Electrical Technician at African Foundries Limited

Responsibilities
Electrical Maintenance:

• Perform routine inspection, servicing, and maintenance of electrical equipment in the SMS.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electric arc furnaces (EAF), induction furnaces, ladle furnaces (LF), and associated electrical systems, as applicable.
• Maintain motors, pumps, fans, blowers, conveyors, gearboxes, and other electrically driven equipment.
• Inspect and maintain transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, contactors, relays, and distribution panels.
• Check electrical cables, busbars, cable terminations, and earthing systems.
• Carry out preventive and corrective maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and production interruptions.

Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs:

• Diagnose electrical faults in motors, control circuits, power distribution systems, and automation equipment.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems, sensors, limit switches, proximity switches, and industrial instrumentation.
• Identify faults in furnace control systems, electrode regulation systems, and hydraulic or pneumatic control circuits.
• Use electrical testing instruments such as multimeters, clamp meters, insulation resistance testers, and other diagnostic tools.
• Attend emergency breakdowns and restore equipment to safe operating condition as quickly as possible.
• Assist in root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring faults.

Steel Melting Shop Equipment Support:

• Support the electrical maintenance of SMS equipment, including:

  • Furnace electrical and control systems.
  • Ladle transfer cars and charging systems.
  • Overhead cranes and material-handling equipment.
  • Continuous casting machine (CCM) electrical drives and control systems.
  • Cooling water pumps and associated utility systems.
  • Dust extraction systems, fume extraction fans, and bag filters.
  • Hydraulic power packs and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and report abnormal operating conditions.
• Coordinate with production and mechanical maintenance teams during planned shutdowns and breakdown maintenance.

Safety and Compliance:

• Follow all electrical safety procedures and plant safety regulations.
• Apply lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before working on electrical equipment.
• Verify isolation and absence of voltage before commencing electrical work.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Observe electrical safety requirements when working near high-voltage equipment, hot metal, and furnace operations.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, electrical hazards, and equipment defects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical standards and company procedures.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Record all maintenance activities, breakdown details, and repairs completed.
• Maintain electrical inspection checklists and equipment maintenance records.
• Report recurring faults, defective components, and spare-parts requirements.
• Assist in preparing preventive maintenance schedules.
• Update maintenance work orders and equipment history records.
• Provide shift handover reports detailing equipment status and pending maintenance work.

Qualifications and Experience

• National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Industrial Electrical Technology.
• Typically, 2–5 years of industrial electrical maintenance experience, preferably in a steel plant or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Relevant electrical trade certification or apprenticeship training is an advantage.
• Experience in a Steel Melting Shop, rolling mill, foundry, or similar heavy industrial facility is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial motors, motor control circuits, electrical protection systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Experience with PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters, and industrial automation is an advantage.
• Familiarity with high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, where appropriately trained and authorized.