ECN February 2019 by All Things Media

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MK ELECTRIC MARKS 100TH ANNIVERSARY Founded by Charles Arnold back in 1919, the expert provider of electrical accessories officially marks a full century in business this month. ECN takes a look back through the company’s rich history, and pays tribute to the company’s illustrious past and present. Despite being one of the most established and reputable brands in the electrical industry, not everyone is familiar with MK Electric’s long and rich history. For example, what do the initials MK actually stand for? How have the company’s inventions shaped the electrical industry as we know it today?

Turn to page 12 for full story.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 39 NO. 02 • FEBRUARY 2019

CONTENTS… Regulars 4 Editorial

20 Key Issue

The smart revolution continues to get smarter.

David Enefer, product manager for protective devices at Electrium, reacts to reports that an RCD company is suggesting its customers standardise on one type of RCD.

7 Industry News Jail sentences for directors of a solar panel company, details on why thermal efficiency targets are behind schedule, a look into apprenticeship barriers, and more.

23 Project Focus A new facility opened by City College Plymouth in 2017 boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Here, we look at how Fitzgerald Lighting helped with its modernisation.

12 Cover Story As MK Electric celebrates its 100th anniversary, this month’s cover story features five things you (probably) didn’t know about the company.

18 Training Details of an awards success for JTL, the latest on the Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, and more.

28 Dangerous compatibility Mark Flanagan of Scolmore Group looks at some of the problems associated with inferior quality connector products which don’t meet the required standards.

31 Enclosures and the ‘Ideal’ installation

24 In The Know Aurora Lighting details how and why LED lighting has become the standard in the education sector.

15 Contract News A trunking upgrade for a landmark Brighton hotel, heat recovery systems for a new Cardiff school, modular wiring in London office-space, and more.

Features

Steve Slyne of IDEAL Industries explores the challenges electricians are facing in 2019 and assesses if there might be a simpler solution to enclosure installation.

34 EI Live! Preview

26 Competition

Ahead of EI Live! 2019, ECN previews what visitors can expect – including details of smart products from the world of electrical contracting.

A chance to win a £400 Amazon voucher, courtesy of fire and security specialist WLS.

65 Company Showcase

36 Ask The Expert: KLIK

Sponsored content from around the sector.

Mike Lawrence of Hager answers some of the most commonly asked questions about Klik, the company’s 4 Pin and 7 Pin plug and socket lighting connection system.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Emergency Lighting

Commercial Vehicles & EV Infrastructure

Lillistone of GreenBrook Electrical discusses 38 Giles the role of the contractor and the manufacturer as

the right van can make a huge difference 56 Choosing in productivity levels. With this in mind, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles analyses the importance of selecting the right van for the job.

it relates to emergency lighting specification, and explains what the revision of BS 5266 entails.

an electric vehicle charge-point 59 Installing infrastructure in the workplace can often be costly, so it

Ludyjan LC of Fulham looks at how 41 Jeremy decentralised intelligence in emergency lighting can increase building safety. Technik explores the latest developments in 44 RP wireless emergency light testing, and looks at whether or not it can replace wired testing systems and be truly viable.

Test & Measurement Pakusa of reichelt discusses why it’s essential to 48 Jan choose the right measurement tool for the job and

pays to get installation right first time. Shane Thomas of ICEE Managed Services offers some guidance. year promises to be another year of rapid 62 This change on the UK’s highways. John Watkins of Trakm8 takes us through the key trends.

outlines the many benefits of a digital multimeter. Baker of FLIR Systems explores the 50 Andrew evolution of thermal imaging and assesses some of the most recent testing devices. Electric explains how the 18th Edition 53 Martindale Wiring Regulations and the latest leakage current clamp meters can overcome nuisance RCD tripping.

February 2019 | 3

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EDITORIAL

A SMARTER APPROACH FOR 2019 AND BEYOND

elcome to the February issue of ECN Magazine. I entrust that you have all enjoyed a good start to 2019, and that no major hiccups have occurred with the rollout of the 18th Edition changes. It’s been interesting hearing stories about various (mis)interpretations of the new regulations and advice that has been issued, as – even with the best intentions – some of this has perhaps been a tad misguided. To help navigate your way through this transitional period, we have several features in this month’s edition that tackle these challenges and set the record straight on some of these misconceptions. I had the pleasure of attending several important industry events in January; not least, as a guest at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of ESR’s new Code of Practice for

Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173

Simon Rowley, Editor

the Management of Electrotechnical Care in Social Housing. A document six years in the making, the content was agreed on by some of the industry’s most significant players, and representatives from housing associations present in Westminster seemed particularly pleased to have these official guidance notes in their hands. After a quick, self-guided tour of the majestic palace, I was able to make a quick escape and, fortunately, avoided the Prime Minister’s Questions taking place later that day. Irrespective of the event or venue I attended last month, one theme kept cropping up – the rise of the smart home. Whether it was a look at the latest smart heating controls (during Drayton’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Kensington), or witnessing a live demonstration of some of the most innovative smart lighting solutions (at Lutron’s experience centre), it seems that both commercial and residential buildings are now fully embracing

the ‘smart’ concept. It will be interesting to see just how far this concept continues to evolve as the year progresses. Rather fittingly, next month’s issue contains our special Smart Buildings supplement, which will enable the most innovative companies out there to say – in their own words – exactly what they’re capable of, and what might be on their agendas for 2019 and beyond. If you’d like to be involved, drop us a line by emailing me at simon@allthingsmedialtd.com Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to EI Live! 2019, the smart building trade show run by our sister publication, Essential Install. Back in April for its ninth consecutive year at a brand new location in Farnborough, the show will also include products and exhibitors from the world of electrical contracting. Have a look at our ‘sneak peek’ preview on page 34, and I hope to see many of you there on the day. I hope you enjoy the issue, and I look forward to interacting with you – both in person and online – throughout the month.

EDITOR: SIMON ROWLEY T: 01634 673163 E: simon@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: JORDAN O’BRIEN T: 01634 673163 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

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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 © 2019, All rights reserved Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontilanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YA

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INDUSTRY NEWS ENERGY PRIZE FOR BREATHING BUILDINGS Breathing Buildings, a provider of controlled hybrid ventilation systems, was recently chosen as the recipient of an award at The Energy Awards 2018, which took place at the London Hilton on December 5. Recognising the vital importance of good indoor air quality and thermal comfort in schools, the Cambridge-based company’s new energy efficient NVHR (Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling) hybrid ventilation system was named as the winner of ‘Energy Efficient Product of the Year HVAC&R’. The latest win follows the company’s success at the HVR Awards 2018 in October where its NVHR won the ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category. Both award wins are particularly timely, the company says, since they come shortly after the launch of the new 2018 edition of BB101: Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools.

The 2018 BB101 has added hybrid ventilation as a design solution for schools and focuses on the vital balance of indoor air quality, thermal comfort and efficiency. The NVHR was recognised at both awards for its ability to tackle energy efficiency and environmental issues and to provide excellent indoor air quality in schools and other facilities. Dr Owen Connick, technical director at Breathing Buildings, said, “We are committed to designing solutions to create efficient, healthy and comfortable environments in schools that enable children to benefit from effective teaching and learning spaces. The new BB101 2018 guidance sets more stringent air quality targets, is tougher on summer time overheating, and recommends pre-mixing of incoming air to eliminate cold draughts, all of which are achieved by our new NVHR.” Breathing Buildings, breathingbuildings.com

SMES STILL REELING FROM CARILLION COLLAPSE One year on from Carillion’s collapse in January 2018, business owners are telling Government that not enough has been done to ensure a similar insolvency crisis does not happen again. According to the Official Receiver, Carillion owed a total of £7 billion when it went into administration. A parliamentary committee found that subcontractors and suppliers were owed around £2 billion by Carillion, which they lost as a result of the liquidation. However, supplier businesses who survived losses have been understandably reluctant to share their experiences, for fear of affecting their business prospects. A managing director of an ECA member SME which worked for Carillion, said, “We came as close to going out of business as you possibly can. It wasn’t just the money they owed us, it was the detrimental effect it had on our order book, and letting people go. When Carillion went under, other companies started to hold onto cash longer.” Other business and industry leaders are concerned that the core issues relating to late payment and retentions have still not been addressed. ECA business director, and SME business adviser to the cabinet office Rob Driscoll, commented, “Thousands of SMEs are still feeling the commercial impacts of lost payments and business uncertainty, in addition to those who were wiped out in 2018. Stopping payment abuse at source is critical to UK productivity and growth, and Government should urgently back legislative reform to eliminate the abuse of SMEs.” Rob continued, “ECA is working with Government and the Construction Leadership Council and Government to achieve much-needed reform on cash retentions, to protect the supply chain, and to achieve under 30-day supplier payment.” Political support for the Aldous Bill, which would see cash retentions held in trust and protect suppliers from upstream insolvency, has surged in recent weeks with over 250 cross-party MPs now in favour. ECA, eca.co.uk

Dr Owen Connick (centre) receives Breathing Buildings’ award at The Energy Awards 2018

SOLAR PV COMPANY DIRECTORS JAILED Two directors of a Warrington-based solar panel company have been handed four-year jail sentences for fraudulently deceiving customers and falsely claiming to be NICEIC registered. The two men were each sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court following an investigation by Warrington trading standards. James Thomas Birchall, 36, was found guilty of 12 offences of fraud and money laundering, while Peter Steven Haddley, 32 was found guilty of 19 offences of fraud and theft. Both men denied the offences. The investigation related primarily to Key Energy Solutions of Winwick Street, Warrington that was linked with Future-Energy-UK of Piccadilly, Manchester. Both companies were involved in the sale and supply of solar panels and battery systems for solar panel systems. Victims were enticed into purchasing solar panels with the promise of payments back via the Feed in Tariff. However, customers were never entitled to such payments, because the company was not certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The companies were found to be providing fraudulent contracts using logos they were not entitled to use, issuing fake MCS installation certificates, pressure selling and not refunding deposits legally owed to customers. Kevan Parker, managing director of NICEIC, commented, “The NICEIC name is associated with quality and we will work with the appropriate authorities to protect those contractors who are legitimately registered with us and have the quality of their work assessed on a regular basis. “This latest prosecution is a warning to anyone thinking about using our logo fraudulently, that they will be caught and dealt with appropriately by the courts.” NICEIC urges anyone who is suspicious about using a registered contractor to check his or her details at its website. It contains a full list of all those contractors who are legitimately registered with NICEIC and also a wall of shame which lists firms who have been caught fraudulently using the logo. NICEIC, niceic.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS EV CHARGING POINTS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE As many electrical contractors around the country will know, as a result of a number of new directives, the introduction of the 18th Edition has had a significant impact on the design, manufacture and cost of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points. Kieron Alsop, managing director of Rolec EV, an EV charge point manufacturer, takes up the story, “The recent regulation changes have called for all EV charge points to now include specific levels of DC sensitive protection, as well as a facility to connect the charging point to a TT earthing system. “These regulation changes have resulted in many charge point manufacturers having to entirely redesign the internal layout of their charging points to accommodate the new components required to comply. These changes have also resulted in the majority of EV charging points becoming significantly more expensive, both in unit cost and overall installation cost. “Our approach has been to design a variety of new modular internal components for introduction into our entire EV charging range, including new DC sensitive devices and TT earthing facilities as standard. “This means that contractors installing a Rolec EV charging point will know that the unit itself fully complies with all current regulations, as well as simplifying and keeping their installation costs to a minimum by avoiding the necessity to install expensive DC sensitive RCD protection at source. The modular DC sensitive device can also be fitted to pre-18th Edition EV charging points.” Rolec EV, rolecserv.com

NAPIT WELCOMES HIGH-RISE SAFETY MOVE

TAKING THE ‘RISK’ OUT OF RISK ASSESSMENT SELECT, the electricians’ trade body in Scotland, has introduced a new tool to assist with producing vital risk assessment information and guidance. The organisation has entered into an arrangement with the Building Safety Group (BSG) to provide member companies with online risk assessment software which will also help them to remain compliant with their regulatory obligations. BSG, a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in providing health, safety and environmental advice for the construction industry, currently has more than 800 members. Under the agreement, SELECT member companies will be able to log in to BSG’s system, where they will be able to access more than 70 different types of risk assessment template. Dave Forrester (pictured), head of technical services at SELECT, said, “Conducting regular risk assessments is essential for managing the health, safety and environmental welfare of everyone affected by a business. This includes site operatives, subcontractors, office staff and in-house maintenance teams as well as the general public. “This new alliance with BSG will open up to our members a tried and tested means not only of ensuring workplace and public safety but also of meeting the legal requirements enshrined in health and safety provision.”

NAPIT has welcomed the continued progress made by the government in bringing about safety improvements in high-rise residential buildings, after an implementation plan in response to the Hackitt Review was published. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed that it would ‘take forward all recommendations’ made by Dame Judith Hackitt in her final report, with numerous consultations due in the next year to determine how they will be implemented. NAPIT’s group chief executive, Mike Andrews, said, “We were supportive of many of the elements of the Hackitt Review when it was published in May, including its faith in the self-certification model as a way to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. We are pleased that this response sees no reason to challenge this, and we will engage with any consultations which seek to establish the best way to ensure the competence of those who work in high-rise residential buildings. He continued, “It is clear that electrical safety remains on the agenda as part of the implementation plan, and we look forward to offering our expertise to ensure that such a safety-critical part of a building system is given full consideration. We believe that this period of review is the ideal time to strengthen and improve Part P of the Building Regulations, to clamp down on any unsafe work being carried out by unregistered electricians.” NAPIT, napit.org.uk

THERMAL EFFICIENCY TARGETS BEHIND SCHEDULE Renovate Europe, a political campaign group targeting an 80% reduction in energy use in buildings across Europe by 2050, has reported that the EU are currently behind target, particularly in the domestic sector. There are an estimated 200 million dwellings in the EU that need renovating, it claims, and improved energy conservation measures are also needed. The current rate of renovation is 1% per annum, whereas 3% per annum is required to meet the 2050 target. “Improved insulation and energy efficiency of dwellings makes sense whatever the heating system deployed, since this will reduce emissions and fuel costs regardless of technology,” said Graham Wright, president of the Heat Pump Association (HPA) president. “Although there is an urban myth that heat pumps can only be installed in highly thermally efficient buildings, there can be additional benefits for heat pumps when retrofitted in renovated buildings,” he continued. The additional benefits referred to are that the existing heat emitters may be able to provide the new reduced heat demand at lower than the original design temperature. This optimises heat pump performance, whilst at the same time does not require heat emitters to be upsized by replacement. A further advantage of major renovation is the possibility to choose some of the new low profile wet underfloor heating (UFH) systems. While it is not essential to use UFH with heat pumps, it does mean the occupier may be able to benefit from the increased comfort and reduced running costs that UFH provides when fitted with any heating system. The HPA supports the Renovate Europe campaign to improve the thermal efficiency of all buildings. Renovate Europe, renovate-europe.eu, heatpumps.org.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR PEMSA

APPRENTICESHIP BARRIERS IDENTIFIED A lack of clarity on the benefits and an over-complicated application process have been identified as the key barriers to increasing the number of apprentices taken on by small firms operating in the building and trades industry, new research has revealed. The survey, commissioned by training specialist JTL in partnership with The Enterprise Trust, found that 92% of sole traders have never employed an apprentice. Of those, 47% of respondents working in the building services engineering sector had experience of hiring an apprentice, but only 23% currently employ an apprentice. A lack of clarity around what is involved in employing an apprentice seemed to be the key barrier. There was considerable concern about the complexity of funding, with 15% of respondents citing this as an issue along with concerns about the amount of paperwork involved. The additional information required by small businesses, before they were willing to consider recruiting an apprentice next year, was well defined: 61% wanted the costs and funding clearly explained; 52% wanted to know what support is available to them if they decided to recruit; 33% showed concern around the time commitment involved and needed a clearer understanding of how much time is spent in training ‘off the job’ – in college or a training centre; and 28% of small employers needed to know how long an apprenticeship takes, to help decide if they could commit to the necessary period of time involved in training an apprentice. Employers working in JTL’s key areas of interest (building services engineering sector) appeared to utilise apprentices within their workforce more than other companies that took part in the research.

Cable tray manufacturer Pemsa is celebrating 50 years of experience, knowledge and success within the cable management systems marketplace. Founded in 1969, the company says that it responded to a real need to organise and, above all, facilitate the future maintenance of electrical installations by designing, manufacturing and supplying quality solutions for installers. The solutions need to be quick and easy to install, and they also combine with a customer service offering that includes effective support, large stock availability, and a speedy response to any enquiries or technical questions. During these 50 years, the company has developed and launched a wide range of products to satisfy each of the installation’s demands. Pemsa’s offering now includes many new products, such as Rejiband Rapide Wire Mesh Tray, with a very fast connection system; Pemsaband Cable Tray, in both pre-galvanised and hot dip galvanised finishes; and Rejiband Black C8, with a high resistance protection for aggressive environments. All of these products are based on the requirements demanded from the UK market, the company reports. Pemsa, pemsa.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS MOVERS & SHAKERS… Cable management specialist HellermannTyton UK has appointed Ric Kynnersley as its new managing director. With over 30 years’ experience with the business, Ric will now oversee manufacturing, logistics, finance and operations. In addition, he will remain in charge of the responsibilities covered by his previous role as commercial director. His predecessor, Tim Evans, has now taken on a new role as director of HellermannTyton’s global operations. Mechanical and electrical building services provider J S Wright has taken on Andrew Jay as its new senior electrical estimator. He will work with the company’s national design and estimating director Andrew Smith in costing the electrical element of M&E work projects across the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. Newbury Electronics has appointed John Rowley as its new managing director. The role was previously held by Philip King, who now becomes chairman. John brings with him nearly 20 years’ experience in the electronics sector. He holds technical expertise within the electronics manufacturing and automation sector, having overseen the development and subsequent manufacture of thousands of electronic devices. UK lighting provider Contrac Lighting has appointed Mel Collins as its new commercial director. Mel has been at Contrac since 1998 and has moved up through the company ranks to reach her new position. The company stated that her service to the company, knowledge of the industry and her work in securing and managing some of Contrac’s most prestigious contracts made Mel an ‘obvious choice’ for the role.

ECA HIGHLIGHTS KEY 18TH EDITION CHANGES The 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, which were first introduced in July 2018, officially came into full effect on January 1. The ECA said that the new publication is essential for all electrotechnical designers and installers, with changes varying from simple rewordings to some complete regulation overhauls. The regulations – also known as BS 7671 – are not retrospective, and installations designed after December 31, 2018 are to comply with BS 7671:2018. ECA is recommending that installations are kept up-to-date by carrying out regular maintenance inspections alongside periodic testing of electrical systems, to highlight any potential failings and areas of improvement. Some of the key changes to be aware of in the 18th Edition include: •T he requirements on SPD (surge protection device) consideration and usage have been revised •T here are new requirements for AFDDs (arc fault detection devices) •R equirements for cabling support and fixings have changed •M ore emphasis has been placed on protective devices being selected properly and working together in a system here have been some changes applying to work within special locations •T •T here is a new appendix on energy efficiency Gary Parker, ECA senior technical engineer, comments, “The way we design, install and use installations is rapidly evolving with new technologies, shifts in end-user behaviour, and lessons learned from previous editions of the book. The 18th Edition ensures that UK technicians stay ahead of the curve and continue to design, install and maintain electrical installations to a world-class standard.” To highlight the key changes in the 18th Edition, ECA held 15 free member-only #Project18 Roadshows across much of the UK, and members who attended received a free copy of the new Wiring Regulations book. A series of free tools and guidance is also available to members including an SPD calculator, bitesize videos, technical guides, discounted training, and free editable certificates. ECA, eca.co.uk

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COVER STORY

FIVE THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MK ELECTRIC… In honour of the company’s 100th birthday on February 10, 2019, Emma Segelov, EMEA marketing operations manager, reveals five interesting facts about the company.

Charles Arnold, the company’s founder

Assembly workers in Southend, photographed in 1965

1. The company is named after its first product

2. There have been many ‘firsts’

The iconic ‘MK’ symbol embossed on a front plate is a familiar sight for anyone in the industry. But few people know that MK stands for Multy Kontact, after the name of company founder Charles Arnold’s foremost invention. MK Electric was originally established as The Heavy Current Electric Accessories Company in February 1919. At this time, most available sockets were split pin-style sockets that were primarily made from thick gauge slotted brass tubes, offering practically no flexibility. Plug pins were split to allow compression, but poorly made small pins would often produce a loose fit and poor contact. Large pins, on the other hand, needed too much force to insert and remove them. According to the original patent filed in April 1919, the Multy Kontact socket was comprised of “numerous flexible spring tongues which actually grip the pin in much the same manner as the legs of two caterpillars on opposite sides of a flower stem.” Flowery language aside, the Multy Kontact was safer and easier to use than anything else on the market at that time. As a result, the British Engineering Standards Association (BESA) revised its standards in line with the levels of self-adjustment and contact-making that the Multy Kontact established. Other manufacturers were forced to update their products to meet the stricter requirements.

The Multy Kontact socket was not MK Electric’s, or even Charles Arnold’s, only pioneering invention. In 1928, Charles Arnold invented the first shuttered socket, described as ‘anti-flash’ and billed as ‘another revolution in socket design.’ It featured automatic isolating caps which concealed and isolated the socket tubes the instant a plug was removed, eliminating the alarming arc of a flame which invariably accompanied plug withdrawal. This set a new standard for electrical safety and formed the basis of the British Standard electrical system as we know it today. The launch of Logic Plus in 1996 saw MK Electric set the standard yet again with its unique and patented 3-pin, child-resistant shutter system. MK Electric hasn’t just led the way with product development. In 1982, it established the UK electrical industry’s first technical services helpline, providing a lifeline for electrical contractors who need help on-site. A few years later, it was one of the first companies in the UK to achieve BS5750 accreditation for its quality assurance systems at every site.

4. …but also a British manufacturer By the 1960s, MK Electric had outgrown its original premises, meaning Charles Arnold had to source a more suitable location for manufacturing. The Southend-on-Sea factory opened in 1961, and despite some initial teething problems. Unusual for this industry, the company continues to manufacture products for the UK and some overseas markets at the very same site in Southend-on-Sea, which boasts an independently accredited test lab, and a second location in St Asaph, North Wales. In fact, 80% of what is sold in the UK is manufactured at one of these two sites*, and in 2014 the company celebrated the production of the 100 millionth socket at its Southend facility.

5. It has award-winning apprentices

3. It’s part of a global organisation… MK Electric was acquired by Honeywell in 2005, a Fortune 100 company with $40.5 billion turnover. Honeywell invents and manufactures technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, security, productivity and global urbanisation. Its solutions enhance the quality of life of people around the globe and create new markets and even new industries. As part of Honeywell’s global operation, MK Electric can draw upon a wealth of technologies to help develop the best products and solutions. This global perspective also means that MK Electric has access to the latest ideas and manufacturing advancements from around the world to drive the development of stateof-the-art, cost-effective products.

Thomas Hunt, one of MK Electric's most successful apprentices

MK Electric runs apprenticeship schemes at both its St. Asaph and Southend-onSea sites, with the aim of creating highly skilled labour to safeguard the future of the business. After all, a skilled workforce is indispensable and will help carry MK Electric through the next 100 years of operations. Most recently, MK Electric had two apprentices (Tim Mann and Thomas Hunt) shortlisted for BEAMA’s Young Manufacturers Award. Thomas went on to be crowned the 2018 winner of the competition, which is testament to the incredible head start that a high-quality apprenticeship can give a young person’s career, as well as the value of companies investing in such schemes. Employing the best talent has not only helped MK Electric to reach a centenary, but also ensured its continued innovation. It’s crucial that the industry works together to preserve its workforce by ensuring these skills are passed down to the next generation. *based on 2017 sales figures

MK Electric, mkelectric.co.uk

12 | February 2019

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22/01/2019 14:58

We really hate interruptions. But we quickly wanted to inform you of our new name. Uninterruptible Power Supplies is becoming Kohler Uninterruptible Power.

WHY THE CHANGE? It is a decade since we joined Kohler Co., one of the largest privately held companies in the US, and nearly 100 years since they first stepped into power products. And with our solutions now spanning UPS, generators and emergency lighting inverters, plus class-leading 24/7 service, it is simply time our name reflected who we are and all we do today.

190115 UPSL-kohler ECN 244x340mm rebrand ad A4.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

kohler-ups.co.uk

24/01/2019 25/01/2019 09:27 09:47

CONTRACT NEWS MAKING LIGHT WORK OF FACADE ILLUMINATION acdc has supplied a variety of luminaires for the illumination of the facade and grounds of the new Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh. Part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ scheme, the school is a brand new building that offers more space and facilities for the pupils and teaching staff. The state-of-the-art building replaces the current structure, providing increased sports facilities and featuring the first roof-top pitch in Scotland, which helps to make the most of a compact inner-city site. Other features include a multi-functional atrium and classrooms with quick access to collaborative break-out spaces. Working closely with both the client and Ken Gunn from Buro Happold, who specified acdc for the project, 40 IGLU linear, LED wall wash luminaires were chosen for the facade of the new building. IGLU is a compact fitting that provides an even, continuous and powerful output with excellent colour rendition, making it ideal for bringing facades to life. Available in lengths of 400mm, 800mm and 1200mm, the IP67 rated IGLU has three tilt options – 0, 5 and 10 degrees – and a micro louvre that minimises glare and shields LEDs from view for aesthetics. For this school, the fittings have been installed end to end for a continuous wall wash effect. acdc oversaw the lighting project from the initial concept stage, luminaire specification and final commissioning of all the fittings used on the £35 million new build project. acdc, acdclighting.co.uk

CREATING A WELCOMING WORK SPACE Dimplex electric panel heaters have proved the ideal solution for The Listening Post C.I.C., a not for profit community interest company offering counselling services, which needed to create a warm, comfortable environment at its Laindon Centre facility in Basildon, Essex. Before opening its doors, the communityled project enlisted help from local companies to transform the formerly derelict retail unit. However, a major issued remained. Alison Cunningham MBACP, counsellor and director, The Listening Post C.I.C., said, “We found that there was no heating within the premises. This meant that in the mornings, you couldn’t run a session because clients were either tense or distracted because they were so cold. We needed something that wasn’t going to cost thousands to buy and run, and that would not take up too much of the room.” Having reviewed the layout of its Laindon Centre facility, Dimplex’s heating applications design department recommended installing four of the latest PLX150E electric panel heaters. One in the main reception/workshop area, and one in each of the three counselling rooms. The PLX150E is a smart, efficient electric panel heater with a space-saving slim line design, louvered grille and neutral white paint colour, making an attractive addition to the rooms. Along with a powerful 1.5kW heat output, more than enough to quickly warm The Listening Post’s rooms, the PLXEs offer open window detection and adaptive-start functionality, highly accurate electronic thermostat and a range of timer and continuous heat modes, all easily managed from the touch sensitive control panel. Dimplex, dimplex.co.uk

GRAND TRUNKING UPGRADE FOR BRIGHTON HOTEL An aggressive coastal location coupled with conservation regulations were key challenges for contractors tasked with installing a new air conditioning system at Brighton’s historic Grand hotel. Ultimately, it was decided that Marshall-Tufflex’s Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) cable management system fit the bill perfectly thanks to its corrosion-resistance, long-lasting durability and a heritage sensitive ‘sand colour’ that complemented the building’s Victorian facade. More than 320 metres of perforated GRP tray with standard covers was installed on the rear of the seafront hotel to hold air conditioning pipes and cables to service all 201 bedrooms. This ambitious project was part of an ongoing multimillion pound investment programme following the Grand’s sale to independent owners in 2014. Paul Smith, of air conditioning contractor Airtemp explains why GRP cable containment was the ideal solution. He told ECN, “We could not use metal due to the hotel’s position on the seafront, so the GRP provided a robust and saline-resistant solution. The sandy colour of the MarshallTufflex product also fitted perfectly with the back of the building and was recommended by planners. “This was the first time we had used GRP trays, but we modified the product to make it fit nicely and are pleased with the result. The system is of a very good quality and highly robust”. Marshall Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

MODULAR WIRING IN THE CITY OF LONDON Wieland Electric’s Metalynx2 modular wiring has played an key role in the refurbishment of 160 Aldersgate in the City of London, which is the new HQ of global law firm DLA Piper. The eight-floor building has been refurbished into a high specification ‘hybrid open plan’ working space which includes the installation of advanced building controls, including QR code access systems with the scheme targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. For these refurbishments, the office space has been designed to provide everything that is needed for the modernday tenant, Wieland said, including the flexibility to customise everything and upgrade fixtures in the future, making Metalynx2 ideal as the system can be adapted to suit any new power or lighting configuration. 160 Aldersgate consists of 193,000 ft2 across eight floors, and includes a restaurant, gym, office space, internal meeting rooms and other collaboration spaces. The Cat B fit out was completed by mechanical and electrical contractor Phoenix ME, which specified Wieland to feed the lighting control modules and fan coil units in the main floor areas. Metalynx2 was selected for this project as the system is quick and simple to install, allowing contractors to keep to tight deadlines. The system offers flexibility, and thus the layout can be changed as and when required. Wieland Electric, wieland-electric.com

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CONTRACT NEWS HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS FOR NEW CARDIFF SCHOOL Nuaire’s XBC range of Heat Recovery Units have been installed into the new Eastern High School in Cardiff. The school, which has 1,200 students and staff, consists of 59 classrooms, open teaching spaces, dining areas, a gym and an activity studio. Over £26 million has been invested into the project, and a high level of wellbeing has been designed into the building, including a focus on indoor air quality as a means of improving the students’ ability to concentrate, as well as the standard at which teachers can perform. A major objective throughout all stages of the project was ensuring a high level of energy efficiency. Graham Carr of McCann & Partners, the consultancy managing the project, explained, “The school utilises a ‘traffic light’ type natural ventilation system with enhanced single-sided ventilation in classrooms. Where natural ventilation could not be provided, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was specified using Nuaire XBC units.” To meet strict SFP energy requirements, a nonstandard, larger sized XBC unit was specified for the project. McCann & Partners was able to make use of Nuaire’s BIM Level 2 library and collection of Revit families to accurately alter designs and devise a solution to the

FIREANGEL PARTNERS WITH SCOTTISH HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS

FireAngel, fireangel.co.uk

Engineering, responsible for all M&E work, to commission each fan separately, reducing overall power consumption and allowing for various plug-and-play Ecosmart controls and sensors to be installed. Nuaire, nuaire.co.uk

ARLINGTON ENERGY CONTRACT FOR SMITH BROTHERS Yorkshire power contractor Smith Brothers has been appointed by Arlington Infrastructure to act as the preferred EPC provider for its forthcoming 1GW UK portfolio of energy storage and gas peaker projects. Smith Brothers has been given the go-ahead on the first two projects, totalling 60MW, with construction currently underway. Arlington made waves in the UK energy industry recently by announcing that it had secured an initial £200 million funding line for the portfolio – the largest financing of its kind in the UK. Having worked collaboratively with the clean energy investment group on the project development for the past year, electrical engineering firm Smith Brothers will lead the engineering, procurement and construction elements of the portfolio, with sites ranging from 5-50MW. David Ogden, commercial director at Smith Brothers, said, “Firstly, congratulations to Arlington for securing such a significant investment – it’s a huge win for the sector. There is no doubt that storage, flexible gas assets and renewables are playing an ever-increasing role within the energy landscape. “The Smith Brothers team has worked closely with Arlington to move the portfolio forward over the past year, and we are delighted that our technical expertise enables us to support them during this exciting new phase of growth.” With work already in progress, the sites will be developed over the next three years, with the first aiming for completion by the end of quarter three of 2019.

LANCASHIRE GETS URBAN LIGHTING MAKEOVER

Smith Brothers, smithbrothersltd.co.uk Image courtesy of Hazel Capital

Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm supplier FireAngel has secured three partnerships with high-profile housing associations in Scotland, providing alarms to over 17,000 properties across the country. Following the Scottish Government’s pending legislative changes, Queens Cross Housing Association and Caledonia Housing Association have chosen FireAngel’s range of alarms through the Scottish Procurement For Housing (PFH) scheme, and River Clyde Housing Association has also selected FireAngel to help meet these new regulations. Under changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act following the Grenfell fire tragedy, 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. It will also require 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. A combination of the FireAngel Specification range of mains powered alarms and Wi-Safe 2 battery powered alarms have been chosen to give greater flexibility to ensure each property achieves constant compliance through the use of interlinked alarms installed in the kitchen, hallways, landings and living room, but also due to the utilisation of FireAngel’s unique remote monitoring platform FireAngel Connect. Working closely with the housing associations and their technical teams, the alarms will be installed throughout 2019.

site’s space restrictions. From this, McCann & Partners coordinated with other building services to ensure the heat recovery system would be the right size and layout for the space available on site. Nuaire’s XBC units, and its various other fan units, were fitted with Ecosmart Classic Control. This allowed CMB

Thorn ZG Lighting’s CiviTEQ, FleXity and R2L2 road lanterns have been included in an extensive installation and replacement programme throughout Lancashire on schemes that range from small residential cul-de-sacs to major dual carriageway traffic routes. The project, undertaken by Lancashire County Council, has addressed the issue of high energy costs by replacing the existing HID, SOX and SON Luminaires with Thorn’s highly efficient LED luminaires. This has resulted in reduced maintenance and has created a distinctive urban lighting design. Thorn LED fittings have been used on newbuild installations in the county, but the bulk of the project has involved replacing old, existing fittings. Thorn’s CiviTEQ is a cost-effective LED road lighting solution suitable for projects that require the best balance between cost of ownership and performance, and the luminaire is fitted with an R-PEC optic to bring safe and efficient light to residential streets and high traffic roads. Described by Thorn as ‘modern, discreet and versatile’, FleXity is a post top LED lantern that can offer a fast return on investment for city space and amenity lighting, with a 100,000-hour, maintenance-free life and low cost of ownership. Finally, R2L2 is an LED road lantern that features a true universal mounting arrangement and an unobtrusive style complementary to a wide range of road lighting applications. Thorn Lighting, thornlighting.com

16 | February 2019

Contract News.indd 16

25/01/2019 13:21

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TRAINING NORTECH SESSIONS FOR ‘REAL WORLD’ ISSUES Nortech, a people and vehicle access control specialist, has developed a series of technical training courses that have been specially designed to make sure that installers and system integrators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot the company’s systems. Led by experienced technical experts, Nortech’s courses – which take place at the company’s training facility in South Wales – combine hands-on practice with theoretical sessions covering realworld security issues. Nortech offers a range of in-depth training in access control, readers and ID devices, and longrange identification, ideal for those with sound knowledge and experience in people and vehicle access systems. The courses are: The Nortech products overview; access control; long range identification; vehicle detection and parking; and readers and ID devices installation. Training is free to all existing account customers. In addition, every participant will receive a comprehensive pack of product specifications, application notes and a certificate of completion. Nortech nortechcontrol.com

AWARDS SUCCESS FOR JTL Apprenticeship training organisation JTL had a particularly successful night at the recent Asian Apprenticeship Awards. At the ceremony, held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the organisation was awarded the Learning Provider of the Year Award for 2018 and one of its apprentices – Shabeeb Mohammed from Rotherham – won Apprentice of the Year in the Construction sector. Shabeeb, a plumbing apprentice, works for Fortem in Yorkshire. JTL tells ECN that it has been highly influential in increasing the numbers of apprentices joining the electrical and heating and plumbing industries from the black, Asian and minority ethnic sectors. For a number of years, it has run an ambassador programme to encourage apprentices from under-represented communities to enter the apprenticeship field, with the more-than 30 young ambassadors participating in activities to encourage others from their communities to consider applying for apprenticeships through JTL into the building services sector. JTL, jtltraining.com JTL’s Jon Graham with the Asian Apprenticeship Award

HAMILTON JOINS IN ‘MEET THE LECTURER’ EVENTS

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE CONTEST HEATS UP Following the announcement last September of the 2019 NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition, the organisers have revealed that over 650 students have now entered. The contest, which is taking place for the fourth year running, measures the technical skills of electrical students across the UK and enables them the opportunity to prove their knowledge and abilities. Stage one of the contest closed at Christmas and, as this month’s issue of ECN went to print, the judges were working their way through the entries to determine who goes through to the next phase. Stage one was an online, multiple choice quiz of 40 questions. The second stage will see the top 20% of the contestants take part in a written, 90-minute exam that will be held at several locations across the UK and will be marked by industry experts Darren Staniforth, Jake Green and Tony Cable. The top eight students will then take part in in the grand final on June 4, 2019 at the headquarters of the competition’s partner, The Scolmore Group. The top three prize winners will receive holiday vouchers, whilst the eight finalists will each get an iPad and goody bags. Every college that enters 20 or more students into the competition will qualify for a ‘College Pack’ from Scolmore, featuring 25 double sockets, 25 switches, 25 6in pendants and 25 batten holders. The college that produces the eventual winner will also receive £1,000 worth of Scolmore products. The employer of the winning apprentice will also receive a year’s free registration with NICEIC and ELECSA, whilst the college that produces the eventual winner will also receive an additional £1,000 worth of Scolmore products. NICEIC, niceic.com, ELECSA, elecsa.co.uk

Continuing its ongoing initiative to support the next generation of professional electricians with training and education, Hamilton Litestat has confirmed its 2019 partnership with SPARKS and participation in three regional SPARKS events. Hamilton has been presenting its range of smart lighting and audio control solutions to college staff as part of the ‘Meet the Lecturer’ event programme, which provides an opportunity to engage with those teaching young apprentices their trade. Having already participated at two events in January – held at Petroc College in Devon, and Gower College in Swansea – Hamilton will next present at West Herts College in Kings Langley on February 21. The events assist Hamilton in its efforts to minimise the industry skills gap and further develop its relationship with key colleges, particularly those close to its headquarters in Bristol. Hamilton already has an existing relationship with West Herts College, having donated smart lighting and audio control demonstration units to support training and education on smart controls at the college. The sessions are being run by Hamilton’s newly-appointed business development manager – smart homes, Justin Whitham. He comments, “We’re very much looking forward to the opportunity of engaging with college lecturers and updating them on our latest smart solutions. “By continuing our educational work around smart controls and by creating brand ambassadors in college lecturers, we are passing on key information about smart controls and our products to the next generation of electrical installers. We’re very keen to increase our presence in colleges and to provide training materials that will educate and promote the growth of smart controls.” Hamilton Litestat, hamilton-litestat.com

18 | February 2019

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25/01/2019 10:45

KEY ISSUE

RCDs – DON’T TAKE THE RISK!

Wylex’s miniature RCBO seeks to offer an increased level of safety

Following the publication of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, David Enefer, product manager for protective devices at Electrium, reacts to reports that one RCD company is now suggesting its customers standardise on one type of RCD.

eople talking about RCDs and the 18th Edition is, most of the time, a good thing – but occasionally, it’s a dangerous thing. At Electrium, we have been hearing reports that one RCD company is encouraging its customers to standardise on one type of RCD. However, this type of advice doesn’t actually follow the requirements within the wiring regulations, and it may prevent designers from carrying out proper electrical design assessments. Even worse, it could lead to the use of inappropriate devices that are not suitable for the intended purpose, which is a frightening thought. So, what do the regulations actually say about types of RCD?

Types of RCD – Chapter 53 Selection and Erection of Equipment Regulation 531.3.3, for example, is new to the regulations book – but the principle of this regulation is not new at all. For example, regulation 132.8 (in the 17th and 18th editions) requires protective devices to operate at values of current, voltage and time that are suitably related to the characteristic of the circuits and possibilities of danger. Four types of RCD are mentioned in regulation 531.3.3, which also requires the appropriate RCD to be selected from those four options – Type AC, Type A, Type F, or Type B. Each RCD type has different operating characteristics to suit particular applications, including those where DC components and varying frequencies are present. The requirements here are clearly stated. Designers and installers must select and specify the correct device for each circuit or item of equipment being protected, and that choice must be made through a proper technical assessment.

However, Regulation 531.3.3 is only part of the story: • 30mA RCDs are used for additional protection (415.1) • For general purposes, Type AC RCDs may be used (531.3.3) • For EV chargers, Type A or B are required (722.531.2) • In some medical locations, Type A or B are required, depending on fault currents (710.411.3.2.1) • Installations in caravans require RCDs to break all live poles including the neutral (721.415.1) There are many elements to consider in order to select the appropriate type of RCD, and so failing to factor in all of the relevant circumstances and guidance from within BS7671 into a design assessment is very risky. Putting this into perspective, the term RCD is used within the wiring regulations more than 250 times, and the definition of RCD includes RCCB, RCBO, CBR and MRCD. Clearly, it’s essential to understand the full picture before making device selections.

Avoiding unwanted tripping – Chapter 53 Selection and Erection of Equipment Regulation 531.3.2 is another ‘new’ regulation that is intended to aid designers make better design decisions. This supports the principles of Regulation 314.1 (in the 17th and 18th editions) which requires every installation to be divided into the number of circuits required to avoid danger and hazards caused by unwanted tripping of RCDs – a single fault should not cause the loss of power to groups of circuits. Regulation 531.3.2 gives designers two options to use to avoid unwanted tripping of RCDs from earth leakage (PE current) during normal operation.

“There are many elements to consider in order to select the appropriate type of RCD, and so failing to factor in all of the relevant circumstances and guidance from within BS7671 into a design assessment is very risky.”

Option 1 Divide the installation into individual circuits, each using its own 30mA RCBO. Option 2 Design the installation so that the PE current cannot be more than 30% of the rated trip current, i.e. no more than 9mA for a 30mA RCD. But how easy is that to achieve? Individual RCBOs provide a solution that also complies with Regulation 314.1 to avoid danger and hazards caused by unwanted tripping of RCDs. A single fault should not cause the loss of power to groups of circuits. The safety of the people within buildings can only be ensured when power continuity is maintained to healthy circuits by the initial design. Electrium, electrium.co.uk

20 | February 2019

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PROJECT FOCUS

CITY COLLEGE IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN A new facility opened by City College Plymouth in 2017 boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities, and in this month’s project focus, we look how a major contribution from Fitzgerald Lighting has helped with this modernisation.

F Fitzgerald Lighting’s luminaires were used across the STEM building’s stairwells, and a new emergency lighting system provides a superior light output

itzgerald Lighting was recently involved in the installation of a new LED lighting scheme at City College Plymouth’s STEM Building following a successful lighting application at another of the college’s buildings. The £13 million Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) opened in autumn 2017 and boasts a range of modern facilities. The centre was developed with the input of over 200 employers and aims to help give City College students the edge in a competitive job market. Fitzgerald Lighting’s Phantom, Eclipse, Cosmo, Celestial and Dustproof LED luminaires were chosen and subsequently installed by Totus Engineering alongside an emergency lighting system to give the building a better light output and to ensure energy and cost savings. More than 900 of Fitzgerald Lighting’s luminaires were used across the STEM building’s reception, communal areas, classrooms and stairwells.

Gilbert Snook, head of estates at City College Plymouth, explained, “We’ve been using Fitzgerald’s systems with success for 20 years as their luminaires provide a good quality of light, are low maintenance and have cut our running costs substantially. We like to use companies in the area as we are keen to support local purchasing and our local economy, and Fitzgerald provided good customer service and the units look great. We are very happy with the results.” Used throughout the site’s reception, entrance and communal areas is Fitzgerald Lighting’s Phantom luminaire. The Phantom recessed downlighters are designed to be cost-effective, efficient and functional. Described by the company as ‘compact, lightweight and stylish’, the Phantom uses top quality LEDs giving up to 80% energy saving in installations. The Phantom is used by Fitzgerald Lighting frequently for a wide range of applications from receptions, board rooms and corridors to galleries and shops. For the college’s classrooms, science labs, IT music suite and gym, Fitzgerald Lighting’s Eclipse luminaire was chosen. The Eclipse is one of the company’s most popular LED luminaires and is an efficient alternative to louvred or conventional flat panel lighting for exposed T-bar ceilings. Manufactured in the UK, the Eclipse creates a subtle lighting effect utilising a curved reflector system, which allows a combination of direct and indirect lighting and is encompassed within a stylish body. Made for 15mm and 24mm exposed T grid systems with surface and concealed fix ceiling options available, the luminaire comes in four power ratings of 22w, 33w, 44w and 66w, with up to 8,166 lumens and a life of 50,000 hours. The STEM building’s photography studio was installed with Fitzgerald Lighting’s new LED Lightpack, an energysaving lighting concept which can be fitted with a variety of sensors for further savings. A slim luminaire with clean lines that gives a pure white light for industrial or commercial applications, the LED Lightpack has a colour temperature of 4,000K. Other light colour options are also available. Available as a single or

The STEM building’s photography studio was installed with Fitzgerald Lighting’s new LED Lightpack, an energy-saving lighting concept

In the music suite, Fitzgerald’s Eclipse luminaire was installed

double fitting in 8W through to 80W, the fittings also have a three-hour maintained emergency option available. All of the STEM’s stairwells are fitted with surface-mounted indoor LED Cosmo luminaires. These are ideal for lighting washrooms, storerooms and service corridors and are constructed with a white polycarbonate base with an opal polycarbonate lens. The Cosmo is rated IP65 and features occupancy and emergency options. Fitzgerald Lighting, fitzlight.co.uk

February 2019 | 23

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25/01/2019 12:13

IN THE KNOW

We’re here to help

IT S

However, there’s always a challenge around every corner. But like our products, we rise above challenges to achieve the best solutions possible.

X TH I O B W K E OR W LE E Y B T I C A L I A L U E Q

AY SO N PE R E A S Y T TH FO RM O AN R

It could be said; we put many of our values into every CP Electronics product.

25/01/2019 11:14 11:30

FEATURE

CONNECTORS

DANGEROUS COMPATIBILITY Mark Flanagan, technical manager with Scolmore Group, looks at some of the problems associated with inferior quality connector products which don’t meet the required standards and thus present a safety hazard.

ince we introduced our first ever Flow connector in 2007, it has proved a highly popular product and we have continued to grow and develop the range. Inevitably, this has led to a lot of copies of the product being brought to market. They may be cheaper, but in many cases, they are of inferior quality and don’t meet the relevant standards. We have heard reports that other manufacturer’s connectors can plug into our connectors. This may be the case, but is not safe. Connectors are a method of joining one conductor to another and are capable of passing larger currents and voltages. A poor connection passing such currents can cause high resistance faults which could generate enough heat to degrade insulation which, in

turn, can lead to a breakdown in the circuit and – in extreme cases – result in fire. In light of this recent influx of inferior copies, we would like to draw attention to the inter-compatibility of connectors and look at some of the standards that installation couplers should be conforming to, as well as some of the associated dangers and risks. Standard IEC EN 61535 relates to the installation of couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations.

It should be noted that unintended or improper connections include single pole connection, except for earth-toearth connection. Compliance is checked by inspection and the following test. It shall not be possible to insert the installation male connector into the installation female connector resulting in a dangerous situation. Engagement of the installation male and installation female connector is attempted in any unintended configuration using a force of 80 N for installation couplers marked as 10A, 16A, 20A; or 120 N for installation couplers marked as 25A and 32A. The force shall be applied on the same axis of the connection for one minute during which time the installation male and installation female connector contacts shall not engage.

Clause 9 focuses on dangerous compatibility • Clause 9.1 – An installation coupler system shall be designed and constructed so that unintended or improper connection is prevented.

Clause 9.2 – It shall not be possible, within a given installation coupler system, to engage an installation male connector with an installation female connector: When passing currents, a poor connection can cause high resistance faults, and – in extreme cases – even fires

• With a different number of live poles, exceptions may be admitted for installation female connectors which are specially constructed for the purpose of allowing engagement with installation male connectors of a lower number

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FEATURE

CONNECTORS of poles – provided that no dangerous situation can arise; • Without earthing contact, if the installation male connector is with earthing contact; •W ith different phase to neutral voltage ratings or different rated currents. Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1. Clause 9.3 – Installation couplers of different systems from the same manufacturer shall not be dangerously compatible. Compliance is checked by the test according to 9.1. Clause 9.4 – Installation couplers according to this standard shall not be compatible with systems specified in standard sheets of IEC 60309, IEC 60320, IEC 60906 and with the national household plug and socket-outlet systems of the country where the product is placed on the market. Compliance is checked by manual test and in case of doubt by examination of drawings. Scolmore’s unique Flow connector is designed to prevent unintended or improper connection. Incorrect polarity of connections could be considered as unintended or improper connection and could result in a dangerous situation. If the polarity of a connection is incorrect, then the appliance/fixture connected will either not work, resulting in time spent fault finding; or, in some cases, appliance/

fixtures can remain live, even if the power switch is turned off to them.

Clause 12 of the standard deals with construction • Clause 12.10 – Installation couplers shall be provided with retaining means which engages automatically when the installation coupler or cap is connected and which is capable of disengagement for disconnecting. It shall only be possible to render the means of retention ineffective by a deliberate or intentional act. For installation couplers classified in accordance with 7.4.1 intended for installation in a readily accessible location, the means of disengagement shall only be made by the use of a key or tool. Compliance is checked by the following test: the fully engaged installation coupler shall be subjected to a smooth axial traction force of 80 N for a period of one minute, during which the retaining device shall be fully engaged. The installation coupler shall not loosen or become disconnected. Should the installation coupler loosen, this may result in the earthing integrity of a circuit not being maintained. In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong – such as a short or fault with an appliance – it may be possible to expose someone to a serious shock hazard, as it may impair or prevent operation of protective devices in the circuit.

ECN Half Page - BS Approval New 2.pdf

11/06/2018

Scolmore continues to develop its range of connectors, which are among the safest and most reliable on the market

We have highlighted some of the standards that installation couplers should be conforming to. Safety is a critical market requirement, and it is vital that manufacturers identify the required regulations and develop products that meet the required standards. All of our products are independently third-party verified to provide the reassurance and confidence that the products being sold or installed are safe and fit for the intended purpose. Not all manufacturers can say the same. Scolmore Group scolmore.co.uk

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WIRING ACCESSORIES

FEATURE

ENCLOSURES AND THE ‘IDEAL’ INSTALLATION Steve Slyne, market manager at IDEAL Industries, explores the challenges electricians are facing in 2019 and assesses whether or not there might be a simpler solution to enclosure installation.

nstalling electrical connector enclosures can be an intricate, time-consuming task that causes electricians needless hassle when completing a job. Today, electrical professionals are presented with an array of products to make electrical connections. These range from a traditional junction box with screw terminals, to more reliable/ innovative push-in and lever connectors which are an additional item and need an enclosure to make them comply with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. Before choosing your product, amperage, voltage, size of cable and the application need to be taken into consideration. Whilst installers want to be able to cover as many scenarios as possible, this can often result

in solutions which take longer to install and require a variety of tools. So, is there a product that can do it all? Here are some of the challenges that electricians are facing today, and how to overcome them:

Too many tools? An electrician’s tool bag shouldn’t be weighted down or overcrowded with unnecessary tools, especially for those awkward lighting jobs that involve ladders and a steady balance. Choosing a connector enclosure that doesn’t require any tools to install not only makes the job faster, but also means professionals will have everything to hand they need without having to worry about losing small components.

Losing time securing tricky cables? Most electrical installers will be familiar with the pain of securing complex cables; a fiddly task that not only wastes time but is especially frustrating when working at height in confined spaces. Fast, easy and fuss-free installation can be achieved by using the correct connector enclosure for your application. Today, there are products on the market that make it possible to use push-in, lever or in-line wire connectors with enclosures using a cable grip system designed to accommodate flat, round, solid or flex cable, which can be installed securely in a cable grip without the need to tighten screws or adjust the clamping mechanism.

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FEATURE

WIRING ACCESSORIES to the surfaces. The same application also requires an enclosure to accommodate cable sizes from 0.5 to 1.5mm². Luckily, compact enclosures are available from various brands. The number of cable entry points also play an important role. There are now enclosures available with four cable entry points allowing up to two cables each, meaning that it can be used either as a cable entry from one end or an ‘in-line’ configuration, for applications such as cable splices or lighting spurs.

Securing complex cables can be a complex and timeconsuming task – but there are ways to simplify the process, Steve Slyne explains

Looking to ditch the access panels?

Versatility is the key to keeping inventory low

A traditional junction box with screw terminals has always needed to be installed in an accessible location as, over time, terminals will need to be checked. If an appropriate location could not be found, access panels were needed. Choosing an enclosure which has been tested to and complies with the BS 5733 maintenancefree accessory standard, like the IDEAL InSure Box, makes it possible to save money on materials and keep the enclosure installation process as quick and simple as possible. Safety isn’t compromised and potential damage to finished surfaces is avoided, which would then need to be reworked or repaired if access is required after installation.

There are many different enclosures on the market. Some are more geared towards industrial applications which require larger voltage, amperage and cable sizes; whereas others are designed for residential and domestic installations. The most frequent application is for the lighting market. When it comes to repair, maintenance and improvement activities, a compact sized enclosure will make installation easier when working in tight spaces. For example, when converting a traditional pendant style lighting to an LED lighting, the ability to pass the enclosure back through the hole created by the downlight saves time and reduces the risk of damage

Maintenance-free and safe to install Voltage and amperage ratings are still the most important factors when selecting connector enclosures, but choosing an enclosure that’s versatile enough to cover multiple applications, and flexible enough to accommodate cables from 0.5mm² up to 2.5mm², means that you are always likely to have the right product to hand, no matter what application you are faced with. When it is tool and maintenance free, you know it is going to be fast and safe to install. A wide range of helpful features enable domestic electrical installers to benefit from quicker, simpler installation in any application with the maintenancefree accessory. IDEAL Industries, wire-connectors.com

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17/12/2018 15:20

EI LIVE!

EI LIVE! – THE ESSENTIAL SHOW FOR 2019 EI Live, the smart building trade show, is this year delivering an expanded format with a new focus on smart products from the world of electrical contracting. As the countdown to the show begins, ECN looks at what readers can expect, and provides additional details of what exhibitor Hamilton Litestat will showcase.

or nine years, our sister publication Essential Install has proudly hosted its very own show, EI Live!, which has covered home automation, entertainment and AV systems to tens of thousands of attendees over the best part of the last decade. This year’s edition, EI Live! 2019, is expanding its breadth and depth, and will – for the first time – be including two additional market sectors: Commercial AV, and smart products from the world of electrical contracting. With ECA already on-board as an event partner, the show will feature stands, presentations and breakout seminars that will be of great interest to all electrical contractors and ECN readers. By pushing boundaries that have yet to be explored by any UK trade show in the automation and AV market, the event has been constructed to deliver a unique nexus of industries, products, exhibitors, and attendees, that will drive business and create new opportunities. David Kitchener, event director of EI Live! and managing director of ECN Magazine, explained, “This year, with a view to making changes to EI Live! for the better, we have really upped our efforts across the board; from venue, speakers and marketing to introducing interlinked industries that are set to shape the future of AV and smart products. After five or six years at Sandown Park, we wanted to expand – and we have now moved to the brand new Farnborough Exhibition Centre; a pristine location and a dedicated event venue.”

Smart control from Hamilton Litestat Amongst the companies exhibiting at EI Live! will be Hamilton Litestat (Stand No. 56). The trusted British manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories will showcase its smart lighting and multiroom audio technology with a full working demonstration, which also incorporates blind control and wireless switching of outdoor applications. There will also be a sneak peek at what’s to come from the manufacturer in the coming months. On show will be the company’s plugand-play Smart Lighting Control and MultiRoom Audio solutions, which fall within the Professional ‘Easy’ category, so they don’t require specialist tools or software and can be seamlessly integrated for a powerful and cost-effective lighting and sound package. Together, they are perfect for straight forward lighting and audio control requirements that can be activated via preprogrammed plates or the Hamilton App. Additionally, Hamilton’s installer software gives access to additional levels of system functionality for applications where more flexibility is needed. “EI Live! provides us with the perfect opportunity to speak with professional electricians who are embracing smart controls and seeing the value of these for their business proposition,” says Gavin Williams, head of marketing at Hamilton. “Our plug-and-play smart control systems are proven solutions and we’ll be demonstrating the capabilities of the products, with our team on hand to discuss how the solutions can be used for projects of varying complexity. The show is a great way to reach professional electricians, as well as experienced custom installers who are now considering Hamilton’s cost-effective solutions for less complex installations.” Hamilton is a member of CEDIA, the international trade organisation for home automation and audio visual technology. As a company it is commited to providing quality products as well as education and training in smart controls, which has generated considerable interest, including

Hamilton's Smart Lighting Control solutions will be showcased on their stand at EI Live!

the oversubscription of its free training courses. It’s also contributed to Hamilton being named ‘Best Manufacturer 2018’ in the Voltimum Smart Awards at the end of last year. Alongside its Smart Lighting and MultiRoom Audio solutions, Hamilton will also give EI Live! visitors a first glance at its new range of wireless control products. With consumers increasingly interested in smart home technology, wireless lighting control is set to grow in popularity so visit Hamilton – Stand No. 56, situated in front of the main Technical Theatre – to find out more about this on-trend solution.

EI Live! 2019 takes place at the Farnborough Exhibition Centre in Hampshire from April 30 to May 1. For more information, and to register your place, visit eiliveshow.com Stay tuned to ECN for more details in the lead-up to the event.

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre April 30 | May 1, 2019

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34 | February 2019

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NEXT ISSUE

COLUMN

ASK THE EXPERT: KLIK SU SP EC IAL

SMART BUILDINGS

PP LE ME NT

Mike Lawrence, commercial market manager at Hager, answers some of the most commonly asked questions about the company’s innovative 4 Pin and 7 Pin plug and socket lighting connection system – Klik.

NEXT TIME… In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the March issue of ECN will contain special features relating to cable management & labelling, software & apps and UPS & power distribution, as well as a dedicated smart building supplement. 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.

Cable Management & Labelling

Software & Apps

ith its pre-wired plugs, Klik is designed to save contractors time, eliminate the chance of poor connection, and allow enough flexibility to adapt as building or office space needs change. In addition, self-wired plugs provide a highly adaptable solution whenever systems need alteration. The range includes Klik 4 and Klik 7 options which provide fast and secure solutions to satisfy lighting designs for commercial premises. Luminaires can be simply plugged–in in seconds, without the need for circuit isolation. Additionally, Klik 7 offers an enhanced range of lighting control for daylight linked dimming, intelligent occupancy sensing and DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) control requirements. The electro mechanical connection solution achieves a simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection for complete peace of mind and allows individual light fittings to be removed or added without affecting other fittings on the circuit.

Can Klik only be used for on/off switching of standard luminaires? Klik 7 offers the ability for on/off control as well as full compatibility with DALI control solutions, making it ideal for the very latest lighting systems. If Hager doesn’t have the control products my customer specifies, can I still use Klik? Klik 7 distributes both power and control signals to lighting systems and is compatible with a wide range of manufacturers’ control products. Hager can supply control products and wiring accessories from basic switching PIR sensors to DALI dimming to intelligent lighting control systems and KNX systems. Can all of these be easily integrated with Klik? Due to its plug-in convenience and versatility, Klik can deliver total compatibility with all the systems above. Can I safely unplug a luminaire at the Klik plug without isolating the circuit? Yes – the Klik plug provides safe on-load disconnection of luminaires without the requirement to isolate the circuit. With over 75% of lighting installations thought to be out-of-date and unable to meet current design standards, Klik 7 provides an energy-efficient system that meets current design standards and takes into account the usage and function of a space by responding to daylight levels as well as occupancy and footfall. Hager, hager.co.uk/KLIK

UPS & Power Distribution

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 36 | February 2019

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EMERGENCY LIGHTING supported by GreenBrook EL Feature Front Cover ECN.qxp_Layout 1 16/01/2019 12:45 Page 1

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Quality - Performance - Value February 2019 | 37

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

EMERGENCY LIGHTING: RAISING THE STANDARD Giles Lillistone, technical and quality manager at GreenBrook Electrical, discusses the role of the contractor and the manufacturer as it relates to emergency lighting specification, and explains what the revision of BS 5266 entails.

ith the revision of BS 5266-1 emergency lighting, the way we must approach emergency lighting as an industry has changed. The standard is now much more complex, and although it is far more detailed with regard to emergency safety lighting and standby lighting, there is potential for misunderstandings between the parties responsible for the design and installation of these fittings. Every commercial building has a specific requirement for emergency lighting, the role of which is to take over from the normal lighting provision in the event of a power failure, to aid the evacuation of people, to highlight areas showing emergency equipment, and to illuminate the external areas leading to places of safety. In general, lighting requirements will vary within each building depending on usage, size, layout and defined escape routes. Rooms without the benefit of daylight must always have lighting provided. Similarly, if a building is occupied at night, there should be emergency lighting installed in all areas, including those lit naturally during the day. ‘Emergency lighting’ is a general term and is subdivided into emergency escape lighting, emergency safety lighting, and standby lighting. For emergency escape lighting, it is worth noting that the lighting system has

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to cover all escape routes to the place of safety, which may be in the immediate vicinity or located away from the building. These areas must be adequately lit by the emergency lighting system or by a different, independent power supply. Emergency safety lighting applies to buildings where a staged evacuation plan is implemented during power failure. Emergency safety lighting is adequate to allow occupants to stay in an area of the building during a power failure, but is not enough for functional tasks to continue. Standby lighting is required in buildings where functional tasks must continue during power failure. This needs to be 100% of the normal lighting. The difference between these is that whilst emergency lighting forms part of the fire protection of a building, standby lighting does not.

Responsibilities of the lighting designer and the luminaire manufacturer Choosing LED luminaires means that the lighting design is much more equipmentspecific and requires the designer looking more carefully into the photometric qualities of the fitting and the testing undertaken by the manufacturer. Gone are the days that you could expect that most manufacturers’ 8W bulkheads would give the same output. Typical emergency LED luminaires do not always provide the 5 lux required on the face of the non-internally illuminated signs, due to their heavily downward-based photometry. Photometric

data should be carefully considered as they vary considerably, and vertical illuminances in areas such as fire alarm manual call points and first aid points must be lit within the two-metre distance recommended by BS 5266-1. Traditional halogen fittings were already tested with an understanding that there would be a temperature fluctuation when switching from normal to emergency mode. With the rapid increase in the usage of LED fittings, it is important to understand that with any emergency fitting, the introduction of batteries and an inverter to the interior of the luminaire can change the ambient temperature, and therefore the operation and output of the fitting.

... a name you can trust

38 | February 2019

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EMERGENCY LIGHTING As a manufacturer of LED emergency luminaires, it is important that our product designers understand the important specification requirements of the emergency fittings we sell. The specific tests we carry out ensure that when in their emergency state, our fittings perform to the full compatibility of the battery unit to deliver the required emergency luminaire lumens. The tests also guarantee that there is no impact on the published characteristics of the LEDs or drivers. The manufacturers undertaking the conversion from standard halogen fittings to LED would be responsible for re-undertaking the LED thermal testing of the luminaire. To adhere to the British Standard, manufacturers who have emergency versions of catalogue products would be expected to have carried out full product testing on the emergency version to confirm the photometrics. This information is important in twostage design situations where a designer undertakes an initial design and the contractor takes on the final choice of equipment and installation. GreenBrook has all of its luminaires tested by an independent test house, and has all the photometric data available to pass onto designers and contractors.

Who is ultimately responsible for the emergency lighting? The building owner is required to prepare a risk assessment detailing the emergency lighting risks they have identified. In the case of a multi-occupancy building, the tenants are responsible for undertaking a risk assessment for their tenanted area, and the landlord is responsible for the common areas. It is now considered that emergency lighting is a primary factor in fire safety and should enable occupants to immediately locate fire-fighting equipment and alarms.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Emergency lighting installations are examined as part of a building’s overall fire precautions risk assessment. BS5266-1 refers in more detail to competency standards for the designer, installer and the maintainer. The person responsible must ensure they engage competent people for all stages of procurement and operation of the emergency lighting system. An installation laid out by lighting designers with basic knowledge of electrical engineering could be photometrically calculated and could give the suitable briefing information to the electrical installer. The regulations define that the building owner/organisation is responsible to arrange the emergency lighting procurement and, as such, they must ensure the correct provision, operation and testing of the emergency lighting system(s). Best practice methodology responsibility includes: •A competent design •A competent installation •A nnual risk assessments (including regular testing with audited test records proving the continuing functionality of emergency lighting system(s), including photometric performance at the end of the stated duration) •A n updated emergency lighting log book Ideally, testing should include: •A daily visual check of any central controls if a centrally powered system with slave luminaires is installed •A monthly function test by operating the test facility for a period sufficient to ensure that each emergency lamp illuminates •A n annual full discharge test to ensure that the lamps are lit for the full discharge period (usually three hours) and that the batteries are re-charging

A typical test is using a key-operated switch that is located either near the main fuse board or adjacent to relevant light switches. This is also known as a ‘secret key’ switch, as it is designed to allow testing of emergency lights while preventing nonauthorised operation of the test switch. Following a full discharge test, the batteries typically take 24 hours to fully recharge. The premises should not be re-occupied until the lighting system is fully functioning. It is best practice to keep a record of all tests in the safety/risk assessment logbook. New emergency fittings come complete with an ‘auto testing’ feature which can be cost-effective and more reliable than manual testing. It’s considered the best way to meet current testing regulations and reduces the burden of testing manually. Even though emergency lighting is a legal requirement, we can now choose a variety of styles from downlights to bulkheads to ensure the fitting is in keeping with its surroundings. GreenBrook’s Phoenix range is a selection of LED twin spots, downlights, bulkheads, exit signs, recessed lights and emergency gear trays. GreenBrook, www.greenbrook.co.uk

GBE Advert Strip.qxp_Layout 1 16/01/2019 13:59 Page 1

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February 2019 | 39

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25/01/2019 10:47

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAFETY Jeremy Ludyjan LC, senior director, field marketing for lighting specialist Fulham, looks at how decentralised intelligence in emergency lighting can increase building safety.

nstalling emergency lighting systems has always been a routine part of any building construction job. The safety regulations are a well-established defining placement of emergency luminaires, as well as the amount of lumens they emit and how long the backup battery must last. But what if emergency lights could do more? New intelligent emergency lighting is enabling new safety solutions and new building automation solutions; applications that could have a substantial impact on the role of the electrical contractor. The current generation of emergency luminaires use LEDs to light the way to safety. LEDs offer a number of advantages for emergency lighting – they are low-power so they can use smaller batteries, and they have a long operating life. What’s more, LED based luminaires are digital. That means intelligent emergency luminaires can be programmed to be self-testing, with indicators showing red or green for operating status to simplify inspection. If you extend that embedded intelligence further, you can use sensors in intelligent emergency luminaires to extend building safety by detecting various hazards. Connecting these luminaires together also enables other types of building controls. In fact, by networking emergency luminaires into a single control network, you can create an ecosystem capable of controlling virtually any building function, from dimming room lights to controlling the HVAC.

Adding intelligence to emergency lighting Let’s start by considering the potential of smart emergency lighting. More LED luminaires are being retrofitted to help commercial building owners save energy. Since LED microprocessors are programmable, luminaires can be programmed to adjust for colour, hue, brightness, operating temperature, and other characteristics. In fact, luminaire GBE Advert Strip.qxp_Layout 1 16/01/2019

Bluetooth wireless communications have evolved from point-to-point to a mesh topology for more robust applications

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EMERGENCY LIGHTING mesh, there is no single point of failure; if a node fails, the data traffic merely circumvents it. Devices also can be added or removed from the mesh at will. Vendors are starting to include Bluetooth mesh in their smart luminaires for a variety of reasons: •B luetooth is a well-defined, open standard, so it is easy to create products guaranteed to be compatible. •B luetooth mesh allows you to add and remove devices as desired; if a node fails or is removed, the data traffic just reroutes itself. •D evices connected using Bluetooth mesh can be controlled via the web or using any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone.

manufacturers are now offering customisable LED lights that can be programmed at the factory, by the distributor, or even by the electrician when they are installed. For emergency luminaires, this means enabling self-testing functions, controlling battery output, etc. Using the embedded sensors and control technology in the LED luminaires, you can even program them to detect smoke, heat, or noxious gases. The next logical step is to connect smart LED luminaires together into a single ecosystem to centralise monitoring and control of emergency luminaires. This would eliminate the need to manually inspect and log every emergency light in the building; it could all be done automatically from a central console to comply with safety regulations. It also provides a means to gather sensor data throughout the building for remote systems control, including automating systems response using machine learning. Consider the possibilities of connecting all the smart emergency luminaires in a building. You now have a network of smart sensors capable of reporting on local building conditions and controlling building systems. For example, the sensors in emergency luminaires can be used to monitor room conditions, sending instructions to control the central heating; or it can measure ambient light and automatically dim the lights or lower the window shade. The real challenge is how do you connect them? For new buildings, you could wire the emergency luminaires together when they are installed. Lighting vendors have GBE Advert Strip.qxp_Layout 1 16/01/2019 13:59 Page 1

Emergency lighting controls can be programmed to light the way to safety

been experimenting with Power over Ethernet (PoE), which could deliver both power and data to luminaires. However, new construction is only a small fraction of all available commercial space and, as we said, demand for LED retrofits is continuing to rise. That’s why wireless connectivity makes more sense for building sensors, especially if you use Bluetooth mesh.

Bluetooth mesh: ideal for wireless connectivity Bluetooth mesh is a relatively new version of the Bluetooth standard. Where Bluetooth is designed to provide a deviceto-device wireless link, Bluetooth mesh is a broadcast technology so each node in the mesh sends the same data to all other nodes within range. This makes it extremely robust and highly scalable. Since the same data is sent to all nodes in the

Now let’s consider how a connected, intelligent emergency lighting system can make buildings safer. Localised emergency lighting sensors continually monitor for hazards, reporting to a central system, accessible by any web browser. In the event of an emergency, the sensors issue an alert that triggers an automated response. If the event of a fire, an alarm sounds and using the emergency lighting sensors, the source of the hazard is located. The ecosystem can then trigger door locks to contain the hazard, detect the number of occupants in the area, and even light a path away from the hazard to the direction of safety. Since the Bluetooth infrastructure can be accessed via the web or other devices, first responders can use the same system to look for trapped occupants and assess building conditions. These are just a few of the possibilities of an intelligent emergency lighting infrastructure. Of course, this will mean more work for electrical contractors and new skills to help build the next generation of automated buildings. Intelligent, Bluetooth mesh-ready emergency luminaires are already coming to market. Now it’s a matter of seeing how far we can go with programmable, connected lighting ecosystems. Fulham Lighting, fulham.com

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22/01/2019 16:12:36 23/01/2019 16:13

SPECIAL FEATURE

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

LIGHTS OUT FOR WIRED TESTING? RP Technik explores the latest developments in wireless emergency light testing, and looks at whether or not it can replace wired testing systems and be truly viable.

The need for testing Under the regulatory reform order of 2005 (an act of law), it is necessary for a building owner to protect its occupant, and this includes the installation of emergency lighting (in addition to other life safety systems). It is also required to maintain and test the emergency lighting provision monthly/annually, as per EN 50172, to ensure ongoing compliance following the building handover. Failure to comply can result in monetary fines or a custodial sentence. In addition to the legislative need for testing the emergency lighting, a building owner/employer has a moral obligation to protect its most valuable asset – the occupants or workforce.

Available solutions

Considering the typical spacing between emergency luminaires, wireless testing with a range of 30 metres fulfils the needs of most buildings

As an alternative to the cumbersome, time-consuming, resource hungry and expensive task of manually testing every emergency luminaire, there are a number of automatic testing solutions on the market. Automatic testing ensures compliance with the applicable standard and legislation, while bringing a reduction in labour effort. It also removes the possibility of human error or neglect. Automatic testing systems work on the principle of all emergency luminaires connected through a data cable medium, communicating to a central monitoring point. The central monitoring point can control, instigate and log test results, giving clear indications of the faults and their location. Some automatic testing systems have the additional ability to perform lighting control of the emergency luminaires. Automatic testing systems should operate in compliance to EN 60234, as required within EN 50172.

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The benefits of automatic testing Automatic emergency light testing is an advisable method to ensure compliance with the localised laws and standards, but it also offers the benefit of reduced cost of ownership through regular automated testing/logging. The cost of manual testing is expensive and a waste of skilled human resource and time. EN 50172 requires a monthly function test of all emergency luminaires/equipment with a recorded log of the faults. Automatic testing is performed at regular pre-defined times to minimise disruption while ensuring compliance, and therefore does not go forgotten or re-prioritised with more ‘mission critical’ everyday maintenance. The possibility for human error to forget testing is eradicated.

Wireless technology and the concerns As an alternative to wired automatic testing systems, there are numerous wireless automatic test systems on the market with obvious benefits of reduced material and installation cost. Wireless automatic test systems are suitable for new-build applications, but are also an ideal solution for retrofit projects and listed buildings where cables cannot easily be installed; or where regulations do not allow for disturbance of the existing architecture. However, there are justifiable concerns with the technology. A common concern for any form of wireless communication is the ability to communicate from room-to-room and penetrate building walls. Many new buildings utilise special building materials to increase thermal insulation and maximise efficiency of the installed heating and air conditioning. Unfortunately, this creates a metallic ‘faraday cage’ within each room and can present problems for robust wireless communication. To alleviate the effect and ensure robust communication, some automatic test systems utilise a lower frequency communication band in the 868MHz range. Similar to mobile communication devices, it is not uncommon for a wireless test system to work effectively at a range greater than 1km when operated in free air

(outdoors). A realistic range for wireless communication of automatic test systems, when operated in indoor applications, is 30 metres. Considering the typical spacing between emergency luminaires is typically 10-20 metres when designed in accordance with EN1838, 30 metres is an acceptable range and fulfils the needs of most, if not all, buildings types. Where spacing between devices exceeds 30 metres, booster/ repeater devices can be employed to bridge gaps (but are rarely required). A drawback of using lower frequency wireless communications is the reduced data speed, limiting the amount of data or increasing the time of communication between the devices and monitoring point. This is not a realistic consideration for emergency lighting automatic test systems. Automatic testing does not generate large amounts of data, and therefore does not require large data files to be transmitted. As per EN50172, tests need to be conducted monthly with the results reported within 24 hours of a luminaire fault being identified. A fault report being received several minutes after a test is adequate.

Wireless automatic test systems can offer a multitude of benefits, as RP Technik explains

Wireless solution must-haves For any wireless testing system to be employed, there are a number of key considerations: is the system compliant to EN60234? Is the communication range sufficient for effective operation? The declared communication ranges published in the manufacturer’s literature should be indoor, through walls. Open air ranges are irrelevant and do not reflect a true application of the automatic test system. RP Technik, rp-technik.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

A digital multimeter combines various measuring devices into one, and is ideal when working around home electrical systems

TEST & MEASUREMENT

THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS Jan Pakusa, product manager for power supplies and measurement, reichelt, discusses why it’s essential to choose the right measurement tool for the job, and outlines the many benefits of a digital multimeter.

or anyone working with electrical cables or electronic components, safety always comes first. Measuring tools and devices are vital for any work carried out on electrical installations that carry mains voltage, or are to be operated with mains voltage, to ensure it is safe. But there are other factors which can affect why you would need a measurement tool, and they determine which one is best for the job.

Which device for what purpose? The selection of tools on the market is vast, so how do you know which one is the best? The most important things to consider when you are purchasing measuring devices are the area of use (a house electrical system, car, model building etc.), its measuring accuracy, auto range, CAT category and counts (i.e. the resolution of the built-in screen).

Multimeters for a wide range of measurements As the name suggests, multimeters – also known as ‘Multiple Measurement Devices’ – combine various measuring devices into one. Typical features include a voltmeter to measure the voltage, an ammeter for current and an ohmmeter for resistance. Multimeters can often be used as continuity testers or for measurements around the design of circuits too. In short, multimeters are the ideal measuring instrument for any work around home electrical systems. An important factor to consider when choosing a multimeter device is whether you need an analogue or digital version, both of which are produced and used in the affordable and high-end device sectors. Both have their advantages – the digital display makes it easier to read exact readings, whereas the analogue display with needle and scale makes it easier to determine the size of the reading more quickly, as well as detecting trends.

For safe voltage testing Voltage testers and multimeters are useful for conducting pole voltage testing during installation. Alternatively, you can also use a 2-pole voltage tester (like the Duspol) to determine if a circuit is free of voltage. For example, to check if a socket is voltage-free, the test probes are applied to both contacts of the socket. If the indicator light then goes on, there is voltage. It’s important to note the phase testers found in many households (small screwdrivers with transparent handles) are often unreliable. Even if the light indicates no voltage, there can still be voltage present. The reason for such error messages could be the lack of electrical conductivity of the subsurface, for example. This causes the light not to illuminate correctly, or only dimly. Reliable measurement results can be achieved only with a voltage tester or a multimeter.

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TEST & MEASUREMENT

Continuity tester for connection checks A good quality continuity tester is vital for checking electrical safety quickly and efficiently. Low-resistance measuring instruments are particularly good here. Accuracy is crucial, so devices like the Wheel-e, which operate with a measuring current of 200 mA with automatic reversal polarity, are recommended. This device is designed for electrical systems with a voltage rating of up to 500 V (CAT III 600V and CAT IV 300 V) and operates with an accuracy of +/- 10% and +/- 20mΩ in the range of 0-2 ohms (the entire measuring range covers 0-20 ohms). In order to take a measurement using a device like the Wheel-e, simply hold the test probe to the line that needs to be tested. The measuring process starts immediately. If the resistance is less than 1 ohm, and the line is okay, a single beep will sound. This makes taking measurements a quick process, as there is no need to constantly check the value on the display. If the resistance is greater than 1 ohm, there will be no audible signal, and the display light will be red instead of blue. In both cases, the measured value is displayed. If the measurement is being carried out in rooms where audible signals are disturbing – such as a busy office – you can turn it on and off with a short press of the control key.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Measuring temporal progression of electrical voltages An oscilloscope is the ideal tool for measuring temporal progressions, as they check voltage exactly like a multimeter. A particularly special feature of oscilloscopes is that they can graphically represent different electrical voltages in a configurable time window. You can create two-dimensional graphs on a screen where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the corresponding voltage. Another advantage of the oscilloscope over a multimeter is that the latter device is only calibrated for sinusoidal AC voltages. If the voltage has a different shape, these devices show incorrect values. Only an oscilloscope can detect the voltage form and correctly measure the values, making it the most important tool for electrical engineers who want to properly check the function of certain parts. However, in comparison to the multimeter, it is more difficult to operate and requires some technical knowledge. Testing and measuring electrical components are an important, but often tedious task. However, with the right tools at hand, test work can be carried out quickly and efficiently, ensuring the safety of both yourself and those around you. reichelt, reichelt.com

The digital display makes it easy to identify precise readings, and can often prove quicker and more accurate than an analogue meter

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT

With a greater choice of temperature measurement devices than ever before, thermal inspection is rapidly becoming standard practice, says Andrew Baker

A NEW ERA OF HOTSPOT-SEEKING Andrew Baker, sales director Northern Europe at FLIR Systems, explores the evolution of thermal imaging, and looks at some of the most recent testing devices – including not only a new imaging thermometer, but a modern-day smartphone too.

lthough thermal imaging has always been an appropriate technology for electricians, cost has been an inhibiting factor. In recent years, however, the entry-level cost has steadily fallen and the technology has been continually developed to provide the trades with a much greater choice of temperature measurement devices than ever before. As a result, thermal imaging is fast becoming standard practice.

Horses for courses The choice of device for temperature measurement essentially depends on the job, and whether you simply want to confirm the temperature or investigate a wider problem. Another consideration is value for money. Are you best served by a basic device, or one whose cost can be justified across a variety of tasks? All thermal imaging instruments work on the same principle – they are non-contact devices that detect infrared radiation and translate it into a temperature reading. Indeed, a spot

thermometer can be considered a thermal camera with just one pixel and it can be very useful for a wide variety of tasks. But it is still simply a tool that measures temperature in one spot, nothing else. This may be sufficient for some jobs, but it does not allow the full potential of thermal measurement to be explored. Sitting between a spot thermometer and a thermal imaging camera is an imaging thermometer, a new breed of instrument that combines the two for fast troubleshooting. It provides a non-contact temperature reading, while the thermal

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TEST & MEASUREMENT imaging device will show the relative thermal properties of a subject or targeted area in the context of its surroundings. Needless to say, an imaging thermometer doesn’t have the sophistication of a dedicated thermal camera, but it allows the user to see heat patterns, measure temperature accurately, and store measurement data for reporting. To create this functionality, FLIR has combined its Lepton micro longwave detector with a resolution of 160 x 120 active pixels with new technology that it calls Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM). It allows maintenance professionals to work smarter and more efficiently by visually guiding them to temperature problems that are invisible to the naked eye. In this way, IGM elevates test tools to a whole new level of functionality, saving valuable maintenance time.

Imaging meters Indeed, the introduction of the micro core and IGM is paving the way for a range of combined technologies. Imaging moisture meters can capture moisture readings below the material surface, either in a non-destructive way or with a wired pin probe. IGM dramatically reduces the time required to assess an area of moisture as it allows the user to scan for problems using thermal imaging and a laser pointer to target the right spot, then confirm and quantify the moisture levels with pin or pinless measurement.

In a similar way, clamp meters and multimeters with IGM allow electrical overheating to be investigated quickly and safely without requiring any direct contact with the test object.

Smart additions Lightweight devices that plug into smartphones to convert them into thermal imaging cameras were introduced a couple of years ago, but the technology has already moved on again. The world’s first smartphone with a fully integrated thermal imaging camera is now on the market, and it’s a development only made possible by the cost-effective micro radiometric core. This smartphone is also a great example of how devices that are entry-level from a thermal imaging point of view, now come complete with highly sophisticated functions that were once only the preserve of high-end professional thermal imaging cameras. A typical technology is multispectral imaging, developed to make it easier for engineers to interpret thermal images and diagnose problems. FLIR’s MSX instantly generates a definitive, all-in-one thermal picture that provides as much detail as possible, whether the thermal image appears on the camera screen, a PC, mobile device, smartphone or in a written report. It captures visual data from the built-in digital camera and radiometric data from the thermal camera. Internal software then analyses the image and superimposes key

SPECIAL FEATURE

When monitoring electrical projects for fault diagnosis, cost has always been an inhibiting factor – but in recent years, entry-level costs have been falling

elements from the visual image as a highcontrast ‘skeleton’ on the thermal output. This all happens in real time and without compromising temperature measurement accuracy or minimising visibility, and the result is an image showing unprecedented detail. With thermal imaging available at the touch of a button, the user can quickly identify gaps in insulation, electrical faults and monitor the performance of machinery. Equally, it can check the gas cylinder level on the barbeque or detect the freshest loaf of bread in a supermarket! Thermal imaging has become truly universal. FLIR Systems, flir.com

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TEST & MEASUREMENT

Measuring differential leakage current with the CM69

SPECIAL FEATURE

LEAKAGE CURRENT TH AND THE 18 EDITION Have you ever had a problem with nuisance RCD tripping? Martindale Electric explains how the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and the latest leakage current clamp meters can come to the rescue.

odern appliances and plug-in power supplies, by the nature of their design, generate low levels of leakage current even when there is no fault present. This becomes a problem when there are several appliances connected to the same circuit and their leakage currents add up to exceed the trip threshold of the RCD protecting the circuit and unexpectedly cutting the power at the most inconvenient times. To reduce nuisance RCD tripping that is not due to a fault, but the result of cumulative leakage currents from

appliances, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations now includes specific maximum values for protective earth currents (Regulation 531.3.2). This is a great help in identifying when division of the installation is required and was not part of the 17th Edition. But what are acceptable limits for leakage current and how do you know when you are approaching the limits? The 18th Edition now makes it clear: the accumulation of circuit protector currents/ earth leakage currents that are present during normal operating conditions shall not be more than 30% of the rated residual operating current of the RCD eg. a PE current of no more than 30% of 30mA which is just 9mA.

CM69 Peak Hold captures intermittent leakage currents

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT

“Selecting the right leakage clamp meter for the job is critical to getting reliable and repeatable results.” Direct earth leakage measurement with the CM69

This is necessary when you consider that it’s not unusual for a 30mA RCD to start tripping just above 15mA. The trouble is, how do you know when you are approaching 9mA? Computers, printers and other appliances can easily generate leakage currents in the range of 1mA to 3.5mA each. Rather than estimate the total incorrectly, measuring the leakage current flowing in an existing installation before modifying it is probably the most effective approach to ensure that the final installation is going to be fit for purpose. The alternative could be expensive callouts in months to come.

Earth leakage clamps operate by clamping around both the live and neutral conductors and measuring the difference between the currents flowing, allowing the ‘leakage value’ to be displayed. When troubleshooting, it can be useful to clamp around the live and neutral of the outgoing circuits of the distribution board to track down the problem. Alternatively, clamping around the supply earth conductor can be useful for determining the total earth leakage current, but errors can occur if parallel earth paths exist. Selecting the right leakage clamp meter for the job is critical to getting reliable and

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repeatable results. Many struggle below 10mA and can be prone to interference from other nearby conductors carrying higher currents. The Martindale CM69 accurately measures currents from 0.1mA to 60A with a resolution down to 0.001mA, and includes a peak hold function for capturing the maximum value of leakage current over time, which is useful for tracking down intermittent tripping problems. The general mutimeter functions and high safety rating also make it a handy tool for electricians to have around at all times. In addition to troubleshooting nuisance RCD tripping and ensuring compliance with the 18th Edition, high performance leakage clamps with switchable 50Hz filters can be used for periodic measurement of leakage currents to check for insulation deterioration without having to power down the circuit. Applications even extend to appliance testing to ensure compliance with the code of practice for maximum acceptable appliance leakage currents. For industrial applications, the true RMS capability of the CM69 means that it can also be used for reliably measuring maximum triplen currents in neutral conductors of three-phase systems to identify potential overload and overheating. By visiting Martindale’s website, you can access a video that explains how to make reliable leakage current measurements and troubleshoot nuisance RCD tripping and other installation problems. Martindale Electric, martindale-electric.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS Choosing the right van can make a huge difference in productivity levels, and avoiding costly breakdowns can save a huge amount of time and money in the long run. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles assesses the importance of selecting the right van for the job

ccording to construction industry estimates, 57% of on-site activities add no value to the job. So, as pressures rise to improve productivity, choosing the right van for your business is now more important than ever. While purchasing a high-quality, costeffective and reliable van is the aim, it’s also important to consider selecting the right brand partner who will work with you to help your business be more efficient on a day-to-day basis, whether that be through conversion and racking solutions, flexible servicing or after-sales options. Trevor Hodgson-Phillips, head of service and parts at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, shares his thoughts on how the right van can keep you ahead of the competition – both on the road and on the job.

“A wellthought-out racking system or bespoke conversion can increase usable space, save time and fuel – as well as improving safety.”

The right choice

Tidy van, tidy mind

Operating a reliable van starts with choosing the right van. Trevor says, “Many businesses make the mistake of just picking a van on a whim, but it’s really important to find what’s right for you and your business, taking into account what and who you need to carry, where you’ll be operating, and learning from your current operations. What are your longest loads? How much do they weigh? Where are costs spiralling out of control? “If you have a lot of parking bumps, for example, consider a van with parking sensors, and seek out features which counteract damage to save you money in the long run. Using something like Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ online vehicle configurator or iPad showroom sales aid is a great way to take the guesswork out of van buying.”

Having a well-organised work vehicle is essential in today’s marketplace, especially if you’re an electrical contractor. In an industry where time is money, it’s important to provide a timely service to customers, which is why a well-thoughtout racking system or bespoke conversion can increase usable space, save time and fuel, as well as improving safety. Where a loose load can damage both the van and the cargo, the right racking solution can keep your equipment neat and tidy, making it safer and easier to find, which in turn saves you time and means you can move on to your next job. If your needs are a little more unique, services such as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Engineered For You programme can help you convert a van specific to your requirements.

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

After-sales is not an afterthought

Taking time to select the right van for your business is critically important, Volkswagen believes

Trevor continues, “Don’t separate buying your van and running your van: taking out a service and maintenance contract when you purchase the vehicle is cost-effective, especially when rolled into a monthly payment, and means you don’t have to worry about regular servicing costs. What’s more, you’ll get regular reminders from your dealer, ensuring your van is properly looked after.” “By planning maintenance in advance, you can minimise disruption to your day-today work in two ways; firstly, by scheduling routine work so that your van’s operational when you and your customers need it; and secondly, by being proactive and conducting regular checks, you can reduce time spent off the road.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

Flexible servicing Reducing downtime automatically increases productivity, so servicing or repairing your van out of working hours guarantees improved efficiency. Trevor explains, “Back in 2017, we rolled out extended hours servicing across our network of 71 van centres and 24 authorised repairers, meaning we can work on your vans when you don’t need them. “For some customers, this might mean dropping off the van after work at 5pm and then picking it up at 8am the next day. For others, it could be a Mobile Service Clinic which visits your premises or other suitable location when the vans are parked up. Our service is operated by qualified technicians, with the vans equipped to deliver service work, inspections, A/C servicing, MOT repairs, minor warranty work and software updates remotely.” Trevor continues, “When you’re buying a van, discuss with the salesperson what you need in terms of servicing and maintenance work so they can tailor a package that works for you.”

Predict to prevent Another advantage of having regular, professional maintenance is predicting and preventing future work. For example, if your vehicle is being serviced and the tyres are wearing down, consider having them replaced then. While you might be able to eke out a few hundred miles more, you’ll save money in the long run by not having to schedule future repair work.

CED ELECTRICAL GROUP

Trevor concludes, “A good technician should carry out an express visual check and highlight any ‘red’ (urgent) or ‘amber’ (will be needed soon) issues so you know what’s needed to keep your fleet in top condition. Think ahead to avoid costly vehicle downtime – and letting down your customers – in future.” However you operate your fleet, and regardless of which vehicles you run, selecting the right partner can help to reduce your downtime and keep your operations running smoothly. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Working With You promise is a commitment to find the right vans and aftersales package for your business, however big or small, because if your vehicles are working, then you’re working.

Reducing downtime automatically increases productivity, so servicing or repairing your van out of working hours guarantees improved efficiency

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, volkswagen-vans.co.uk

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Introducing MAGDUO Two-Wire Fire Systems, allows Detectors and Sounders on the same circuit email: info@espuk.com

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visit: www.espuk.com

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

LEVERAGING EV TO OPTIMISE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure in the workplace can often be costly. A large part of that cost may be installation, so it pays to get it right first time. Shane Thomas of ICEE Managed Services offers some guidance.

F Pictures supplied by Rapid Online, distributor of Schneider Electric EV charge points

Pressure might also come from senior management. For example, the enterprise might want to publicly demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ‘green’ credentials by energetically supporting the EV trend, or for large organisations investing in EV, complying with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 2 by December 5, 2019. For the EV driving community, there is the pressure, or fear, of failing to find somewhere to charge the battery before it runs out – often referred to as ‘range anxiety’. In response, the EV industry is doing two things: supporting the installation of more charge points in public places nationwide – including the workplace – and through technical innovation, as well as reducing the time required to charge a battery; the so-called ‘fast charging’.

acilities and car fleet managers up and down the country are facing a new challenge. As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution gains momentum, both have to keep up with fast-changing car, battery and charge point technology. Standards are maturing, but if investment is planned – on any scale – a prudent approach means looking forward and making the right technical choice. Accurately assessing future demand from EV users themselves adds further pressure to any decision.

Why fast charging is important

Today’s fast charge EVs and associated charge points may take less than 20 minutes to bring a battery up to 80% strength

Fast charging offers many benefits. It is good for anyone dependent on the flexibility of a car for many local business trips every day, or using an EV for long-distance motorway journeys. Neither of these drivertypes want to waste time waiting for normal charging, which may take half a day. Today’s fast charge EVs and associated charge points may take less than 20 minutes to bring a battery up to 80% full, the time often taken for a comfort stop during a journey. Availability of fast charging also reduces range anxiety and encourages drivers to switch from a hydrocarbon-fuelled vehicle to an EV. The downside is that fast chargers are more expensive. Because higher power is involved, equipment has to be built to very high levels of safety and robust construction standards. Installation is also more demanding. There are higher safety requirements and consequently, higher levels of skill and qualifications demanded from the installer; not only for safety

reasons, but also integration with a site’s energy infrastructure. Which is where a highly qualified installer, offering at least ISO9001, NICEIC and related certification, is vital. Lastly, fast chargers draw more power. Depending on how many of the type are installed, your site has to possess sufficient primary supply from the national grid, with a big enough margin to prevent any other electrical facilities being compromised.

The value of a good site survey How close is your site to the limit of incoming electrical supply? What effect would adding 20 normal charge-rate devices make? Or adding ten fast-charge units? To support these new assets, how good is the existing electrical distribution network? In what state is the rest of the infrastructure? The point here is installing new EV charge points – whether for the first time, or adding to existing assets – offers a valuable opportunity to audit the infrastructure, either locally for the EV additions, or globally across the whole site. An EV investment may be the desired catalyst to survey and reveal suspected issues and make timely changes. In any case, before installation of any significant electrical equipment, best practice calls for a thorough site survey. It represents added value by providing an up-to-date and accurate picture of what exists. It also highlights any potential issues, enabling those to be dealt with now, rather than causing problems later. A comprehensive survey also provides a useful input for modelling supply and demand at the planning stage. The last thing you want with a new EV system is a disruption to fix, for example, poor quality equipment or sub-standard installation work. Besides extra and unwelcome costs, that quickly leads to criticism from users, loss of reputation and tough questions from senior management.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

Energy management systems and data If, after auditing existing assets and calculating near and long-term requirements, it is found that incoming supply is on the limit to serve the whole site’s electrical needs, there are ways to optimise distribution and consumption. This boils down to an energy management system (EMS). An EMS is designed to monitor highs and lows of demand across an entire facility, performing dynamic load management in real-time. This ensures sufficient supply, while adjusting and distributing appropriate energy to all electrical equipment and systems, including normal and fast EV chargers. In short, it balances peaks and troughs of power usage and warns against costly overload. For organisations where supply is constrained (for example, a local substation is too small), at a stroke, EMS technology may solve what might otherwise be a major problem. Potentially investing in this strategic resource will benefit the whole site’s electrical usage, enabling overall cost efficiencies, not just to cover EV charge point additions. Another cost saving – or means to minimise costs now and prevent costly issues later – is best practice installation. A charge point cluster (large or small) is like many such investments – to make it work reliably and safely, the charging equipment may be a relatively smaller part of the total price. It’s the planning, supporting

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infrastructure kit and installation costs that may outweigh that of charge points. Finding ways to get best value from those other activities is key, especially installation. A cost saving feature of high-quality charge point equipment – whether normal or fast charging – is the ability to generate management data. These chargers are designed with a number of data production features, for monitoring and controlling use, managing tariffs and payment, supporting planned preventative maintenance (PPM), and other key functions. Data may be exchanged with a central processing or energy management system, including a computer-aided facilities management, or CAFM, system. In high quality EV charge point equipment, this data communications function applies whether a charger is installed standalone or part of a networked cluster. Higher quality also means less chance of failure in the field, cutting maintenance and repair costs.

Getting smarter Looking forward, this data processing functionality (and flexibility) is important for another reason. As the EV – hybrid or purely battery-powered – begins to seriously displace the petrol or diesel-fuelled vehicle (the UK government plans to stop sales of new hydrocarbon-based vehicles by 2040 and is now under pressure to bring forward that deadline to 2032), electricity demand will mount on local distribution, the national grid, and power generation.

A look at a recent EV charging point installation in Hounsdown, Hampshire

Already, ways to mitigate what amounts to threats on supply are being developed. For example, at a high level, the so-called ‘smart grid’, and at the other, smarter charge points. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power exchange is another ‘smart’ development. The important point is EV infrastructure must be adaptable. For that to work, pick a charge point manufacturer with advanced resources, including research and development, and smart products. And keep it simple. A charge point is the visible tip of the EV infrastructure iceberg. The EV industry is rapidly evolving. Working with an installer who understands all the technology options means you have a higher vantage point from which to see what’s coming and how to profitably manage change. ICEE, icee.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

While it’s all very well investing in EVs, the real challenge is in getting value for money out of them, John Watkins argues

THREE TRANSPORT TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2019 2019 promises to be another year of rapid change on the UK’s many highways. John Watkins, executive chairman of telematics and dash cam specialist Trakm8, takes us through the key trends that involve cleaner air, EV adoption, and road safety and insurance.

Clean Air Zones Businesses which operate vehicles in UK city and town centres are facing increasingly uncertain times. As our urban roads become ever more congested, exhaust emissions are pushing air pollution to dangerous – and illegal – levels. A 2018 report, published by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, estimated that air pollution kills 40,000 people a year in the UK, while Government estimates put the economic impact at up to £20 billion per annum. A more recent study carried out by the University of Oxford and University

of Bath calculated that each diesel van operating in a city centre damaged the UK economy by £24,555 over its lifetime. The study found that diesel vehicles are responsible for nearly 90% of the £6 billion annual bill caused by emissions to the NHS and wider society. The UK Government has been forced into action, announcing a plan to introduce Clean Air Zones (CAZs) in the worst-affected cities. However, vehicle operators might end up bearing the burden if city councils decide to implement road charging. As things stand, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester have pledged to introduce road pricing for Clean Air Zones, while the Mayor

of London has already implemented the toxicity charge zone and ultra-low emission zone in the capital. Many more urban areas look set to follow suit, with Glasgow, Oxford and Cardiff already launching consultations on similar initiatives. If you live or work in an area which has announced plans for a Clean Air Zone, you should start looking into whether your vehicles will face charges for operating within the CAZ. For example, Birmingham is pushing ahead with a Class D Clean Air Zone. In plain English, this means that vans which don’t meet Euro 6 emissions standards will be charged £8 for entering the CAZ. If you are facing a hefty bill, you might

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

be eligible for funding to help you switch to cleaner vehicles. The Government’s £220 million Clean Air Fund aims to help organisations update their fleets, so check out the relevant clean air zone website for your city for further details. There are reasons to be cheerful. Under current proposals, vans will be exempt from charges in Leeds CAZ, and there will also be no charge for working in the CAZs about to be rolled out in Derby, Nottingham and Southampton.

Electric Vehicle Adoption One way to stay well ahead of the Clean Air Zone trend is to invest in electric vehicles (EVs). Electric and hybrid car sales grew by more than 20% in the UK last year, compared to 2017. While low emission vehicles still make up just 2.5% of total car sales, this is promising growth. There has been an explosion in the number of charging points, and this trend will continue throughout 2019 and beyond. Equally, you will see ever-more consumer choice, as more electric cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) come to market. While it’s all very well investing in EVs, the real challenge is in getting value for money out of them. There are a growing number of software solutions, such as Trakm8 Optimisation, that can help fleets to gain the best possible environmental and financial benefits out of their electric vans and cars.

Vans fitted with dashboard cams, such as the Trakm8 RH600 telematics camera shown here, can help to reduce insurance premiums

Driver behaviour scoring is designed to help eradicate bad habits and minimise the risk of a road traffic incident

Road Safety and Insurance Trakm8 is a partner of Brake, the road safety charity. We believe that keeping vans and drivers safe on the road is a priority for any business worth its salt. If you work in London, you have probably heard of FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme. This is a voluntary best-practice programme that was set up by Transport for London (TFL), however, being FORS-accredited is now often a mandatory requirement if you want to work on key contracts within our capital city. FORS aims to manage work-related road risk and covers all vehicles, from trucks down to motorbikes. We expect that more private and public sector contracts outside of London will start to require FORS accreditation, so be prepared. It is well worth working towards this accreditation, as it can save you money as well as improve safety. The requirements include vehicle cameras to eliminate blind spots, and telematics in the form of driver behaviour scoring, to help eradicate bad habits and minimise the risk of a road traffic incident. Trakm8 is a FORS partner and can supply FORS-approved solutions. After a period of high growth, average insurance premiums fell slightly in 2018 – however, they remain high for van

AIR POLLUTION IN NUMBERS • Air pollution kills around 40,000 people a year in the UK • Air pollution costs the UK economy up to £20 billion a year • The damage caused by air pollution costs the NHS £6bn a year • Diesel vans are responsible for 90% of these NHS costs • A city centre diesel van costs the UK economy £25,000 over its lifetime

POTENTIAL SAVINGS IN NUMBERS Businesses using telematics and vehicle cameras have achieved the following savings:

• 20% reduction in fuel usage • 31% reduction in engine idling • 20% reduction in at-fault crash rates • 10% reduction on insurance premiums

“There has been an explosion in the number of charging points, and this trend will continue throughout 2019 and beyond.”

operators. Cost-conscious van operators will be pleased to know that a growing number of insurance companies offer discounts for vans which are fitted with dash cams. Brands like RoadHawk are proven to reduce insurance premiums by up to 10%, making them a no-brainer. In addition, 2018 saw the first major fleets adopting telematics cameras, which combine the safety benefits of driver behaviour, telematics and dash cams – expect to see many more organisations following suit over the next 12 months. Trakm8 is the UK’s largest manufacturer of telematics devices and is proud to hold the Made in Britain marque. It is also a leading supplier of vehicle cameras, fleet scheduling and EV optimisation software, and driver behaviour analytics. Trakm8, trakm8.com

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