Mitigating power loss is critical to the sustainability of any business or society. Disruption to electrical supply causes not only a reduction in both productivity and revenue, but furthermore is a potential security threat.

The Commercial ICT Model CM12 cable theft device is a DIN mount device that can protect up to 12 cables per CM12 unit. The CM12 can be installed into existing substations, mini-sub transformers or deployed in mobile devices to protect distribution cables installed in temporary distribution boards out in the field.

“The system is easy to install and scalable, so it can grow with your business requirements. It’s also low maintenance with minimal intervention once installed,” says Commercial ICT’s Charleen Rheeder.

The CM12 cable theft monitoring and alerting system makes use of Permaconn devices and the Pocket Secure App for real-time alerting and providing a communication platform for delivering the alerts into the monitoring centre. This allows faster reaction times and diminishes the potential damage caused by tampering with power cables or vandalism of sub-stations.

The system conforms to the security industry’s Ademco reporting format and is easily setup into existing monitoring centre software. The CM12 is powered by Permaconn’s PM1048 device 12V supply and provides up to 8 hours of standalone power to the CM12.

The cable theft monitoring system is integrated into and managed by Permaconn’s Atlas device and end user fleet management platform. When combined with the use of the Pocket Secure app, it provides the end user with a fully managed ‘always on’ power and cable monitoring alerting system.

Permaconn ensures that the customer’s monthly costs are known and easily managed up-front within the secure Atlas platform. Devices and end users are also activated and managed within Atlas, allowing for complete and secure control.

Real-time alerts are sent to the monitoring centre and push notifications are sent via Permaconn’s Pocket Secure mobile app to the user’s mobile device. The system allows for notifications to be easily labelled according to the sub stations, circuit breakers or distribution points, conforming to the customer’s existing naming conventions and allowing fast identification of the damaged cables and the specific problem area.

Pocket Secure incorporates a shared panic system with geo-location reporting. This allows maintenance and security personnel to request assistance from colleagues and the monitoring centre at any time. The system also allows for clear identification of whether the alert is for a power failure or cable theft, ensuring the dispatch crew is better prepared to manage the situation.

Rheeder says that Commercial ICT would like to incentivise more people to take advantage of the benefits of the CM12 so they have decided to offer customers a CM12 starter pack deal. In essence, when you purchase your first 30 CM12 devices, Permaconn communicators and detection coils you will receive the following elements free of charge:

• CSRU4000 base

• IP software base

• Installation in your control room

• Training of your control room operators

• On-site installation.

The offer is valid in both South Africa and neighbouring countries. Travel and transportation arrangements to neighbouring countries will be quoted on separately.