Festoon systems are the life blood of mobile electric bulk materials handling machinery, feeding energy, data, air or fluids to these machines to keep them moving.

As operations such as open cast and underground mines, quarries, stockyards, and ports greatly depend on the reliable operation of these machines, equipment longevity, maximum uptime and high productivity levels are fundamental to sustainable production and subsequently profitability. 

“No matter how extreme and arduous the conditions, it is paramount that festoon systems maintain a reliable, efficient, seamless and uninterrupted feed to machinery at all cost,” states Powermite Marketing Director, Donovan Marks. “Our specialised festoon systems set the benchmark in quality and rugged reliability because there can simply be no compromise.”

Powermite is part of the Hudaco Group and has been a specialist supplier to local industry of electrical and mechanical equipment for moving machinery for close on 50 years.  In partnership with French multinational, Delachaux and its Conductix-Wampfler operation, Powermite’s materials handling division has been distributing Conductix festoon systems, Cable Reeling Drums (CRDs) and slip-ring housings to the Southern African mining and industry for over 4 decades.

“Drawing on Powermite and Conductix-Wampfler’s combined experience in electrification systems of over a century, the modular design of our light, medium and heavy duty festoon systems incorporates the latest state-of-the-art, world-class technology,” continues Marks. “Benefits delivered to customers and end-users include above-average operational life, easy installation, uncomplicated operation and cost effective maintenance with subsequent lowest possible operational and ownership costs and rapid return on investment.”

The design and correct alignment of the cable significantly influences the performance of energy and data transmission. The compact, rugged and reliable custom-made Powermite/Conductix-Wampfler cable carriers on the festoon systems effectively and efficiently handle and protect flat and round power/data cables that transfer electrical energy and data to machinery.

The I-Beam cable carrier is suited for heavy duty applications including bulk container handling by cranes typically found at ports. With a load capacity of up to 125kg and maximum system length of 150m, the C-Rail cable carrier, available in zinc-coated and stainless steel, is an ideal energy supply system for light to medium duty applications and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Marks adds that a special fully imported version for explosion-proof areas is also available. “Our offering also includes festoons that run on diamond track or square rail which has been specially engineered to prevent dirt build-up and reduce dust accumulation,” explains Marks. 

The Powermite/Conductix festooning range presents an extensive array of configurations for straight runs, bends and circular configurations, making these feeding systems ideally suited for virtually any type of moving equipment including bulk material conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, travelling hoppers, rail car dumpers, plating lines, water treatment and car wash systems that operate in mines, steel mills, ports (container handling and ship-to-shore power supply), power plants, airports, warehouses, automotive facilities, etc.

Powermite supports a complete range of cable and festoon hardware and accessories including cable guiding and anchoring devices, damping devices, junction boxes, cable connectors, organisers and clamps, connection boxes, towing clamps, reels, cable, rope and webbing plugs and end clamps. Irrespective of the particular cable or hose package, the running speed or the location of the machine, Powermite/Conductix-Wampfler has the appropriate ISO 9001:2008 certified festooning solution to keep plants, quarries, mines and ports moving.