Component Manufacturing and Domestic Component Technology with Yasin Emer

Yasin Emer, Unit Manager of the Electrical Components Division at EFG, noted that reliability, mechanical strength, and contact systems are of critical importance in electrical components, adding that domestically produced components perform at a level close to international standards. Emer stated that vacuum circuit breakers and remote monitoring systems will come to the fore in the future.

Yasin Emer, Head of the Electrical Components Unit at EFG Elektrik, noted that components used in electrical systems play a critical role in the continuity, performance, and safety of facilities, adding that the right component selection affects many factors, from operating costs to equipment lifespan.

Emer, who has been with EFG Elektrik since 2018 and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, explained that he has worked in manufacturing, quality, and production throughout his career and currently serves as the Components Unit Manager.

CRITICAL POINTS IN CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND DISCONNECTORS

Noting that components may appear to have a simple structure when viewed from the outside but possess critical characteristics in terms of their functions, Emer evaluated the components under two main headings: circuit breakers and disconnectors.

Emer explained that circuit breakers must be able to interrupt fault currents without creating an arc or extinguish any resulting arc very quickly, while isolators must be visually identifiable when in the open position, must not trip under load, and must have a low resistance level when in the closed position.

Emer pointed out that a good component must be physically robust, have high mechanical strength, and possess contact and insulation values at appropriate levels, emphasizing that contact systems, in particular, are one of the most critical aspects of these components.

Emer remarked, “The surface precision and smoothness of the contacts must be good. This is important for ensuring the safe passage of current and preventing arcing.”

DOMESTIC COMPONENTS ARE APPROACHING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Noting that the use of domestic components has gained importance in recent times, Emer stated that domestic components are performing at levels close to international standards.

According to Emer, it is not only the technical specifications of the product that matter here, but also its field performance and traceability. Emer emphasized the need to verify the mechanical strength, mechanical lifespan, and performance during opening and closing cycles of the components, adding that field data is also crucial.

MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING WORK TOGETHER

Emer also highlighted the importance of coordination between manufacturing and engineering teams in component production, noting that they are working together to streamline production processes.

Emer noted that they are conducting studies to improve the opening-closing lifespans of the cutting tools and mechanisms they produce, and stated that the necessary actions are being taken to ensure assembly processes proceed in a more streamlined manner. Emer explained that design-related issues are also being identified and addressed during this process, noting that their goal is to ensure the production line operates in a leaner and more efficient manner.

A RIGOROUS PROCESS FROM RAW MATERIALS TO TESTING

Emer emphasized that every stage in component production—from the arrival of raw materials to the shipment of the finished product—is critical, and he described the production process.

Emer explained that raw materials are processed in the turning unit according to technical drawings before being sent to the production line, and that every stage of assembly is carried out in accordance with established instructions. Emer noted that the assembly instructions prepared by the R&D department are followed, and that after production, on/off tests as well as resistance and speed measurements are conducted.

Emer noted that after the circuit breakers and disconnectors pass the necessary tests, the products are shipped to the cell section, adding that quality and safety checks are thus carried out at every stage of production.

HIGH CONTACT RESISTANCE IS A SIGNIFICANT RISK

Emer noted that high contact resistance is one of the primary risks encountered in component production and stated that this situation could have significant safety implications.

Emer pointed out that high contact resistance poses a risk in terms of arc formation and added that the mechanical strength of the components is also critical. He noted that the ability of circuit breakers to reliably perform opening and closing cycles is one of the fundamental criteria in production.

VACUUM CIRCUIT BREAKERS WILL TAKE CENTER STAGE IN THE FUTURE

In his assessment of the future of component technologies, Emer said that vacuum circuit breakers will gain greater prominence in the coming period.

Drawing attention to the environmental impacts of SF6 gas, Emer stated that vacuum technologies will gain importance because this gas, used in gas-insulated systems, is harmful to the atmosphere.

Emer also noted that digitalization in components will continue to increase, adding that systems will become more integrated with digital technologies.

THE ERA OF REMOTE MONITORING WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Emer also discussed how artificial intelligence can be integrated into component technologies alongside digitalization, noting that remote monitoring systems, in particular, will gain importance.

Emer noted that with solid-state systems, it may become possible to remotely monitor circuit breakers and disconnectors, and expressed that remotely tracking whether these devices are operational could become even more important in the future.

INCREASING DEMAND HAS BOOSTED PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Emer noted that EFG Elektrik’s component production capacity has been steadily increasing since 2023, adding that demand has been particularly high this year.

Emer noted that the increase in production capacity has kept pace with customer demand, adding that streamlining the production line played a significant role in this capacity expansion.

Emer explained that they have been working with engineering and industrial engineering teams to make assembly processes easier and faster, adding that the opinions of production line workers were also taken into account during this process.

Emer noted that soliciting employees’ ideas regarding production processes both fosters their buy-in and increases production efficiency, stating, “We also take input from our assembly staff. This way, it resonates with both our staff and us. We’re achieving better efficiency,” he said.

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