Smarter motor protection for quarries facing Eskom’s phase loss challenges
QUARRY operations across the Western Cape are no strangers to tough conditions. Dust, vibration, abrasive loads, and round-the-clock production put enormous pressure on motors driving crushers, conveyors, and slurry pumps. Add South Africa’s ongoing energy supply challenges to the mix—particularly the risk of phase loss from Eskom—and the result is an environment where equipment failure and costly downtime can quickly become the norm.
For quarries that rely on consistent throughput, a single unprotected motor fault can bring an entire operation to a standstill. That’s why forward-thinking operators are investing in protection systems designed specifically for the realities of heavy industry.
The LA Series Relay – built for harsh conditions
NewElec’s LA Series electronic motor protection relay is engineered with quarrying applications in mind. Unlike traditional thermal bi-metal relays, the LA Series offers microprocessor-based protection that continuously monitors motor performance and reacts instantly when abnormal conditions are detected.
Key features that matter on the quarry floor include:
- Phase loss and unbalanced current protection, critical for safeguarding against Eskom’s supply instabilities.
- Thermal overload protection, ensuring motors are shielded from sustained high loads.
- Locked rotor and running stall protection, preventing mechanical damage during start-ups or jams.
- Fail-safe trip relay configuration and clear LED fault indicators, giving operators confidence and quick insight into problems.
- Compatibility with VSDs and soft starters, ensuring stability in modernised plants.
With models covering 1 to 250 amps straight through, and no need for additional CTs, installation is simple and retrofit-friendly, making it an affordable step towards smarter protection.
Why phase loss protection matters for quarries
In quarry operations, power supply interruptions are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a direct threat to production. Phase loss or imbalance doesn’t just reduce performance; it leads to overheating, insulation damage, and eventual motor failure. Crushers, for example, face heavy mechanical loads, and a phase failure can escalate into catastrophic equipment damage if not managed in seconds.
The LA Series Relay detects these faults early, isolates the problem, and prevents escalation. By automating fault response it ensures that small electrical issues don’t spiral into large-scale production stoppages or emergency repairs.
Reduced Downtime, Safer Operations
Beyond protection, the LA Series helps operators achieve what matters most: predictable, continuous output. By catching early signs of motor stress and providing immediate feedback, the relay supports safer working conditions and reduces the pressure on maintenance teams.
For quarries working with tight margins and strict delivery schedules, this translates directly into improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Retrofit without overhauls
One of the biggest challenges for older quarry operations is modernising without massive capital expenditure. NewElec’s protection relays are designed to slot directly into existing motor control centres, meaning upgrades can be done with minimal disruption. Operators gain modern protection features without complicated rewiring or replacing existing infrastructure.
A local solution, built for local challenges
Proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa, the LA Series Relay reflects an understanding of the country’s industrial challenges—especially Eskom’s unreliable supply. It’s a practical, locally supported solution that equips quarry operations to keep moving forward, safely and reliably.
Website: www.newelec.co.za
Email: info@newelec.co.za
