Legrand, which supplies a comprehensive range of systems for the implementation of electrical installations and information networks in diverse industries, also offers integrated solutions for the food and beverage sector.

“Energy, safety and hygiene issues are critical in any food and beverage manufacturing plant. In most processing sites, electrical energy makes up about 30% of the energy used and Legrand works closely with manufacturers to improve performance, at the same time reducing their environmental footprint,” notes Luk Ivens, general manager, Legrand Southern Africa. “Legrand offers effective solutions for reduced energy consumption, greater control over operating costs and adherence to stringent quality, hygiene and safety requirements in food production.

Caption: Legrand, which supplies a comprehensive range of systems for the implementation of electrical installations and information networks in diverse industries, also offers integrated solutions for the food and beverage sector.

“The modular design of Legrand systems, which enables easy installation, adaptability and reconfiguration, suits the demands of food processing plants that require frequent updates on production lines. This range meets stringent global standards for quality and safety and has also been subjected to Legrand’s hygiene test protocols especially for the food processing industry – cleanability and resistance to cleaning products.”

The technical room, which has to distribute and protect the entire electrical infrastructure of a food processing concern, is a strategic area of the plant. Legrand’s systems offer 24 operation of production units, manage operating costs and ensure safety of the installation. Key systems include cast resin transformers, which reduce electricity consumption by up to 20% during off-peak activity phases in food and beverage production and busbar trunking for the distribution of high currents up to 6 300 A.

DMX³ air circuit breakers, DPX³ MCCBs, supply inverters, isolating switches and XL³ distribution enclosures offer reliable protection and effective service continuity, which is essential in food production.

Caption: Legrand, which supplies a comprehensive range of systems for the implementation of electrical installations and information networks in diverse industries, also offers integrated solutions for the food and beverage sector.

Efficient energy distribution in processing areas is enhanced with the installation of quality systems designed specially for manufacturing environments that require compliance with hygiene standards. Cable routing for low and high current applications must ensure safety, even in the event of a fire.

Other important components include industrial enclosures, process equipment protection, power supplies and control and signalling units, as well as lighting busbars. Weatherproof IP 67 emergency lighting units, which are suitable for use in damp areas, are fitted with low consumption LEDs and can be remotely tested and controlled.

Legrand also offers management solutions for a plant’s infrastructure, which encompass data performance, securing of sensitive areas and the control of electrical energy consumption. A specially designed structured cabling system, which is compatible with other cabling products, offers flexibility to the installation. UPS (uninterruptible power supply) enclosures, with a capacity of up to 120 kVA, permit the implementation of secured network for machines, as well as the plant’s infrastructure, in the event of a power failure.

The company has also developed a range of access control and CCTV security systems for securing the most sensitive areas in a food production plants, particularly laboratories. Lighting management systems control lighting use for flexibility, safety and comfort, also maximising energy savings.

Fire alarms, fireman’s switches and emergency lighting are also designed for enhanced safety and reduced energy consumption.

Legrand’s range of eco-designed products for food processing environments is manufactured from special materials to meet electrical and mechanical safety requirements and resist the various stresses in the food processing environment. These materials include stainless steel, as well as plastic, metal, rubber and composite components. Surface treatment ensures resistance to oxidising and abrasive washing products and offers durability and extended service life in demanding installations.

The Legrand team works closely with a carefully chosen network of partners on food processing building projects – from the initial design to installation. The company also offers technical and maintenancesupport after completion of every project.