotechnical Service capital projects. During her visit, Cllr Mbete commended the department for prioritising the installation and commissioning of this transformer, as it will help improve the reliability of supply to the Pacaltsdorp, Hansmoeskraal and Syferfontein areas.

The 10 MVA Protea Transformer has been successfully commissioned.

Ends.

CAPTION:

Electrotechnical management: Planning, Engineering Services and Distribution

Photo 1: (FLTR) Cllr Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services), Mr Thembani Mzekeli (Testing and Protection Manager), Mr David Mckenzie (Specialised Electrician), Mr John Cornelius (Chief Engineering Technician), Mr Cuan Edick (Senior Superintendent: Sub-station)

 

Photo 2: (FLTR) Mr Bongani Mandla (Director for Electrotechnical Services), Mr David Mckenzie (Specialised Electrician), Cllr Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services), Mr John Cornelius (Chief Engineering Technician), Mr Cuan Edick (Senior Superintendent- Sub-station).