We are thrilled to announce the annual event of Enlit Africa will be held on May 20-22, 2025, at the Cape Town International Conventional Centre, and Thor will be a part of it.
The grand gathering will bring together the networks of industry leaders across the electric sectors, including power generation, transmission and distribution, energy metering, new energy, energy storage, electric vehicles, and surge protection. Participants will come from over 70 countries and regions.
Enlit Africa 2025 at Africa Utility Week is one of the leading exhibitions in Africa in terms of duration, scale, level of participants, and influence. The 2025 Africa Energy Expo will be co-held with another prominent African power exhibition, POWER GEN AFRICA. By attending one event, you will achieve the benefits of participating in two exhibitions, as it will cover the entire power industry value chain.
Figure 1 - main
As a leading surge protection device (SPD) manufacturer from China, Thor Electric Co., Ltd. is well-positioned to contribute to this dialogue, offering reliable AC and DC surge protective devices that meet stringent RoSH, CE and TUV standards in pursuit of excellence in safety, reliability, and quality.
What is surge protection and what is a SPD
Surge protection is essential for any electric systems and appliances from potential threats of transient overvoltages or voltage spikes, which can be caused by direct lightning strikes, short circuits as well as electromagnetic coupling. Transient overvoltages can bring about irreplaceable damage to your appliances and even the entire electric system connected.
Figure 2 - Surge protection device working principle explained
Surge protective devices are built to solve the problems we mentioned above. They have built-in MOV chips that absorb and divert excess electrical energy away from sensitive equipment to the ground which greatly reduces the damage, malfunction, and downtime of the system.
Urgency of electrical surge protection in Africa
As industrialization accelerates, electricity demand has surged to approximately a stunning number of 40 GW, straining the power grid and making AC surge protection indispensable for preventing equipment damage from power fluctuations. The integration of solar and wind power further underscores the necessity for power surge protection to ensure system reliability and efficiency.
Africa's energy landscape is characterized by a growing demand for electricity and a rich potential for renewable energy development. However, the region faces challenges in fully harnessing its energy resources due to infrastructure gaps and uneven distribution of energy infrastructure.
Power grids in Africa are undergoing significant transformation, with various regions experiencing rapid development and growth. At the same time, some areas continue to face challenges in meeting the rising electricity demand, leading to occasional load shedding and voltage fluctuations, which requires great AC power surge protection.
The limited nature of power facilities in Africa poses significant challenges to the stability of electrical systems.
Figure 3 - Power Stroke Density Map in Africa
As shown in Figure 3, most of Africa has been experiencing frequent power outages, resulting in severe power fluctuations. This situation not only affects the stability of power supply but also poses potential damage to electrical equipment. The unfavoring conditions can be exacerbated by severe weather events like thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of even higher transient overvoltages.
When power is suddenly restored after an outage, it can lead to a surge in voltage, which is a rapid increase in electrical current. Transient overvoltages occur due to rapid voltage fluctuations and reactive power imbalances. Upon reconnection, the abrupt return of electricity generates inrush currents as transformers and motors re-energize, creating sudden voltage spikes that exceed normal levels. Reactive power demand from idle transmission lines aggravate the issue, drawing capacitive charging currents that trigger voltage overshoots.
In grids with renewable energy sources, delays in transitioning from low-voltage ride-through to normal control modes post-fault can cause reactive power oversupply, further elevating voltages. For example, wind turbines may continue injecting reactive power even after grid recovery due to control strategy lags, amplifying overvoltages.
Transients stress insulation systems, damage sensitive electronics, and risk cascading failures in aging infrastructure. In regions with unstable grids, limited surge protection and inadequate transmission networks can only amplify the threat of disruptions.
Sectors you can find surge protective devices useful
Mov surge protective devices are widely used for industrial, commercial and residential power surge protection. SPDs can be configured in both parallel and series connections to protect a broad range of equipment including PV systems, power systems, distribution boxes, PLCs, communication systems, Ethernet networks, signal lines, LED lighting, etc.
In the industrial sector, SPDs are vital for manufacturing and production facilities. They protect automated production lines and machinery from power surges, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operations. Additionally, SPDs are used in energy infrastructure to safeguard power generation and distribution systems, maintaining an uninterrupted energy supply. Transportation hubs like airports, railways, and seaports also rely on SPDs to prevent surge-related disruptions that could impact logistics and passenger safety.
In the commercial sector, SPDs are critical for data centers, where they protect sensitive IT infrastructure from power surges, preventing data loss and ensuring operational reliability. They also shield telecommunications systems, preserving data integrity and maintaining network stability.
For residential and green energy applications, SPDs protect home electronics like computers and audio/visual systems from power surges. In renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power, SPDs ensure reliability and efficiency by safeguarding against voltage spikes.
Furthermore, SPDs are applied to 3 phrase suge protection and ehernet surge protection, recreational resorts and amusement parks, And in shipping and logistics facilities, where they protect critical systems from voltage fluctuations.
Why choose Thor
Thor has emerged as a trusted supplier of reliable surge protection devices since our inception to the field. We are among a few surge protection companies that possess full capabilities in independently testing and confirming all SPDs and its parameters.
Figure 4 - Thor surge arrester line
Thor proudly offers an extensive range of surge protection devices that cover virtually all mainstream MOV and GDT technologies available in the market.
Our diverse product line includes Type 1, Type 2, and Type 1+2 SPDs, as well as specialized solutions for solar energy systems, signal lines, and Ethernet applications. Each product is crafted with unparalleled quality and backed by exceptional after-sales support.
What sets us apart is our ability to customize SPDs to meet your unique protection needs. Whether you require tailored solutions for specific applications or environments, we provide competitive and reasonable pricing without compromising on performance.
Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive the best possible surge protection solutions for your critical systems.
SPD Branding in Africa
As a leading surge protection device manufacturer, we are committed to supporting local businesses in Africa through our private labeling services. By partnering with us, local businesses can leverage our expertise to establish strong brand identities and expand their market reach.
In Africa, the demand for reliable surge protection is growing rapidly due to the continent's significant technological advancements and urbanization. Local manufacturers have risen to meet the demand by developing innovative solutions tailored to Africa's unique electrical and environmental challenges.
Our expertise in SPD ODM and OEM service has helped numerous brands establish a strong identity in their markets. We have successfully provided brand labeling solutions for clients across diverse regions. Whether it's adapting to different electrical grids or environmental factors, we work closely with our partners to ensure that our SPDs meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Figure 5 and 6 are two SPD samples we did for two companies from Turkey and Thailand, with transaction values exceeding $100,000 and $150,000, respectively.
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| Figure 5 - Sigma Elektrik San. Ve Tic. A.Ş. | Figure 6 - Universal Information Technology Co.,Ltd. |
The cherished partnerships demonstrate our capability to support local branding efforts and adapt to diverse market conditions. By offering comprehensive technical support and sharing market insights, we empower local businesses to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.
Solar surge protection and sustainable energy
At Thor, we proudly uphold RoHS certification as a cornerstone of our commitment to environmental sustainability. By ensuring our surge arresters are free from hazardous substances, we meet and exceed international standards for safety and eco-friendliness. Our rigorous adherence to RoHS not only protects human health but also minimizes our ecological footprint.
Figure 7- RoHS certification
By choosing Thor, you're supporting a brand that prioritizes RoHS compliance, contributing to a greener future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. Our dedication to RoHS underscores our responsibility to promote eco-friendly practices, aligning with the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Today, the world is transitioning towards sustainable energy sources, with wide applications of solar and wind energy becoming increasingly prevalent. The shift is driven by the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Solar/PV/DC surge protection devices come into play with protecting industrial and residential PV panels and farms. Solar surge protection devices can be installed to protect sensitive components like inverters and batteries within the system. Combined with AC power surge protection devices, they can offer systematic surge protection to your considerable photovoltaic investments.
Of course, sustainable energy is not just about renewable sources; it also involves using power efficiently and reliably in our daily lives. Efforts to maintain clean environments and ensure stable energy use without disturbances or fluctuations are equally important contributions to sustainable energy practices.
In this context, surge protection is fundamental in supporting the development of sustainable energy development. By integrating SPDs into renewable energy installations and everyday power systems, we can prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and enhance overall system reliability.
Figure 8 - sustainable solar and wind energy
Solar surge protection is essential as a part of sustainable energy systems operating efficiently and reliably. SPDs help extend the lifespan of equipment, reduce electronic waste, and support continuous energy production. Your action on surge protection not only aligns with environmental conservation goals but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Event Participation Details
Event Name: Enlit Africa 2025
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Address: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
Hall: D14, Hall 3
Date: May 20-22
Don't miss this opportunity to network with experts and learn about cutting-edge solutions in sustainable energy. Register now to secure your spot and be part of shaping a cleaner energy future. We look forward to seeing you there! We are doing it like no one else!
For any inquiries or consultations, welcome to visit our website.