Bridging the Gap Between Legacy Equipment and Modern Automation
In many older plants, mines, and industrial facilities, full-scale automation feels out of reach. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, ageing infrastructure, or operational disruptions, the leap to Industry 4.0 can seem daunting. That’s where NewElec’s Why Wait to Automate™ solutions provide a practical alternative.
Designed for operations still running without integrated automation, these retrofit-friendly systems let you upgrade performance and safety without overhauling your entire network. Instead of replacing your Motor Control Centres (MCCs), NewElec allows you to modernise using your existing infrastructure, offering smarter relay protection, real-time data, and fault prevention at a fraction of the cost.
Smarter Protection Without Disruption
Retrofitting NewElec’s motor protection relay systems into your plant unlocks live monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that allow teams to detect faults before they become critical. These compact devices install easily into your existing setup and begin providing real-time operational insights immediately.
Key benefits include:
- Real-time fault detection and performance logging
- No need to rewire MCCs or implement full PLC systems
- Compatibility with multiple Communications Protocols like Modbus-TCP, PROFINET, and Ethernet-IP
- Safer configuration from Control Room
- Free-Front-End software with Audit Tools
- Advanced diagnostics like Fault and Event logging to track equipment condition and downtime trends
Extend Equipment Life Without Replacing It
Using motor protection relay systems like the MA and NewCode Series, operations have extended the lifespan of ageing motors and pumps by up to 30 years. These relays provide robust protection, including thermal overload, short circuit, unbalanced current, and earth leakage protection, helping reduce wear and prolong equipment reliability.
In water treatment plants, for instance, NewElec’s MA Series relays offer protection tailored for sensitive, high-load equipment. These solutions improve reliability while supporting energy efficiency and regulatory compliance, without halting production.
Real-Time Energy and Fault Visibility
Energy management and early fault identification are key pillars of efficiency. With NewElec’s relay protection solutions, operators get real-time readings on kVA, kVAR, and load performance, enabling improved energy usage and fault detection.
Critical protection features like earth leakage protection are essential for high-risk environments, where detecting current flow to ground early can prevent severe safety incidents. By monitoring motor performance and load irregularities, NewElec’s motor protection relays help avoid downtime and unplanned maintenance.
Future-Proof Automation, One Step at a Time
Not every facility is ready to leap into full automation, and that’s okay. With NewElec’s phased approach, operations can begin with essential monitoring and relay protection, and build toward smarter automation as needed. There’s no need for massive capital investment upfront. These plug-and-play relays offer a scalable path to modernisation and future readiness.
With over 45 years of experience delivering motor protection relay solutions across Africa’s mining, water, and manufacturing sectors, NewElec stands as a trusted partner for operational transformation.
Why Choose NewElec?
- Feature-rich relays with real-time logging and multi-protocol compatibility
- 20–30 year durability for long-term ROI and system stability
- Expert support from planning to post-installation
- Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor supporting local procurement and compliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Why Wait to Automate™ strategy?
It’s NewElec’s phased automation approach, helping facilities modernise using relay protection and monitoring, without needing a full-scale automation upgrade. It enables visibility, control, and safety improvements using your current setup.
Can NewElec relays be used in older plants without existing automation?
Yes. NewElec’s motor protection relays are designed to retrofit seamlessly into legacy MCCs. No complex rewiring or PLC installation is needed, making them ideal for older or budget-constrained operations.
What does earth leakage protection do?
Earth leakage protection detects current leakage to ground, often caused by insulation failure. NewElec relays respond immediately to isolate the fault, preventing electrical hazards and equipment damage.
How do NewElec relays improve energy efficiency?
By monitoring kVA, kVAR, and load metrics, NewElec’s motor protection relays help optimise load distribution, reduce energy waste, and support better power management across your operations.
What industries benefit from Why Wait to Automate™?
Industries such as mining, water treatment, cement production, and manufacturing benefit from NewElec’s scalable relay protection systems. They’re built to perform in tough environments, extending the value of existing infrastructure.
