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SPECIAL FEATURE: UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION
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SPECIAL FEATURE: TOOLS & WORKWEAR
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SHAPING UP LED LIGHTING Find the right lighting with The LED Specialist. Lighting has evolved. It is becoming increasingly relevant to create the right ambiance and atmosphere in your client’s spaces by selecting the correct level of lighting to suit their needs. We outline the many myths and misconceptions surrounding LED lighting, and recommend the best lighting for the job.
Read the full article on page 12.
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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 12 • DECEMBER 2018
CONTENTS… Regulars 4 Editorial
20 Project Focus
Merry Christmas to all.
Energys Group explains how it is helping Ormiston and Brooke Weston Multi-Academy Trusts achieve annual energy savings across 12 academies nationwide.
7 Industry News Managing stress, increased turnover and 18th Edition training.
24 Can data save lives?
14 Contract News
Ian Drinkwater, managing director of trade lighting supplier Applelec, explores how OLED technology can enable designers and specifiers to push the boundaries.
26 Looking ahead
16 Training 22 Competition Win £200 shopping vouchers and donate to the Electrical Industries Charity courtesy of Timeguard.
18 Key Issue As the UK’s data centre market continues to grow, Steve Martin, director of technical at ECA, explains how it’s never been more important to consider fire safety.
30 OLED it be true
Mackwell looks at how the correct use of diagnostics and data could make buildings safer.
High-risk fire safety systems, high voltage power cable systems, and an eco-efficient substation.
Championing diversity and taking training abroad.
Features
57 Company Showcase Sponsored content from around the sector.
Ian Hunter, group commercial director with Scolmore, looks at some of the key issues facing the electrical contracting sector in 2019.
34 Smart communication
28 Building tomorrow Thomas Gauthier, CEO of NodOn, outlines the benefits that smart building controls have to offer us both now and in the future.
Smart meter workforce provider, Ganymede, and training provider, Logic4training, recently hosted an event which brought together representatives from across the smart metering landscape.
SPECIAL FEATURES: UPS & Power Distribution
Tools & Workwear
Test & Measurement
Alex Mardapittas, CEO of Powerstar, discusses 36 Dr the crucial role of distribution transformers, and how
her own experience 46 After with ill-fitting workwear,
As IP CCTV systems 54 continue to grow in
modern, connected solutions are being developed that can change the way technology is perceived by the electrical industry. Garner, vice president, IT division 38 Marc at Schneider Electric, outlines some key considerations for selecting critical UPS applications. modern transformerless UPS systems 40 Most offer high efficiency, which remains load independent down to about 25% capacity. Below this level, however, efficiency can diminish significantly. Alex Emms at Uninterruptible Power Supplies Ltd. explains how modern UPS systems achieve their high efficiency. Lowder, director of product 42 Scott management, power, Middle Atlantic Products, outlines some practical and unexpected reasons for eliminating power transformers from any installation.
painter and decorator Annie Bowman decided to design her own, specifically tailored for women on the tools. She talks to ECN about how she developed her range of women’s work trousers.
popularity, electrical contractors used to working with analogue systems face the challenge of learning new ways to install, test and document CCTV installations and cameras. Dan Payerle Barrera at IDEAL Networks explains what contractors need to test, and how applying proven network testing practices can be of benefit.
Miller, marketing 48 Simon director of HiKOKI Power Tools, explains how the latest power tool technology is enabling electrical contractors to get the job done anywhere. Quadsaw explains its history 50 and how it aims to save both time and money for the construction industry.
Lant, technical sales 52 Mark manager at ProGARM, dispels some of the common misconceptions around arc flash, and the potentially fatal risk it can pose.
December 2018 | 3
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EDITORIAL
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
A
nd to all, a good night; December is here, and it brings with it not just the final issue of ECN for 2018, but also my departure as editor. I would like to thank everyone in the industry – from those I’ve met face-toface, to those I’ve only had the opportunity to exchange emails with, to all of the readers of the magazine – for being such a friendly, welcoming and dedicated group of people. I’ve been taught a great deal through both contributors to the magazine and by individuals I’ve had the pleasure to meet at events and
Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173
Kayleigh Hutchins, Editor
site visits, and witnessed first-hand the generosity of the industry in its work with the Electrical Industries Charity. 2018 has been an eventful year, not just for me, but for the industry too. From the Carillion collapse which forced a sharper focus on fairer payment practice, to the safety repercussions born out of the Grenfell tragedy last year, to the introduction of new rules and regs like the 18th Edition, Lot 20 and the halogen ban. The year has also seen the proliferation of cutting-edge technology like smart lighting control and IoT, as well as a push towards a greener, more sustainable future. The electrical landscape will continue to evolve and
it’s important that the sector embraces the changes sooner rather than later. Despite my departure, it’s business as usual for ECN magazine. It will remain at the forefront of the industry, bringing you all the latest from an ever-changing sector. So, from December, please send all future editorial queries, news and comment to the attention of ECN’s new editor, Simon Rowley. Tell us what you think the industry will be facing in 2019 – what will be the challenges, the hot button issues, and the problems that might be slipping through the cracks. All that’s left for me to do is to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and successful New Year.
EDITOR: KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: JORDAN O’BRIEN E: jordan@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR: CAROL GYLBY T: 01634 673163 E: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com
STUDIO MANAGER: BEN BRISTOW T: 01634 673163 E: ben@allthingsmedialtd.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com
DESIGNER: JON APPLETON E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com
ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00 Copyright © 2018, All rights reserved Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontilanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YA
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INDUSTRY NEWS RENAULT EVS SUPPORT EDEN PROJECT’S COMMITMENT TO REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS The Eden Project has taken delivery of a new fleet of 100% electric ZOE and Kangoo Z.E models by Renault. Comprising three Renault ZOE hatchbacks and 14 Renault Kangoo Z.E. in van and maxi crew van cab specifications, the vehicles replace the Eden Project’s previous Renault EV fleet. The latest vehicles complement Eden’s existing Renault Twizy quadricycles. Compared to equivalent diesel and petrol vehicles, the Eden Project’s original Renault EV fleet saved nearly 17 tonnes of CO2 since its inception in 2016, clocking up nearly 94,000 miles in and around its award-winning facility. The mix of ZOE and Kangoo Z.E. will fulfil a variety of roles across the Eden Project,
being used by its maintenance, horticulture, security, live programming and catering teams. A number of the vehicles will also be assigned to help with the provision of on-site medical support and transporting less ablebodied visitors around the site. The supply of the new fleet strengthens the partnership between the Eden Project and Renault, which has seen the automotive manufacturer become the Official Car Partner of the Eden Sessions – a series of outdoor concerts by worldfamous acts held at the venue – and play a part in key visitor attractions, such as this summer’s Expedition Space, where visitors were invited to take a Renault moon buggy driving test.
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY URGES INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES & FAMILIES The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) launched the Employee and Family Support Programme (EFP) to give a helping hand to employees and their families in their time of need. The charity is encouraging the industry to sign up to the programme and give hope to thousands of people within the electrical sector. The EFP is solely funded by powerLottery and is part of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Through the EFP, EIC is able to provide financial relief and practical support services to people and their immediate families who have worked or are working in electrical and energy-related industries. The support services that EIC offers include debt advice, telephone counselling, carer support network, career advice and financial assistance and grants which help to address issues such as family or relationship problems, mental health issues, ill health and disability. EIC has supported thousands of employees and their families and given them an opportunity to move forward with their lives. The industry can make a huge difference in someone’s life and help EIC to not only give vital support to those who are struggling but also to give hope for the future. EFP has been proven to facilitate timely intervention that better manages outcomes for individuals, families and businesses. Once signed up to the programme, all of the services that EIC provides are completely free of charge, which means the sooner you sign up to EFP, the sooner EIC will be able to look out for your employees and their loved ones.
ECA INDUSTRY AWARDS DINNER RETURNS Tickets are now available for the 2019 ECA Industry Awards Dinner. Guests can enjoy an evening of entertainment including top TV personalities, table magicians, a live band and a photo booth. The event, being held on Friday June 7 at the Hilton Bankside in London, will be hosted by a leading TV personality and a well-known presenter, to be announced next year. ECA CEO Steve Bratt commented, “ECA is pleased to announce that tickets are now available for the 2019 Industry Awards Dinner, which promises to be one of the best nights on the industry calendar with more entertainment than ever before. “As ever, attendees will enjoy extensive socialising and networking opportunities, while we celebrate and recognise the achievements of our members.” The winners of the ECA Industry Awards 2019 will be announced on the evening. The awards, which recognise the top businesses and individuals within the industry, are open to entries until March 15, 2019. As is tradition, there will be the opportunity to enter the Electrical Industry’s Charity prize draw during the dinner. Last year, over £3,000 was raised for the charity helping to support those that need it most in our industry. The ECA Industry Awards Dinner is supported by headline sponsors Ledvance and Electrium. A drinks reception, sponsored by Scolmore, where attendees can meet fellow industry peers, will take place before the awards ceremony.
ABB’S UK ENGINEERING CENTRE DOUBLES IN SIZE ABB has doubled the size of its UK Engineering Centre to tackle demand for servicing variable speed drives (VSDs), developing specialist test rigs (STRs) and customer training. Floorspace at the site in Coalville, Leicestershire, has increased from 830 sqm to 1,789 sqm. The site houses the latest ABBcertified workshop – one of 17 throughout the world – offering repairs and upgrades to low voltage AC and DC drives and medium voltage AC drives. The centre’s load test facilities ensure VSDs are tested under realistic conditions before being returned to a customer. The facility upgrades third
party medium voltage drives, as well as those of ABB. The new facility houses ABB’s STR business, for which a new class of test rig for electric vehicles, incorporating battery simulators and electric chargers, is being developed. The location boasts the VSD training school, offering customers access to certified courses covering low-, mediumand high-power drives. The site extends the scope of the ABB University campus in the UK and, as such, hosts a suite of demonstration equipment to show customers how they maximise the benefit from ABB solutions.
REICHELT ELEKTRONIK RESEACH OUTLINES TOP PURCHASERS’ NEEDS FROM DISTRIBUTORS New research by reichelt elektronik has revealed that the most important factor when choosing a distributor to work with is stock availability, with speedy delivery a close second (38% and 37% respectively). According to the responses of 300 UK employees in the engineering sector, conducted by OnePoll, low pricing was ranked as the third most important factor, suggesting buyers are willing to pay extra for a quality, fast service. That being said, 71% of buyers still expect distributors to have good prices for their products as standard. 68% also expect high quality and 65% expect fast delivery times. The top improvement customers would like to see from distributors is more flexibility offered in delivery bottlenecks, either through alternative sources or manufacturers for the most soughtafter products. Bottlenecks occur most often when ordering drive technology (2%), capacitors (20%) and sensors (22%). Purchasers have the least problems when buying trimmers or ICs. This plus more innovative products and greater personalisation for sourcing special parts are all more important than being given a better shopping experience on ecommerce platforms or customer service across a range of platforms. With many Brits in the engineering sector purchasing from an average of seven suppliers, choosing the best companies to work with who can meet requirements is crucial. Good partnerships are valued amongst buyers, with 71% of participants citing a personal relationship with the distributor as being very important. Only 3% said other priority factors were more important.
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INDUSTRY NEWS HAMILTON JOINS THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS’ ASSOCIATION
CONTRACTORS UNDERTAKE 18TH EDITION TRAINING WITH NICEIC & ELECSA More than 1,000 contractors have now successfully taken and passed their 18th Edition training with NICEIC and ELECSA. The 18th Edition officially launched in July this year with electrical contractors given a sixmonth transition period to get up-tospeed with the changes. While some contractors have decided to delay any training, others have been keen to start straight away.
NICEIC and ELECSA currently run two different 18th Edition courses. The full course takes three days and is for contractors who feel they need a working knowledge of the latest edition of the Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 qualification. The update course is a one-day option for those who have recently completed their 17th edition Amendment 3: 2015 qualification
Both courses can be taken online or in the classroom and there has been a split in the type of course and the way contractors are choosing to access training. A partnership with JTL also means contractors choosing NICEIC and ELECSA can take the course at more than 35 locations across the UK. In addition, NICEIC and ELECSA can also offer in-house training for companies looking to train large numbers of employees in one go.
Hamilton Litestat has joined the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) as an Affiliate Member. Effective as of November 1 2018, Hamilton’s partnership with the EDA will facilitate closer collaboration with electrical wholesalers and distributors. Through its EDA Affiliate Membership, Hamilton aims to increase its support of the distribution network by providing customer training, support on business forums and improved educational opportunities around key industry topics, such as smart controls. Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said, “On behalf of the EDA board may I extend a warm welcome to our latest affiliated member, Hamilton Litestat. Its well-respected name in the UK’s electro-technical sector means it is exactly the calibre of business the Association courts and welcomes. We are all the stronger for its involvement. The team and I look forward to working with Hamilton as it engages its EDA benefits.” “The EDA is a long-established organisation that supports a close working community throughout the supply chain: it’s a privilege to become a member,” added Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s head of marketing. “Working hand-in-hand with the EDA will support improved communications and help Hamilton increase awareness of our solutions and their benefits. We’re also very keen to improve the industry’s knowledge of smart controls and our collaboration with the EDA will assist us in this.” This news comes as Hamilton celebrated its 50-year anniversary in November. The company was founded in Teddington, London, in the late 1960s by Rod Hamilton. It has remained a family-run UK business, now headed up by Rod’s son, Ian Hamilton.
ELECTRICIANS’ CAMPAIGN TOP OF AGENDA AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT DEBATE The long-running campaign by SELECT, backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (the SJIB) and Unite the Union, for recognition of electricians as a profession achieved a major milestone on October 25 when the issue was debated in the Scottish Parliament. In a wide-ranging discussion, MSPs from all parties debated the call for the privilege of calling a person an electrician to be limited only to those who are qualified in this highly-skilled profession. The Holyrood debate was opened by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who has backed the campaign in the interests of public safety from its early stages. During the debate, Halcro Johnston told parliament that he had been staggered to learn that the people who entered our homes and businesses to install and maintain our wiring, fuse boxes and appliances need have no qualifications at all and yet they can still call themselves electricians. Responding to the debate, Jamie Hepburn, minister for business, fair work and skills, thanked MSPs for their contributions and said that discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a ministerial view to parliament in due course. Alan Wilson, acting managing director at SELECT thanked the MSPs who initially signed the motion and who took part in the debate. Halcro Johnston commented that that, while more than 100 regulated professions exist in the UK – including gas engineers and even door supervisors at clubs – there is no protection afforded to electricians. His motion asked parliament to recognise that improperlyinstalled electrical work creates a significant risk of fire as well as other harm to householders and that the installation of electrical work by unqualified or part qualified individuals carries a major safety risk.
JAIL SENTENCE FOR FRAUDULENT ONLINE CARD MANUFACTURER A man who manufactured and sold fake construction industry skill cards, including ECS cards, has been jailed for more than three years. Online trader Andrew Weeks was sentenced on Friday October 19 at Warwick Crown Court. Weeks was charged under Section 9 of the Fraud Act 2006, for the production and sale of fake documents. Weeks was caught following an investigation by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards. Over the course of the investigation, officers discovered that Weeks was manufacturing construction industry skill cards
at his printing firm (Nuneaton Print) and selling them via his website. Weeks was sentenced to three years and eight months after pleading guilty to the manufacture of fake documents. The investigation was supported with information from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and a number of card schemes, including the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). To help individuals and employers verify ECS cardholder details, the ECS Check service
is now available and ranges from the simple look up of an individual cardholder, to more comprehensive auditing and reporting systems for clients and contractors. Steve Brawley, chief executive at ECS said, “We hope that this case will serve as a message to would-be fraudsters that their actions will not be accepted. Fraudsters on construction sites present a danger to themselves and others and we need to work together to stamp this activity out.” Weeks was also sued by CSCS for copyright infringement and ordered to pay damages of £6,000.
8 | December 2018
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INDUSTRY NEWS JTL & ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY HIGHLIGHT NEGATIVE IMPACT OF STRESS JTL is working alongside the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to highlight the negative impact of stress. The joint campaign aims to help people working in the electrical sector to address stressful situations and seek help. It includes a dedicated Apprentice Support Programme, designed to help apprentices with any challenges they may face early on in their career. The assistance available through the EIC covers a wide range of issues – from caring for a sick or elderly relative to dealing with redundancy. The EIC’s team of trained advisors can offer free financial, legal, emotional or health-related advice. To offer access to support services to those who are affected by mental health problems,
the Electrical Industries Charity has created the Employee Assistance Programme which offers all of the vital support needed to help people in the electrical sector to get back on their feet and create a life they deserve. If you would like to contact one of the EIC’s team, go to jtltraining.com/free-support.
ENGINEERING SERVICES OPTIMISTIC DESPITE PERSISTENT PAYMENT ISSUES The latest quarterly ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF Building Engineering Business Survey, sponsored by Scolmore, has revealed that up to eight out of 10 engineering services organisations say they typically receive payment more than 30 days after the due date. This comes despite over half (56%) of buyers inserting under-30-day payment clauses in their contracts. Despite this, over three in four engineering services organisations (77%) say turnover increased or remained steady in Q3 2018, with nearly eight out of ten (78%) predicting their turnover will grow or remain steady for the current quarter (Q4 2018). Buyers in the commercial sector were identified as the worst payers, with over eight in ten (83%) saying they received payment more than 30 days after commercial work. For public sector work, on average, 71% of respondents were paid after 30 days. Overall, almost a fifth (19%) were paid after 60 days. Retentions were held against nearly two thirds (58%) of survey respondents. More than half (52%) said that between one and 10% of their organisation’s turnover was tied up in retentions. ECA deputy director of business policy and practice Rob Driscoll said, “These figures show that overturning the late payment issue remains the key to unlocking productivity, growth and prosperity, particularly with the uncertainty of the next two quarters. “ECA will continue to work diligently with government, the small business commissioner and others to gain further support for initiatives such as the Aldous Bill and help the industry to resolve its long-running, and continually damaging, payment problems.” The survey received 387 responses from companies across the multi-billion-pound industry, mainly regarding their performance in Q3 (July 1 to September 30, 2018), and expectations for Q4.
A new independent board of industry experts has been appointed to TrustMark, comprising a new chairman and seven non-executive directors, to ensure adequate representation of all the industry sectors TrustMark works with. The new members are chairman Ranil Jayawardena, and non-executive directors Julie Hunter, Emma Clancy, Anna Scothern, David Oakley, Lynn Hugo, Richard Saggers and Stephen Huller. The Ladder Association has welcomed Paul Bruton of WernerCo as new chairman for the not-for-profit membership organisation. Paul has taken over from Martin Brookes of Bratts Ladders following a successful three years in the position.
REXEL SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB’S OFFICIAL CHARITY Youngsters in Liverpool were given a taste of the marketing world when they were visited for an interactive session by Rexel, a leading electrical distributor. The sessions took place earlier this year when Rexel partnered with Everton Football Club’s official charity on its Home is Where the Heart is and All About Enterprise schemes. The programmes were ongoing throughout the year and have had a great response from children and young people around Liverpool. The All About Enterprise scheme is a pilot which the Premier League team set up to support local primary school children by introducing them to new skills, and opportunities in future life. The programme discuss topics that are not on the national curriculum such as Techonology, Customer Service, Budgeting and Finance, Advertising and Marketing and Manufacturing. The aim of the Everton in the Community programme is to
MOVERS & SHAKERS…
Recolight, the specialist WEEE compliance scheme for the lighting industry, has announced the appointment of Amel Gharbi to the role of operations and compliance manager. Amel has over 10 years’ experience in logistics and compliance management.
engage and empower pupils whose strengths may not lie in the standard curriculum and provide a change for them to experience new things and open up employment opportunities in the future. Rexel’s Kate Adamczyk, head of branch marketing, and David McBride, C&I national account manager, delivered interactive sessions to the pupils at St. Aloysius Catholic School, Broadgreen Primary School and Longmoor Community Primary School in the Liverpool area. The lessons touched on what marketing is and how
it is used by brands, including some of their favourite toy stores. The presentation was well received by teachers and students alike, with the students showing interest and flair for the subjects discussed. Rexel also supported the Home is Where the Heart is scheme through a charitable donation to help see the opening of a house to provide a shelter and support for vulnerable young adults. The football club will be able to offer six youths a home and continued support with opportunities relating to employment, education and training.
UK lighting provider Contrac Lighting has announced the directorship of Mel Collins, as of October 1 2018. Mel has been a member of the Contrac team for twenty years this year, having joined in a junior admin role in 1998. Vauxhall has appointed Richard Roberts to national fleet sales manager – rental, leasing, company vehicles and motability, taking on the additional responsibilities of leasing, total cost of ownership/ residual values and company vehicles, in addition to his existing responsibility for motability. Carl Stanton has also been appointed to the role of fleet sales operations manager, responsible for fleet marketing, ordering, inventory and managing Vauxhall’s fleet support team.
10 | December 2018
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SET THE SCENE The LED Specialist explains why different applications require different types of lighting, and how choosing the right lighting level can help to create the perfect atmosphere.
Office lighting Bright white light that mimics daylight can improve performance for people at work. In addition to aiding people visually and helping them complete tasks that are otherwise impossible to complete without artificial light, the brightness and wavelength of ambient light can also impact the human circadian system, biological clock, mood and alertness. Researchers have found that exposure to short wavelength or blue light during the day directly improves alertness and performance. Blue-enriched white light stimulates the brain, improves alertness, performance and sleep quality. The intensity and colour temperature of artificial lighting affects physiological processes in the human body, including blood pressure, heart rate variability, and core temperature. There is now a full range of LED office lighting, which includes 600x600mm LED panels, recessed LED downlights and surface mounted LED fittings. The most important thing to remember when choosing the correct office lighting centres upon the right colour temperature. For office lighting, we recommend a cool white (4,000K) or a daylight (6,500K) colour temperature. The cooler colour temperatures are best suitable for desk-orientated offices, workshops, bathrooms or other areas where high detail visibility is important.
Schools, colleges and universities
From retailers to restaurants, different environments all have specific lighting needs
Appropriate lighting in classrooms plays a key role in promoting the visual comfort of students by facilitating their learning and concentration. Optometrists conducted vision and reading tests for children under three different colour temperatures and light levels. The researchers found that the children performed significantly better at 5,000K than 3,000K at the same light level, with the results being almost the same between the 3,000K and low level 5,000K groups. The optometrists observed that the pupils in the
eyes of the children were more constricted at higher colour temperatures, which resulted in improved vision and higher alertness. Our recommendation for lighting an educational application is a tuneable white system, which enables the lighting to be controlled so that it is variable and can be manipulated by the teacher in order to control the classroom. This enables the right colour temperature to be selected for the tasks that the pupils are undertaking. Simple pre-set options of 3,000K, 4,500K and 6,500K would be ideal.
Retail shops The psychology of lighting also correlates to influencing consumer behaviour. Shops selling emotionally expressive products, such as jewels and engagement rings, will emphasise high illumination levels playing on the intensity of light to increase the intensity of the emotion. It is also important to determine how the different areas of a store should be illuminated. This includes the facade, the entrance area, the shop window and the interior of the shop. It is essential to know where light is needed and for what purpose in the store: at sales points, over counters, at the check-out, in changing rooms, on mirrors, in relaxation areas, etc. The right light draws the customers’ attention and influences their buying patterns. Light emphasises products and highlights them in appealing colours. It presents the shop and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Modern sales-focused lighting presents products to their best advantage. We suggest lighting solutions with very good colour rendering. Inviting feelgood lighting in stores encourages the customers to stay longer.
Bars and restaurants First impressions are important, and when it comes to hospitality, lighting plays a bigger role than you might expect. The food can be delicious, the drinks perfectly chilled, but if the light isn’t right, the customer won’t bite – and there are studies to prove it. A recent
“When it comes to non-decorative lighting, bars and restaurants are increasingly turning to LEDs in order to save money and reduce maintenance. ”
survey found that “72% of respondents had left a venue earlier than planned because it was too brightly or poorly lit,” whilst “74 % of respondents had stayed longer than planned because the lighting made them feel relaxed and welcome.” When someone enters a venue, they should know within the first few seconds where to go and where to find what – orientation is essential. Light can be used to guide guests around a venue by drawing their attention to different focal points or areas. Focal points are created through contrasts in brightness, often between accent lighting and ambient lighting. Ambient lighting can be used to diffuse surface-directed lighting, it can also make ceilings seem higher or walls wider. Next comes task lighting. These are fittings applied in areas where work needs to be carried out, such as the cash register or the kitchen. Installing a dimmer switch adds an element of flexibility, enabling the brightness of a venue to be adjusted to create different moods. Automated control systems can further aid the process, enabling different settings to be programmed according to the time of the day or year. Guests must always be able to read the menus and see their food and drinks. Getting the colour rendering index (CRI) wrong could mean that the visual impression of food (and drinks) doesn’t reach its full potential, having a strong impact on customer experience. Current trends are seeing a return to traditional approaches. Light sources are now open, with lampshades removed and chords hanging from the ceiling. Retro-feel light bulbs with an exposed filament are very popular, as it is the bulbs themselves that are the design feature. When it comes to nondecorative lighting, bars and restaurants are increasingly turning to LEDs in order to save money and reduce maintenance. The LED Specialist, theledspecialist.co.uk
12 | December 2018
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21/11/2018 16:48
CONTRACT NEWS MARSHALL-TUFFLEX PROVIDES DATA SOLUTION FOR FOOTBALL CLUB’S MEDIA CENTRE Marshall-Tufflex’s Sterling Curve and Sterling XL PVC-U trunking have provided cable management solutions for Swansea City Football Club The club plays in the English Football League Championship and its media centre is regularly used by news and media agencies, such as Sky Sports, for outside broadcasts, interviews and press conferences. The large amount of cabling required to service the centre is now managed via Marshall-Tufflex’s trunking fitted across four media rooms, which form part of the club’s new Fairwood training base. The state-of-the-art facility was built in collaboration with Swansea University at a cost of £10.5 million. Sterling Curve perimeter trunking is a three compartment, data compliant trunking with one or two curved data compartments. It has been designed to stop clutter, prevent dust traps and be easily cleaned. It is also easy and cost effective to install and incorporates a 25mm bend radius that allows it to be manipulated around corners.
TANSUN HEATERS ARE HOLE IN ONE AT GOLF COURSE
Accompanying this, Sterling XL trunking was chosen for its large capacity provided by deep, four-part compartments that can be segregated and added to. The system can be fed from larger trunking systems for increased cable distribution. Both cable management solutions were supplied by Electrical Wholesale Supplies (Swansea) Ltd and designed and installed by EmC Services electrical contractors based in Carmarthen, Wales. Each is suitable for dado and skirting application and has power boxes available to comply with Part M/DDA requirements for visual impairment. They are available in white or charcoal as standard, are compliant up to Cat 7a and include adjustable data boxes that can be screened to help against electromagnetic interference.
Horton Park Golf Club in Epsom has installed Tansun infrared heaters into its driving range area. Following discussions and a site survey, Tansun’s Sorrento single infrared heaters were chosen as the most suitable solution for the range bay. Sixteen Sorrento 2.0kW heaters were fitted and are controlled via localised switches for individual zones, allowing visitors to control the heating in areas only when and where required, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Tom Agnew, assistant manager at Horton Park Golf, commented, “We wanted heaters fitted so the players were always comfortable when practicing at the range. We’ve got 16 Tansun Sorrento heaters installed and although they look small they are very powerful and effective.”
ABB WINS $40 MILLION ORDER FOR ECO-EFFICIENT SUBSTATION IN GERMANY ABB has won an order of around $40 million from German transmission grid operator TransnetBW to upgrade a high-voltage substation in Obermooweiler, in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. As an integral part of the upgrade, ABB will install the world’s first 380-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) which uses an environmentally friendly alternative gas mixture to the industry standard SF6. Substations enable the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. Within the substation, switchgear controls and protects the network from power outages and facilitates reliable electricity supply. Due to its unique physical properties, SF6 gas has been used extensively in the electrical industry for decades. It is however, a greenhouse gas and ABB has been working on alternative solutions. In 2015, ABB successfully commissioned a substation using the AirPlus switchgear technology for a 170-kV GIS substation in Zurich, based on the alternative gas mixture. The new 380-kV Obermooweiler GIS substation is a further milestone. It supports Germany’s targeted reduction of 40% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and up to 95% by 2050. “With more than 30 years of technology partnership between ABB and TransnetBW, we are embarking on yet another innovation milestone,” said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s power grids division. “ABB’s eco-efficient GIS solution will lower environmental impact while strengthening the transmission grid.” “With this project, we are pleased to pave the way for a technical innovation that can make an important contribution to climate protection,” added Dr. Werner Götz, managing director of TransnetBW.
PRYSMIAN TO DEVELOP SINGAPORE POWER GRIDS Prysmian Group has been awarded a contract by the utility SP Power Assets Limited, worth a total of €33 million, for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of two high voltage power cable systems to connect the Rangoon and Paya Lebar substations in Singapore. Prysmian will also supply its monitoring system using the group’s proprietary PRY-CAM technologies. This consists of a PRY-CAM Grids permanent monitoring system – for the automatic acquisition, processing and classification of PD (Partial Discharge) signals and spot temperatures, designed for remote monitoring of three-phase strategic assets. The power transmission system comprises 44 km of HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) underground 2,000mm² 230 kV cables with a seamless corrugated aluminium sheath and related high voltage accessories. Cable and accessories will be supplied by the Chinese subsidiary through its recently opened state-of-the-art factory which offers the APAC utilities market a wide range of high and extra high voltage cable technologies, as well as medium voltage solutions and fire protection cables. The EPCI type contract will highlight the group ability to provide a comprehensive package of services and to deliver a complete cable system solution including installation in a 50m deep tunnel in water-cooled troughs and supply of auxiliary cables (telephone and LV cables), fibre optic cable and DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensor) for distributed temperature sensing of power cables. Delivery and commissioning of this project is scheduled for 2020.
STUDIOTECH HELPS GIVE NEC FACELIFT Studiotech has assisted tensile fabric specialists, Base Structures, with the multimillion pound transformation of the NEC in Birmingham. Included in the transformation was the facelift of the façade. The new design included patterned coloured panels and 37 tensile fabric pyramids, designed by Base Structures. Each translucent pyramid was to be backlit to create a more attractive and engaging environment for all stakeholders. Studiotech assisted Base Structures by providing the detailed design, supply, installation and programming of the feature lighting. Traxon Washer Allegro RGB LED luminaires were chosen to wash behind the pyramids. The completed installation provides a striking addition to the NEC arena, creating a dynamic display at one of the UK’s most popular venues.
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CONTRACT NEWS REGGIANI LIGHTS UP THE HELIOS LOUNGE AT LONDON TELEVISION CENTRE London-based lighting consultant, Pritchard Themis, has designed a bespoke light fitting based on Reggiani’s Yori pendant as part of its new lighting scheme devised for the refurbishment of London’s Television Centre in Wood Lane. The custom-made Yori fittings, suspended within the building’s Grade II listed The Helios lounge, provide the latest in lighting technology in an installation that has been modified to complement and work in unison with the original period design. Almost 200 of Reggiani’s custommade Yori fittings were commissioned by Pritchard Themis for the north lobby
SMITH BROTHERS POWERS NEW COMMUNITY HUB Yorkshire power contractor Smith Brothers has salvaged a local not-for-profit project, after providing charitable domestic supply work for the new Bradley Park community centre. The Elland-based contractor was approached by Friends of Bradley Park to help with the activation of a brand-new community hub, after the relationship with the incumbent provider failed. Smith Brothers provided all labour, cable and equipment free of charge, whilst NPS Group also donated a meter housing. The new community centre will provide a much-needed home for local charities, sports teams and groups, including the Bradley Brownies and Guides. The building will also be used by various youth and afterschool clubs and can be hired for events, meetings and private parties, as well as for use by local sports teams. Smith Brothers delivered technical assistance through cable calculations and cable route design as well as resources and expertise to assemble the power supply. This involved the building of a new plinth to site the metering kiosk, as well as excavation and preparation works to lay 100 metres of 3c95 copper cable. Other electrical works included jointing, installing a single-phase connection, removing the condemned supply and reconnecting a temporary supply to provide power and lighting whilst snagging works were being carried out. Emma Charlesworth, project manager at Smith Brothers explained, “It was a pleasure to be able to help Friends of Bradley Park with the new community centre. Smith Brothers is committed to supporting our local area, and when two of our employees mentioned the struggles Bradley Park had encountered, we were keen to offer our expertise.” The four-strong team, led by senior design engineer Richard Furniss, completed the project in early September, with Northern Powergrid making the final connection live on October 3.
of the building to complement the design of the Grade II listed wooden lattice grid ceiling. In order to achieve the intended final effect, every single pendant had to be suspended at exactly the right height from above the level of the ceiling so that all the luminaires hung perfectly central to the individual wooden ‘diamonds’ of the ceiling. Commenting on the project, Peter Pritchard of Pritchard Themis stated, “We based our redesign on the original Reggiani luminaire with the Yori fitting still retaining all of its high-functioning characteristics but with the addition
of a reflected golden glow from the circular plates. “We also opted for high-specification DALI drivers (with the drivers themselves repositioned outside the fittings to a remote location) to make sure we achieved smooth and reliable dimming. “With so many light fittings in close proximity, it was imperative that the drivers behaved in a correct and stable fashion – and this worked perfectly. The result is a lighting solution that is sympathetic to all the existing features, in keeping with the original period feel of the space and aesthetically very pleasing.”
WIELAND HELPS TRANSFORM 30 GRESHAM STREET INTO HIGH-SPEC OFFICE SPACE Wieland Electric’s Metalynx2 has played an important role in the refurbishment of the high-specification, design-led office space at 30 Gresham Street in the City of London, helping it meet the needs of today’s workplaces. Situated on the south side of Gresham Street and opposite the Guildhall, the 386,000 sqft commercial facility will provide a wellconnected home for the modern, discerning occupier that values sustainability, good design and the wellbeing of its workforce. The building has been refurbished to Grade A specification with the project involving a full strip out and fit out of the existing floors, including an atrium staircase from levels four to eight. Wieland’s Metalynx2 was selected for use in conjunction with lighting controls with Wieland also supplying all the secondary cabling to the luminaires via GST. The Wieland Metalynx2 system has allowed the installers to maximise productivity time on-site and ensure that tight deadlines were met. Workplaces haven’t just become more flexible, they have also become more dynamic, changing in terms of layout and purpose on a more regular basis than used to be the case. Future changes or configurations can easily and quickly be achieved with the Metalynx2 system.
QUEENS CROSS HOUSING ASSOCIATION TO INSTALL 18,000 FIREANGEL ALARMS FireAngel has signed a contract to supply Glasgow-based Queens Cross Housing Association with over 12,000 battery powered smoke and heat alarms. The WST630 smoke alarms and WHT630 heat alarms will be installed in over 3,500 properties across the city centre due to Scottish Government’s pending legislative changes following the Grenfell fire tragedy. Under these changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act, all homes will require sealed long-life battery or mains wired alarms that are interlinked, with one functioning smoke alarm in the room that is frequently used by the occupants in the daytime, one functioning smoke alarm in every circulation space on every floor, such as hallways and landings, and one heat alarm in every kitchen. A carbon monoxide alarm will also need to be fitted in each room with a carbon-fuelled appliance or flue. The Wi-Safe 2 wireless interlink alarms from FireAngel were chosen not only to ensure each property achieves constant compliance through the use of interlinked alarms installed in the kitchen, hallway and living room, but also due to the utilisation of FireAngel’s Thermoptek Multi-Sensor technology. Jim Williams, maintenance manager at Queens Cross Housing Association, said, “We’ve used FireAngel’s carbon monoxide alarms in the past, so we know the quality and durability of the brand well. Following the government’s legislative updates, it’s vital that we ensure we’re providing every single tenant with the highest level of protection, which we can easily achieve with FireAngel’s range of interlinked alarms.” Over an 18-month period, the alarms will be installed by Queens Cross Housing Association’s maintenance team, with FireAngel’s W2-CO-1OX carbon monoxide alarms also being installed in properties where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance or flue present.
AICO ALARM INTERFACE USED IN HIGH-RISK FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Fire safety start-up company Lite4Life has adopted Aico’s Ei414 fire/ carbon monoxide (CO) alarm Interface into its Multiwatch tower block fire safety system and AlightforLife directional wayfinder safety light. The Ei414 is being used to alert these systems in the event of an activation from Aico fire and CO alarms. In the case of AlightforLife, it activates LEDs pointing to the nearest exit. Andy Cunningham, managing director of Lite4Life, selected the Ei414 based on its ability and Aico’s reputation in the marketplace, “It is so much more user-friendly than anything else on the market. We are finding that using the Ei414 to send messages and signals to report on alarm status at the earliest opportunity gives us valuable minutes in the protection of people and property from a potential devastating fire. “The recent Hackitt report for High Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB) recommends that high risk buildings are to be managed and our product, using the Ei414, can provide the solution for many of the points identified by Dame Judith Hackitt. We at Lite4life feel it archaic to rely on a member of the public to notify the fire rescue services, often after the fire has been alight for some time. A fundamental change must be highlighted in the way we can approach fire protection in high rise residential buildings and Aico go a long way in supporting our vision.”
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TRAINING RHYS BONI WINS SKILLELECTRIC GOLD 23-year old Rhys Boni has been crowned 2018 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive two-day practical competition at WorldSkills UK LIVE – the nation’s largest skills and careers event with over 80,000 visitors. Rhys, who trained with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), took top marks over his fellow finalists in a complicated electrical installation task comprising four circuits with various components and equipment The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria, including wiring and connection skills, inspection and testing, and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate within + / - 2mm. Taking second place and a silver medal was Paul Anderson from McGill & Co Ltd, SECTT and Dundee & Angus College. Third place and a bronze medal went to Michael White of JJ Electrical and York College.
All finalists who took part received a two-channel HD CCTV kit from ESP, a professional safe isolation kit from DiLog, an ECIR Codebreakers guide from NAPIT, and a goody bag which included a power bank from Unite the Union. The winning college also received £500 worth of products from Scolmore Group. SkillELECTRIC is organised by NET, in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, and has the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) as its lead sponsor. Speaking after his win, Rhys said: “It’s overwhelming being the gold medal winner, it still hasn’t really sunk in yet. I absolutely love what I do and always strive to put 100% into everything I do, so it was a great achievement to top off my apprenticeship. I would like to thank my college tutors George McGill, Brian Kerr and Dale Clancy, the competition organisers and judges who put the time and effort in to make these competitions happen, and the sponsors, in particular Martyn Walley from Scolmore, as well as Di-Log for providing the prizes and equipment. The
experience was amazing and I would encourage upcoming electrical apprentices to take part in the event if they are given the opportunity.”
JTL BECOMES STONEWALL DIVERSITY CHAMPION
NAPIT TRAINING DELIVERS TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TRAINING IN DUBAI NAPIT’s City & Guilds Accredited Temporary Electrical Systems Programme (NA 7909) was taken overseas to Dubai to train and qualify staff from audio-visual and technical event production company, the Eclipse Group. James Eade, a consultant charted engineer, works alongside NAPIT to design and deliver the programme, and was invited to Dubai to train more than 20 candidates at the Eclipse Headquarters. The Eclipse Group ensure that its crew sw up-to-date with current practices
and are aware of UK legislation. This ensures that all tours and productions heading for the United Arab Emirates follow the best technical and safety standards. Eade represents several trade associations and is the author of the IET Guide to Temporary Power Systems. He said, “It was great to be able to promote UK standards and best practice abroad with the Temporary Electrical Systems Programme – it demonstrates that we are ahead of the game when it comes to temporary electrical system safety.
It was good to work with Eclipse as they are keen to uphold good standards and working practices.” Head of NAPIT training, Michael Collinge, added, “This programme is ideal for those who want to update their skills and ensure their practices are compliant. With the help of James’ knowledge and connections within the industry, our mission is to reach and train more people to ensure that the events and entertainment industry’s electrical safety is of the highest standard across the board.”
JTL, which specialises in the provision of apprenticeships in the electrical and heating and plumbing sectors, has become a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Stonewall will work with JTL and guide the company through an action plan once it has been established exactly the actions JTL needs to undertake to achieve compliance with the Stonewall Diversity Champion programme. Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who had been active in the struggle against Section 28 of the Local Government Act. Its mission is to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone in creating fairness for all. The key priority for Stonewall is to empower individuals, transform institutions who have power and influence to embed an inclusive and accepting culture, and to change the hearts and minds of individuals, communities and businesses. It campaigns and lobbies for changes in the law to ensure LGBTQ people have equal rights. JTL is now one of the largest work-based learning providers in England and Wales. JTL works with approximately 3,000 businesses and trains more apprentices than any other provider in the building services engineering sector. As a registered charity, every penny of any surplus JTL receives gets reinvested for the benefit of the sector’s apprentices and employers. JTL’s equality and diversity officer, Yasmin Damree-Ralph, said, “Equality and diversity is part of everything we do here and this link with Stonewall further cements this in JTL’s DNA. We believe we have embedded much of the right approach to LBGTQ issues in our working processes, but we look forward to making ourselves even more inclusive than we have been to date.”
16 | December 2018
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KEY ISSUE
AVOID DATA DISASTERS As the UK’s data centre market continues to grow, Steve Martin, director of technical at ECA, explains how it’s never been more important to consider fire safety.
D
ata centres are known to be fireprone environments – constant electrical activity in confined spaces between components and servers can quickly lead to overheating and combustion if they are not supplied by an adequate cooling system. As the UK’s digital economy grows, so too will the importance of constant and effective protection of data from the risks of fire damage. Figures show that by 2025, UK-based data centres will be responsible for storing data worth over $135 billion annually. Data, which is sometimes called ‘the crude oil of the 21st century’, is exponentially increasing in value across all sectors. Everyone and everything produces more data, every day. When a fire breaks out in a server room, some stopping methods can exacerbate data loss, rather than mitigate it. The considerations for fire stopping in data centres are therefore somewhat different to those for typical offices or homes. One key difference is, of course, the presence of people – data centres typically see minimal human presence beyond occasional maintenance and installation work. This opens the door to using fire suppression methods involving oxygen reduction or chemical dispersal that would otherwise be dangerous to humans.
Leave it to the specialists
Using these alternatives in an appropriate manner could avert the risks of further data loss and downtime after a fire.
A range of approaches The fire safety industry as a whole seems well-acquainted with the concept of compartmentalisation – that if a fire can be contained within building elements such as floors, doors and ceilings, then people can evacuate a building in safety. Best practice for tackling a fire contained within a room filled with servers and computers, however, is still being established. Several fire stopping methods have been designed by suppliers with data preservation in mind. These include: • Inert gas fire suppression systems: these use Argon or Nitrogen and sometimes a small element of CO2 to displace the oxygen in the server room. The basis of this method is to reduce the oxygen level to below 15% and suppress the fire. However, the system must consider the safety of personnel and keep oxygen levels to above 12%. • Chemical or synthetic gas fire suppression systems: these systems generally use less gas and do not significantly reduce oxygen levels. However, as any synthetic or chemical agent, high doses can be toxic; therefore correct designs are absolutely necessary.
“As the UK’s digital economy grows, so too will the importance of constant and effective protection of data from the risks of fire damage.”
Specifications for fire stopping should also accommodate concepts such as the inherent natural reactions of different materials in different conditions, and the unique challenges presented by the potentially high volumes of noxious gases that can be emitted from burning computer parts, metals and plastics. Substrates need to be sufficiently robust to accommodate the methods of fixing but designers and installers may also need to consider the effects of ambient temperature and humidity. It is for these reasons that fire-stopping overall (not just in data centres), in all but the simplest of cases, should be rightfully seen as a specialist activity, best assigned to specialist service providers. Ideally, a specialist subcontractor should always be involved – at the design, specification, installation and verification stages of construction. As the data centre market grows, those contractors who are ready to provide clients with the right advice, systems and support could be in a position to capitalise on the opportunities this increased demand will create – and build long-lasting relationships with clients seeking better protection for their invaluable data. More information on fire stopping in general can be found in ECA’s Application Guides. ECA, eca.co.uk
18 | December 2018
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Certificate No 338c/02
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PROJECT FOCUS
ENERGY EDUCATION Energys Group explains how it is helping Ormiston and Brooke Weston multi-academy trusts achieve annual energy savings across 12 academies nationwide.
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n June 2017, Energys Group won a competitive tender, worth over £1.7 million, to manufacture, supply and install LED lighting to 12 academies for two academy trusts. The Ormiston Academies Trust and Brooke Weston Trust are sponsors of primary and secondary academies. As educational trusts, their aims are for all young people to have access to the highest academic, social and practical skills required to achieve their full potential, whether going on to study at a leading university or entering the world of work.
Over 15,000 LED light fittings were manufactured, supplied and installed
reduce the trusts’ energy bills, address the challenge of lighting conditions, reduce the environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions from the trusts’ estates and deliver a procurement model, and benchmark data which would allow the project to be replicated by other multiacademy trusts (MAT).
The academies within each trust which were part of the project all had old, inefficient lighting throughout their properties, mainly consisting of T8 fluorescent fittings without lighting controls, and also had poor emergency lighting provision – this needed to be upgraded as part of the scheme to be fully compliant with BS 5266-1. The entire upgrade programme was funded by the Department for Education MAT Loans Pilot Project and was designed to maximise the benefits of new, energyefficient lighting and ensure the academies were fully compliant with emergency lighting regulations.
The opportunity
Collaborative approach
With Brooke Weston and Ormiston Trusts spending over £2.7 million a year on energy, and needing to spend over £1 million on lighting replacement over the next five years, both trusts urgently needed to put in place energy efficiency programmes which would achieve a number of priorities:
Energy saving upgrades in public sector buildings are frequently only achievable with the assistance of government funding. The key funding available for educational establishments is the Salix scheme. In May 2017, the Education and Skills Funding Agency launched a
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PROJECT FOCUS
“The entire upgrade programme was designed to maximise the benefits of new, energyefficient lighting.”
Energys Group was awarded the contract through the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) framework, to manufacture, supply and install over 15,000 LED light fittings due to a mixture of price, technical specification, quality and ability to deliver on a very tight timescale.
Working to terms MAT Loans Pilot project, to analyse whether interlinking MATs could enable collaborative working to achieve longterm benefits for their estates. The project saw EO Consulting bring together the two trusts on a project to investigate the long-term strategic difference this approach had on their estates.
Following the award of the tender, each site had a full lighting survey carried out, and proposals were submitted over a two-week period to the end of June 2017. A full programme of works upgrading the LED lighting commenced in July and was completed by November 2017. Where possible, the work was carried out in the summer break or during out-of-hours in term-time, resulting in no disruption to the operation of the academies.
A range of Energys Group’s new Vision LED panels, linear LED, downlights, wall lights, floodlights, high-bays and street lights were installed. Over 15,000 light fittings were upgraded to LED across the project. The majority of fittings incorporated individual occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors to maximise the potential energy savings. A 10year warranty was provided on all fittings. Massive energy savings across the 12 academies are being delivered, amounting to 1.7 million kWh per annum, and equating to £190,000 per annum savings, based on a rate of a minimum of 10.5p per kWh.
The pilot project demonstrated whether multiacademy trusts could work collaboratively to increase efficiency
Lessons learned The pilot project has provided invaluable lessons for the trusts themselves, EO Consulting and Energys Group across a wide-range of outcomes, including delivering greater energy savings than initially forecast, longer-term warranties, and provided proof that frameworks make the process cost effective, repeatable and scalable. Matt Isherwood, Brooke Weston Trust’s estates director, says, “This is the first project of its kind where two academy trusts have joined forces to submit a joint funding and installation bid, enabling us to get better deals from suppliers as we had more buying power when compared to a single trust. “The project has been so successful that it could be replicated across other multiacademy trusts and we outlined the process, benefits and savings at the Trust Network Conference in April, attended by delegates from more than 100 multi-academy trusts.” Commenting on the project, managing director of Energys Group Kevin Cox adds, “This was a major, multi-site project for us; one with very tight deadlines and exacting specifications in order to fulfil the requirements of the individual academies and those of the funding body. The team did a superb job and many of the lessons learned will stand us in good stead for future multi-site, multi-academy projects.” Energys Group, energysgroup.com
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COMPETITION
WIN £200 SHOPPING VOUCHERS AND DONATE TO THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY Courtesy of
F
or this month’s competition, Timeguard is splitting the prize for a good cause, donating £200 to the Electrical Industries Charity on the winner’s behalf and giving £200 of shopping vouchers for our winner to spend at the winter sales. For over 100 years, the Electrical Industries Charity has been supporting employees, apprentices, pensioners and families. Timeguard is a name you all know for its ranges of LED lighting, PIRs, heating controllers, outdoor power switches and, of course, time controllers. It’s a brand that has earned installers’ trust for quality and support that they can rely on, and it has consistently supplied them with new products that enable them to do a better and more profitable job for their customers.
Timeguard’s new daylight harvesting PIRs This winter has seen the introduction of new PIRs that make it easy for you to provide the benefits of daylight harvesting. The new PIRs can be used as part of a larger DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) bus system, or as a standalone controller to switch lighting automatically in response to outdoor light levels. Combining affordability with Timeguard brand assurance, the new range includes flush and surface mount detectors, with a model specially configured for corridors, a power supply, and a remote control for programming the dimming and switching.
October competition The winner of an Apple watch courtesy of Scolmore is Kelly May of KME.
To be in with a chance to win – as well as supporting an important cause – answer the questions below. 2. What does DALI stand for?
1. Timeguard’s new PIRs make it easy to provide the benefits of what?
a) Digital Addressable Lighting Interface b) Dimming and Lighting Integration c) Digital Automatic Lighting Interface
a) Daylight harvesting b) Daylight savings c) Daylight sunshine
3. Timeguard’s DALI PIRs includes a remote control for programming what? a) Dimming b) Switching c) Both
Closing date All entries must be returned by December 31, 2018. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, please visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the February issue of ECN. * Prize is not exchangeable.
To enter, please complete the form below and fax to 01634 673173, or post to: ECN Competition, All Things Media Ltd, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8UD. Alternatively, you can email your answers and contact details to: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com.
Personal Details
The answers to December’s competition are:
Name.......................................................................................................................................
1.............................................. 2. . .............................................. 3. ................................................. Which of the following areas are you interested in?
Have you previously registered for your free monthly copy of ECN? Yes
No
What is the main activity of your business? 1
Electrical contractor
2
Manufacturer
3 4 5
How many people read your copy of ECN? 1
2-3
4-6
6+
1
Cable management
2
Cabling (including data cabling)
3
Circuit protection & switchgear
4
Commercial vehicles & EV infrastructure
5
Energy management
Wholesale/distribution
Are you a member of any of the following trade bodies/associations?
6
Fire detection & safety
Consultancy
7
HVAC
NICEIC
8
Insurance
Public utilities
1 2
ECA
9
Lighting
6
Facilities management
3
BESA
10
Security
7
Training/qualifications
4
SELECT
11
Smart buildings
8
Trade association
5
NAPIT
12
Software & apps
9
Other (please specify)
6
ELECSA
13
Telecoms/enclosures
7
IET
8
Other
How many full time employees work for your company? 1-5
6-10
21-50
Competition.indd 24
51+
11-20 .
(please specify).
...................................................
14
Test & measurement
15
Tools & workwear
16
UPS & power distribution
17
Wholesalers & distributors
18
Wiring accessories
Job Title................................................................................................................................... Company Name...................................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................ Postcode................................................. Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................ E-mail.....................................................................................................................................
Important Notice For audit purposes we need to update our database. Complete this form stating any changes and make sure you fill in the analysis tick boxes. Please do not forget to sign and date your form to ensure you receive your magazine every month.
Contact Preferences YES, I would like to receive the ECN newsletter YES, I would like to subscribe to ECN magazine YES, I would like to share my data with Timeguard Signature........................................................................ Date.................................................
23/11/2018 11:07
The Starbreaker Arc Fault Detection Device. Always on guard. Accidental cable damage is just one way arc faults can occur. Unseen risks are hard to protect against – but with Starbreaker AFDDs, you’re in safer hands. Incorporating AFD, MCB and RCD technology, they constantly guard against overloads, short circuits, earth leakages and arc faults, satisfying the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations in one clever little device. Quick and easy to install, and compatible with all Starbreaker consumer units via a plug-in busbar system, it also includes two-pole switching for total isolation of faulty circuits, providing protection where it matters most.
EASIER. SAFER. FASTER. Learn more at www.electrium.co.uk/crabtreeAFDD
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23/10/2018 12:40
FEATURE
DIAGNOSTICS & DATA
CAN DATA SAVE LIVES? Mackwell looks at how the correct use of diagnostics and data could make buildings safer.
S
ince the tragic events of June 2017, which saw 72 people lose their lives in the fire that engulfed Grenfell Tower in West London, safety and compliance is now, more than ever before, at the forefront of people’s minds. Although not defined as a public or commercial premise, the 24-storey residential tower block contained many communal areas, such as escape routes, assembly points and walkways which would have required a building risk assessment to help ensure the safety of the occupants and minimise the risk of fire. Amongst other things, the risk assessment would have defined the need for evacuation aids, such as the provision of a fire prevention system, sprinkler system and emergency lighting. In 2005, engineering consultancy Capita Symonds compiled a report into the tower which contained a number of health and safety concerns regarding the emergency lighting system installed
throughout the building. The report stated that the emergency lighting had fallen below the standard required, and that the system was not being properly managed by the appointed responsible person. There was a perceived unwillingness to acknowledge the need for urgent maintenance and repair. The report went on to specifically highlight the essential requirement for adequate emergency lighting to ensure the safe and immediate evacuation of occupants in an emergency situation. Furthermore, the report stated that the building’s occupants were constantly at risk because of the ‘non-functioning emergency lighting’. Grenfell Tower is just one example of a residential building where the emergency lighting of communal areas was deemed as inadequate, yet in this area, it is unfortunately not alone, and this continues to be the case. As recently as 2018, a survey revealed that more than 40% of residential housing estates have the same issue of sub-standard and inadequate emergency lighting systems. This 40%
figure, however, is only representative from actual buildings surveyed and found to have to have non-compliances. In reality the figure is much higher and is estimated to be closer to 80%.
24 | December 2018
Diagnostics & Data – Mackwell.indd 24
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DIAGNOSTICS & DATA
FEATURE
Compliance and emergency lighting There are a number of health and safety and construction directives, together with legislative material, which are published to ensure the health and safety of building occupants. In the area of fire safety, the government’s fire regulatory reform order applies, and it is this order that specifies the need for the initial risk assessment.
The risk assessment Before embarking on the design, a full risk assessment must be undertaken to determine the areas in the building which have a requirement for emergency lighting. This will include escape routes, open areas, and points of emphasis such as the location of essential fire safety equipment and any areas deemed as highrisk. Communal areas within residential properties may only form perhaps 10% of the core area but must still be covered by a full risk assessment, carried out by a qualified, responsible person.
Lux levels and signage An accurate and compliant emergency lighting scheme design, undertaken in-line with the initial risk assessment, and the emergency lighting code of practice, BS 5266-1 and its accompanying standards, BS EN 50172 and EN 1838, will ensure that the areas covered are illuminated correctly and adequately. In many cases however, the risk assessment is not adhered to correctly, partly due to budgetary constraints and unhelpful timescales. As a result, the lighting levels can be compromised as lower quality, inferior fixtures are used, and the number of fixtures as specified is reduced. This can lead to poor uniformity and dark spots. Similarly, a poorly designed escape route with low quality or incorrect exit signage can lead to confusion and ambiguity in an emergency escape period.
Component abuse and end-of-life failure A scheme designed and installed in-line with the risk assessment and the relevant emergency lighting standards will ensure initial compliance. This, however, is just the start. For the emergency lighting to remain compliant throughout its designed lifetime, there are many factors to be considered. The performance of its associated components is heavily dependent on how they are operated and maintained. The rechargeable battery, for instance, is a critical component but it can be highly susceptible to abuse through neglect, exposure to high temperatures and over-cycling. For self-contained emergency lighting applications, the battery must satisfy a four-year design life in-line with BS EN 60598-2-22. It is often the case though that the battery has seen many full cycles in a very short period of time due to mains interruptions and power outages associated with ‘pre-handover’ installation periods. In many cases, the battery is connected and installed sometimes weeks or months before the mains power is applied. In these critical periods, the
“Diagnostics will help to ensure that safety critical systems benefit both in terms of compliance and efficiency whilst helping to keep occupants safe.”
battery may discharge to dangerous levels from which it cannot recover. Some control gears use remote software commands such as inhibition mode and rest mode to prevent unnecessary battery discharge, but this is generally in conjunction with a control system. The battery has a maximum ambient temperature rating of 50°C but often this figure is exceeded as the battery is placed in thermally-unsuitable luminaires during the reengineering process. Exposure to temperatures above the battery’s maximum rating can impact greatly on the lifetime. Another consideration is the maintenance of the emergency lighting fixture. For instance, if placed in a dirty environment, the light source may not be delivering its declared luminous flux, resulting in lower levels of illumination.
Intelligent diagnostics and compliance Taking into account the requirements and challenges mentioned above, it is easy to see how difficult it can become for the appointed responsible person to maintain the compliance of the emergency lighting scheme. They need to keep the logbook upto-date, including logging any changes to building layout, structure and the internal fabric. Reparations, changes to the décor and colour schemes all have an impact on the ongoing compliance of the scheme. Monitoring the health of the battery and control gear manually, without an automatic test system, renders the task almost a full-time role. To take the battery as an example, it is almost impossible to monitor its health whilst ensuring it still operates within its designed parameters throughout its life. Some manufacturers have now started to develop diagnostics through on-board software to monitor battery health. Diagnostics allow the user to interrogate several parameters from the emergency lighting control gear, as it logs and records through its lifetime. The idea is to provide the responsible person with preventative data regarding the ongoing performance of the associated equipment and to highlight any potential problems or drop in performance. One example of diagnostic data collection is the ability for the control gear to monitor and record its own temperature for retrospective and on-going analysis. This can then be used to help maintenance of the battery for instance, as it approaches endof-life, rather than after end of life failure.
Additionally, and perhaps more significantly, diagnostics can be used to monitor and record the number and frequency of emergency switching cycles. From this it can be interpreted whether the components are being operated correctly within their designed parameters. Diagnostics can be used to measure and record the battery voltage, again providing valuable preventative information on battery health and status.
Diagnostics will help to ensure that safety critical systems keep occupants safe
Smarter approach These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance, and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance. In a rapidly changing world where technology is evolving on a daily basis and impacting on our personal lives, it is logical to presume that more intelligent technologies will find their way into public buildings as well. Diagnostics, if used correctly and as intended, will help to ensure that safety critical systems, such as fire prevention and emergency lighting, benefit both in terms of compliance and efficiency whilst helping to keep occupants safe. The Capita Symonds report highlighted the lack of a compliant emergency lighting system in Grenfell Tower in 2005. Whether this situation remained in place up to and during the tragic events of June 2017 is not clear, but what is certain is that a non-compliant emergency lighting system could only have added to the general feeling of panic and disorientation. In short, it would have served as a hindrance rather than help. If we have the opportunity to help maintain the on-going compliance of these buildings and the safety of their occupants by producing intelligent technologies, we should take it. These are just some of the benefits that intelligent emergency control gears can offer through their diagnostic functionality. As developments expand, many more values can be recorded and used to aid more efficient, preventative maintenance and thereby ensure the scheme remains compliant and effective, whilst keeping tighter control of the costs associated with reactive maintenance. Mackwell, mackwell.com
December 2018 | 25
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23/11/2018 11:08
Updated again! We constantly update our website with new products covering interior and exterior areas, commercial, education, industrial and even domestic applications. All Emelux products are available with a next day delivery, meaning they can complete a project even when design and purchase decisions are left until the last minute. Emelux products are tested and selected to provide high quality, competitively priced lighting equipment to comply with the relevant British and European safety standards and are CE marked. Please visit www.emelux.co.uk regularly for new and comprehensive product details, and for sales and for any further information, including photometric details, please contact: sales@emelux.co.uk
Eclipse LED adjustable circular wallwash luminaires
Duo LED dual up and downlight surface luminaires
Discus LED circular luminaires
Pouch Stratos LED square amenity luminaires
Arrow LED batten luminaires
Cirrus LED circular amenity luminaires
Spear LED batten luminaires (continuous system)
Halo Wafer
LOOKING AHEAD Ian Hunter, group commercial director with Scolmore, looks at some of the key issues facing the electrical contracting sector in 2019.
Satellite LED decorative wall luminaires
LED dual up and downlight surface luminaires
COLUMN
LED circular surface and suspended luminaires
Wall mounted LED uplight luminaires
2
019 promises to be a pivotal year, for both the UK as a whole and for the electrical industry in many different ways. Whatever happens with Brexit is outside the control of all of us apart from the politicians and, ironically, a lot of what happens inside the industry is also dependent on the politicians and legislation. A lot of current conversation is based around the emergence of the internet into the supply chain and – whilst relevant – this need not be a bad thing for the professional trade. In fact, it should be just the opposite, with online trading facilities offering the ability to check stock, pricing, technical data and more. from portable devices and whilst on-site. This removes the need for speculative travel to find goods when click and collect ensures a single journey will result in getting everything that you need for the job. The bigger issues facing the installer are a shortage of labour and the continued growth in the sales of electrical products to non-trained users (the general public). Current legislation does nothing to prevent any person
from purchasing electrical products and whilst there is legislation that requires these products to be installed and tested by a qualified electrician, the reality is that this is unenforceable. The impact of this ‘unprofessional market’ is a reduced amount of work for the qualified electrician and this then knocks on into margin, salary, profit and the ability to attract and train apprentices. The industry – as a collective – needs to work better together to put pressure on the relevant bodies to increase and strengthen legislation to protect and support the need for better and safer installations. It is pointless insisting on a piece of cable being BS/ Kitemark approved if the installer is completely unregulated. A highquality product installed incorrectly is a dangerous product. In the aftermath of Grenfell, there has never been a more important time to push for better and more robust regulation of our industry for the good of everyone inside it. Scolmore, scolmore.com
Slice LED feature lighting luminaires
Omega LED circular decorative luminaires
Stave LED batten luminaires
Quattro LED beam/wash surface luminaires
“2019 promises to be a pivotal year, for both the UK as a whole and for the electrical industry in many different ways.”
www.emelux.co.uk the website to watch Column – Scolmore.indd 26
26 | December 2018
23/11/2018 14:23
ANNIVERSARY
OfficialNAPIT
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@OfficialNAPIT
OfficialNAPIT
14/11/2018 10:07
FEATURE
SMART BUILDINGS
BUILDING TOMORROW Thomas Gauthier, CEO of NodOn, outlines the benefits that smart building controls have to offer us both now and in the future.
T
oday, it is more than just a trend to digitalise homes and buildings. Buildings have to answer the comfort and energy savings needs of the end-user, and also permit energy efficiency, home care, flexibility and energy sharing for the owner-operator. To do so, buildings have to communicate with their environment and with the equipment that surrounds it. Buildings are connected with sensors and actuators, which collect data that – once gathered – provide important information about the building’s everyday use and how users are interacting with it, whether it is composed of flats, classrooms or offices. The building then needs a brain, an intelligent software, to smartly operate and make energy efficiency become reality. With complete interoperable architecture, the buildings will respond to end-users and owner-operators’ needs: security, comfort, energy efficiency, etc.
Energy-efficient, flexible and durable
Smart building controls can help increase comfort and energy savings
Smart buildings have to be viable and flexible on the long-term. That is why wireless devices, such as NodOn’s actuators and sensors, are going to be vital. No wires means real flexibility – no construction work is needed, despite the changing needs of a building. Moreover, contrary to common belief, wireless smart devices have no shorter lifespan than wired smart devices.
Smart buildings also have to be energy-efficient, to produce less carbon emissions and limit greenhouse gases. Digital transition in buildings will make this a reality. Today, owner-operators of complete buildings, flats, offices and schools are seeking the same things: reduce energy consumption and save money. To do so, digitalisation is the perfect tool. It helps monitoring, and thanks to smart sensors, knows in real-time which equipment or rooms consume a lot of energy. It is a real aid to understanding how to reach energy efficiency in heating, lighting or water consumption.
“Digitalisation in buildings is going to transform the sector’s way of working and create new opportunities.”
A framework to structure this new market Digitalising buildings means having a framework to support the construction and renovation industries moving forward in the same direction. A framework is needed – like what is already implemented in France, thanks to the Smart Buildings Alliance for Smart Cities (SBA). The Ready2Services (R2S) framework has been created to structure the market for smart homes and smart buildings. This framework allow companies to better place their offers on the market, from the manufacturer of sensors and actuators, to the intelligent solution, going through to the installer or the company creating the network. As an analogy, a smart building can be seen as a human being: with hands and legs (sensors and actuators) but without a brain (software), he can’t run. The smart building is a real ecosystem, and every company has its place and solution to offer, to benefit either the end-user, the owner/ operator or both.
Redefining the sector Today, there is a real interest in this market because digitalisation in buildings is going to transform the sector’s way of working and create new opportunities. If we focus on electricians and integrators, there is a need to adapt their business offering and provide advice to fit the needs of their clients. They will also need to be trained about technology, software, smart devices and how their use can meet the expectations of clients. Training and having an open-mind are a pre-requisite to entering this market. As today the market is still developing, a lot of integrators and companies are looking to be a part of the digital evolution. It is very important to have structure and permit smart buildings to communicate with each other. It is a big step towards creating smart cities.
Permitting interoperability As the market is still evolving, different technologies are being established. This isn’t a problem, because each one has its own advantages, but the main focus needs to be allowing interoperability. Interoperability is a keyword for this market: each sensor or actuator needs to be able to talk to each other. If not, the installer or building manager will lose the ability to add new smart devices, from a different kind of technology, to enhance the building installation with new features. The gateway is equally essential as the technology. Building managers control a complete building, and utilise several gateways which have to communicate with each other to compile and analyse data. The R2S framework puts interoperability at the centre of the digital building. This way, companies using standardised technologies will be able to work with each other, and to be more competitive in the market.
Smart projects already tested and approved Smart building projects are no longer in their test phase. NodOn recently collaborated on a project to equip 10,000 flats in France with NodOn relay switches (already R2S compliant) to control light and roller shutters and it is already a success: more comfort, energy savings for the end-user and the ability to monitor maintenance for building owners. Smart buildings using the R2S framework are perfect to provide more services, such as security (with alarm sensors to detect water or gas leaks, open windows, etc.) or remote device control. The benefits of smart buildings are almost endless, for end-users and building operators. NodOn also runs a project to equip schools in Paris for heating efficiency, helping to regulate the heating within the building. This project serves as a good example that digital transition can be run in any type of building, whether longstanding or new build. Connecting houses, schools, hotels or offices has to be done through a common framework to be viable and to allow energy efficiency in the longterm. Digital transition in buildings has to be structured, with the final goal of answering the issues of the society of today and tomorrow. NodOn, nodon.fr/en
28 | December 2018
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23/11/2018 12:28
MU
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Inspection Lights
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with
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Luceco’s range of new LED Inspection Lights offers tradesmen, installers and quality inspectors a durable LED work light for any workplace. • A powerful and reliable light source • Lightweight and durable design for easy use • Hands-free use, through magnetic bases, clamps and suspension hooks
Rechargeable
www.luceco.com Untitled-2 1
@lucecoplc
@lucecogroup 27/11/2018 14:23
FEATURE
OLED
OLED IT BE TRUE OLED can offer new and interesting design opportunities
Ian Drinkwater, managing director of trade lighting supplier Applelec, explores how OLED technology can enable designers and specifiers to push the boundaries of what can be achieved while enjoying the same energy-efficient benefits as regular LEDs.
O
LED – or organic light-emitting diode – is still a relatively young lighting technology. Although it has not yet been widely adopted for general lighting schemes, specifiers and designers are increasingly looking to OLED to achieve more in terms of innovative design while reaping benefits such as lack of glare and impressive energy efficiency. The technology is probably best known for its use in electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones and handheld gaming devices. Samsung, in particular, has used it widely in mobile phone screens, and in 2017, Apple released its first phone with an OLED screen, the iPhone X. OLED produces an enhanced picture quality and a larger viewing angle of around 160 degrees while responding up to 200 times faster than LCDs, enabling pictures to move faster than ever. In a lighting application, compared with regular LEDs, OLED has been slower to take off despite boasting impressive energy-saving capabilities, with the cost of materials often cited as one hurdle to it being widely adopted for general lighting use. Yet one area where OLED is achieving substantial gains is in design. Flexible, lightweight and cool to the touch, the modules can be incorporated into building facades, panels or even textiles; they can be used with 3D printing techniques to produce stunning centrepieces, or used to shed natural light on museum artefacts.
Breaking down OLED OLED modules make use of light-emitting films composed from hydrocarbon chains, comprising layers of an organic compound, sandwiched between the
cathode and anode and placed on a surface. In comparison, regular LEDs are made up of two electrodes, a cathode and an anode that produce light as soon as power is supplied. This unique design enables OLED modules to emit a soft light, that closely resembles daylight, without increased glare or energy consumption – making the technology perfect for a range of facilities where the benefits of natural light have been acknowledged. Research has found that daylight has a positive effect on health, concentration and productivity and comfort. Therefore, installing advanced OLED technology in facilities such as healthcare centres, hospitals, offices and schools can be extremely beneficial. What’s more, this type of lighting can work wonders in hospitality and retail industries, helping to create a relaxing atmosphere, and display products and interiors in a visually appealing way. OLEDs have even been incorporated into high-end cosmetic counters in order to give clients an accurate representation of how makeup shades appear in daylight.
Opening up new possibilities As they have no backlight, OLEDs can be up to 10 times slimmer than regular LEDs, enabling lighting designers to push the boundaries of what can be achieved. Its slim, lightweight nature makes OLED ideal for use with 3D printing techniques, while it can also be incorporated into furniture or even clothes. Glare- and shadow-free, with far lower blue light levels than non-organic LEDs. People feel comfortable working in OLED light, while it is also suitable for use in museums to illuminate delicate artefacts. In addition, the modules are glare-free and produce no heat, enabling designs to
“As they have no backlight, OLEDs can be up to 10 times slimmer than regular LEDs.”
be touched and moved without the risk of burn. One example of this is Applelec’s Classic Pendant design, a modern take on the traditional lightbulb shape that enjoys freedom of direction, with a 280º tilt and 140º twist function. This combination of decorative aspects and functionality, controlling the direction of light and the choice between direct and indirect light, makes it ideal for a huge range of applications, from retail to restaurants.
Designed to inspire While OLED is still something of an emerging technology, recent advances are helping to write a new chapter, as demand increases for human-centric light that can also be used to create stunning centrepieces. One such example is The Ribbon, created by lighting artist Min Sang Cho. Applelec supplied OLED modules for the installation, which was originally showcased at the 2016 London Design Festival before it was moved to its permanent home in the VIP room of the Genting Highland Casino in Malaysia. The shape emulates a flowing ribbon, celebrating the flexibility and fluidity of OLED. The installation was 3D printed in its basic form and then delicately shaped and finished by hand, with 24-carat gold leaf applied to each piece to heighten the light reflection from the OLED modules. The sculpture is extremely energyefficient with remarkably low power consumption, using a mere 9W per unit. This is largely thanks to the fact that OLEDs have no backlight. Unlike regular LEDs, an OLED doesn’t just block the pixel shutter, but turns it off entirely, meaning it consumes no power when switched off. Applelec, designwitholed.co.uk
30 | December 2018
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27/11/2018 15:28
SPONSORED FEATURE
LOW GLARE FUTURE UK lighting manufacturer Integral LED explains the importance of reducing glare in the workplace, and how its new ‘Advance’ LED panel range offers a solution through a unique guide plate design.
I
n today’s world, the control of glare in the workplace has become an issue of growing importance. In new builds as well as refurbishments, installers are increasingly required to manage visual discomfort, especially within an office environment. Many turn to low UGR (Unified Glare Rating) lighting products to equip interiors against dazzling illumination. However, luminaire-specific claims can prove to be misleading.
Clear guidance The key metric that helps installers and designers to create schemes that avoid the discomfort of poorly controlled light is UGR. It offers a useful indicative rating for glare, based on a prescribed set of circumstances in a room. Sources of glare within a typical field of vision occurring in a lit environment can be numerous, including daylight from windows, wall, ceiling and floor reflectance, as well as artificial light sources. The UGR value is calculated using a complex equation that includes the luminance value
LGP
Integral LED UGR<19 Advance Edge-lit Panel
LED
LED
Regular Edge-lit LED Panel
of the luminaire, the value of background luminance, the solid angle of the luminaire as seen by the viewer, and several other values. Many products that claim to have a low UGR omit the fact that the lighting product alone is not the only determinant of a low glare interior. References made to UGR are held within lighting application guides such as Light Guide 7, published by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), which recommends that office environments do not exceed a UGR of 19. Therefore, UGR remains a function of the installation environment and not the individual luminaire. To correctly assess the level of glare, a comprehensive lighting design is advised. In revealing the features of its new panel, Integral has moved to emphasise the need for clear guidance for customers on the issue of glare. Integral specify all its glare rated products as UGR <19 at 4H/8H and reflectance at 70/50/20 on both visual axis. Only when all the parameters are considered can a truly low glare environment be guaranteed. The specifications of Integral’s Advance panel aim to maximise the possibility of a desirable outcome.
LGP
Prism plate
Regular opal diffuser
51.72°
30.74°
51.72°
Diffuser
Wide Beam Angle
Practical step towards low glare In designing an ideal LED panel for a low glare scheme, Integral has taken an innovative approach to ensure a highly focused beam of light. The fresh approach includes positioning a separate guide plate alongside a TPa-rated polycarbonate diffuser as the primary surface. Effectively this allows for the deployment of two optical elements; a long life PMMA light guide plate and a micro-prism plate to direct illumination from the light source downward and thereby avoiding light spill. The lighting distribution is therefore focused from the customary 110° beam angle to a tighter 92° distribution. The layered arrangement of materials complies with building regulations and allows the panel unit to be positioned anywhere across an office ceiling. “Corporate customers are demanding the provision of low glare work spaces for their staff, as awareness of the effects of optical discomfort grows. We believe that the design of the new Advance panel has been optimised to achieve a low glare result, as part of a well-planned UGR rated lighting scheme,” comments Alex Duggan, senior product manager for Integral LED. Integral has introduced its low glare at a non-premium price. It has even bundled four in a pack to deliver even greater savings at scale. The luminaire is available at 3,000K (warm) and 4,000K (cool) and delivers strong energy performance at 100lm/W. Integral LED, integral-led.com
32 | December 2018
Integral Advertorial.indd 32
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TPa UGR<19 ADVANCE PANEL
LOW-GLARE MICRO PRISMATIC FILM HELPS ACHIEVE UGR<19 IN A LIGHTING DESIGN
EVOFIRE IP65 FIRE RATED
DOWNLIGHT 1mm in’ nd‘ b l e ze l be
MULTI-FIT ADJUSTABLE DOWNLIGHT Fit cut- s 65m out m 205 to mm
200MM
65MM
CANLESS DESIGN ENGINEERED FOR LED
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ADJUSTABLE CUT-OUT AND SURFACE MOUNTABLE
+44 (0) 208 451 8700
integral-LED.com
integralLED
sales@integral-led.com
@integralLED
integral-LED
21/11/2018 16:47
FEATURE
SMART METER CONFERENCE
SMART COMMUNICATION The smart meter roll-out is now in full swing, and since September, next-generation smart meters, SMETS2, have started to be installed, allowing consumers to switch suppliers without changing their meter exchange. To help explain the changes, smart meter workforce provider, Ganymede, and training provider, Logic4training, hosted an event which brought together representatives from across the smart metering landscape. Mark Krull, director for Logic4training, provides an overview.
A
Alex Henighan, director of service operations for Smart DCC
t an individual property level, smart meters are helping homeowners understand their energy usage and make changes that will save them money. More importantly, however, they are providing network providers with information that will improve energy delivery to create a more responsive, cost-effective and eco-friendly power grid. This idea was the opening gambit of our event in October, where Andy Pendlebury, CEO of the RTC Group, which Ganymede is a part of, highlighted smart meters as the first step to ‘smart cities’. As 75% of the population will live in an urban environment by 2050, future energy supply needs to be much more efficient in order to meet growing demand. Smart Metering – Making Your Operations Smart was designed to give the companies at the frontline of smart meter installation access to insights from different factions of the smart meter community, enabling them to better understand the current marketplace and open communication channels. With 30 million homes due to go ‘smart’ by 2020, the rollout is a massive undertaking that relies on joined-up thinking from everyone involved. Speakers on the day covered the breadth of this landscape, from the Gas Safe Register to EDF Energy. The Gas Safe Register leads the charge; an organisation at the frontline of ensuring safety in terms of dual fuel and gas-only meters.
Core skills are key Dean Battley, large business and key accounts manager at the Gas Safe Register, explained the work the GSR has been doing monitoring smart meter installations in order to identify problem areas and gaps in installer knowledge. He stressed that the ways in which industry recruits and trains new smart meter fitters must focus on core skills, such as soldering and flueing. It’s not just down to installers either; consumers should also be educated and take responsibility for their own safety.
Improved communication Next, Alex Henighan, director of service operations for Smart DCC, the organisation licensed by the government to establish and manage the data communications network, connecting smart meters to the business systems of energy suppliers and network operators, stressed the scale of the roll-out and how DCC was improving the way it communicated with the different groups involved. A thousand SMETS2 meters had been installed by May 2018, a figure which is doubling if not trebling month-on-month – with the 100,000 install milestone not too far off. With many different groups involved in this important operation – from technology providers, such as Telefonica, CGI and BT, to utility providers and their installers – clear and accessible communication is essential. Smart DCC has been spending time with installers on the frontline, to understand the challenges they face on a daily basis, and forums have been introduced where those directly involved with management and installation of smart meters can ask questions and discuss their concerns.
“Future energy supply needs to be much more efficient in order to meet growing demand.”
Andy Pendlebury, CEO of the RTC Group
EDF Energy, a staunch supporter of mentoring, was represented by Richard Nicoll and Louise, who explained the crucial role this approach has in ensuring competency and safety, while improving retention and creating a workforce that can hit the ground running. In EDF’s view, the more you put into mentoring, the more you get out of it. Providing a snapshot of its effective smart meter training programme, EDF explained how it combined classroom and on-the-job training. With smart meters so crucial to developing a future-proof National Grid, one that favours renewable energy generation and allows for greater enduser value and control, the event provided a great opportunity to help all parties involved better understand each other. Communication is key to the success of a scheme that promises to change the face of energy delivery and usage in the UK. Logic4training, logic4training.co.uk Ganymede, ganymedesolutions.co.uk
Mentoring essentials Providing a voice from the standard setting side of the smart meter story was Simon Richards from Energy & Utility Skills, the organisation responsible for helping employers in the energy and utilities sector attract, develop and maintain a sustainable, skilled workforce. Logic4training is an approved smart meter training provider under EU Skills. Simon discussed the role of mentoring as a crucial part of ensuring a skilled and experienced workplace, introducing EU Skills’ best-practice guides for mentoring.
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We've Published It - ECN Ad Nov18.indd 1 Untitled-2 1
15/11/2018 09:58 14:53 16/11/2018
SPECIAL FEATURE
UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION
SMART TRANSFORMATION Dr Alex Mardapittas, CEO of Powerstar, provider of smart energy solutions, discusses the crucial role of distribution transformers and how modern, connected solutions are being developed that can change how the technology is perceived by the electrical industry.
T
echnology across the globe is evolving, with electrical equipment becoming more connected, resulting in companies saving energy across a whole range of industries and applications. With fully connected solutions, many businesses are now looking ahead to Industry 4.0, the overarching term for leading-edge technologies that are revolutionising industry – such as Internet of Things (IoT)-ready technology, which is transforming the smart use of energy. However, even with this ongoing transformation, there are some technologies that have been left behind. One such example is distribution transformers, which, to this day, are still
being developed as standalone, offline assets lacking even internet connectivity. This is surprising considering that distribution transformers play a vital role in the high voltage energy infrastructure of facilities across the country. In most instances, a distribution transformer is energised 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when it does not carry a load. This is to ensure buildings receive the correct electricity supply that is safe for use and fit for requirements, meaning that a fault or breakdown could wreak havoc to a business’ operations. With a whole host of connected technology, it poses the question why distribution transformers have not been developed and advanced, to allow them to be compatible or even integrated, with modern technologies.
Transforming the electrical industry When upgrading electrical equipment, the trend is for businesses to specify connected solutions that can be integrated and managed alongside other energy-saving, smart building control systems, so that a holistic and futureproof smart energy solution can be implemented. Until recently, companies have been unable to upgrade their distribution transformer(s) in such a manner, as innovation had not moved with the times and technology, despite the importance of distribution transformers within a company’s critical infrastructure compared with other technologies. Currently, once a distribution transformer is installed, it remains a standalone device, with most companies
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UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION not knowing how the solution is performing. Across most sites, the distribution transformer is often unthought-of aside from the annual manual inspections of gauges and meters. Whilst essential to a transformer’s upkeep, this is inconvenient and ineffective at providing ongoing insights, particularly in today’s era of extensive access to remote systems and detailed reporting. Smart distribution transformers with internet connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities are now available, providing users with the functionality expected from an IoT-ready technology. The remote monitoring functionality of the technology can deliver easy to analyse information to users, displaying manageable top-level statistics that show the state and performance of the distribution transformer. The range of statistics can consist of grid information, conditional performance, and energy efficiency reports and, from the wide range of crucial data available, companies can utilise the data to discover further savings and energy efficiency optimisations to deliver the best return on investment. With a smart transformer, potential issues can be identified sooner and even prior to affecting the electrical supply of a building, alerting or warning selected users via email if there is a problem. The relevant individuals, whether it be the O&M provider or an on-site engineer, can then log in to a protected interface system anywhere with a secure internet connection.
For the more technically minded, reports on oil analysis, voltage, amps, phase to phase metrics, real power, power factor, core temperature, harmonic distortion, system kVA, system kWh and GPS location for larger facilities can all be analysed. By monitoring such aspects, maintenance and electrical engineers can quickly resolve any potential issues – both reducing the downtime of the distribution transformer and the longer-term financial implications involved with solutions that are out of use.
The amorphous asset Alongside increasing connectivity, technology within the core of the transformer is also assisting in lowering electrical consumption. Many distribution transformers are manufactured using cold rolled grain-oriented silicon steel (CRGO) laminations. However, a more effective solution is currently being used by a host of distribution transformer manufacturers that enhances sustainability by lowering the loss of electricity that is passed through the system. One particular technology providing results and delivering low loss electricity is amorphous alloy core distribution transformers. When compared with traditional CRGO ‘rigid’ cores, the flexible atom structure of the amorphous core allows for easy magnetisation and demagnetisation to take place throughout the system. It is this ability to switch magnetisation at a faster rate that delivers
“Smart distribution transformers with internet connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities are now available, providing users with the functionality expected from an IoT-ready technology.”
SPECIAL FEATURE
lower losses to the end-user, improving efficiency across a building and reducing CO2 emissions. The benefits of amorphous core technology are well recognised and have been tested across a number of applications and in some instances, the amorphous core has been proven to deliver up to 75% lower electricity losses when compared directly to the more dated CRGO distribution transformers. The full range of benefits from installing an amorphous core distribution transformer are best demonstrated when it is delivered from concept to completion, bespoke to site requirements. When specified correctly, the technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing site resilience and protecting against issues in the grid supply voltage, such as fluctuations. The integration of voltage management technology with distribution transformers can assist businesses in alleviating unnecessary overvoltage supplied to a site – saving up to 7% in electricity costs per annum. The electrical industry is continually evolving, with energy saving solutions having an impact on the bottom line of companies across a host of sectors. Often overlooked, even though they can be vital to electricity supplies, distribution transformers are slowly advancing to be in line with the market needs – looking towards a smarter future with constant monitoring and evaluation. Powerstar, powerstar.com/solo
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23/11/2018 11:39
SPECIAL FEATURE
CRITICAL DECISIONS Marc Garner, vice president, IT division at Schneider Electric, outlines some key considerations for selecting critical UPS applications.
A
n uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides backup power, should the mains supply to a data centre become disrupted. However, there are a number of design trade-offs and capabilities that must be considered when selecting and installing a UPS for a specific business-critical application. Depending on the size of the electrical load and the amount of downtime, if any, that can be justified, in addition to the expense accrued in maintaining operations, there are several options available to ensure downtime is avoided in any probable situation.
Power considerations In recent years, Lithium-Ion battery technology has enabled the physical footprint of UPS systems to become smaller, whilst prolonging battery life to provide a better total cost ownership (TCO). IoT-enabled sensors built within
these new UPS systems have provided remote management capabilities from a central console, which facilitate greater insights into the system status, providing real-time alerts of potential power loss and any battery failures, so that they can be proactively replaced in a timely fashion. The oldest and simplest UPS systems, often used in conjunction with valveregulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, provide standby devices that switch over to supply battery-based power when the supply from mains is interrupted. When protecting small office or on-premise systems, they would typically provide enough time for the IT components to be shut down so that emergency use of backups could be avoided. For larger installations requiring round-the-clock operation, a larger UPS system might provide a double-conversion procedure: AC (alternating current) power from the mains power, which is converted to DC (direct current) to filter the mains power and charge the UPS battery, whereafter it is reconverted to AC power. During the conversion process
some power is lost, with wear and tear on components potentially shortening the equipment life, should double conversion be in constant operation. Many new UPS systems now have an energy-saving mode of operation, namely economy or eco-mode, which bypasses the filtering stage and connects the mains power directly to the load. Filtering of the mains power is desirable in situations where the supply can be unreliable, but given a reasonably secure and consistent delivery of power, eco-mode provides a resilient level of protection whilst reducing energy costs, in some cases by up to 98%. The latest form of eco-mode found in Schneider Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galaxy VX UPS, for example, is constantly connected to mains power, but stops short of performing full power condition and double conversion when this is not necessary. However, because an inverter is always running, it can provide instantaneous backup power when it is needed. Therefore a modicum of efficiency is sacrificed for the same reliability of backup supply.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Single or three-phase UPS? In the case of most IT systems, the voltage range in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), of the load will determine whether to use a single or three-phase UPS. Generally speaking, loads of 20kVA or less can be accommodated safely with a single-phase UPS; larger loads will need a three-phase model. The next choice will then be between a 3/1 configuration, in which a threephase input is converted to a single-phase output, or a 3/3 configuration in which both input and output are three-phase power. Typically, IT equipment such as servers will make use of single-phase power, whereas large medical equipment such as MRI scanners and heavy-duty factory floor machines will require three-phase power. Determining the size of the UPS also depends on the answers to two questions: how much power and runtime is required by the load? In some cases, only a few minutes of runtime will be needed, especially if the site has a backup generator for use in the event of a lengthy power cut. All that is required of the UPS is that it keeps the load powered until the generator can start up and supply power. In other cases, the UPS should be able to run on battery power for as long as it takes to shut down the IT systems safely without loss of data; 10 minutes being considered a typical safe time. In other instances, such as powering emergency lighting, a runtime of 90 minutes might be considered the standard amount of time required. In terms of the size of the UPS, it is considered best practice to ensure it will not run at maximum system capacity. Typically, a UPS should be sized to run at no more than 60% or 70% of standard capacity with 40% to 50% loading being more common for safety reasons. Depending on the level of protection that is required, and the expense that can be justified, there are five basic UPS configurations to consider.
Capacity or N-design
“In terms of the size of the UPS, it is considered best practice to ensure it will not run at maximum system capacity.”
An N system comprises a single UPS, or set of modular UPS system, whose capacity matches the critical load projection. They are the simplest and most cost-effective design, but have no built-in redundancy, so should the UPS fail while in battery mode, the load is left unprotected. The same will be true during maintenance or while the battery is being replaced.
Isolated redundant A safer option is to use an isolated redundant configuration in which the main or primary UPS module feeds the load in normal circumstances but a secondary or ‘isolation’ UPS feeds the bypass switch. Should the primary UPS fail while in such a configuration, the secondary comes on immediately, providing a resilient backup option to the system. This approach offers built in redundancy but increases operating costs as the secondary UPS is constantly drawing mains power while ordinarily not supporting any load.
Parallel redundant or N+1 design In this configuration, several UPS modules of the same size run in parallel and feed a common output bus. If the power load is such that a single module could fail and yet leave sufficient power capacity from all of the others, it is considered an N+1 design. Connecting modules in parallel allows smaller modules to act as redundant capacity, thereby saving costs. The downside of this approach is that all modules must be of the same design, manufacture and rating. Loads may also be exposed to unprotected power during maintenance if more than one module or its batteries are offline, therefore management software becomes key to ensuring uptime.
Distributed redundant systems In this design, three or more UPS modules each have independent input and output feeds.
Two mains utilities plus a backup generator provide dual-path power supplies to each UPS, which in turn provide power to static transfer switches (STSs). Each STS has two inputs and one output, accepting power from two separate UPSs. Should the primary UPS fail, the secondary switches over in a matter of milliseconds, thus providing power protection at all times. Distributed redundant systems allow for concurrent maintenance and protection whilst minimising single points of failure. However, the extensive switch gear necessary to route all the redundant power paths increases both costs and the complexity of configurations to make load management difficult.
System plus system (2N, 2N+1) A 2N or 2N+1 model is the most reliable design but also the most expensive. Each piece of electrical equipment can fail or be turned off without requiring any critical load to be transferred to utility power. This is because two separate power paths are provided to all critical loads and complete redundancy is assured throughout the installation. Such a configuration is only justified with the largest and most mission critical loads, where zero downtime can be tolerated. Overall, the level of protection that is needed can best be assessed by calculating the cost to a business in terms of downtime. This will vary according to industry and the type of applications running. Most large enterprises of 1,000 employees or more expect downtime to cost $100,000 or £77,265 per hour, although in some vertical industries, such as banking and finance, an hour’s downtime can cost in excess of £3.9 million. Clearly, an accurate assessment of the cost of downtime to your own industry will help determine the level of protection and redundancy you require, enabling you to choose the optimum capacity of UPS and the optimal choice of configuration. Schneider Electric, schneider-electric.co.uk
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SPECIAL FEATURE
UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION
MAINTAINING EFFICIENCY Most modern transformerless UPS systems offer high efficiency, which remains loadindependent down to about 25% capacity. Below this level, however, efficiency can diminish significantly. Alex Emms, operations director at Uninterruptible Power Supplies Ltd., explains how modern UPS systems achieve their high efficiency.
D
ata centres today are being built on very large scales. For example, the Utah Data Center, used by the US military intelligence community, is rated at 65MW, with an estimated storage capacity of up to 12 exabytes (12 billion gigabytes) or possibly more. While few installations reach this size, many are large enough to consume significant amounts of power. This makes their electrical efficiency of critical concern to their owners and operators – not just because of energy costs, but also because their green policies are subjected to intensive scrutiny from government departments, shareholders, employees and customers alike. It follows that UPS efficiency is crucial, as any UPS contributes significantly to the overall data centre load. UPS manufacturers are naturally aware of this, and products such as UPSL’s PowerWAVE 9500DPA provide an online efficiency of up to 96%. This can increase to over 99% in eco-mode. But how are these efficiencies achieved, and how can they be maintained even when the UPS load is reduced? Below, we look at these questions and their answers.
Online double conversion efficiency
“UPS efficiency is crucial, as any UPS contributes significantly to the overall data centre load.”
Early UPS relied on transformers to step up the inverter output voltage. However, advances in power semiconductor technology and improved pulse width modulation (PWM)-based waveform generation allow UPS to use internal DC boost converters. These can provide 700 VDC to the inverter over a fairly wide range of input voltages so no transformer is needed. Accordingly, the UPS industry has generally moved towards transformerless technology, with standalone UPS now available with up to 500 kVA capacity. This design approach brings many advantages, including significantly reduced physical size and weight, enhanced battery life, lower audible noise, lower input current harmonic distortion (THDi) and a higher input current power factor. Above all of these, though, is an improvement in power efficiency; this, as Fig. 1 shows, can reach up to 10%. Note that transformerless UPS efficiency remains steady at around 95% or slightly better over the load range from 25% to full load. Additionally, the reduction in size and weight facilitated by transformerless technology has given rise to modular
UPS topology. This brings several major advantages, and is an entire topic in its own right. One benefit, though, relates to power saving. Modular topology allows UPS capacity to be incrementally configured, using several modules, to closely meet the critical load requirement. This close match – or ‘right sizing’ – eliminates excess capacity, while each module is adequately loaded for best power efficiency.
Eco-mode operation In most data centres, the loads are critical to their mission. They are also highly sensitive to not only mains interruptions, but also aberrations such as spikes, surges and sags. Such sites favour online UPS, because their rectifier and inverter stages are in the power path throughout normal operation, continuously protecting their load from all these threats. However, these stages inevitably incur losses, leading to the 96% UPS efficiency figure previously mentioned. Most organisations will accept this efficiency level to gain the optimum continuous power protection, but a few may decide to use an option called eco-mode. In eco-mode, power is fed directly from the utility mains to the load during normal operation, so removing the rectifier and
Power distribution from the smallest to the largest. ENCLOSURES
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CLIMATE CONTROL
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UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION 98%
inverter inefficiencies. If a mains problem is detected, the critical load is switched to the UPS’s inverter output. While ecomode’s efficiency can reach 99% or more, it exposes the load to any incoming mains problems throughout most of its operational life. Additionally, it relies on the load’s IT equipment power supplies having sufficient capacitance to ‘ride through’ the switch between mains and inverter, and vice versa. Accordingly, although eco-mode is available as an option on many UPS, data centre operators only tend to use it if they are confident in the quality of their mains supply, or if they trust their IT equipment to withstand any problems if they do occur. However, another opportunity exists to improve overall UPS efficiency. UPS, when operating significantly below their full capacity, can perform with reduced efficiency. The PowerWAVE 9500DPA offers an Xtra VFI mode, which mitigates this effect while keeping the UPS in online double conversion mode.
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Xtra VFI is a smart implementation of the ‘right sizing’ process mentioned earlier. It automatically adjusts the 5:22 number of Total.book Page 76 Saturday, September 7, 2013 PM active modules to match the current load requirements. Surplus modules are switched to standby, but remain ready to start up andUPS transfer to active mode Transformerless Systems - Introduction immediately if the load increases. The efficiency improvements achieved by this Improved Efficiency mode of operation are especially significant when the load is below 25° full UPS impact on overall UPS efficiency, Eliminating the transformer hasof a significant system capacity. In addition, Xtra rotates increasing it by around five percent toVFI yield a substantial reduction in heat loss and electricity runningactive costs.and Figure 6.3 shows modules between standby, to typical efficiency Figure 1 curves for transformerless and transformer-based UPS according to output loading. It can be seen that the efficiency improvement applies to the whole load spectrum.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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ensure all modules are available if required. Fig. 2 shows the efficiency improvements that Xtra VFI can achieve at low loads. The figures below provide an example of a PowerWAVE 9500DPA UPS operating in Xtra VFI mode: • Maximum load = 800 kW • Redundancy = N+2 • Two x 500 kW frames (10 x 100 kW) • Load power = 200 kW • No. of active modules = 4 • UPS active capacity = 400 kW • UPS standby capacity = 600 kW The active modules are operating in double conversion mode, and share the load equally. The passive modules are on standby, with the inverter switched off, ready to transfer to active double conversion operation when the load increases. When the system calculates the optimal percentage value for maximum efficiency, it allows for the desired redundancy. The redundancy level for active capacity and the highest expected load step are userconfigurable to guarantee the highest protection quality.
A mains failure or alarm deactivates Xtra VFI automatically, while all modules are switched to ‘active’ status. Modern business and political conditions demand that data centres operate to high levels of energy efficiency, and UPSs must contribute to this target. In this article, we have seen how UPS manufacturers provide the tools to achieve this. Transformerless technology, especially when implemented in modular form, is a major factor. Eco-mode can add further improvements under the right circumstances. Xtra VFI, as a more recent innovation, extends optimised UPS efficiency even to low-load operation, which has traditionally been more challenging for UPS users. Uninterruptible Power Supplies Ltd., upspower.co.uk
References CBR, Top 10 biggest data centres from around the world, https://www.cbronline.com/news/data-centre/top-10-biggest-datacentres-from-around-the-world-4545356
Figure 6.3: UPS Efficiency curve (a.c. to a.c.) Higher Input Power Factor Transformer-based UPS use a phase-controlled input rectifier to provide a regulated dc battery charging voltage and a regulated dc supply to the inverter. The effect of the phase-controlled rectifier is to present a lagging power factor load to the incoming supply, which falls further from unity as the UPS is lightly loaded as a result of the rectifier conduction angle phasing back. It is always advisable to install UPS equipment with an input power factor close to unity since this will reduce the magnitude of the input currents which in turn minimises the size of the cabling and switchgear and, in some instances, reduces the electricity running costs. The transformerless UPS has a free-running rectifier which, coupled with the very high frequency switching characteristics of the dc to dc boost converter, inherently produces an input power factor much closer to unity and less load dependant than the transformer-based UPS. Figure 6.4 shows the comparison between the transformer-based and transformerless input power factors and how they change according to the UPS loading.
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SOFTWARE & SERVICES www.rittal.co.uk
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SPECIAL FEATURE
WARTS AND ALL Scott Lowder, director of product management, power, Middle Atlantic Products, outlines some practical and unexpected reasons for eliminating power transformers from any installation.
T
he term wall wart has a very negative connotation around the world, but they serve a vital purpose: they convert the AC (alternating current) power flowing from the wall into DC (direct current) power that the growing number of today’s digital devices require. 20 years ago, these devices were few and far between, but as more components become digital and shrink in size, an external power supply is a practical solution for powering them. Almost every small device today is DC-powered. Chances are, you probably have more than a few of these around you — USB smartphone charger, streaming player, laptop ‘brick’, AV source equipment, router, small network switch, or anything with a small ‘barrel plug’ —
the list goes on. If it’s digital, networked, or has a battery, it’s likely DC-powered. This has increasing implications, because more and more components that require wall warts are increasing as part of a system design. In the future, imagine that the only AC-powered components in an AV rack will be powered amplifiers, LED walls, and other high-powered electronics. Everything else is going to become digital, smaller and DC-powered. Note that most USB and PoE applications also include external transformers.
Why warts The main reason wall warts are so ubiquitous is convenience. On top of converting power and voltage, power transformers have other benefits. Since the wall wart takes care of all the power
conversion, manufacturers can build the same device and ship it globally. The device itself operates off of a low-voltage DC-powered input and therefore the manufacturer only has to substitute what transformer is in the box to meet country requirements. Wall warts are also very inexpensive to source and eliminate the need for region specific designs. Despite all their bulk and size, they also keep devices compact. Think about it this way: without a wall wart, the AC to DC transformer would need to be inside the product. If manufacturers had to figure out how to stuff the power components inside a smartphone, imagine how much bigger it would be and how impractical it would be to have an AC cable coming out it. From a user perspective, that small footprint is more convenient and necessary, especially for portable and battery-powered applications.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Why not warts Power transformers used to be very inefficient. Even if a device wasn’t on or the transformer was plugged into an outlet but not connected, the transformer might consume the same amount of power as the device would at full operation. This condition is called no-load. In the 90s, experts calculated that external power supplies would account for around 30% of total energy consumption in less than 20 years. In the US, it would take until 2004 to see mandatory efficiency standards put in place to clean up this problem. The first of those standards (CEC level III, legislated by California) introduced a minimum no-load power draw, which basically said that when a product wasn’t drawing power, the wall wart needs to be able to sense that and consume a minimal amount of energy. This early standard also required an efficiency of 85% or better. Current standards have significantly reduced the no-load power consumption and require efficiencies approaching 90%. While those standards certainly reduced the amount of energy consumed by external power adapters, it didn’t solve the considerable design challenges of power transformers, which are now coming to the forefront as more DC-powered devices than ever make their way into low-voltage and AV system applications in residential and commercial environments. First, they take up a tremendous amount of space, blocking other wall outlets or taking up more than one outlet on a power distribution unit or PDU. With ever-shrinking system designs and the growing number of small devices needing to be plugged in, having those outlets out of commission results in a considerable loss of power real estate. They’re also susceptible to falling out. When you have something that’s the size and weight of a baseball, any vibration or movement is going to easily loosen the connection – in countries with very large plugs like the UK, this is literally a larger problem. That’s just one of the many factors that play a part in their unreliability. The other is that there are hundreds of wall wart manufacturers in the world, and component manufacturers will select the most cost-effective transformer for their product. But when you have six or
seven different types of components in an install, that’s potentially six or seven different transformer manufacturers. Each one of those is a potential reliability risk. In addition, because they’re so big, they can block airflow in racks and enclosures and cause failures due to thermal issues.
Working around the warts For all these problems that wall warts have created, there hasn’t been much in the way of solutions. At best, integrators have only been able to minimise these problems. These half-baked attempts have included positioning a shelf at the top of the rack, buying low-cost power strips to plug all the transformers into, and tucking that unsightly beast out of the way. To prevent loose connections on a PDU, it’s not uncommon to see transformers secured with a cable tie or Velcro. However, those are merely workarounds that aren’t best practice for designing an AV system. Integrators want to design and install systems that are nice, neat and orderly. Anything less takes away from the finish, quality, and reliability of the product. And if something fails in that system, they need to be able to quickly access and troubleshoot the source of the problem. With more wall warts arriving onto the scene, it’s only going to be a tighter squeeze.
“Since the wall wart takes care of all the power conversion, manufacturers can build the same device and ship it globally. ”
Finding a better way Creating a true solution has been hampered by a couple things as well. First, there’s no standard on the barrel plug that connects to the DC-powered component. Second, there’s resistance to an alternative since the wall wart is so inexpensive. Third, it would have to guarantee increased reliability. Finally, the largest resistance is removing the transformer and trusting an alternative supply. In the AV industry, many products have a very limited voltage range that they can operate at, so it demands a tailored DCpowered solution that’ll keep that voltage in check. How can installers be assured that the 12V power supply is delivering 12V and not going to fry the device or freeze it with under voltage? That’s a big question
mark and gamble when they’re working with large DC-powered component installations. A solution that will truly support this should first and foremost offer flexible and reliable voltage to meet universal requirements, but not too flexible to permit accidental damage. They should also make it easier to install these systems. This includes thoughtful features like removing the external transformers in a consistent way, colour-coded connectors, and ensuring that each barrel plug has the correct size, voltage and polarity. These features will provide space savings, eliminating all that power clutter and offering visibility to each component. By removing the wall wart from the design, it also increases the power and heat efficiency of systems — even ones requiring higher power capacity, tighter spaces and the capability to support a high volume of connections. In the digital age, the proliferation of DC-powered components is a reality. And as electrical professionals, understanding how to best meet the low-voltage needs of these devices and the systems they’re used in will be paramount to adhering to best practices for widespread safe, efficient, and reliable power. Gone are the days where wall warts were an acceptable standard both in terms of design and power consumption. What’s more, as an increasing number of AV components, networked devices and smart appliances switch to small, DC-powered form factors, users expect that they’ll work reliably every time, and they’ll look to you to make that happen.
Understanding how to best meet the low-voltage needs of DC-powered components and the systems they’re used in will be vital for best practice
Middle Atlantic Products, middleatlantic.com
December 2018 | 43
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23/11/2018 11:50
SPONSORED FEATURE
STEPPING UP
+ Dimensional changes will improve stability
+
Engex explains how its range of fibreglass ladders will help to improve safety and make buying the right ladder much simpler.
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he new British and European BS EN 131 ladder standards will take effect December 31, 2018, after a period of transition since the new standards were released earlier this year. The product standard, which affects all types of portable ladders (step, extending and combination), has been substantially revised. When a European Standard has been agreed and ratified, all CEN member countries are obliged to adopt it as a national standard, and withdraw, or amend, any conflicting national standards. So, the British Standards, BS 2037 and BS 1129 (often referred to as Class 1 and Class 3 ladders) now must be amended to remove conflicting products, which means that certified ladders from these standards will no longer be available after December 31 this year.
New and improved range Engex’s fibreglass ladder range has been improved to meet the latest EN 131 professional standards. Suitable for professional trade use, the range has been independently tested to non-conductive 30,000V rating. The range features integral tool racks, a 150kg load rating, and all of the ladders feature strengthened and deepened nonslip feet. The ladders come complete with ladder tags to clearly communicate that they meet standards and are fit for use. For information on the new BS EN 131 standards, or to find out more about Engex’s compliant fibregless ladder range, get in touch with the team by calling 01253 830 900 or emailing enquiries@engex-uk.co.uk.
EN 131 has new requirements that will improve the safety of ladders
+ Dimensional changes will improve stability
Increased strength test requirements
+ + Dimensional changes will improve stability
Increased strength test requirements
New requirements for ladder durability
+ Increased strength test requirements
New requirements for ladder durability
Engex, engex-uk.co.uk
New requirements for ladder durability
Meeting the standards Product standards do not apply retrospectively, so if your existing ladders are in good condition, there is no requirement to change them just because the standards have been amended. However, manufacturers are in the process of changing over to new designs which meet the revised requirements. After December 31, when you need to replace your existing ladders because they are unfit for further use, or if you need new ladders, then you should buy ladders with third-party product conformity certification to the new standards.
OLD STANDARDS BS 1129 CLASS 3 BS 2037 CLASS 3
BS 1129 CLASS 3 BS 2037 CLASS 3
EN 131
TRADE / INDUSTRIAL
DOMESTIC
INDUSTRIAL
NEW STANDARDS
EN 131
Part codes available: NON-PROFESSIONAL
PROFESSIONAL
FOR DOMESTIC USERS ONLY
INTENDED FOR USE IN A WORKPLACE
150KG
ALL LADDERS NOW HAVE THE SAME MINIMUM CAPACITY OF 150KG
• GX-SL04 • GX-SL05 • GX-SL06 • GX-SL08 • GX-SL10
* BS EN 131 IS THE UK’S VERSION OF EN 131
44 | December 2018
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Modular Lighting Connection
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flex
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F I N D O U T M O R E AT
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Plug-in Switches
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Use with any Euromod fascia
Fits a 32mm aperture
Part M Building Regs.
Extend supply circuit only
Protected Extra Low Voltage
Protected Extra Low Voltage
Easily add extra outlets
RJ11 Connectivity
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Easily add extra controls
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Plug In Control Packs
Extend supply & control circuits.
Plug-in Control Packs Auto-dimming (daylight linking) Manual switching/dimming Emergency luminaire test RJ11 Connectivity Installed in seconds No on-site termination
Extender Leads Luminaire to luminaire (long rows) Isolation point close to luminaire Isolate/remove individual luminaire whilst others remain operational Fewer joints than conventional ‘T’ System No on-site termination
7-Pole Lighting System Standard (on/off) or dimmable luminaires Maintained emergency luminaires Non-maintained emergency luminaires Special luminaires. Also Extract fans (with or without run on) HVAC equipment & AHU Supplies
020 8580 1066 Untitled-3 1
info@flex7.co.uk
www.flex7.co.uk
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flex
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Company 28/08/2018 09:52
SPECIAL FEATURE
TOOLS & WORKWEAR
WOMEN ON THE TOOLS After her own experience with ill-fitting workwear, painter and decorator Annie Bowman decided to design her own, specifically tailored for women on the tools. She talks to ECN about how she developed her range of women’s work trousers – and about teaming up with training provider JTL to offer a live demonstration on real-life apprentices.
A
painter and decorator for over a decade, Annie had been working in Germany before returning to England in December 2016. Having found the workwear available to women uncomfortable while on the job, she had been wearing walking trousers, customising them with rivets in the front, as well as a large pocket, to carry tools. The following January, she had the idea to design workwear trousers specifically tailored for women who would be bending, crouching and active on-site Annie conducted a survey in March 2017 on the ‘Women on the Tools’ Facebook page, and found there was massive amounts of interest – women across the board were finding it difficult to find workwear that fit their bodies comfortably, and were often choosing to wear jeans or trousers instead.
Trial and error After a few attempts with a sewing machine, Annie eventually turned to the expertise of a pattern cutter. Starting with a pair of trousers that Annie found comfortable, they were altered until the right fit was reached. The alterations involved raising the waistline so it was higher up than men’s trousers, ensuring they didn’t gape whenever Annie crouched or bent over. Similarly, the trousers were made wider around the hips and thighs, so they weren’t restrictive when moving. The prototype was trialled throughout 2017 on a variety of women Annie knew working in the trades – a cleaner, a carpenter, a general builder and, of course, in her own job as a painter decorator. After some trial and error, the right fit was found – and Annie’s company, Hoyden’s Workwear, was born.
Annie Bowman, centre in white, trialled out her specially tailored workwear on female JTL apprentices
46 | December 2018
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TOOLS & WORKWEAR
Joined up-approach JTL’s equality and diversity officer Yasmin Damree-Ralph would ultimately see an article about Annie’s efforts on women on the tools and jumped at the chance to collaborate – setting up a photoshoot at the JTL training centre with some of its female apprentices. Yasmin understood that what Annie was trying to do wasn’t just about making better-fitting clothing – it was about encouraging more women into the trades by making them feel accepted and comfortable doing their jobs. “When you leave school, you’re funnelled into different types of jobs, and now it’s worse – teenagers are being funnelled into university… it takes a bit of imagination to think you could be an electrician or plumber,” says Annie. “If women can see themselves in these roles and not have to use their imagination, if they can see women are doing these things, then when they leave school, they see that they don’t have to do the university route and have the three years of debt mounting up. “I’m trying to offer women more choices, it’s as simple as that.” Yasmin at JTL agrees: “This was what JTL had been trying to do – but we’re a training provider. We don’t make clothes, we build people’s futures.” JTL have been working to encourage more women into the industry – and their female apprenticeses talk often about how ill-fitting their clothing is because it’s made for men’s bodies, she says.
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“It’s not just a pair of trousers, it’s about confidence,” says Yasmin. “It’s about women being able to work confidently, it’s about not having to worry about parts of their body showing, being conscious that someone is looking at them. If they’re comfortable with what they’re wearing, they’re going to be comfortable what they’re doing.” Annie adds, “And then we get into health and safety – if it’s not fitting you, it isn’t safe. If you’re five foot nothing and you’re having to roll up your trousers with reflective strips at the bottom, that’s no longer safe.”
All shapes welcome After forming a strategic partnership with Annie, JTL has plans to provide its new female apprentices with a set of the specially tailored workwear. Annie, too, has big plans for the future – extending her workwear line, covering more clothing and more shapes and sizes. For now, she’s urging the importance of properly fitting workwear in bringing more women into the industry: “If companies want to attract women to their business and want them to stay, they need to show women they are invested in them and their welfare – and part of that is investing in the right clothing for them.”
SPECIAL FEATURE
“It’s about women being able to work confidently, it’s about not having to worry about parts of their body showing, being conscious that someone is looking at them.”
Hoydens Workwear, hoydens.co.uk JTL, jtltraining.com
26/11/2018 13:03
SPECIAL FEATURE
TOOLS & WORKWEAR
CUTTING THE CORD Simon Miller, marketing director of HiKOKI Power Tools, explains how the latest power tool technology is enabling electrical contractors get the job done anywhere.
T
he cordless power tool era is here. Today’s power tool users now expect reliable, enduring tools with extended warranties and performance levels, saving valuable time, money and energy. Manufacturers, such as HiKOKI, continue to produce remarkable innovations, improving value and raising performance standards for trade customers. The most startling change has been in the cordless power tool market. 12 months ago, cordless tools represented over 50% of the demand for power tools. We believe this figure has already grown – and will continue to grow. Our own sales figures show year-on-year increases on sales of certain tools, such as cordless circular saws versus their corded versions.
Changing trends We recently conducted market research in the form of opinion exchanges, surveys and investigations into our customers’ needs. Over 250 tradespeople in the UK engaged in a survey examining their use and preference of cordlesss power tools: •8 4% of power tool users would consider going completely cordless •O ver 50% of all respondents have more cordless than corded tools in their toolbox or van •8 2% of professional power tool users turn to cordless tools to ‘get the job done – anywhere’ •O ver 50% of tradespeople prefer cordless power tools because of the added safety they offer – with no cords or mains power on-site •1 3% of professional users had worked on ‘cordless only’ sites, where mainspowered tools just aren’t allowed.
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TOOLS & WORKWEAR New battery technologies, combined with highly efficient brushless motors, are driving this move to cordless. Together they offer more power and durability than ever before, meaning their performance often matches that of their corded counterparts. HiKOKI’s research shows that users feel cordless tools are superior to corded tools as they can take a cordless tool anywhere, are compact and lightweight compared to their corded counterparts and, with no leads to trip on, are safer. We have found that the superior experiences for professional users come from being able to ‘get the job done anywhere’ by using tools that are powerful, durable, and accurate. Once powerful Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology is combined with the benefits of brushless motors in cordless power tool ranges, users get more flexibility and performance out of their tools than ever before. Take first fix nailers, for instance, which now have a performance that matches those traditionally powered by expensive gas canisters.
Safer workplace One interesting statistic from the research is the emergence of the cordless building site. It makes perfect sense, particularly from a health and safety perspective. No more cable trip hazards, no more noisy and cumbersome generators, just portable cordless tools with, in many
cases, the same performance as corded tools. A brushless motor can increase working time by up to 40% when used on those longer high-volume drilling jobs. Handling brushless motors is also easier as the design is more compact and the size and weight is reduced. There is another important advantage to brushless motors – increased operator safety and overload protection. Brushless motors don’t generate the same heat, as there are no carbon brushes and are much harder to overload. They also offer better protection on kick-back control when operating. Some manufacturers such as HiKOKI also have power cut-out technology, which keeps the operator safe too. Cordless innovation will not stop for the foreseeable future, and we believe the percentage of tools carried by tradespeople will continue to be weighted towards cordless. For example, the HiKOKI multi volt BSL36A18 36V battery packs have more power than similar sized 18V battery packs – but dimensions and weight remain almost the same, so the 36V battery packs can be used with a wide range of 18V class devices. Using the UC18YSL3 charger, the 36V battery packs can be fully charged in just 32 minutes. In addition, the battery packs have a particularly long service life: they can be charged up to 1,500 times without any appreciable impact on performance. The energy available in the battery pack is displayed on the battery itself through a
The demand for cordless tools is increasing
SPECIAL FEATURE
four-stage charge indicator. It is this kind of speed, meaning installers will never run out of charge, which is driving our move into the cordless age. So, with cordless power tools matching the performance of their corded counterparts, bringing with it so many advantages and convenience when on-site, ‘the era of cordless has truly begun.’ HiKOKI, hikoki-powertools.co.uk
£7.95
FROM
ex. VAT
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T&W – HiKOKI.indd 49
23/11/2018 11:53
SPECIAL FEATURE
TOOLS & WORKWEAR
HIP TO BE SQUARE Quadsaw explains its history and how it aims to save both time and money for the construction industry.
Q
uadsaw is an attachment to a power drill that uses patented technology to convert rotary motion into linear motion – in four planes at once. It means that perfect square holes for electrical sockets and other boxes can be cut in seconds rather than minutes, saving labour time.
17986-Electrical-Contracting-Nws-159x224-Ad.indd 1 T&W – Quadsaw.indd 50
Quadsaw has built-in spirit levels and the blades can be changed at the push of a button, enabling the user to switch between single and double socket sizes. The first prototype was developed in 2016 and a preorder campaign was launched, attracting customers from across the globe. Improvements to the prototype include greater longevity, and it is also more robust – having been successfully tested in commercial environments. It is also compatible with a wider variety of drills. Inventor and co-founder Michael Sebhatu was born and raised in Eritrea, East Africa, from a family of irrigation farmers, and was exposed to all kinds of engineering at an early age. Looking into the sky one day while working with his father, he asked, “How does that thing fly, it doesn’t have wings like birds?” When his father replied, “Son, if you wanted to know that, you have to study.” Michael knew his career ahead lay in engineering. Michael’s business partner Ean Brown is a self-confessed innovator, both as an entrepreneur and problem solver. Passionate
about design and quality, Ean has assisted in the development of leading brands as a commercial lawyer and has the business skills to navigate commercial issues. Together Ean and Michael co-founded the business; Quadsaw is the company’s first product to market. Quadsaw, quadsaw.com
12/06/2018 10:01 23/11/2018 11:55
CRAIG HASKINS
International Sales Manager (also a keen surfer)
A WINDOW INTO CABLE MANAGEMENT
Craig, Marshall-Tufflex’s resident surfer, is passionate about the environment. For over 20 years we have been producing top-quality cable management solutions using recycled PVC-U from windows – preventing the equivalent of 300 double-decker buses worth of plastic going into landfill every year. That’s why Craig is proud to say that our PVC-U products are Reassuringly Recycled.
JOIN US IN OUR VISION AND FIND OUT MORE AT MARSHALL-TUFFLEX.COM
Untitled-2 1
25/10/2018 10:09
SPECIAL FEATURE
TOOLS & WORKWEAR
GET PROTECTED Mark Lant, technical sales manager at ProGARM, dispels some of the common misconceptions around arc flash, and the potentially fatal risk it can pose.
W
hen it comes to industrial safety, all of us understand the importance of wearing a hard hat, protective gloves or steel toe-capped boots. In fact, most employers wouldn’t dream of letting their teams on-site without adequate protection, and workers themselves are more than clued up when it comes to the latest safety requirements. However, the same can’t be said when it comes to the potentially fatal risk posed by arc flash – a relatively misunderstood, but extremely common type of electrical explosion facing sectors from industrial electrical, to utilities, civil engineering and rail.
What actually is an arc flash? “The extreme temperatures of an arc flash can burn clothing and human skin within fractions of a second.”
Hotter than the sun and louder than a bullet, an arc flash is when an arcing fault releases dangerous levels of radiant energy, which vaporises metal that spews from the arc. The air is super-heated, causing pressure waves that can throw individuals across rooms and create a deadly molten shrapnel. They can be caused by voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes or gaps in insulation, and are a risk even in low-voltage set-ups. It goes without saying; the extreme temperatures of an arc flash can burn clothing and human skin within fractions of a second, even if the operative is situated five or six metres away from the arc flash event. It can also result in an explosive pressure wave that can throw workers across the room, and a sound blast that can rupture eardrums.
An arc flash event is also accompanied by a bright flash which can cause temporary or even permanent blindness. Treatment for those that survive an incident can require years of skin grafts, hospital stays and rehabilitation – they may never recover sufficiently to regain their lifestyle, so it’s safe to say that choosing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is key when it comes to arc flash safety.
‘Outerwear PPE is enough’ The material worn beneath an arc flash protective jacket is just as crucial to protecting from the event as outer clothing. While the outer garments are key components for providing protection, they are not enough to match the risk posed to an operative’s safety and effective base
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TOOLS & WORKWEAR layers are needed to defend against the risk of an arc flash. The flames caused by an arc flash may not actually come into contact with skin through the protective outer layers, but the extreme heat from the event can melt the materials used to manufacture everyday undergarments, including nylon, cotton, and polypropylene. This will inflict burns on an operative and potentially cause non-arc flash protective undergarments to melt into the skin underneath their PPE. When it comes to layering up, it’s important to ensure undergarments are also arc-resistant – including base layer leggings, tops and even underwear.
‘FR provides sufficient protection’ While many might think flame retardant PPE can also provide protection in an arc flash incident, there are in fact separate safety standards for arc flash clothing, which go further than the ones for fire resistance. This means that the level of protection provided by flame retardant clothing does not match that of arc resistant PPE. Arc flash protective clothing is designed to not only protect you from fire, but from the thermal energy generated by an arc flash, which can also cause external and internal burns. In fact, fabric used in arc resistant garments must meet higher tear resistance and tensile strength than those used for fire-resistant clothing.
While the threads used for the structural seams must be fire-resistant, under IEC 61482, arc flash resistant clothing has various standards that separate it from fire-resistant clothing. Each arc-resistant garment must be designed in a way to allow the wearer to quickly remove the item; must always have long sleeves rather than short sleeves; and feature no exposed metal.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Both an arc flash protective jacket and the material worn beneath play an important role in safety
Cal ratings – ‘7+14=21’ While layering arc-rated garments may have benefits, simply totalling the cal ratings to determine their overall level of protection is too simplistic and could result in extremely dangerous working conditions. For instance, wearing an 8 cal outer coverall over a 4 cal polo shirt, wouldn’t necessarily give you a 12 cal system. In fact, it may only be a tiny fraction better than only wearing the 8 cal outerwear. On the other hand, in some instances, layering a 7 cal polo shirt with a 14 cal sweatshirt has been shown to achieve a 31 cal overall result – a much greater level of protection than the 21 cal result you might expect by simply adding the individual ratings together. There are many variables that can affect this, such as the amount of air trapped between the two layers, as well as the tightness of the garments on the wearer. Unfortunately, there are no easy short cuts to working out whether combining garments will result in negligible or substantial
improvements to the overall protection level; this can only be determined by rigorously testing the specific garment combinations as a system. ProGARM, progarm.com
NEXT ISSUE
Circuit Protection & Switchgear
Smart Lighting & Lighting Control
Wiring Accessories
NEXT TIME… In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the January issue of ECN will contain special features relating to circuit protection & switchgear smart lighting & lighting control and wiring accessories. The features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area.
To make sure that you don’t miss this major opportunity to advertise your products to ECN’s 40,000 readers, call Kelly Byne on 01634 673163 / kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
T&W – ProGARM.indd 53
23/11/2018 12:09
SPECIAL FEATURE
TEST & MEASUREMENT
TESTING TIMES As IP CCTV systems continue to grow in popularity, electrical contractors used to working with analogue systems face the challenge of learning new ways to install, test and document CCTV installations and cameras. Dan Payerle Barrera, global product manager for IDEAL Networks, explains what contractors need to test, and how applying proven network testing practices can be of benefit.
T
esting and documentation of low voltage and fibre optic communications cabling has been standard practice since the introduction of multi-function LAN cable certifiers in the early 1990s. LAN cable certifiers perform a variety of tests that ensure the installed systems meet industry standards, and generate detailed reports that serve multiple purposes.
Network technicians and integrators can use test reports to provide assurance to the network owner that their new network infrastructure provides the required performance. Reports can also be submitted to the manufacturer of the cabling system to activate warranty programmes that cover material and labour defects. Furthermore, the reports protect the technician by providing proof of ‘as-built’ performance, meaning call-backs can be billed as service calls instead of free warranty work. However, the concept of documenting CCTV installations is very new. Until recently, test tools that allow professional reporting of CCTV installations did not exist, meaning installers are routinely called back to troubleshoot problems that may be caused by the customer’s network and not the CCTV system. To avoid this, electrical contractors installing IP CCTV must use tools and skills to test, measure and document the system, which may be different than the practices previously used when installing and working with analogue systems.
What to test Virtually all new CCTV systems are digital/ IP, running over Ethernet cabling and have many advantages over analogue/ coaxial systems. However, one particular disadvantage of IP CCTV is that video quality is affected by network performance. Ideally, an IP CCTV system should be on its own network that is separate from an organisation’s business systems network, but in reality, many businesses insist CCTV and business systems run on the same network to reduce costs. As a result, network congestion and bandwidth limitations of the customer’s network may result in poor CCTV performance. Reduced video frame rates can lead to choppy video where moving objects appear to ‘jump’ across the screen, higher video compression can reduce image clarity and cause video to be highly pixelated, and network buffering can result in video which pauses and hesitates, then catches up but hesitates again in a continuous cycle. When any of the above symptoms occur, the client will assume the fault is with the CCTV system itself, and with an analogue system, this may have been the case. However, to establish the cause with an IP CCTV system, electrical contractors will need to troubleshoot
the client’s network as well as looking at whether the CCTV system is being affected by external conditions. Once again, this makes it important for electrical contractors to document the CCTV system using network testing practices before turning it over to the client, so that there is proof that the cameras are performing as expected after installation.
IP CCTV testing tools The equipment used to test and document a CCTV system is different than the cable certifiers that network technicians use. Instead of measuring the characteristics of the cabling, a CCTV test tool is going to capture network and video information to provide the installer with a snapshot of each camera’s configuration. To provide a thorough CCTV test report, electrical contractors need to use an IP CCTV tester to provide the following key data: • Camera IP address – this is the network address of the camera, and whether it is fixed (static) or assigned by the network (dynamic). The IP address is programmed during installation • Network details – this provides the complete network configuration of the camera including gateway, DNS, subnet and other information to ensure the camera is connected to the intended network • Camera MAC address – this is the unique hardware ID of the camera which is often the serial number. The MAC address cannot be changed • Location of the camera – a description of where the camera is installed and what it is aimed at • Screen capture – this shows a picture of what the camera is monitoring. The screen capture is key because it shows the camera’s field of view and that it is properly focused. Reports should allow multiple images to demonstrate both day and night image quality • Video resolution – this data confirms the resolution of the video stream, for example, 1920 x 1080 is full HD. This proves the camera is filming at the resolution required by the client •F rame rate – this shows the number of images captured per second (fps). Most cameras will allow up to 25-30 fps for smooth video. The frame rate can be reduced to lessen the impact on network bandwidth
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TEST & MEASUREMENT • Video CODEC – this is the type of compression used to stream video. Common types are H.264 and MJPG. The CODEC used affects video quality and bandwidth •B andwidth – this information details the average amount of data streaming from the camera at the current video configuration settings, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Bandwidth is a function of resolution, frame rate and CODEC.
Testing to save time and money As well as giving electrical contractors a way to close out a project with test reports, documenting an IP CCTV installation offers other benefits. For example, if a camera needs to be replaced at a later time, the replacement should be configured just like the failed camera to ensure the system can be returned to normal operation as quickly as possible. If a client reports that the camera overlooking the front of the building is down, a technician can be sent to the site with a camera ready to drop in place assuming the necessary information is available on the test report.
At the office, the report for the failed camera can be retrieved and used as a template for the replacement. The report contains the camera brand and model, allowing the correct replacement to be pulled from inventory. While at the office, the new camera can be programmed with the network settings, location, description and video settings that were captured on the original report. A contractor can then take the preconfigured camera to the customer site, swap it out and use the field tester to create a new report. The updated report can be compared to the original to verify that the field of view and video
T H E U K’s L E A D I N G
Calibration Laboratories
SPECIAL FEATURE
setting are the same as the original. Time on-site and labour costs for service calls can be significantly reduced when technicians and service personnel are armed with the information and tools to maximise efficiency.
Beyond documentation Multi-function CCTV testers can save time on-site and labour costs
Documentation is just one function of multi-function CCTV testers that electrical contractors may be able to make use of. They also provide tools to troubleshoot cable and network problems, test PoE (Power over Ethernet), test video monitors and much more. And while IP is here to stay, the installed base of analogue cameras, as well as new HD coax systems, must also be supported. Electrical contractors should select CCTV testers that support IP, analogue and HD coax cameras, plus cable and network troubleshooting, in order to minimise the equipment they need to carry to each job. With the right choice of CCTV tester, electrical contractors can also replace laptops, PoE injectors and other cumbersome devices that are difficult or even dangerous to use while on a ladder or lift. The latest CCTV testers available in the market improve productivity, profitability and safety while also ensuring that electrical contractors can migrate from analogue to network/IP installations easily. IDEAL Networks, idealnetworks.net
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BUYERS’ GUIDE FIRE, SAFETY AND SECURITY PRODUCTS Fire, safety and security products that help deter false fire alarms, prevent theft and minimise damage to building equipment.
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DETECTS THEOF PRESENCE OFCAR A PERSON, CAR OR ANIMAL DETECTS THE PRESENCE A PERSON, OR ANIMAL DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A PERSON, CAR OR ANIMAL Presence detectsin and reportsifinsomeone real-timeloiters if someone loiters Presence detects and reports real-time Presence detects reports real-time someoneor loiters yourhome, customers’ home, atheir carindriveway enters their around your around customers’ a carand enters orif driveway around your home, a car enters their driveway or DETECTS OFyard. Acustomers’ PERSON, CAR OR ANIMAL their pet is in the their pet is inTHE the PRESENCE yard. pet is in the yard.if someone loiters Presence detectstheir and reports in real-time around your customers’ home, a car enters their driveway or their pet is in the yard.
SMART FLOODLIGHT FOR PROTECTION DAY AND NIGHT SMART FLOODLIGHT FOR PROTECTION DAY AND NIGHT SMART FLOODLIGHT FOR PROTECTION AND NIGHT The integrated smart oodlight can be set toorder switchDAY on in order The integrated smart floodlight canflbe set to switch on in
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SIMPLY AS ANLIGHT OUTDOOR LIGHT SIMPLY INSTALLS ASINSTALLS AN OUTDOOR SIMPLY INSTALLS AN OUTDOOR LIGHT Presence simply replaces any existing light fixture. Presence simply replaces any existingAS outdoor lightoutdoor fixture. SIMPLY INSTALLS AS AN OUTDOOR LIGHT Norequired IT Presence skills are required for installation No IT skills are for installation simply replaces any existing outdoor light fixture. Presence simply replaces any existing outdoor light fixture. No IT skills are required for installation No IT skills are required for installation
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Visit www.hamilton-litestat.com Tel: +44 (0)1747 860088 INDUSTRY PARTNER
Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection • Smart Lighting Control & Multi-room Audio
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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY
SLIMLINE MOTOR CONTROLLERS CREATE SPACE IN ENCLOSURES Small drives for machines and equipment are typically powered up to 9A, and are protected by conventional motor circuit breakers. However, when space in the enclosure is limited, it is difficult to find room for significant numbers of protective components. Rittal’s new motor controllers for its RiLine Compact power distribution system offers a sophisticated solution. Until now, the small 125A-max busbar system consisted entirely of shock-hazard-protected boards, which form the basis of the system, along with assembly components and component adapters for the easy set-up of switchgear and protection devices produced by other manufacturers. Rittal’s new motor controllers can be fitted easily onto the board in a one-step installation, to minimise the time and effort spent on wiring. Rittal offers motor controllers in three staggered current ranges: 0.6A, 2.4A and 9A. These combine the functions of direct starter and reversing starter within one single device. Rittal has also produced a 3D configurator that reduces the time required to generate Compact RiLine busbar systems. For further infomation visit rittal.co.uk
SNICKERS WORKWEAR CLIMATE CONTROL UNDERWEAR The Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing uses high-tech breathable fabrics for ventilation and body moisture transport for consistent warmth and comfort. The designs are available in 37.5 ventilating technology, as well as polyester and merino wool to suit different types of work in a variety of cold weather conditions. The FLEXIWork and LITEwork designs and fabrics will keep you warm and dry – so you won’t get cold, wet and shiver. All the garments are made from quick drying, lightweight fabrics that come with special ventilation features to control and regulate the heat from your body. Snickers Workwear Baselayer clothing will give you the kind of warm, dry and fresh working comfort you wouldn’t have thought possible.
NEW BOSCH CONNECTIVITY FLOODLIGHTS FOR PROFESSIONALS Bosch has expanded its Connectivity system with the GLI 18V-1200 C Professional and GLI 18V-2200 C Professional, two new cordless floodlights with 1,200 and 2,200lm. Both tools can be controlled via the Bosch Toolbox app, meaning you can switch on and off, dim the lights, couple multiple floodlights, activate the timer – all with the tap of a finger. Tradespeople can also check the battery’s charging status or PIN the floodlights to control access. Further advantages are a longer runtime and their high IP64 certification for dust and splash protection, meaning they can be operated both indoors and outdoors. The GLI 18V-1200 C Professional and GLI 18V-2200 C Professional are powered by high-powered 18V lithium-ion battery which are part of Bosch’s Flexible Power System, guaranteeing compatability wth all new and existing professional power tools and charges within the same voltage class. For further information visit bosch-professional.co.uk
NEW MERIDIAN LED EMERGENCY FITTINGS BY CED Within the extensive Meridian LED lighting brand is a comprehensive range of emergency fittings. This is now being replaced by an all new range of better value fittings, designed to meet the needs of this highly competitive sector of the market. All the generally recognised emergency fittings are included in the new range. IP65-rated twin spots come with either two 3W or two 7W LED spots, whilst similarly rated bulkheads are available with 3W and 6W power options. IP20 exit boxes and panel lights with 3W of power complete the package of major new products, with panels including wall-, ceilingmounted and chain hanging options. Accessories include alternative signage legends and recess kits. All fittings come with three-hour maintained and non-maintained options. Whilst product quality has been retained across the range, with relevant BSEN standards all met, prices have been set to offer exceptional value for money.
For further information visit snickersworkwear.com
CUSTOMERS REAP REWARDS OF CKI’S QUANTUM Since the innovative Quantum Business Development Programme began in July, many customers have been enjoying the benefits of signing up, after recognising the long-term benefits of working with CKI to grow their hand tools and storage business. Designed to combine all elements of business development in one unique scheme, Quantum continues to be a hit with customers benefiting from new products, range deals, trade price promotion and a customer support package. Two examples of how Quantum is producing new selling opportunities have been taking place at CEF stores in Bournemouth and Stourbridge. In Bournemouth, C.K backing boards made such an impact to their displays that the branch extended their hand tool display from 2m to 6m, to help drive sales of high ticket, high volume and high margin products. At CEF Stourbridge, assistant manager Luke Young who, from selling very few tools at his branch, now cannot keep products on the shelf.
COMPANY SHOWCASE
For further information visit ced-elec.co.uk
TRIDONIC SMARTSWITCH SENSORS DETECT PRESENCE AND AMBIENT LIGHT Tridonic’s compact smartSWITCH HF 5DP f and HF 5DP S f switch sensors have an extra-wide detection range and, as built-in devices, require very little space in the luminaire. The sensors employ microwave technology and switch the light using the respective LED driver when they detect presence and ambient light. With the new smartSWITCH HF 5DP f and HF 5DP S f switch sensors for luminaire fixtures, Tridonic has extended the detection range for presence and ambient light compared with the previous model. The sensitivity of the sensors can now be adjusted from 100 to 10% as required. The switch sensors have a maximum mounting height of 5m but the largest detection range is achieved when the sensors are mounted at a height of 3m. With different housing dimensions (70 x 36.5 x 24.5mm and 58 x 48.5 x 24.5mm), both sensor models are suitable for various luminaires. A mounting frame means the sensors can be mounted directly in the luminaire housing. For further information tridonic.com
For further information visit carlkammerling.com
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COMPANY SHOWCASE
SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY
ERA MAINTAINS TRUSTED SECURED BY DESIGN STATUS ERA has maintained its ‘Secured by Design’ licence accreditation for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to crime prevention in the home. Secured by Design (SBD) is the national police crime prevention initiative which aims to help people live in a safer society and to improve the physical security of homes. As an SBD licensed company, ERA boasts a range of hardware solutions to meet the appropriate security requirements in accordance with the scheme providing peace of mind for homeowners that ERA products are more than fit for purpose. To qualify for SBD accreditation, ERA has to prove that its products are sufficiently robust to resist physical attack by casual and opportunist burglars. The products must be certified by an independent, third party, UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) certification authority. This standard involves initial testing of products, regular re-testing and production of audits to ensure standards are maintained over time as opposed to being tested once only.
SCOLMORE LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PRODUCT FINDER Scolmore has added a brand new ‘product finder’ tool to its website, making it easier than ever for electricians, wholesalers and end-users to search and locate products from across all categories, with just a few clicks. Users select the range they are interested in and browse through every category with ease. They can also search by finish, product type, or even brand, adding products to the basket as they go along. For the electrician, it allows them to create a basket which can then be exported as a CSV file to send to their wholesaler for a quote or a purchase. The electrician can also direct their end-user customers to the site to browse the products and create a wish list of items they will need for a particular project. Every product listed under product finder has a downloadable specification sheet which includes the product code, description, a product image and full technical details. For further information visit scolmore.com
For further information visit eraeverywhere.com
ESP BOOSTS ITS 4 MEGAPIXEL CCTV RANGE ESP has announced more additions to its 4MP range in the form of 4MP Wi-Fi CCTV kits. Marketed under the ESP brand, HDView, the 4MP Wi-Fi CCTV kits are packed with features. 4MP provides a higher density pixel count to achieve improved clarity over 1080p (2MP). The systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed HDviewWF app. The 4MP Wi-Fi CCTV kits include a four-channel network video recorder, premium quality Western Digital hard drive, 4MP HD day/night cameras, system power supplies, mouse and HDMI cable. Hard drive options are 1TB, 2TB or 4TB. There are a number of kit options available, including two or four camera kits, with the cameras in bullet style and offered in a black or white finish. The cameras are also sold separately. For further information visit espuk.com
SPECTRUM GETS THE GREEN LIGHT AT THRUXTON Spectrum RGB downlights from Phoebe LED have provided a versatile solution at the new state-of-the-art hospitality and conference centre at Thruxton Race Circuit in Hampshire. Ringwood Building Services were responsible for installation and project management for the facility, which required an eye-catching lighting design and layout in the public-facing areas. Ringwood worked closely with ElectricBase, Andover, to create a colour-changing lighting scheme using the Phoebe Spectrum LED downlights that can be controlled and dimmed via Android or iOS. The Spectrum 10W downlight consists of a 40° LED spotlight which provides colour temperatures from 2,200K extra warm white to 6,500K daylight, and a 2W colour-changing full spectrum RGB ambient ring light that projects a halo of light around the fitting. The downlight is also available in a tuneable white version where the ambient ring can sync to the same colour as the main spotlight. Both the downlight and ambient ring light can be operated together or independently via Bluetooth. For further information visit cromptonlamps.com
TRIDONIC INTRODUCES NEW CHIP-ON-BOARD LED MODULES Tridonic’s seventh generation of SLE ADV modules have undergone a chip upgrade to provide even greater efficiency, longer lifetime and improved thermal management – all with excellent colour rendering. The modules for spotlights and downlights, are available with light-emitting surfaces of 9 to 15mm (LES 9 to LES 15), with 17 and 21mm variants set to follow soon. The seventh generation of SLE-ADV modules have a 14% greater efficiency, longer life time and improved, intelligent thermal management based on current Chip-on-Board technology. The dimmable modules cover colour temperatures of 2,700, 3,000, 3,500 and 4,000K and they achieve peak values at colour temperatures of 3,000K and 4,000K, with an efficiency of 191 lm/W and CRI > 90. The modules require less power than before to deliver defined lumen values. Depending on the module size, the colour temperature and the current flow, they can achieve a luminous flux of up to 6,180 lm. All modules also offer a high level of colour consistency, which corresponds to MacAdam 3. For further information visit tridonic.com
CONTACTUM INTRODUCES MOULDED WIRING ACCESSORIES, MAYFAIR Contactum has announced its newest made-inthe-UK moulded wiring accessories, Mayfair. This new range of screwless wiring accessories not only adds to Contactum‘s extensive portfolio of over 6,000 products, but also reinforces its commitment to manufacturing in the UK, where Contactum has been a proud British manufacturer since 1936. Contactum’s Mayfair range offers a styling that is aesthetically attractive, and still packs a punch with its versatility. The high quality screwless range offers easy and effortless installation and a modern, but robust finish. Mayfair has a comprehensive range of USB charging solutions, 13A connection units, switches, sockets, dimmers, complemented with data and media outlets. The Mayfair range is ideally positioned to suit project specifiers and contractors with a product that will suit the design of the environment, without the price tag. For further information contactum.co.uk
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What is mental health? Put your hands up if...
Free Mental Health Awareness Training
To us y o just a nu are NOT umber
It is designed to give you: • An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge the stigma • A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues • An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing • Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue
We believe in the importance of health and wellbeing for all our industry members and their families and we are working towards creating a positive culture around mental health. If you are interested in understanding what is mental health? how can we remove the stigma? And how can you help support your friends, family and colleague’s? Then come along to our free mental health awareness training in partnership with Mates In Mind. To register for this training please visit: https://electricalcharity.org/index.php/mentalhealth/mental-health-awareness-training or contact Jess: jess.vailima@electricalcharity.org
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