At Nyangombe, 500 miles north west of Lusaka, Exel switch-disconnector-fuses and ADS7 star-delta starters control power to 12.5kW and 30kW motors which drive two mills, capable of grinding up to 2 tonnes of maize per hour.

Missionary Gordon McKillop explains that the average Zambian family needs about 100kg of maize meal every month but to buy this ready ground would cost more than a month’s wages. They can grow the maize themselves if they have the means to grind it but the nearest commercial mill is 20 miles away. Consequently the people were living on the less nutritious cassava, a high starch, low food value crop which must be soaked in water to leech out the prussic acids.

Nyangombe, and other mission stations in Zambia, grind the maize free of charge to encourage the local Africans to plant and harvest maize, soya and sunflower for their family needs and long-term health benefits.

Power for the Nyangombe mill is supplied by the mission’s own micro-hydro plant. However, it was experiencing turbine shut-down due to the high direct-on-line starting currents drawn by the larger mill motor.

Whilst on a visit to the UK, Mr McKillop consulted the Eaton MEM website and consequently spoke to export manager Kevin Harris. He explained the need for a ‘softer’ start and for switchgear capable of withstanding the rigours of high temperatures and humidity during the wet season in Zambia.

Eaton MEM is a major supplier of electrical equipment to Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and other East African countries. “We felt we would like to put something back into the region and, after discussing the application, agreed to donate the Exel units and starters” explains Kevin Harris. The Exel switch-disconnector-fuses allow the motors and starters to be isolated from the supply, ensuring the safety of the African staff, and the ADS7 star-delta starters ensure a more gentle start than the old direct-on-line system.

“The Eaton MEM equipment is working perfectly” reports Mr McKillop. “These mills will make such a difference to the people who live in a very harsh environment, enabling them to feed their families the balanced diet required for growth and good health.”

Company Information
Eaton Electrical Inc. is a global leader in electrical control, power distribution, and industrial automation products and services. Through advanced product development, world-class manufacturing methods, and global engineering services and support, Eaton Electrical® provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Cutler-Hammer®, Durant®, Heinemann®, Holec® and MEM®, which globally serve the changing needs of the industrial, utility, light commercial, residential, and OEM markets. For more information, visit www.EatonElectrical.com.

Eaton Corporation is a global diversified industrial manufacturer with 2003 sales of $8.1 billion that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent drivetrain systems for fuel economy and safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.Eaton.com.