Our first Vodacom HSBC was installed on 29 September, just South of
Durban, and marks another successful maxwell+spark solution to an engineering
challenge.
In South Africa, the telecommunications industry faces an extensive
challenge to combat theft and vandalism of vital battery backup installations. Without
reliable battery back-up, essential communication and networks go down during frequent
and sometimes lengthy power outages. This, of course, negatively impacts the
social and economic landscape of South Africa for everyone.
To combat this challenge, maxwell+spark designed the HSBC which provides
robust protection for battery packs. This state-of-the-art cabinet has
undergone extensive testing and has a resulting sleek and secure design that eliminates
exterior access handles, hinges, or other potential entry points. This innovative solution not only safeguards
critical infrastructure but also marks a significant milestone in maxwell+spark’s
partnership with Vodacom South Africa.
The installation of the HSBC cabinet was carried out in two phases to
ensure a smooth and secure setup. First, a plinth, serving as the foundation,
was installed on-site two weeks before placing the two-ton HSBC cabinet. This
allowed time for the plinth to settle properly and for trenching and conduit
installation connecting it to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
A 12-ton crane truck was used to transport and position the HSBC. The
rigging team’s precision was instrumental in successfully placing the cabinet
on the plinth.
Both contractors and Vodacom’s management team (some of whom were
present for the landmark installation) were impressed with how smoothly the process
went. We are working on another 270 orders to service the KwaZulu-Natal region.
The successful design and installation of the HSBC highlights our
commitment to engineering excellence and problem-solving.
