Kevin Donaldson purchased the generator sales division of the old Meissner company in 1993 with the specific agreement that for two years, the only focus will be service, maintenance and repairs to diesel generator systems. During this time, Diesel Electric Services (DES) has grown from strength to strength with the initial specialisation in service, maintenance and repair and from there taking the knowledge and experience gained to introduce this into the manufacturing of complete bespoke, clean power solutions, using gas, producer gas or diesel fuelled prime movers, rotary UPS, static UPS and reticulation up to 44 kV.

DES currently occupies in excess of 26 300 m2 of working space.

SABS Compliance

In 2003, Diesel Electric Services subjected its engineering design system to full type testing and partial type testing to IEC/SANS 60439-1 standards and achieved the goals at 50 kA and 70 kA 3000/3200A, respectively.

In 2023, it subjected the same engineering design system to testing and evaluation against IEC/SANS 61439 – 1/2 and achieved the goals set.

DES therefore issues a Statement of Compliance to IEC/SANS 61439 – 1/2 against the following successful tests: 

• FTT - HC/100263 (50) kA 

• PTT - HC/100263A (70) kA 

• Corrosion test – 15053

• Lifting test – 15274

• Temperature rise – 3800A / 4000A – NSC-240129-00002R

• Temperature rise – 4000A / 4000A – NSC-231120-11112BR

• Temperature rise – 5000A / 5000A – NSC-231120-00002AR

• Short circuit @ 65kVA – NSC-231120-00002B

• Short circuit @ 50kVA / 70kVA / 83kA / 85kA – NSC-231120-00002AR

The company is proud to confirm that Diesel Electric Services has been accredited with both an 8EB and 8EP (Electrical) and 7ME (Mechanical) Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) rating, proving its excellent abilities to perform in the industry.

The mission of the CIDB is to drive enhanced delivery management, capacity improvement and contractor development in the construction industry through strategic interventions and partnerships.

The Board’s mandate is to establish a national register of contractors and construction projects to systematically regulate, monitor and promote the performance of the industry for sustainable growth, delivery and empowerment; promote improved delivery management capacity and the uniform application of procurement policy throughout all spheres of government; promote improved performance and best practice of public and private sector clients, contractors and other participants in the construction delivery process; promote sustainable participation of the emerging sector; provide strategic direction and develop effective partnerships for growth, reform and improvement of the construction sector.