ECN January 2019 by All Things Media

VOLUME 39 NO. 01 • JANUARY 2019

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CRABTREE: 1919 TO 2019 AND BEYOND Crabtree looks back on 100 years of innovation It began with the flick of switch. One hundred years ago, John Ashworth Crabtree designed and patented a quick make and quick break switch. This innovation, which safely managed electric arcs that can occur in switching devices, was the beginning of the philosophy that became the culture of electrical safety for Crabtree. A lot can change in 100 years. Technology develops, new challenges emerge, solutions are found. But despite it all, the earth continues to turn, and those with a passion continue to design and innovate. For a business that has weathered the storms of time, changed ownership, evolved its working methods and undoubtedly over 100 years, engaged many staff; one thing hasn’t changed, and that is the drive for new product development – a vital ingredient in the success of the brand. As it turns 100 in 2019, Crabtree is still a leading brand in the UK. Now a Siemens company, it has 100 years of innovation from the early inventions that inspired and evolved into the devices electrical installations would be nowhere without.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 39 NO. 01 • JANUARY 2019

CONTENTS… Regulars 4 Editorial

18 Key Issue

A welcome from your new editor!

Andrew Eldred, ECA director of employment and skills, reveals that there may be more benefits to hiring apprentices than you think.

7 Industry News Award winners, a special 25th anniversary, and reaction to the latest Brexit developments.

20 Project Focus Thanks to a lighting installation from B.E.G., a new London school is top of the class for energy efficiency and learning.

12 Cover Story Crabtree looks back on 100 years of innovation.

22 Competition

14 Contract News An illumination project for London’s bridges, a contract for a new school, and a boiler upgrade for Scottish homes.

A chance to win Aico’s 3000 Series Fire & Co Alarms.

53 Company Showcase Sponsored content from around the sector.

16 Training

Features 24 Going green in 2019 Thomas Belaisch of Schneider Electric believes that electricians are perfectly placed to help customers become more energy efficient.

28 Soaking up the sun Developments in renewable technology are becoming increasingly popular in domestic settings. Alan Clarke of Heatrae Sadia discusses the options.

26 Time is today’s greatest currency Russell Down, chief executive at Speedy Hire, explores the modern trend of customers seeking prompt delivery, on their terms, and at their convenience.

A record-breaking training session and a further tackle on work-related stress.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Smart Lighting & Lighting Control

Wiring Accessories

Bishop, president of LynTec, 30 Mark explains how power control

Circuit Protection & Switchgear Peacock, technical product 50 Ian manager at Lewden, looks at the

solutions can support LED lighting in retrofit applications.

implications of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations coming into effect and explains how Lewden can be of assistance.

CP Electronics has launched a new 34 CPD for specifiers, and it outlines exactly what users need to be aware of when choosing lighting controls. Here’s an overview of what’s on offer. Marie Parry, group marketing 45 director for Scolmore, looks at the

A detailed look at how Hamilton 36 Litestat – a British electrical

issues surrounding assisted living and the part the electrical industry can play in providing solutions in this growing sector.

solutions provider – successfully delivered coordinated smart lighting control in a new Dubai-styled property in Hertfordshire.

Saima Shafi, sales and marketing director at Goodlight, explains how smart lighting control systems can provide a whole host of benefits to the transportation industry.

Simon Blazey, strategic solution sales manager at Tridonic UK, discusses how lighting systems are the perfect infrastructure and basis for a successful IoT.

Torque screwdrivers are likely to 48 become a mandatory requirement in the future. WAGO’s David Draper explains why there’s perhaps never been a better time to take the screw out of the equation altogether.

January 2019 | 3

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EDITORIAL

A WELCOME FROM YOUR NEW EDITOR!

elcome to our first issue of the year, and I entrust that you all had a good Christmas and are having an equally enjoyable start to the New Year (and that resolutions are still firmly intact!) I’d also like to take a moment to introduce myself as the new editor of ECN, taking over from Kayleigh who has set sail for pastures new in the US. 2018 was a particularly impactful year for ECN, with the magazine further cementing its position as the market leader – and I’m pleased to take over the

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

reins and will continue to deliver the usual blend of news, views and insight that our title is renowned for. Joining the magazine right in time for the industry’s numerous Christmas events proved an opportune time, as – in addition to the copious amounts of seasonal food and drink – it also enabled me to meet with many of the sector’s key figures and find out what’s on their mind as the industry moves into a new era. As you’ll be aware, the 18th Edition changes are now fully in effect, and that’s reflected in our coverage this month as we continue to dissect the impact the new regulations are having across the sector. This month’s magazine is highlighted by an in-depth series

of articles on smart lighting and lighting control, including a series of informative expert commentaries and additional articles detailing recent lighting projects – one of which delivered smart lighting control to a new Dubai-inspired property in Hertfordshire. We have great things on the horizon for each of our issues this year, and a full editorial calendar for the year ahead is now accessible via our website at electricalcontractingnews.com You can also drop me a line with any news or feedback to simon@ allthingsmedialtd.com – and I look forward to speaking and meeting with many of you throughout the year. Thanks for your continued support, and enjoy the issue!

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com

DESIGNER: JON APPLETON T: 01634 673163 E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00 Copyright © 2018, All rights reserved Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontilanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YA

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INDUSTRY NEWS BREXIT AGREEMENT WELCOMED BY SELECT SELECT, the campaigning trade body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland, has welcomed the approval of a plan which secures full post-Brexit membership of the British Standards Institution (BSI) within European Standards Organisations (ESOs). The decision, taken separately by ESOs CEN and CENELEC, means the BSI, UK industry and other stakeholders will continue to have a central role in shaping and maintaining best practice standards across Europe. It also means that UK professionals will continue in leadership roles in committees and as policy experts engaged in maintaining and developing the 20,000 European standards that are managed by CEN and CENELEC. Dave Forrester, head of technical services at SELECT, said, “This is the best possible outcome of what has been an uncertain situation. BSI Group has argued that its membership and influence in ESOs should not be affected by the UK leaving the EU and that is what it has achieved. “The approval displays a welcome pragmatism on both sides, which will provide stability for the European standards system and reassure standards users in the UK that the system will continue to meet their needs.” The BSI position on post-withdrawal arrangements was supported by the UK government and confirmed by Business Secretary Greg Clark in the White Paper, the Withdrawal Act and ‘no deal’ technical notices.

INNOVATION AWARD FOR METSEC The GCC division of voestalpine Metsec plc has won the ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ award at the Big Project Middle East Awards for its purlins optimisation software, MetSPEC 14. Middle East. The category recognises suppliers and manufacturers who have worked innovatively to bring the most efficient products and services into the construction sector. Metsec’s software provides customers with the option of designing products to the following standards: AISI S100, the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, and ACSE 7-05, the Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. The gala awards dinner, hosted at Double Tree Hilton JBR in Dubai, took place on November 26 and welcomed more than 300 of the construction industry’s leading professionals. Rob Marsh (pictured), commercial manager for Metsec GCC, commented, “Gaining recognition from a ceremony as prestigious as the Big Project Middle East Awards is a great honour. We’re consistently analysing demand to ensure our products and services are up to date and enable customers to work more efficiently. He continued, “It was humbling to be among some of the most innovative construction companies from across the MENA region, and this win highlights our commitment to supporting structural engineers from the early specification stage, enabling them to optimise and streamline their design to the required standards, while providing cost-effective, efficient and lighter purlins solutions.”

The UK, through BSI, will continue to commit to the fundamental membership principles of CEN and CENELEC, meaning that all member countries of CEN and CENELEC have a consistent and coherent catalogue of national standards for industry, consumers and regulators. SELECT, select.org.uk

BCIA HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING CONTROLS The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is encouraging the wider industry to consider the importance of implementing effective building controls from the outset of building projects in order to meet current legislation. The 10 80 10 rule represents the total lifetime costs of a building, whereby only 10% of costs are invested at the design stage while a staggering 80% is spent on the running and maintaining of a building. The BCIA is calling for a change in approach from those in the supply chain at the initial stages of building projects. By investing in an efficient controls system at the start of construction, this will dramatically lower operational costs in commercial buildings over the long term, while also helping to meet a wide range of legislation. A good example of this is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) which came into force earlier this year. It is now unlawful for a landlord to let or renew a lease on a property if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is F or G. By installing additional zone control, for instance, or demand control of lighting and heating using occupancy sensors, any EPC rating can receive a welcome boost and substantially lower unnecessary energy usage. It is these relatively simple additions to the BMS system that have a significant impact on the EPC rating. Energy efficiency in commercial buildings remains a high priority and something that must be continually be addressed in the need to meet current and new legislation. One of the best ways that this can be accomplished is by bearing in mind the 10 80 10 concept from the outset of construction projects and making sensible and strategic decisions to future-proof today’s sophisticated buildings. Through the implementation of innovative control systems, this will enable the wider industry to comply with legislation over the upcoming years. BCIA, bcia.co.uk

ECA INDUSTRY AWARDS DINNER RETURNS IN JUNE

Voestalpine Metsec, metsec.com

NEW CHARITY INITIATIVE FOR REXEL Rexel employees recently voted to support Cancer Research UK, and the company will now donate a total of £1,811 to the charity. Rexel promised £1 to the charity for every returned employee engagement survey, and at time of press, a total of 1,811 surveys had been completed. Matthew Blake, HR director at Rexel, said, “We are honoured to be able to help such a brilliant charity in their fight against cancer. Without the cooperation of our employees, we wouldn’t have been able to reach such a great figure for Cancer Research UK and I’d like to thank them all. We hope that our donation will go towards supporting the excellent work and research being done to find successful treatments so this disease can be beaten.” The money raised will be of great help in the local area of Meriden, where the cheque was presented. Rexel states that Warwick University, University Hospital Coventry, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University will all benefit from the money, with it going towards their research into a cure for cancer. Rexel, rexel.co.uk

It has been announced that the 2019 ECA Industry Awards Dinner will be held at the Hilton Bankside in London on June 7. Tickets for the event are available now, and alongside the award presentations, organisers are promising a full evening of entertainment. Steve Bratt, ECA CEO, commented, “ECA is pleased to announce that tickets are now available for the 2019 Industry Awards Dinner, which promises to be one of the best nights on the industry calendar with more entertainment than ever before. As ever, attendees will enjoy extensive socialising and networking opportunities, while we celebrate and recognise the achievements of our members.” The awards, which recognise the top businesses and individuals within the industry, are open to entries until March 15, and the winners will be announced on the night. There will also be the opportunity to enter the Electrical Industry’s Charity prize draw during the dinner, which – last year – raised over £3,000. The ECA Industry Awards Dinner is supported by headline sponsors Ledvance and Electrium. A drinks reception (sponsored by Scolmore), where attendees can meet fellow industry peers, will take place before the awards ceremony. ECA, eca.co.uk

January 2019 | 7

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INDUSTRY NEWS ROLEC EV UPDATES CHARGING POINTS Rolec EV has confirmed that its entire range of Electric Vehicle charging points have been developed to meet and comply with the new IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations that came into force on January 1. Kieron Alsop, Rolec EV’s managing director, commented, “Our engineers have been designing a variety of new internal components for introduction into our EV charging range in order to comply with the forthcoming 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. “These new components have been designed in keeping with the traditional Rolec direction, whereby every component within our charging points can be easily removed and replaced onsite by a maintenance engineer – and thus keeping any potential downtime to a minimum. “The recent regulation changes called for all 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.” Kieron continued, “After careful consideration, we decided that all Rolec EV charge points installed from January 1 would include the new DC sensitive

device and TT earthing facility as standard. This means that anybody installing a Rolec EV charging point will have the peace of mind and confidence in knowing that it fully complies with all current regulations. “A key benefit of including the regulation updates within our charging points is that the actual installation costs are kept to a minimum by avoiding having to purchase and install expensive DC sensitive RCD protection at source. “Another benefit with the design of the modular DC sensitive device is that it can also be fitted to pre-18th edition EV charging points.” Rolec, rolecserv.com

SELECT COMMITTEE BACKS RETENTIONS REFORM The BEIS Committee report into Small Businesses and Productivity, published in December, is calling on Government to introduce statutory requirements to pay within 30 days and recommends that cash retentions be held in independent accounts. It also calls for the Small Business Commissioner’s remit to cover construction and give him the power to fine late payers. The report echoes recent announcements by Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden MP that main contractors be excluded from public sector contracts if they fail to pay supply chains on time. Dowden and the BEIS Committee report have been praised by the ECA and BESA. Many of the outcomes of the report reflect evidence given by BESA and ECA members directly to the Select Committee and in written submissions. As political support continues to grow, pressure is mounting on government and industry to come together and find a solution to the issue of retentions. The BEIS Select Committee report states, “We are shocked by the extent of late payments and the impact they are having on small businesses. This includes the personal cost to owners and workers but also the local communities they serve and the wider UK economy. It is completely unacceptable.” Pat Allen (left) and Kevin Griffin (right)

SELECT, select.org.uk

FIRE AND SECURITY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

CONTRACTOR PORTAL FOR SPEEDY FACT FINDING

Two individuals from the fire, emergency and security industry have been recognised by the Fire & Security Association (FSA) for changing the sector for the better at this year’s IFSEC Security and Fire Excellence Awards. The FSA was an official partner at the event, which took place on November 21 at the Park Lane Hilton in London. Pat Allen, of Abel Alarm Company, won the Peter Greenwood Security Award for outstanding contribution to the security systems industry. Pat has been instrumental in bringing the industry together in developing, testing and implementing a new apprenticeship standard for fire, emergency and security apprentices. Meanwhile, Kevin Griffin, of Logic Systems Fire and Security, won the Ian Marsh Fire Award for enthusiasm and selfless concern for the fire and emergency systems industry. Kevin has built up a strong reputation in Scotland for helping to improve standards within the fire industry. Tom Brookes, chairman of FSA, noted, “Both Kevin and Pat have been fantastic servants to the industry over the years, through their continued efforts to improve standards and bring more young people into the sector.” Judges for the awards included Tom, who is also managing director of Lindum Fire Services; Richard Jenkins, CEO of NSI; Alex Carmichael, CEO SSAIB; and Una Riley, patron of Women in Security and Master of the Company of Security Professionals. The FSA consists of members of ECA, the leading electrotechnical and engineering services trade association, and Scottish electrical trade body SELECT – although the awards are open to the entire industry.

Schneider Electric has launched a new Contractors Portal. Located on Schneider’s website, partnered contractors will have access to the portal, and they can obtain detailed information on Schneider Electric products and free training resources, including webinars. Contractors in almost every industry find themselves in a highly competitive environment where many are operating on low profit margins. Thus, Schneider believes that speed to market and ensuring projects are delivered on time has become critical, placing pressure on contractors to research and source products quickly. The Schneider Electric Contractors Portal is designed to help the company’s largest customer segment access detailed product information, on demand. It is expected that this will help them make purchasing decisions faster, ensuring a smooth installation experience for customers with minimal delays. The portal will be a living platform, regularly updated with the latest Schneider Electric product announcements and news. It will keep users updated on the most important regulatory changes for their sector, posting analysis and updates as they occur. The portal will also serve as a centre for learning and training material. Educational webinars on Schneider Electric’s latest products will be available for contractors and apprentices looking to increase their knowledge of using the equipment in the field. To access the portal, visit schneiderelectric.co.uk/contractors.

Fire & Security Association, fireandsecurityassociation.co.uk

CED’s warehouse in Rainham

CED LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH NEW INNOVATIONS Countrywide Electrical Distributors, a family business based in Dagenham, Essex, is looking ahead to its next phase whilst celebrating its 25th anniversary. The company, founded in 1994 by Ravi Sood and Jayanti Velani, has become a major force in electrical accessories with the Axiom brand, LED lighting with Meridian, and heating and ventilation via Airmaster. Success has come from a simple business model – the offer of affordable quality to the supply chain and, continuing this philosophy, the company is preparing for its next phase of growth, via both new products and customer service developments. The first innovation is in the branding, as the company name is changing to the CED Electrical Group to more clearly represent the business. There will also be a brand simplification, with AXIOM taking up all products previously in the Fortis brand, including site electrics and industrial products. The start of 2019 also sees the launch of a new comprehensive range of Axiom AXM White Moulded Accessories designed and priced to meet the day-to-day needs of electrical contractors. Axiom will also have a new Site Electric range as well as 3 Phase Boards, whilst Meridian starts the year with new ranges of Emergency Fittings and Wall Lights. All of this follows recent launches of Axiom LED Dimmers, Airmaster Lot20 Compliant Panel Heaters and Meridian Lighting Controls. Countrywide Electrical Distributors, ced-elec.co.uk

Schneider Electric, schneider-electric.co.uk

8 | January 2019

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INDUSTRY NEWS SEC GROUP CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY SELECT has joined with other organisations across the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. Since its inception in 1993, SEC Group has provided a strong lobbying voice to support the specialist engineering sector, especially in the vital areas of contractual issues. In value terms, members of the SECG represent the largest sector of UK construction, comprising the industry’s premier trade associations. In exclusively working on behalf of specialist contractors, it has not only improved the trading environment, but it has also become a driver for real change and a strong proponent of a more collaborative and project-oriented culture. Alan Wilson, acting managing director at SELECT, explained, “Electrical contractors were among the first to agree that specialist engineering required its own representational body, and SELECT has been proud to be a part of SEC Group over the years. “SEC Group aims to influence at the highest levels of government and it continues to do that by offering wellresearched, sensible, pragmatic solutions which are of significant benefit to both businesses and their clients.”

SEC Group now includes: the British Constructional Steelwork Association; the Building Engineering Services Association; ECA, the electrotechnical and engineering services trade body; the Lift and Escalator Industry Association; the Scaffolding Association; SELECT, the

Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland; and SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. Select, select.org.uk, EC Group, secgroup.org.uk

ELECTRIC CAR MARKET TO CREATE OVER 1 MILLION JOBS

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

Over one million new jobs are set to be created in the European electric car market by 2050, according to a new report from the European Association of Electrical Contractors (AIE). The AIE study found that full electrification of the passenger car market across the current 28 members of the EU would generate 1.2 million jobs. These would largely be associated with the manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of charging points and batteries, and electricity generation. Significantly, if only 35% of new cars registered in the EU28 in 2030 are electric, nearly 200,000 jobs would be created in the sector. This figure could more than double the number that could be lost in the traditional car market as a result of the electric vehicle revolution. Fig. 1: Breakdown of the 200,000 jobs that could Giorgia Concas, secretary general of AIE, commented, “The shift be created in the EV sector, based on a moderate to electric cars is expected to create 200,000 new jobs by 2030, the predicted uptake of EVs in Europe by 2030. Source: AIE majority for electrical contractors across Europe. Electromobility is a massive business opportunity for local companies to generate local, green, highly skilled jobs.” Luke Osborne, energy & emerging technologies solutions advisor at ECA, noted. “Electric vehicles are a fast-evolving area. The benefits to both the economy and the environment are potentially huge. With regard to business opportunities, employment opportunities and the economic gains for society, the future looks bright.” He adds, “If the government wants to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040 and adhere to its Road to Zero plan, a robust public electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be a vital priority, especially for the 43% of households without access to off-street parking.” ECA provides guidance and professional advice to help its near 3,000 member businesses navigate the process of registering with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) in order to access and facilitate grants for EV installations. ECA has also produced comprehensive information and guidance relating to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671) and EV charging. AIE, aie.eu, ECA, eca.co.uk

ELECTRICAL TESTING FIRM WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD A national electrical testing firm has been awarded Best Small Business at the annual Brand Yorkshire Business Awards. Circuit Electrical Testing joined other finalists at a blacktie awards ceremony at The Village Hotel in North Leeds on December 5, 2018. The company, which was founded by Brian Nolan in 2007, specialises in electrical and fire safety testing services for organisations nationwide. Commenting on the award win, sales and marketing director, Vicky Nolan, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to learn we’ve been awarded Best Small Business at the Brand Yorkshire Awards and it really is testament to the team’s hard work over the last 12 months. It’s been a very busy year for us and there are still lots of exciting plans to come in 2019.”

After almost 20 years, Peter Smeeth is to retire as secretary general of the British Cables Association (BCA). Taking over is Dr Jeremy Hodge, a well-known figure within the cable industry. Jeremy will take on the roles of company secretary to the Cable Makers Properties & Services Limited and secretary general to the British Cables Association, as well as director of the Approved Cables Initiative. Jeremy has also worked for British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC). The Scottish Building Contract Committee (SBCC) has elected Alan Wilson, acting managing director of SELECT, the trade body for the electro-technical trade in Scotland, to be its Vice Chair. The election took place at SBCC’s AGM on 7 November. Until now, its office bearers have been drawn from the membership of the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Mike Nankivell announced that he would stand down as Heat Pump Association (HPA) President at the end of 2018. Graham Wright, currently Vice President of the HPA, will take over the role of President in 2019. Mike explained, “The heat pump sector is entering a new period of challenges, with changes in the refrigerants landscape, government policies related to global environmental issues, national technology subsidies, Building Regulations and of course Brexit. While I remain committed to the success of the sector and am happy to continue supporting the Association, I believe the HPA needs to move forward with someone at the helm who is still at the sharp end of heat pump technology.” Certsure’s chief executive, Emma Clancy, left the company at the end of 2018 to pursue new opportunities. Emma was at the company for five years, and the board at Certsure extended their thanks for her dedication and achievements.

Circuit Electrical Testing, circuitcompliance.com

10 | January 2019

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COVER STORY

THE FIRST 100 YEARS As Crabtree celebrates its 100th anniversary, ECN takes a look back at the company’s rich history and explores many of the most significant innovations it has developed along the way.

lectrical safety has always been at the heart of everything Crabtree does. It’s a philosophy that has seen the brand through periods of depression, a world war, and market uncertainty. It enables them to consistently deliver products and devices that installers can trust, and it all started with a ‘dolly’. One hundred years ago, John Ashworth Crabtree designed a quick make and quick break switch, which safely managed electric arcs that can occur in switching devices. Patenting his creation, John went into business for himself opening a factory in Walsall, a market town in the West Midlands. 100 years later, and Crabtree remains at the forefront of electrical safety, this time with digital technology in arc fault detection devices. Crabtree AFDDs automatically detect and disconnect arc faults and prevent fires occurring in electrical cables and final circuits, providing higher levels of safety for homes and workplaces. In 1939, Crabtree (a then 20-yearold business) switched production in response to a need for the Air Ministry, which required robust, reliable, flexible, quick and easy to install aircraft wiring systems. It was Crabtree that designed and developed solder free, screw-less crimped terminals, providing safe reliable connections and safer flying conditions. Hardly surprising then that even now Crabtree uses screw-less plug-in systems in consumer units to provide instant guaranteed reliable connections in household installations in the UK. We’re now on the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations, but back when the

A look at Crabtree’s Motto Plaque

A view inside Crabtree’s machine shop at Lincoln Works

12th Edition of the wiring regulations was being published in 1950, Crabtree had been operating for over 30 years. It had launched during that time a number of innovations, including one still used today – British Standard 13A twin sockets. Now a staple in homes and businesses across the UK, British Standard 13A twin sockets were first introduced by Crabtree in 1947, one year after being awarded a Royal Warrant as a supplier of electrical products to King George VI. 13A sockets might now seem ordinary, but they make our use of electricity safer. The secret to safety is the shutter system that makes BS sockets safer to use by protecting people from accessing live parts and by using switches that contain electric arcs within protective shields. Sockets have changed over the years, through updates in decorative plates and the styles of the eras. The latest versions (Instinct) from Crabtree now combine recent innovations too, such as the multi pin shutter safety system, and full contact cable terminations, all combined with slim plates, soft curves and smooth style – because looks matter too. Heading back to the mid-century, in 1956, Crabtree introduced its first earth leakage circuit breaker, the E.60 range. Earth leakage circuit breakers (or RCDs as we now know them) are standard products these days, but they were new in the 1950s when Crabtree developed this technology for devices that protect people from risks of electric shock. Fast forward 60-odd years to the very latest earth leakage devices and you will find innovative ‘A Class’ miniature RCBOs that include twopole switching as standard for even higher levels of personal protection. In another recent drive for safety, when fires in plastic consumer units in residential properties were rising and London Fire Brigade called for action, Crabtree investigated the initial proposals and found that an alternative solution (metal enclosures) would provide a better way to control the spread of any fire that occurred in switchgear assemblies. This led directly to a change in the UK wiring regulations and now metal consumer units are mandatory. When it launched in 1919, Crabtree had a motto: “That which is built soundly endures well.” It was inscribed into the company plaque and rightly so. Crabtree was built soundly enough to provide 100 years of electrical safety to its customers. And with a 100-year solid foundation, what else can the brand do in the years to come?

RECENT INNOVATIONS AFDDs Crabtree has launched a range of AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices) that fit into any new or existing installation with a Starbreaker consumer unit. Detecting arc faults that cannot be detected by RCDs or MCBs. These new devices use digital technology to provide additional protection against fires caused by arcs in AC 230V final circuits. Crabtree AFDDs constantly monitor and analyse electrical values and look for any divergence from normal patterns i.e. divergences that denote a potentially dangerous arc. They are designed and tested to not respond to arcing under normal operation of equipment, whilst simultaneously continuing to respond to arc faults whilst the equipment is being used.

RCBOs One of the key innovations with the new RCBO is that ‘miniature means miniature’. The RCBOs measure one single module wide and are just 90mm in height. This gives installers around 30% more wiring space to work with in the consumer unit, saving time on tricky installations. The RCBO will do more than just offer more space though. Its other unique innovation is that it has built in switched neutral as standard. The technology means that live and neutral conductors do not have to be disconnected for insulation resistance testing, a major benefit for contractors working with social landlords and testing in void properties, saving them time and money.

Electrium, electrium.co.uk/crabtree

12 | January 2019

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The Starbreaker Arc Fault Detection Device. Always on guard. Accidental cable damage is just one way arc faults can occur. Unseen risks are hard to protect against â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but with Starbreaker AFDDs, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in safer hands. Incorporating AFD, MCB and RCD technology, they constantly guard against overloads, short circuits, earth leakages and arc faults, satisfying the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations in one clever little device. Quick and easy to install, and compatible with all Starbreaker consumer units via a plug-in busbar system, it also includes two-pole switching for total isolation of faulty circuits, providing protection where it matters most.

EASIER. SAFER. FASTER. Learn more at www.electrium.co.uk/crabtreeAFDD

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11/12/2018 15:19 16:49 17/12/2018

CONTRACT NEWS LIGHTING SPRINGS INTO LIFE Over the past few years, Studiotech has collaborated on numerous projects alongside Wakefield-based architectural practice, The Harris Partnership. The practice was responsible for the design of the new retail and leisure destination named ‘The Springs’ at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The concept included a full feature lighting scheme to the exterior of the buildings and throughout the public realm. After recently providing a full turnkey lighting solution at their White Rose leisure extension project, The Harris Partnership was confident that Studiotech was capable of delivering its concept at Thorpe Park to the highest of standards. Studiotech took the proposals provided by the architects and designed a deliverable and achievable scheme within budget. There were a number of areas that Studiotech took responsibility for, with the most eye-catching

being the bespoke catenary lighting suspended above the public realm. The catenary lighting required a specialist solution. Each stainless-steel catenary cable was manufactured to an exact length and was fixed to the buildings at positions agreed with the structural engineer. Studiotech then mounted over 170m of RGBW strip luminaires enclosed within a flexible PVC housing to the suspended catenary system, resulting in a unique display of light and colour throughout the public realm. Studiotech also completed the detailed design, supply and installation of various other architectural lighting features. This included dynamic colour changing RGBW LED to the mirror cladding, wall wash to the cinema façade, linear under soffit ambient lighting and living wall inground uplighters. Studiotech, studiotech.co.uk

TWIN PLUS TOUGH ENOUGH FOR BANK UPGRADE

TRACTOR DISTRIBUTOR GIVES WORKSHOP LIGHTING COMPLETE OVERHAUL Fitzgerald Lighting recently installed a new LED lighting scheme in the engineering workshop at Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers in Launceston, Cornwall. Starting in the back of a van in 1982, Alan Snow is now the distributor for leading tractor brands Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra. Fitzgerald Lighting’s LED Polaris was chosen for the site as an update for its old low bay technology. As an industrial luminaire and a new generation of low bay, the Polaris is designed to create a better light output and ensures up to 90% energy savings. The robust system is ideal for warehouses and factories and is easy to install with a plug and play system, minimising installation costs and future maintenance requirements. 12 luminaires, each of 140W, replaced the traditional lighting in the Alan Snow engineering workshop. The LED Polaris is a purposebuilt, durable luminaire designed for applications such as warehouse racking areas and open areas, factories, retail back of house and workshops. Finished in a resilient white paint finish, the luminaire is designed with a clear polycarbonate screen for even light distribution and plug and play for easy installation. Fitzgerald Lighting, fitzlight.co.uk

REL WINS SCHOOL CONTRACT IN LONDON REL Building Services has won a contract to design and install electrical services for a new secondary school in London. Due to open in September 2019, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls will accommodate 1,200 new pupils in eight forms up to sixth form. There will be 29 classrooms, ten science laboratories, eight ICT suites, and specialist classrooms for art, music and drama. Additional facilities include a four-court sports hall and a new dance studio. To ensure that all the building services are coordinated in the new school, REL has used BIM Level 2 to develop the design, which includes a mains power distribution unit, lighting, data cabling, fire alarms, CCTV, and access. The main contractor, Kier and Kershaw Mechanical Services, appointed REL. Toby Buckley, managing director of REL, says, “This is the second school contract we have won with Kier and Kershaw Mechanical Services within the last four months. We’re also working with the teams to install electrical services for the new Charter School in East Dulwich. This is a similar project, which will result in a very impressive new school featuring the latest technology and a raft of new facilities.” Clive Watson, contracts manager at Kier, added, “We’re pleased to be working with REL again to help construct another new school in London. The team has extensive experience and technical knowledge of the education sector, which combined with the skills of Kershaw Mechanical Services, will deliver a highly efficient and cost-effective M&E solution.” REL is expected to be on site for 11 months and complete the electrical installation by August 2019.

An international bank has transformed its data and cabling capacity as part of a programme to expand customer-focused services. The scale of upgrade at Ziraat Bank’s London City branch demanded robust cable management solutions to deliver the electrical infrastructure required. Designto-install contractors Randburg Electrical Services specified Marshall-Tufflex Twin Plus Aluminium for the job, which spanned new power and lighting, UPS, fire and security on all five levels of the Turkish bank’s Cornhill Street headquarters. At 210mm x 57mm, Twin Plus Aluminium delivers an extra deep cable management solution that features two large, permanently segregated high-capacity compartments, each able to be subdivided. This sturdy aluminium trunking is designed to carry large quantities of CAT7a data cabling and was specified for this project for its high level of security and durability, reported Randburg, which sourced the product from Edmundson Electrical of Croydon. Already familiar with Twin Plus, a Randburg spokesman added: “This installation was typical for the product. We chose it because it also looks great.” Often ordered for dado and skirting applications, Twin Plus Aluminium offers bends, angles and tees with large bend radius and is available with a swatch of clip-on polycarbonate fittings with built-in overlaps. Market-leading British cable management manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex produces high-end cable management solutions for all environments in the commercial, industrial, healthcare, education and domestic markets. Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

REL Building Services, relbuildingservices.co.uk

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CONTRACT NEWS LONDON CALLING FOR ILLUMINATED BRIDGES Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, has been announced as the connected lighting partner to illuminate up to 15 of London’s iconic bridges by 2022. Signify won the contract to supply its Interact Landmark system and Philips Colour Kinetics LED luminaires to light up the city’s famous River Thames bridges with dynamic, artistic lighting effects via its centrally managed software. In addition, Signify will provide lifecycle services to remotely monitor and manage the connected bridge lighting for the next 10 years. This is the first time there has been a holistic strategy to light up all of central London’s bridges. The aim is to create a multi-level visual experience for the bridges viewed by pedestrians on the bridges, from London’s riverbanks, from the air, from tall buildings and by boat. The project is led by the Illuminated River Foundation, which ran an international design competition for the lighting design which was won by international artist, Leo Villareal and London architects, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. Following a rigorous evaluation, Signify was awarded the project because of its global breadth and expertise in lighting and ability to deliver such an important, large-scale, connected lighting project. Also, a key factor was Signify’s experience of working with lighting designers and architects on the management of dynamic, architectural lighting scenes.

Phase one commencing now will see four bridges illuminated by mid-2019 with connected Philips Color Kinetics LED luminaires, featured on London Bridge, Cannon Street Railway Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Millennium

Bridge. Signify’s Interact Landmark system will remotely monitor and manage the lighting on all four bridges. Signify, signify.com

BOILER UPGRADE FOR SCOTTISH HOMES

STRUCTURED WIRING SYSTEM CHOSEN FOR DUBLIN DEVELOPMENT Wieland Electric’s Metalynx2 structured wiring system was recently installed at 5 Hanover Quay, a new commercial development situated in the Grand Canal Dock area of Dublin. 5 Hanover Quay is a high specification, seven-storey building providing over 15,000 sq. metres of commercial space, in addition to apartments and four large retail units located on the ground floor. Core Electrical, Wieland’s exclusive distributor for building installation products in Ireland, worked alongside consulting engineers Ethos Engineering and electrical contractors Suir Engineering to design and supply the bespoke Metalynx2 modular wiring system. The project brief was to provide a flexible and sustainable modular wiring system that would operate with the DALI open protocol-based lighting control system and that could be easily installed, whilst meeting the tight deadline of the project. The Metalynx2 system uses cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and arrives on site fully assembled, pre-wired and tested. Using a plug and play connectivity system has been proven to generate savings of 70% in installation time that results in significant reduction in overall costs, whilst cutting down on waste. The system is designed to be robust, reliable and flexible to offer a quick, hassle free installation. Metalynx2 is also future proofed so, should plans change during the build or in the future, it can be adapted to suit. Using Wieland’s Metalynx2 at Hanover Quay has allowed Core Electrical to provide a system with greater environmental and operational efficiencies and allowed Core to complete the project quickly and efficiently.

Work has begun on a £2.8 million programme of works to replace inefficient electric storage heating with modern gas combination boiler systems in more than 700 social rented homes across the Scottish Borders. Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has commissioned national contractor PH Jones to carry out the works, which should take two years to complete. PH Jones was awarded the contract through a specialist heating services procurement framework designed and managed by PfH Scotland, specialist providers of procurement services to the housing sector. Expected to generate contract work with a cumulative value of around £600 million over four years, the framework was launched in October 2017 to help registered social landlords meet their obligations under the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). Under the standard, all social housing in Scotland must, as a minimum, meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band D by 2020. SBHA manages in the region of 5,600 properties throughout the area. The majority of homes now receiving an upgrade as part of the new gas heating installation programme currently do not meet the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing. Many also do not have an active gas supply and Scottish Borders Housing Association will be making a further up-front investment to supply gas to these homes. Fire safety measures in these homes will also be enhanced, with heat and smoke detectors and smoke alarms upgraded to conform to the latest standards. PH Jones, phjones.co.uk Resident Ellen Sanderson with PH Jones electrical contract delivery manager Jonathan Walker and Ellen’s newly installed gas combi boiler

Wieland Electric, wieland-electric.com

January 2019 | 15

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TRAINING

A recent training day hosted by SOLARWATT at its Milton Keynes facility was its biggest training session to date

SOLARWATT HOSTS BIGGEST EVER TRAINING DAY More than 30 installers seeking to boost their skills and service levels attended a training day for solar PV system specialists hosted by SOLARWATT, a provider of photovoltaic systems, and Fronius UK, the inverter manufacturer. The free event at Fronius’ Technology Centre in Milton Keynes provided the company’s service partners and other renewable energy professionals with all the information they need to install and configure the compact, highly efficient, modular MyReserve energy storage battery and experience the SOLARWATT/Fronius system. Neal Goddard, SOLARWATT UK sales manager, said, “It was our biggest UK training session to date and the engagement with our partners was very positive. I think the

SPEEDY ACQUIRES TRAINING PROVIDER Speedy, a tools, equipment and plant hire services company, has acquired the entire issued share capital of training provider Geason Holdings from Ian and Robert Kilpatrick and connected family trust companies. Geason is a provider of construction and professional services training across the UK, operating from a head office in Glasgow, with over 1,100 apprentices and 500 NVQ learners currently on programmes. The acquisition will allow the group to better support its customers in training and developing their staff and accelerate the growth of Speedy’s services businesses. Commenting on the acquisition, Russell Down, chief executive of Speedy, said, “This acquisition expands our training services offering and allows us to deliver flexible, progressive training programmes to support customers across the UK. I warmly welcome Ian, Robert and Geason employees to Speedy.” Based in the UK, Speedy operates across the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets. Speedy, speedyservices.com

response is being driven by increased interest in renewable energy solutions among both installers and their domestic and SME customers.” SOLARWATT’s UK team shared their insights with photovoltaic installers on their two-part certification programme. The session underpins SOLARWATT’S partnership with Fronius, the global renewable energy solution provider, covering distribution, joint research and development activities, and including partner products in respective portfolios. SOLARWATT’s completely modular MyReserve comprises two basic components – a battery, and power electronics. Both are no larger than a shoe box and weigh

a maximum of 25kg. The modules can be easily combined and, from a capacity of 2.4 kWh upwards, can be configured to any PV system size, for flexible use as either a home battery or as a commercial solution. “In the past year, we have moved to our multi-awardwinning MyReserve modular system and set up a full UK structure, with sales people, an engineer, and back office and services in place,” added Neal. “We recently became members of the Solar Trade Association to play a bigger role in the UK industry and have greatly stepped up our marketing activity. There’s a lot of movement in the UK market and the response to the training has been fantastic.” SOLARWATT, solarwatt.com

JTL AND EIC CONTINUE TACKLE ON STRESS National training provider JTL is continuing its work alongside the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to highlight the negative impact of stress. Their joint campaign aims to help people working in the electrical sector to address stressful situations and seek help. It includes a dedicated Apprentice Support Programme, designed to help apprentices with any challenges they may face early on in their career. The assistance available through the EIC covers a wide range of issues – from caring for a sick or elderly relative to dealing with redundancy. The EIC’s team of trained advisors can offer free financial, legal, emotional or health-related advice. The Electrical Industries Charity wants to end the stigma of mental health by offering vital support services for people who are experiencing mental health problems in the electrical sector. One in four of us will experience mental health problems in our lifetime, JTL reports, and furthermore, the Mental Health Foundation states that 65% of Britons have experienced mental health problems like a panic attack or depression in their lifetime. The Electrical Industries Charity’s latest records show that in the electrical sector only 5% of people share their problems with their partner, and to address these concerning figures, the charity launched its Employee Assistance Programme, which offers crucial support for people in the electrical sector. In the past year, it assisted over 4,000 people in the sector who were in need of crucial support. If you would like to contact one of the EIC’s team, go to www.jtltraining.com/free-support or call 0800 652 1618. JTL, jtltraining.com

16 | January 2019

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KEY ISSUE

There is no shortage of young apprentices wanting to enter the industry and build a career, says Andrew Eldred

THE APPRENTICES – YOU’RE HIRED Andrew Eldred, ECA director of employment and skills, reveals that there may be more benefits to hiring apprentices than you think.

Andrew Eldred

o bridge the skills gap, the electrotechnical industry must attack the root causes. The UK electrotechnical sector continues to be a leader in the world of apprenticeships. For one, the Electrotechnical Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard was one of the first to be approved in a recent report by think-tank Reform, and it was identified as having the highest uptake of the Trailblazers so far. Another, the Fire Emergency Systems and Security Standard, is leading the charge in helping to raise training and occupational standards among specialists. Other standards, such as the new Network Cable Installer Trailblazer, are currently in development. However, we are training far fewer electricians than we used to. Today, most electrotechnical engineering services firms do not typically train any apprentices at all, and those who do are training fewer

than before. For example, in 2018, JTL has engaged with 2,700 electrical employers to deliver 5,800 apprenticeships. Ten years ago, up to 8,000 were delivered. Despite appearances, there is no shortage of young apprentices wanting to enter the industry and build a career. In recent years, on average, just over half of all applicants who passed JTL pre-assessment have been able to secure apprenticeships. There is clearly a largely unmet demand from capable young people, who are then presumably tempted to take on full-time college courses with little-to-no link to work-based experience. Some might be giving up on their ambition altogether. To bridge this gap, the industry needs to tackle the root causes. Clients and main contractors should be actively encouraged to write minimum training requirements into their contracts. The Apprenticeship standard and NVQ level 3 should be reinforced as a benchmark for competence as an electrician. Close work with awarding organisations, Government and the further education sector should serve to eradicate

“Most electrotechnical engineering services firms do not typically train any apprentices at all, and those who do are training fewer than before”

confusion and false expectations generated by the mis-selling of technical certificates and short courses. As an alternative, we should be offering routes for part-qualified electricians to ‘upgrade’ their qualifications through APEL. Conversely, individual firms need to rediscover the business case for hiring apprentices. A recent Education Policy Institute research report has shown net savings of between £5,000 and £18,000 for each apprentice employed, compared to relying on unskilled or semi-skilled operatives instead. This brings an undeniable competitive advantage. As noted in the report, “The high productivity and low costs [of electrical apprentices] are used by firms to gain customer contracts because they can offer their services at lower costs than competitors that do not employ and train apprentices.” By recruiting and training apprentices, firms are doing the right thing for their business as well as for young people, industry and wider society. ECA, eca.co.uk

18 | January 2019

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PROJECT FOCUS

The classroom lights set their brightness levels automatically and continue to operate until there is enough natural daylight or no occupancy

LET THERE BE LIGHT! Thanks to a lighting installation from B.E.G., a new London school is top of the class for energy efficiency and learning. ECN looks at how the project unfolded and details each of the benefits the school is enjoying.

ighting controls specialist B.E.G. has enabled a brand new London school to achieve its energy efficiency ambitions and provide an enhanced learning environment for its pupils. John Keats Primary Free School opened to reception pupils in September 2018 and occupies the first two floors of a new residential development in South Bermondsey, London. It will eventually cater

for 420 pupils, up to year six. B.E.G. was selected to supply the presence and motion sensors for the school, as the products offer the dual benefits of complete lighting flexibility to ensure that the building is fully energy efficient, while helping to create an excellent learning environment. The new school has high ambitions for its pupils and, with the building designed with education in mind, the lighting had to be designed and controlled in a way that would maximise the pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comfort, concentration and alertness.

20 | January 2019

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PROJECT FOCUS The lighting also needed to be automated and adjustable, with different areas requiring different lighting levels and timings, and the additional need that areas were only lit when occupied, to save energy and reduce costs. To meet all these requirements, B.E.G. supplied two different types of presence and motion sensors from their range of KNX products. The sensors selected from B.E.G.’s KNX product range for the John Keats Primary Free School project, were the PD11-KNX FLAT FC and the PD4 KNX C FC. The super-flat PD11 sensor was selected for the classrooms and other rooms, including the headmaster’s office, as it is less than 1mm thick, making it one of the flushest and most discreet sensors on the market. The classrooms have been set up to operate in Semi-Automatic mode (sometimes referred to as Absence Detection), which means that the lights and the detector must be turned on with a wall switch. The lights then set their brightness levels automatically and will continue to operate until there is enough natural daylight or no occupancy present in the room. Reading the level of daylight in the room, the PD11 automatically adjusts the luminaires to the required level to make sure the lighting level is always enough and make maximum use of natural light. For the corridor areas of the school, which run nearly the entire length of the two floors, the PD4 KNX C FC was selected. The product is specifically designed to cover long corridors and so fewer devices were required to get full coverage, resulting in a reduction in time and further cost savings for the school. The building controls, cabling and trunking was designed and installed by Neo System Automation. The company used the B.E.G. lighting sensors as part of an all-encompassing modular I/O WAGO 750 Series building control system, along with other KNX devices, to control not only lighting but heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) too. The KNX system monitors conditions to provide optimum lighting, temperature, humidity and CO2 levels in the school, all of which have been shown to improve alertness and concentration.

The PD4 KNX C FC, which is designed to cover long corridor areas, has resulted in a reduction in time and significant cost savings for the school

An exterior shot of the John Keats Primary School in South-East London

“Reading the level of daylight in the room, the PD11 automatically adjusts the luminaires to the required level to make sure the lighting level is always enough and make maximum use of natural light.”

Importantly, with use of the B.E.G. sensors, school staff can manually override the controls and dim the lights down or off for presentations or showing films, while reducing lighting levels in areas when there is no occupancy at all. Automated controlled systems can reduce energy costs by up to 30% compared to manual control. Stephen Payne, systems sales manager at B.E.G., explains, “B.E.G. was naturally delighted to work with Neo System Automation on the new John Keats Primary Free School. “The PD11 has a very sophisticated design, and with a visible thickness of

.85mm, the device is fitted into a ceiling making it virtually invisible – so it was ideal for placement in the classrooms and offices. It is very discreet but is still capable of detecting motion and light within an area of up to 9m. “The PD4 was the most logical product for the corridors as it saved installers lots of time, as fewer sensors were needed for this space thanks to the extensive coverage it offers. “B.E.G. is proud to have been involved with this project which, not only helped this new school reduce its energy and save money from day one, but also assisted in providing the pupils with a wonderful learning environment.” Carlton Reed from Neo System Automation adds, “The primary reason for using B.E.G. is because of the choice and quality of their sensors. Being totally flat, the PD11 not only does the job it needs to do, but they also blend into the ceiling and are so discreet, making for a more seamless look. The PD4 corridor version, with its great extended coverage, meant we saved time and the school installation costs as fewer detectors were needed on the ceilings.” B.E.G., beg-luxomat.com

January 2019 | 21

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COMPETITION

WIN AICO 3000 SERIES FIRE & CO ALARMS

he 3000 Series is Aico’s new technologically advanced range of mains powered alarms that detect fire and carbon monoxide (CO), providing whole property coverage from one series. It represents the coming together of the very latest alarm technologies with Aico’s reputation for unbeatable reliability and quality. The 3000 Series incorporates Aico’s very first Heat & CO Alarm, a Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm and single sensor Optical, Heat & CO Alarms. Unique to the 3000 Series, the Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat & CO Alarm is a convenient, cost-effective, efficient solution to protecting residents from both fire and CO. With high heat sources from cooking appliances posing a potential fire hazard and gas-fuelled appliances representing a potential source

of CO, combining heat and CO detection in one alarm is a sensible approach. All alarms in the 3000 Series use the same easi-fit base and feature intelligent sensors, AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK wireless interconnection, with whole system data monitoring capability. Aico’s multiple award-winning AudioLINK data extraction technology enables real time alarm data (e.g. number of times tested and details of alarm activations) to be extracted directly to a smartphone or tablet via an app which creates an Alarm Status Report. It identifies any issues, enabling action to be taken immediately. Next generation radio frequency (RF) technology, SmartLINK enables alarms and system accessories to be interconnected using RF signals rather than hard wiring. Hard wired interconnection is time consuming, disruptive

Here’s your chance to win an Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Heat & CO Alarm, an Ei3028 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm and two Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarms, all with SmartLINK modules for wireless alarm interconnection, worth £465. 1. What type of alarm is the Ei3028? a) Optical Smoke Alarm b) Multi-Sensor Heat & CO Alarm c) CO Alarm

2. What is AudioLINK? a) Data extraction technology b) The alarm sound c) An alarm base

3. What is the name of the 3000 Series’ RF alarm interconnection technology? a) RF tech b) SmartLINK c) Aico-RF

Courtesy of and is costly in existing properties, whereas wireless interconnection is quick, easy and requires no redecorating. The new SmartLINK technology is smarter and easier to use than its predecessors and is future-proof. It comes as a simple ‘to plug in’ module on the 3000 Series alarms. Aico is the UK’s market leader in domestic mains powered fire and carbon monoxide (CO) detection. All Aico alarms are designed and built in Europe specifically to meet UK standards and regulations. www.aico.co.uk/3000series

November competition The winner of £400 of Amazon vouchers, courtesy of Unitrunk, is David Martin of Derry Building Services.

Closing date All entries must be returned by January 31, 2019. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, please visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the March issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable.

To enter, please complete the form below and fax to 01634 673173, or post to: ECN Competition, All Things Media Ltd, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8UD. Alternatively, you can email your answers and contact details to: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com.

The answers to January’s competition are:

Contact Preferences YES, I would like to receive the ECN newsletter YES, I would like to subscribe to ECN magazine

1.............................................................................

YES, I would like to share my data with Aico

Personal Details Name....................................................................................................................................... Company Name...................................................................................................................... Address...................................................................................................................................

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Signature......................................................................

................................................................................ Postcode................................................. Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................

3. . .........................................................................

Date.............................................................................. E-mail.....................................................................................................................................

To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe Competition.indd 22

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17/12/2018 15:20

FEATURE

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

GOING GREEN IN 2019 Thomas Belaisch of Schneider Electric believes that electricians are perfectly placed to help customers become more energy efficient.

t is time to get serious about energy efficiency. Research conducted by Schneider Electric has revealed that a staggering 10 million Brits, equating to roughly 16% of UK households, have no intent of curbing their energy use. In addition, a further 74% of respondents believe that they are already making enough changes to their energy usage. This comes at a time when it has never been easier to make our homes more energy efficient, and small changes can make a real difference to the planet as well as our energy bills. So why aren’t more of us making the changes needed to reduce our impact on the environment, and what more can we do? People often need a nudge in the right direction to make a change, particularly if it involves re-thinking old habits. This is where electricians and contractors can make a big difference, steering consumers towards technologies and practices that can help consumers be both environmental and cost conscious. In doing so, electricians can position themselves away from being considered simply technicians or installers to trusted consultants who can help households realise significant savings on their household bills – saving the planet and strengthening their relationship with customers all at the same time.

A big opportunity Europe is making enormous strides to develop new ways of thinking about the way we generate, transmit and consume energy. These range from smart grids crisscrossing the continent, to massive investments in alternative or renewable power. By 2050, for example, more than 70% of all new power generation is expected to be renewable, as each country taps into its own unique mixture natural resources. These range from wind power on Europe’s coasts, to hydro in the mountains and fjords, to geothermal and solar in other regions. What’s so exciting about these developments is that they promise to give us a high degree of energy self-sufficiency. The unpredictability of many renewable energy sources, however, requires that investment in smart grids which can balance available power supplies to demand across the continent.

This has traditionally been seen as the responsibility of government, but, in fact, it’s the consumer who is key. We all have an important role to play that goes far beyond reducing our personal usage. Schneider Electric found that 77 million lights, devices and energy-intensive applications are left either on, or on standby, every day across the UK. Clearly, there’s much important work we can all still do here. Beyond re-learning how to find the off-switch and switching to lowenergy appliances and lighting, ordinary consumers should be encouraged to adopt smart metering, crucial for giving operators the data they need to balance their networks and mitigate the unpredictability of renewable resources. In doing so, they will play a crucial part in achieving the country’s wider energy goals, while also helping to cut their own power consumption and bills.

The benefits of going greener There is a genuine, pressing concern for the environment in the UK. In fact, our research found that over a quarter (27%) of respondents say that they would make the environment their number one priority for government spending. When it comes to making changes in our behaviour, however, it’s money that’s the great motivator, with 56% citing rising energy costs as a motivation for reducing energy consumption, compared to just 25% who mentioned the benefits for future generations.

“Schneider Electric found that 77 million lights, devices and energy-intensive applications are left either on, or on standby, every day across the UK.”

Here lies the opportunity for electricians and contractors to convince people about the benefits of going greener. While it’s true that utility companies have made efforts to encourage consumers to reduce their energy usage, electricians have the advantage of being impartial parties who have their customers’ best interests at heart. By persuading people of the financial benefits of adopting technologies such as LED lighting, smart metering, batteryenabled energy storage and other powersaving technologies – as well as the ability to have greater control over their energy usage – electricians can achieve a double win. Firstly, if they can demonstrate (and deliver) the money-saving benefits of these technologies and techniques, they will engender trust and loyalty from their customers, leading to stronger and potentially more lucrative relationships. Smart meters, for example, enable consumers to enroll in automated demand response programmes, which enable consumers to sell any electricity they store back to the grid at times of peak demand. Smart heating systems, including Schneider Electric’s Wiser Heat, also give consumers more granular control over their heating. They will be able to regulate thermostats room by room as needed, helping them save money and cut down on energy waste. On the macro scale, meanwhile, they will be playing an important role in popularising the technologies on which utilities providers, grid operators and even governments are basing their strategy. Services such as automated demand response – crucial for balancing energy networks and ensuring that renewable energy can be delivered predictably – depend on real-time insight from hundreds of millions of connected smart meters. What it all comes down to is that people trust electricians. This trust, built on reputation and expertise, presents the opportunity to give regular households the encouragement needed to instigate real change. Electricians are perfectly placed to illustrate to them just how easy it is to make smart choices around products designed to make their homes greener and more energy efficient. Ultimately, everyone is capable of doing their bit to save the planet – but we could all use some help from the experts.

Thomas is vice president partner retail UK & Ireland and (interim) distribution, Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric, schneider-electric.co.uk

24 | January 2019

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11/12/2018 12/12/2018 12:13 14:50

FEATURE

INCREASING EFFICIENCY

TIME IS TODAY’S GREATEST CURRENCY Russell Down, chief executive at Speedy Hire, explores the modern trend of customers seeking prompt delivery, on their terms, and at their convenience – while assessing the importance of meeting this demand within the construction industry.

The Rental Economy

Don’t become the weakest link Living in a real-time era

The popularity of renting has permeated our whole society, from booking holidays through companies such as Airbnb, to the movement of infrastructure into the cloud. Buoyed by the move from a capital expenditure to an operating expenditureled funding model, we have truly entered a rental era. One of the other main benefits of renting, or ‘hiring’ – the term used in the construction industry – is, of course, speed. Projects increasingly require quick turnaround times to meet deadlines and impatient investor expectations. Companies hiring equipment depend on agreed timescales to be efficient, and when equipment and tools arrive, they have to be reliable, fully operational and safe. Significant levels of trust exist between the hiring company and supplier.

The introduction of technologies and methodologies such as building information modelling (BIM) and off-site construction, are gradually improving the industry’s track record. The transformation that these approaches bring, coupled with the ongoing drive to eliminate waste and delays, highlight the need for efficiency across the board. This pressure puts the spotlight firmly on the rest of the supply chain, to avoid becoming the weakest link. A late delivery at an early project stage can have a significant knock-on effect further downstream. Now more than ever, the availability of safe, fully operational equipment, and the speed of delivery and collection, has become a key requirement throughout the supply chain. This is especially critical when hiring equipment, as so many decisions are last minute, where the equipment is needed urgently. Delayed deliveries of equipment, or items that turn up damaged, can result in significant project delays and incur additional costs through highly-paid, skilled tradespeople being onsite ready and able to work, but unable to until the right tools and equipment arrive. Alternatively, if an excavator or other large plant arrives too early, there may be a lack of space onsite, subsequently causing an obstruction to the public and resulting in hefty fines on top of the unnecessary hire charges.

A cost only a few can carry In the construction industry, delays are generally regarded as inevitable. A recent poll by Cornerstone Projects shows that more than 85% of companies have experienced delays on recent construction projects, making a significant impact on company profitability. Missing deadlines can increase total costs by up to 20%. Surely, enough is enough? Whilst delays are commonplace, they are often not the fault of the construction company involved. Adverse weather conditions, such as those we saw from the ‘Beast from the East’, can wreak havoc and stop work for days. Sometimes, it is the architect or client wishing to make changes to the original design during the construction phase. However, whatever the reason for delay, the very fact that it is late is usually all that anyone remembers. This can unfairly damage the reputation of the construction company.

“As consumers, we’ve grown accustomed to being able to have our chosen item delivered on the same or next day, at the exact time of our choosing.”

As the construction industry adapts to tighter regulations, the demand for new housing and more efficient, eco-sensitive ways of working, suppliers need to up their game. It is not the first industry to be required to undertake such a transformation, but in contrast, it still has a number of traditional working processes. As consumers, we’ve grown accustomed to being able to have our chosen item delivered on the same or next day, at the exact time of our choosing. In fact, it has been well over two years since Amazon first offered its Prime members same-day delivery on one million items across certain areas of the UK. Our ‘want it now’ culture has translated from our personal and into our work lives too. Today, we are living in a real-time era, where urgent, accurate service is expected, as near to ‘real-time’ as possible. The Amazon model has set the bar high in terms of a perceived minimum requirement for customer service, an intuitive ordering system and fast, effective delivery at the promised time. Time is probably today’s greatest currency. Today, consumers won’t allow businesses to provide a wide delivery slot, rather demanding a window of an hour or less. This level of service is increasingly what construction companies are demanding from their hire equipment suppliers too. Approximate or delayed delivery times are no longer acceptable. Hire is, after all, driven by a specific, time-sensitive business need.

Getting up to speed The construction industry is under increasing pressure from all sides to become more efficient. From changing cultural perceptions born by the clickand-collect, want-it-now society, to eager investors wanting a return on their investments, the time is now to bring the whole surrounding ecosystem up to speed. Productivity, and its effect on project timelines, has always been an important issue for construction businesses. As margins tighten, there is less space for manoeuvre, and the need for near realtime service and reliability of equipment hire will become the cornerstone to good working practices in the future. Speedy Hire, speedyservices.com

26 | January 2019

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FEATURE

ENERGY

SOAKING UP THE SUN With the recent price hikes in energy costs, homeowners are looking for more ways to stretch their budgets – and developments in renewable technology are becoming increasingly popular in domestic settings. Alan Clarke, technical support manager at Heatrae Sadia, discusses the options.

ith pressure mounting on the UK to reduce its carbon footprint, it comes as no surprise that renewable technology is fast becoming a core focus in the industry, as legislators and homeowners alike are seeking greener ways to generate power. According to research released in March, 709,000 solar installations are now present across the UK, with experts believing 10 million homes will be equipped with some form of solar installation by 2020[1] – proving that the UK public is firmly supporting the use of solar. In light of these statistics, it’s important for installers to be aware of the best solar options on the market, and the benefits of each, in order to upsell to customers and capitalise on the current eco-oriented, and increasingly green future.

Solar thermal

Solar PV

Contrary to popular misconception, solar thermal is more than a seasonal solution – whilst hot sunny days will harvest more solar energy, solar collectors are designed to harness the sun’s energy even when it’s cloudy. And, because solar thermal systems work in conjunction with traditional sources of fuel, there is no risk to supply even when there is minimal solar energy available. A solar thermal cylinder will utilise hot water from a thermal collector, supplemented by that created from an immersion heater or boiler. The combination of producing hot water from either system allows homeowners to keep energy bills down, while maintaining a reliable source of hot water – a great point for installers to hammer home. What’s more, solar ready options are available, carving a route to solar thermal hot water in the future. Here, a solar thermal cylinder can be installed, ready for solar collectors to be fitted at a later point.

Despite the Government’s decision to cut payments to the Feed-in-Tariff, the public’s interest in solar PV is showing no signs of waning. In fact, figures show that the number of panel installations is very much on the rise.[2] When the rising cost of energy is factored in, many people are seeing solar PV as a viable investment to help lower their monthly outgoings. Additionally, homeowners can safeguard against any future energy cost increases, and as a way of significantly lowering their carbon footprint. The inclusion of a solar installation to any home can see an increase to the value of their property, another benefit an installer should be raising. The issue here is that most homes are vacant during the day, which means that energy produced by the panels during sunlight hours is not used and is instead exported back to the grid. Therefore, posing an issue that manufacturers need to address and offer a solution. Specially designed hot water storage cylinders optimised for use with PV

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ENERGY

“The inclusion of a solar installation to any home can see an increase to the value of their property, another benefit an installer should be raising.”

can resolve this. Here, any power that is generated that is surplus to the household’s normal requirements will be diverted to the cylinder, rather than being sent to the grid. The water is heated to the desired temperature and controlled by a thermostat, ready for the household to use when required, either when the occupants return home, or the sun goes down. Providing the cylinder has high-quality, high-performance insulation, the water will remain hot for hours. Also, as the cylinder only uses the additional power created by solar PV panels, the normal day-to-day power requirements of the household are not affected. Heatrae Sadia’s Megaflo Eco Solar PV Ready, an unvented cylinder, is specifically designed to harness excess electricity generated by domestic solar PV arrays. It’s simple for homeowners to monitor and wirelessly control the hot water system. The control unit – the Megaflo Buddy – provides a continuous record of power use and savings. With so many homes already possessing solar PV technology, and as eco awareness grows, more and more new customers will be switching to solar, creating fresh demand in the process. Though different, both technologies have significant benefits. So, for installers looking to capitalise on the climate of energy-consciousness, recommending an effective solar solution is a great way of demonstrating expertise to customers and creating a lucrative new revenue stream.

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The Megaflo Eco Solar PV Ready, an unvented cylinder, is specifically designed to harness excess electricity generated by domestic solar PV arrays

References [1] https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/ blog/2015/08/how-popular-are-solarpanels-in-the-uk [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/ statistics/solar-photovoltaicsdeployment

Heatrae Sadia, heatraesadia.co.uk

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20/12/2018 15:56

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

THE RETROFIT REVOLUTION To kick off this month’s series of articles on smart lighting and lighting control, Mark Bishop, president of LynTec, explains how power control solutions can support LED lighting in retrofit applications.

Overview As new advancements and trends in lighting technology take hold, many organisations are keen to learn more about the benefits and how the technology can be implemented into their spaces. For new builds, the installation process is less complex. Retrofits, however, present unique challenges and considerations. This article will discuss the recent lighting trends impacting the market; the benefits, challenges and considerations within retrofit lighting applications; and the LynTec power control solutions that can address these challenges and pave the way for future technology investments.

LED technology lighting the way One of the biggest trends impacting the house of worship, education, performance and theatre applications is lighting. Migrating from traditional fixtures to LED lighting is one of the biggest ways to fundamentally impact a space and save energy. LEDs consume six to eight watts of electricity while providing more luminance per watt than traditional bulbs. With less energy required to produce more light, the air conditioning load – because lighting does add heat to the environment – is also reduced. This also has the domino effect of lengthening the life cycle of the

Obstacles to LED Lighting facility’s HVAC system. And because LEDs are not controlled by central dimmers, dedicated dimmer locations can be eliminated, further simplifying technology and energy needs of the facility. For some of these spaces, architectural design elements such as vaulted ceilings or traverse arches make a simple light bulb change a complex and costly endeavour. Because the fixture is so high up, maintenance personnel aren’t able to just climb a ladder and switch out the bulb. Instead, access requires large lifts to be brought in, clearing seating out of the way and maneuvering around other architectural and structural challenges. All of this takes time and money – and possibly professional help. By replacing outdated incandescent fixtures with LED lighting, these applications can improve their overall power consumption, increase the lamp life from 1,200 hours offered by incandescent bulbs up to 50,000 to 75,000 hours, and lower cost of replacement and maintenance compared to former technology. With LED lighting’s long lifespan, this technology is an especially attractive alternative, reducing the hassle of coordinating and managing such a complex process. With less routine maintenance, service costs also go down.

“Migrating from traditional fixtures to LED lighting is one of the biggest ways to fundamentally impact a space and save energy.”

However, there is an often-overlooked obstacle to LED lighting: LED lighting fixtures must be powered down every day for these applications to realise energy efficiencies and reduce overall operating costs. In standby mode, an LED fixture with built-in dimming, colour-changing or moving capabilities will stay hot even when dark. The reason? The lamp electronics and power supply are still fully powered even when not emitting light. This heat dramatically degrades the enclosure and limits the lamp’s life span – even when brightness is dimmed or put into standby mode. It’s a common misconception that standby mode is the same as being powered off. In an effort to cool down the lighting fixture, the lighting industry has moved to lighting designs that incorporate fans. Unfortunately, this adds another moving part within the fixture that generates its own heat, and eventually wears out and fails in as little as 2,000 to 3,000 hours – a lifecycle similar to the duration of traditional incandescent bulbs. As a result, LED fixtures can become costlier in the long run and void any benefits or efficiencies of implementing the technology in the first place.

30 | January 2019

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

SPECIAL FEATURE

•T here is only a need to control single and two pole circuits. Relays can be used to control single-pole 120/277 VAC and twopole 208-240 VAC circuits. Three-pole relays are very expensive compared to three-pole controllable circuit breakers. Relay panels are most cost effective when they are managing smaller loads, such as a small LED lighting system. imited install space. Up to 10 relays can •L be installed in a 1-foot-square indoorrated cabinet. Larger relay counts do require larger enclosures and more wall space. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough wall space to hang a new relay panel, so always check for space availability before making a decision. he application only requires a limited •T number of on and off cycles. Relays are rated for 20,000 to 50,000 operations or cycles from off to on and back to off. This could be as little as five years under normal circumstances.

When to choose a circuit breaker panel

A before (above) and after (left) look at Menlo Church in San Jose, California, which recently had an LED lighting installation retrofitted to the venue to improve the overall ambience

For large venues, houses of worship and performance spaces that don’t operate fulltime, lighting usage is normally minimal, so fully deactivating this equipment during downtime becomes paramount. Deactivating the lighting fixture extends the life of the equipment and dramatically reduces power consumption for spaces of any size. But the only way to capitalise on the lifespan and efficiencies of the LED lighting is through true on/off control at the circuit level. This control completely shuts down power to the system that’s still flowing during standby mode. The traditional methods for controlling and distribution power loads to the fixtures are based on outlet-type devices, which can be less cost-effective when compared to circuit-level control. For example, in circuits consisting of five outlets, the equal number of devices will need to be purchased and installed in order to turn outlets on and off – incurring greater costs than simply switching off circuit breakers that are already conveniently installed and accessible. Many installers aren’t even aware there are other options that are less expensive and more robust. As venues transition to LED luminaries, they are turning to relay panels or, in some cases, motorised circuit breaker panels to provide the true on/off power control they need and using the opportunity to implement next-generation power management systems as well.

When to choose a relay panel Most retrofit applications will only require a relay panel to enable true on/off control of their lighting system. A relay is a simple switching device that uses a small signal to control a larger signal. In this case, low voltage pulses open or close a higher voltage circuit. Think of a relay as a remote-controlled switch. Many electrical code regulations require that each circuit

A controllable circuit breaker – also called a switch grade breaker, a smart breaker or a motorised circuit breaker – is a circuit breaker with a switch built-in. It provides the electrical protection of a circuit breaker and the switching functionality of a relay in the same device. A breaker panel only requires a single panel on the wall instead of separate breaker and relay panels. A single circuit breaker panel saves space and cuts the high-voltage wiring costs in half. Controllable circuit breakers are recommended primarily for new installations. However, in a retrofit where the existing breaker panel does not meet current code, it’s worth mentioning that motorised circuit breakers have a number of advantages over lighting control relays. On/ off control at the breaker panel with remote controlled motorised circuit breakers in a project allows the following benefits:

has to be fed by and protected by a circuit breaker. Current travels from the circuit breaker, through the relay and on to your powered appliance. If you open the relay, it cuts off the flow of current to the equipment connected to the circuit – such as lighting, speakers, and even videowall panels – and turns it off. When the relay is closed, it completes the circuit needed to power the device and the appliance turns on. A relay panel adds on/off control to a circuit, but it still must be fed from an existing circuit breaker panel. There are several instances where relays, rather than a new circuit breaker panel, should be deployed for remote lighting control: • There is an existing breaker panel that is up to electrical code. If the panel meets code, it makes more sense to simply add a relay panel in between the breaker panel and loads for full circuit control these lighting fixtures and other equipment. By reusing an existing breaker panel, the costs of the retrofit can be significantly reduced. • The system only has 20 or fewer circuits to control. If the facility is upgrading lighting to LEDs and only needs to add on/off control for a few circuits, a small retrofit relay cabinet is an excellent option. These panels can provide anywhere from four relays up to 64 relays along with low voltage control that can be housed in a small enclosure located near the circuit breaker panel. The smaller the circuit count the application requires, the more economical the relay panel solution required for the project.

LynTec’s lighting control relay panel – a simple switching device that uses a small signal to control a larger signal

• Control for up to 168 motorised circuit breakers. A single controller can operate switch-grade controllable breakers across multiple panels. This reduces cost per controlled circuit and allows control of circuits in different locations separated up to 500 feet and at different voltages. • Need to control three pole circuits. Motorised circuit breakers are available in one-, two- and three-pole configurations from 15 to 30 amperes and 120 to 480 VAC. • Greater cycle ratings than relays. Ratings up to 200,000 on, off, on cycles far exceed those ratings of lighting control relays. Mean time to failure ratings are 1.8 million operations, providing facility with robust, reliable control operation. • Limited installation space. Combining circuit protection and on/off control saves as much as 50% of valuable wall space. Breaker panels are even available in tall, 84-position cabinets for spaces with further space limitations. • Budget friendly. Including on/off control in the circuit breakers eliminates two wire connections per circuit as compared to installing circuit breakers and lighting control relays, saving installation time and money. LynTec, lyntec.com

January 2019 | 31

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

FORM AND FUNCTIONALITY As the lighting controls market continues to boom, CP Electronics has launched a new CPD for specifiers – and it outlines exactly what users need to be aware of when choosing lighting controls. Here’s an overview of just some of the advice on offer.

ith technology coming on leaps and bounds since the early noughties, it’s probably no surprise that the global lighting controls market is growing at a rapid pace, being swept along with the technology current. A recent Market Research Future report forecasted that the industry will grow at 18% CAGR between 2017-2023. By the end of this period, the market will

be worth $39 billion (£30 billion) to the global economy. This has coincided with the rising popularity of energy-saving bulbs like LEDs, increasing public awareness on sustainability, and major efforts from across the world to reduce carbon emissions. It is easy to see why the lighting controls business is looking so bright, particularly considering the extensive environmental benefits that lighting controls can offer. Smart technologies are becoming more sophisticated and allowing building occupants to better control and manage

lighting usage. It is not just about simply switching lights on and off anymore, there is now plenty of choice on detection modes, wiring options, programmable settings and more. As a result, electrical consultants are coming under increasing pressure to provide better, more tailored solutions that add value for end-users which comply with BREEAM guidelines for sustainability. However, it is more important to select the right lighting control solution and product for each project, rather than specify the first innovation you come across. There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing lighting controls.

34 | January 2019

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

SPECIAL FEATURE

Making a scene The first consideration when specifying lighting controls is often determined by the use, scale and prestige of the building. Typically, the larger the project, the more money has been invested into it by the developer. Therefore, lighting controls need to suitably complement the aesthetic and also be fit for purpose. For example, mixed-use buildings like leisure complexes, shopping centres and hotels must be able to cater for daily changing activities and still impress visitors. Such buildings would benefit highly from fully addressable scene setting, offered by systems like RAPID by CP Electronics. These systems can set the scene in single or multiple rooms across multiple floors and the lighting control can be operated via a tablet or smartphone, with voice recognition available too. Of course, if the project does not require this type of functionality, but still needs programmable controls, there are other suitable options available too.

Function follows form

What’s your type? The type of building involved in the project will also help to determine whether specific scene setting features will be required in the lighting control system. This harks back to the theatre industry, where different lighting effects are required for different scenes. There is a direct correlation between the amount of time people spend in a space and the type of illumination required. A good example is a conference centre or meeting room, for which special dimming and brightening controls are often required, to alter the intensity and mood of the environment. Likewise, in hospitals, operating theatres will have specific scene setting requirements. If you are installing controls in a school or university, the building will likely have a fixed layout with fixed usage patterns and will not require a great deal of flexibility from the lighting control system. However, if you are specifying lighting controls in a commercial office block, this block may be rented out to various tenants over time. In this case, it is best to provide a more flexible solution which can be adapted and configured accordingly. A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) control system, such as CP’s RAPID system, links over an Ethernet network to enable building occupants to scale a lighting system from a room, to a floor, to a whole building. For buildings without a fixed layout, a DALI system can often provide maximum flexibility. It is also important to consider which type of DALI application is required, specifically between broadcast or addressable. If the building is likely to require a lot of maintenance – for example, if it is a commercial office being rented out to different tenants over time – you will require a fully addressable DALI system. However, for buildings which require less maintenance such as hospitals, a broadcast system is more appropriate.

A Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) measures infrared signatures from objects in its field of view, before triggering a preset action in the luminaire fitting

The individual design intricacies of a building will also have a bearing on the type of lighting control system that you will need to install. Take buildings without suspended ceilings as an example. These are best suited to a hardwired lighting control system, because the wiring is accessible. For suspended ceilings however, a pluggable solution such as CP’s Vitesse Plus is required as there is no accessibility to install wiring. Vitesse Plus can be installed in four ways: channel nut mounting, clip mounting, slab mounting and drop rod mounting, with a spacious wiring compartment for easy accessibility. Again, this will be dictated by the type of maintenance that the building requires. Hardwired solutions need a specialist electrician to configure and maintain, but a pluggable solution does not require this level of expertise. Another decision to factor in is whether to opt for a system with microwave sensors, or passive infrared (PIR) sensors. This can often be determined by the type of lighting coverage required.

A microwave sensor emits pulses of microwave frequencies and measures the reflection off objects such as walls, when the waves are reflected back to the sensor. It records when these reflections change, in the event that a person is in a room and adjusts the volume of light accordingly. This is most suited to classrooms and corridors in educational facilities, where small movements need to be picked up. A passive infrared sensor on the other hand, measures infrared signatures from objects in its field of view, before triggering a pre-set action in the luminaire fitting. They are more suitable for defined areas such as workstations.

With CP’s RAPID Scene Control, lighting control across multiple floors can be operated via a tablet or smartphone

Different solutions for different applications When it comes to lighting controls, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits all solution. Everything from the intended use, design and layout all plays a key role in the specification process. With rising scrutiny over sustainability, developers face increasing pressures to demonstrate energy efficiency savings on both new build and retrofit projects. This means electrical consultants are also expected to quickly specify the correct lighting controls to win the business. However, if systems aren’t well thought out, then costs will rise in the long term, while users suffer too. CP Electronics has always worked closely with specifiers and installers on the basis that successful lighting control installation is not about the latest innovation you can put into a building, but the most suitable solution for the application. To help share CP Electronics’ 45 years of expertise in lighting control, a new CPD programme, certified by the Construction CPD Certification Service, is available. This CPD is aimed towards giving installers a comprehensive overview of lighting control designs and applications. For more about CP Electronics’ CPD courses, or to book a place, visit cpelectronics.co.uk/cpd-seminars.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

DUBAI SETS THE MOOD The mechanical button control plate in the cinema area enables the selection of various lighting settings

Next in our series of features on smart lighting is a detailed look at how Hamilton Litestat – a British electrical solutions provider – successfully delivered coordinated smart lighting control in a new Dubai-styled property in Hertfordshire.

British electrical solutions provider, Hamilton Litestat is renowned for its ability to design, develop and manufacture innovative electrical accessories. When it was called on to transform a brand-new property, it met the challenge with an impressive range of innovative installations. The project involved a contemporary Surrey-style new-build home with a Georgian frontage, located in just under an acre of gardens in Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire. The building design was

a collaboration between the homeowner and Bryant + Moore Architects, resulting in a striking 8,000 sq. ft property spanning basement, ground, first and second floors, connected with a marble spiral staircase with Atrium ceiling. The interior – which includes a master bedroom and dressing room, three additional bedrooms, ground-floor guest room, large reception area, lounge, main kitchen/diner, service kitchen and relaxation area with pool and cinema room – was designed by the homeowner. It is heavily influenced by the owner’s favoured Dubai style and gives a light and airy ambience through the extensive use of white and sand-coloured marble.

A control panel in the reception area enables lighting to be changed throughout the entire property

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

SPECIAL FEATURE

The exterior of the lavish property located in Brookmans Park

All under control The homeowner sought a smart lighting control solution to span the entirety of the property and the rear garden area. Touchscreen controllers were required in key positions, while simple-to-use remote controllers were essential for younger members of the household. The lighting needed to be programmable for when the family is away on holiday, while app control was a main priority due to its flexibility and being the preferred control option for the homeowner. Heavily involved in the development and design of the project, the homeowner thoroughly researched various smart lighting control systems on the market. Although prepared to invest significantly for the right system, the owner wasn’t happy purchasing a product with numerous inherent features that weren’t required in his property, which would be costly and wasteful. Building contractor Robert’s 21st Century Design suggested Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control System, which hit the brief and offered the homeowner the option of matching the finish of the smart controllers with all other wiring accessories throughout the property for a seamless, coordinated look. Hamilton’s area sales manager, Peter Bonnington, finalised the system specification and local wholesaler, Welham Electrical, supplied the Smart Lighting Control System as well as other wiring accessories. The final install throughout the home was undertaken by Robert’s 21st Century Design.

Matching the customer’s needs Company owner, Robert Ciuraru, explains, “The client was looking for a simple and cost-effective way of automating the lighting scheme and we recommended the Hamilton system after previously installing it at a smaller scale with fantastic results. Having installed it in this much larger project, we found more advantages in using Hamilton and even easier ways to wire the system – taking our three-man team of electricians two days to install. We will keep recommending the Hamilton system as it’s simple to install and ticks all the boxes for our clients.”

Although easy to programme, for a project of this scale, it took one of Hamilton’s Smart Control Engineers just a few hours to fully commission the system to ensure it met the exacting requirements in all areas within and outside the home. For a sleek, contemporary look, smart control touchscreen plates and matching push-button wiring accessories were chosen in the Hartland CFX design with a satin stainless-steel finish. Wall-mounted touchscreens were installed in the hall area, ground floor corridor, kitchen/diner and first floor landing, with push-button controllers fitted in each room with four pre-programmed lighting scenes and up to three dimming settings. The cinema room particularly benefited from Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control. Located in the basement with virtually no natural light, this was transformed into an atmospheric relaxation area with multiscene mood lighting. With a mechanical button control plate, all members of the household could select the most appropriate lighting setting for their viewing habits. The Hartland CFX design, with its cleverly concealed fixings and satin stainless-steel finish, was also utilised for all other wiring accessories throughout the home, including single and double rocker switches and double-switched socket plates, all with white inserts.

The end result

“The lighting needed to be programmable for when the family is away on holiday, while app control was a main priority due to its flexibility.”

the ability to match all the switches and sockets has given a cohesive feel that shows the level of attention to detail we’ve taken in all areas and aspects of the home. It was a smooth and pleasant experience working with Hamilton and Welham Electrical on the project and I couldn’t be happier with the result.” Gavin Williams, marketing manager at Hamilton Litestat, adds, “Hearing feedback like this makes all our efforts worthwhile. We invest heavily to ensure our products are designed and developed with the utmost quality and easy-touse functionality, both for the end user and the installer. I’m delighted that the homeowner and his family are enjoying the performance and aesthetics of our smart lighting control system and that through excellent customer service we have gained another advocate for the Hamilton brand.” Hamilton Litestat, hamilton-litestat.com

The lighting in the pool and relaxation area was designed to offer a light and airy ambience

The master bedroom benefits from a sophisticated smart lighting control solution

The installation has provided an impressive yet functional lighting control solution throughout the property and garden. The Hamilton app control has proven to be a big hit with the homeowners and their young family, illustrating how easy it is to use. Meanwhile, the coordinated accessories provide a slick look that blends into the contemporary décor and suits the look and feel of the home. Ticking the client’s final requirement, the holiday mode system offers peace of mind when the family is away from home. “I’m thrilled with the system – it does everything I wanted it to do, seamlessly and effortlessly. The children love the lighting control, and the app and controllers are so easy to use that it’s completely accessible to them,” says the homeowner. “For me, style is also extremely important and

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LUX Manufacturer LUX Manufacturer

of the Year 2018 of the Year 2018

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk talk Wellbeing Wellbeing There is a powerful connection between sustainable buildings There is a powerful connection between sustainable buildings and the improved health, productivity and performance of those and the improved health, productivity and performance of those who occupy them. Regardless of building type, size or age, we who occupy them. Regardless of building type, size or age, we will help you create a human-centric environment that strikes a will help you create a human-centric environment that strikes a perfect balance between natural and artificial light. At Tamlite, perfect balance between natural and artificial light. At Tamlite, our lighting technologies and strategies are always designed with our lighting technologies and strategies are always designed with people in mind. people in mind. Explore the power of lighting for wellbeing. Explore the power of lighting for wellbeing. Visit tamlite.co.uk/wellbeing Visit tamlite.co.uk/wellbeing

Lighting for Lighting for Wellbeing Wellbeing

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING TAKES FLIGHT Saima Shafi, sales and marketing director at Goodlight, explains how smart lighting control systems can provide a whole host of benefits to the transportation industry

ED lighting is gaining popularity in the aerospace and transportation industries, with many organisations integrating wireless lighting control, enjoying the benefits of low maintenance, reliable illumination with long life and low power consumption. Transportation sites around the world are upgrading to LED lighting systems for improved energy efficiency, significant cost reduction and optimal working conditions for staff. Lighting an airport, for example, can be complex due to the number of applications involved. Selecting an LED solution that provides the right colour temperature can have a significant impact on the feel and functionality of that space. Open areas such as departure lounges, security areas, airport hangers and car parks will benefit from cleaner, brighter, evenly distributed light, whereas restaurants, bars and some retail outlets within the terminal will install warm mood lighting to create the desired ambience.

The Goodlight range of energy efficient, long-life retrofit LED lamps and luminaires have been installed at a number of transportation sites across the country, including Bournemouth Airport, British Airways, Civil Aviation Authority, Heathrow Airports, Jersey Airport, Middlesex Aerospace, Network Rail, Pattonair, Siemens and Transport for London. The advantages of converting to LED lighting for this type of organisation include immediate energy savings, superior light quality, safety and security.

Superior light quality Goodlight GX1 Plus LED High Bays were recently installed into the Middlesex Aerospace warehouse

LEDs have a better quality of light distribution and focus light in a specific direction as opposed to fluorescent lighting that spreads the light more spherically. LED lighting provides directional light that gives optimum visibility that is glare and

Immediate energy savings Transportation organisations looking for a quick-win on their energy usage can achieve incredible savings of up to 85% simply by upgrading to LED lighting. Instantly, maintenance overheads are eliminated, with return on investment achieved from as little as three months, which can be funded from energy savings alone.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL 24/7 nature of many busy airports such as Heathrow and illuminate accessed areas – such as walkways and car parks, for example. Eliminating pockets of darkness with a robust LED lighting system will give passengers greater peace of mind and a better overall customer journey.

Taking Control

Pattonair installed Goodlight G5 LED Battens into its warehouse factory

flicker-free. In travel and transportation environments where long operating hours are the norm, high lighting levels are crucial not only to enhance employee performance, but for the overall safety and efficiency in the workplace. Poor lighting increases the risk of errors and accidents, which in the transportation industry, is not an option.

Safety and security Passenger safety and security is a high priority at any travel site and lighting has a crucial role to play. A smart lighting system can mirror natural daylight during hours of darkness to fit with the

B.E.G.

To maximise energy savings, owners can install a smart lighting control system which connects to luminaires wirelessly from a single interface, allowing any organisation to monitor, automate, control and report on all connected lighting. Optimal energy savings can be achieved through occupancy and daylight detection and presence detectors will ensure that any area is only lit when it is in use. Equally, a lighting control system can also dim lights when there is plenty of daylight. Some smart lighting control systems, such as Light Boss, reports on energy consumption, providing self-test emergency light monitoring, ideal for lighting maintenance facilitators and providers, allowing operators to check for faults remotely. By operating lighting only where it is needed, rather than at 100% continually, transportation organisations can minimise energy consumption by up to 95%, extend lighting lifecycles and lower maintenance costs. Payback is in from as little as 1.5 years.

British Airways also installed Goodlight LED High Bays into its warehouse

The final word Upgrading to LED lighting has seen many transportation organisations reap the rewards of immediate energy savings of up to 85%, eliminate maintenance overheads, improve working conditions and enhance visitor experience. With the emergence of smart wireless lighting control systems, achieving energy savings of up to 95%, there has never been a better time to maximise on energy consumption. Goodlight, goodlight.co.uk

LUXOMAT ® net

Lighting regulation up to 16 m mounting height  The telescopic part of the light sensor is pulled out according to the mounting height. This enables a daylight-dependant regulation to a mounting height of up to 16 m. PD4-M-DALI/DSI-GH  The stand-alone solution with an integrated DALI power supply PD4-DALISYS-GH  Seamless integration into the scalable B.E.G. LUXOMAT® net DALISYS PD4-DALI-2-BMS-GH  Fits to any lighting control system which supports DALI control devices according to IEC 62386 Part 101, 103, 303 and 304

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Lighting – Goodlight.indd 40

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21/12/2018 09:31

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHT – THE IDEAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE IOT? Simon Blazey, strategic solution sales manager at Tridonic UK, discusses how lighting systems are the perfect infrastructure and basis for a successful IoT.

mart building is already a much-used phrase. It stands for the efforts to create intelligently networked, energyefficient and sustainable buildings – always linked with new technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, implementing the IoT requires a powerful and reliable infrastructure. The IoT will produce the next generation of integrated, open architected, IP-centric, smart, connected, high performance,

sustainable, energy-efficient, operationallyefficient, green, intelligent buildings that we have been discussing for over a decade. The reason that it is important to transform our existing buildings and ensure that new buildings are constructed to these smart buildings or IoT standards is quite simple. We want to operate buildings in the most cost-effective manner, save energy, be good stewards of our resources, make sure the occupants are safe and happy, and ultimately achieve a more profitable enterprise. The IoT allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing

network infrastructures, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computerbased systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. The Internet of Things has the potential to offer business value that goes beyond operational cost savings. Providers in the IoT ecosystem have a largely unexplored opportunity to develop compelling IoT solutions that explore how the ability to collect and analyse disparate data – in real-time and across time – might transform the business.

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL Lighting is the perfect infrastructure and basis for a successful IoT and, therefore, for a successful smart building. After all, lighting is a key part of any building infrastructure with luminaires installed throughout a building – in offices, meeting rooms and common areas. Sensors, the ‘data collectors’ for the IoT, can easily be integrated in these luminaires if the fittings are perfectly positioned to collect data and they are already connected to a power supply. Luminaires with an LED board, driver, sensor and wireless node will therefore become the solution for IoT devices for the smart building. The demand for smart buildings is escalating the demand for smart lighting, which is playing a key role in building the infrastructure for implementing IoT applications. The market now demands the integration of high-quality lighting with controls and sensors in smart, automated building systems, as building owners, facility managers, and occupants grow more aware of the value these systems deliver. Still, questions remain as to how solid-state lighting (SSL) systems will be connected in an interoperable manner, although IPbased communications to the end node will ultimately prevail. State-of-the-art IoT solutions possess some major roadblocks that must be addressed before we can fully embrace networks of IoT devices beyond vertically integrated proprietary gadgets and closed ecosystems. This is particularly important for anyone specifying and installing lighting systems.

“State-of-the-art IoT solutions possess some major roadblocks that must be addressed before we can fully embrace networks of IoT devices beyond vertically integrated proprietary gadgets and closed ecosystems.”

The ‘things’ part of the IoT vision typically comprises small, constrained devices that serve a narrow purpose, with limited or no interface. These could be anything from lamps with wireless connectivity for controls to battery-powered heartbeat monitors attached to your wrist. The term IoT may be fairly recent, but users wanting to connect their ‘things’ is nothing new. Back in the 1970s, people were using the X10 protocol to control their lights remotely using simple analogue-modulated signals over their power cables. Then, infrared (IR) control became popular and, eventually, radio frequency (RF). Another less visible problem with state-of-the-art IoT devices and protocols is the need for gateways to interface with end devices. Consumers’ phones are typically used as a gateway to bridge the gap between a consumer device and an internet service, but this is not ideal for business. In other cases, energy usage is being monitored by smart meters grouped in small networks, which interface with a gateway installed in the street to bridge the gap to a cloud server via a cellular network. However, in an office building, there may be hundreds of gateways interfacing with thousands of sensors and lights; thus, bridging islands is not a viable option. In many cases, gateways with lightweight protocols are preferred, as IoT devices are typically constrained with limited processing power, memory, and encryption capabilities. The devices are often powered by battery or energy harvesting, so power management is crucial. All of this makes it hard to support a direct connection with the appropriate level of security.

Simon believes that lighting is the perfect infrastructure and basis for a successful IoT and, therefore, for a successful smart building

SPECIAL FEATURE

Lighting will become the IoT backbone because lighting represents the largest network of powered devices in the world, and with the transition to LED lighting, this network is now digital, permitting easy access to power and connectivity for sensors and beacons. Embedding sensors and transceivers of various kinds into the luminaire design allows for new services beyond light such as space management, energy management, asset tracking, inventory/consumable tracking, and other capabilities that we’ve yet to imagine. The most obvious solution is to base IoT devices on the IP, enabling them to communicate like our laptops and phones. Microcontrollers and system-on-chip ICs have evolved quickly, so memory, processing, and security requirements are becoming less of a problem. Experts estimate that the number of connected things in use worldwide will soar to almost 50 billion by 2020. There are already many planned or ongoing large-scale deployments of the IoT, to enable better management of cities and systems. The fact that lighting systems, by their very nature, are present in every part of the building means that the systems have the potential to be at the heart of such communication networks. The aim of any smart building is to reduce complexity and make the processes easy to manage. The key is to approach an IoT architecture with the right vision but allow for pragmatic design steps to achieve the eventual goal; shortcuts to speed adoption should thus be approached with caution. The IoT will have huge implications to everyone and many of the technologies we use will have to evolve and adapt to support the needs of an increasingly connected world. Tridonic, tridonic.com

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ET Series advert 244x340mm rev6.indd 1 Untitled-8 1

04/01/2018 07:11:51 22/05/2018 11:53

WIRING ACCESSORIES

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR ASSISTED LIVING As an ageing population continues to put a strain on health and social care, Marie Parry, group marketing director for Scolmore, looks at the issues surrounding assisted living and the part the electrical industry can play in providing solutions in this growing sector.

ccording to the Office for Budget Responsibility, 26% of the population of England and Wales will be more than 65 years old by 2065, increasing the cost of health and social care. While our increasing longevity is something to celebrate, the economic, social and political implications are very significant. As the population ages, the incidence of chronic disease is on the rise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in particular, the prevalence of dementia. Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. The number of people with dementia in the UK is set to reach two million by 2051.

The need for smarter living Because we are living longer, traditional arrangements for supporting those with the long-term health issues that come with age are unsustainable. The construction industry has a central role to play in how we cope with this pressing issue. For example, the way we design homes now and in the future will help people with different levels of mobility and capability to remain in their homes. Current thinking is to integrate traditional building technologies with new and emerging ones. There are enormous potential benefits from using mobile devices and services that operate seamlessly with home-based solutions, supporting users to manage conditions inside the home. This is where

Innovative control panels in the home can help to support independent and healthy living in old age

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WIRING ACCESSORIES

the concept of assisted living comes in. Assisted living includes approaches, services, solutions, capabilities and related technologies that help elderly people and those with chronic conditions to live active, independent and dignified lives with maximum personal control. For construction professionals, the challenge is to integrate new and emerging technologies into the design of buildings to make them ‘intelligent’ or ‘smart’. Which products and technologies are used depends on the building type and function; those used in smart homes aim to enhance occupants’ lifestyles or quality of life. One of the most important ways to harness the power of a connected home is to enhance assisted living. The assisted living market is a growing one and offers the potential for the electrical contracting and wholesaling industry to work towards designing, supplying and installing products which will facilitate the continued independence of the growing aged population. The potential for smart technology to transform assisted living is a crucial development for the care sector.

Technological transformation The appeal of smart home technology in assisted living is simple: elderly citizens, people with disabilities and other persons who are less able to live alone can be empowered by being given the tools to help them continue to live independently and safely. Rather than crossing a dark room to turn on a switch, for example, automated technology can be set up to trigger the coming on of lights once there is motion detected in the space. Rather than fiddling with different controllers for heating, a centralised app on a smartphone or tablet can control the entire house at once. A wireless door station allows a person to see who is at the door via a downloaded app, and let the visitor in if required, thus negating the need for an unnecessary and potentially perilous journey to the front door. If a person suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, alerts can even be sent to a phone if a window is left open overnight. In this way, people are given back the ability to do simple tasks that may have become unmanageable before. Smart home technology is even able to provide 24hour non-invasive home monitoring, allowing the families of those needing assistance to be alerted if there is something amiss. There is no shortage of products and services that can support independent and healthy living in old age. It is predicted that over 130 million smart home devices were shipped in 2017, and by 2020 the average home will have more than 500 connected devices, ranging from washing machines to light bulbs. Yet uptake of such technology is often slower to materialise due to the actual or perceived costs. A smart home does not require a complete home refurbishment project and it does not need to cost tens of thousands of pounds. With new products that are suitable for retrofitting and affordable solutions now on the market, smart home technology has become more accessible. The ability to easily adapt and update a home is being made more achievable due to the wireless control and automation

products available. These enable the upgrade of an electrical installation to provide added security, energy saving, comfort and control for those in need of assisted living, without the need for intrusive and unwanted disturbance.

Part M Solutions

“For construction professionals, the challenge is to integrate new and emerging technologies into the design of buildings to make them ‘intelligent’ or ‘smart’.”

It isn’t just high-tech solutions that are working their way through and providing much needed help for this sector. As a manufacturer, we are looking at ways to improve some of the simplest products that have been around for years and seen little development. Switches which feature wide rockers and sockets that have wider gaps between rockers, as well as outboard rockers are all designed to facilitate the use of products for those with impaired vision. The Approved Document M of the Building Regulations was first published to help those with a disability to access and use buildings and the facilities within them and is now an essential element of virtually every new building project. The latest document reflects to a much greater extent the notion that people’s abilities are not all the same and they signal a move away from the narrow aim of making buildings accessible to, and usable by, disabled people towards an aim to make buildings accessible to, and usable by, everyone – including people with disabilities, the elderly, hard of hearing and visually impaired.

Wired for success At Scolmore, we are continually assessing our offer and making improvements where we can. Our Click Mode wiring accessory range incorporates a range of products designed to offer practical and stylish solutions that comply with the various elements of the Part M regulations. The range is available in an anthracite grey finish to provide an effective visual contrast against the high reflective decors used in the majority of today’s buildings. Lighter coloured rockers are also an aid to visibility. One of our most recent innovations is the perfect example of looking at everyday activities and product uses and coming up with improvements. The Mode Locating Plug Socket – developed with the assisted

living sector in mind – is designed to assist people with impaired vision or poor hand to eye coordination to more easily insert a plug into a socket. The contoured shape of the front plate guides the earth pin into position, and it is this plug guide which gives the product a greater focus on usability and means its use can be extended to situations where a socket isn’t easily accessible. The product is available in one and two-gang options, with the twogang version featuring outboard rockers to further assist with distinguishing between switches, making it less likely to switch the wrong one. The Locating Plug Socket is part of the Mode range of wiring accessory products, which all feature anti-microbial properties and come with a 20-year guarantee. It is an ideal solution for assisted living installations and also meets with the requirements of Part M compliance. With dementia identified as the one of the main causes of disability in later life and expected to double globally by 2030 and triple by 2050, the assisted living sector is one that will continue to grow and all those involved in the design, manufacture and supply of solutions will continue to have a part to play in easing the burden. With more and more consumers switched on to the idea of adapting or future-proofing their homes to enable them to continue to live there independently in the long term, there is a growing opportunity for manufacturers to develop the products and solutions that will service this demand. Scolmore, scolmore.com

With the average age of the population on the rise, it’s increasingly important for homes to be equipped with smart technology that can assist with living conditions

The Part M Range from Scolmore, an innovative range of wiring accessory products

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Choose our Instinct keystone module with angled data outlets. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safer and sleeker with less bend to cables than traditional models. INSTINCT. MAKE A CHOICE FOR THE BETTER crabtreecommercial.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WIRING ACCESSORIES

TIME TO TORQUE?

WAGO 221 Series lever connectors are integrated into the wiring centre

Torque screwdrivers may not be popular with all, but they are likely to increasingly become a mandatory requirement in the future. WAGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David Draper explains why thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perhaps never been a better time to take the screw out of the equation altogether.

anufacturers of installer products such as consumer units, RCBOs and MCBs are increasingly incorporating torque specifications in their installations, requiring the use of a torque screwdriver. These specifications are not just advisory. In fact, where any product specifies torque settings for screws, the use of a torque screwdriver is a statutory requirement under BS 7671 (134.1.1 & 510.3). However, despite widespread use of torque screwdrivers in industrial applications, many domestic and commercial installers still prefer to use conventional screwdrivers, gauging the torque of each screw using their own experience and intuition, as well as their own wrists. That approach looks likely to have to change soon as more products start to incorporate torque specifications, and assessors vigilantly enforce the law. Furthermore, in the event of a fault and a damages claim, insurance companies are increasingly asking for evidence that a torque screwdriver was used in the installation and may refuse to pay out if this cannot be proven. This alone is surely a good reason to start using one.

Careless torque costs lives Some installers still have their misgivings, not least about the cost of having to purchase and regularly recalibrate an additional tool. Experienced installers, who may have thousands of successful manual installations under their belts, might see no reason to change a method that has, as far as they know, always worked for them. Unfortunately, for any installers who are reluctant to make the switch from manual to torque, it seems that the increasing adoption of torque screwdrivers is inevitable, and more and more products in the future will require them for BS 7671 compliance. There is, however, a way of side stepping the whole manual versus torque screwdriver debate. And for installers who do not want to use a torque screwdriver, but do want to stay within the regulations, there has arguably never been a better time to do so.

Put a spring in your spec Spring pressure connection dispenses with screws altogether, and instead uses a clamping mechanism to constantly apply the optimum level of pressure to keep conductors secure without damaging them, taking the risk of under or overtightening completely out of the equation. They also

have several other advantages over screws. With no screwdriver required they are far quicker to install, reducing installation time by up to 50%, while also being much easier on the wrist. This can make wiring jobs safer, with less time spent working at height or in difficult to reach areas and confined spaces. In the installer industry, time is money, and the ability to wire up more jobs in less time ultimately means that more invoices can be raised. It can also free up skilled personnel to work on more complex wiring tasks.

Reduced maintenance Whilst spring pressure connectors typically have a higher unit cost compared to traditional screw terminals, this is far outweighed by the savings resulting from their reduced installation time and superior reliability. The design used by reputable manufacturers ensures that connectors have stronger resistance against overcurrent, vibration and shock compared to screws. Spring connections are also immune to loosening over time and do not require regular retightening like a screw connection would, making them free from maintenance for the life of the installation, further reducing time and costs in the future.

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WIRING ACCESSORIES Another advantage is that different conductor types can be secured within the same connector, which is not always practical when using screws. Some spring pressure connectors use levers, while other variants can secure solid conductors just by pushing them in. They are also reusable, making them suitable for temporary fixes and testing as well as permanent installations.

Increasing applications Spring pressure connection is most commonly associated with individual splicing connectors and terminal blocks, but the concept is now being incorporated into an ever-widening scope of applications. A recent example, from kTech Manufacturing, is the mBox L32 multi-purpose wiring centre, suitable for use in both domestic and commercial environments.

A clamping mechanism can dispense with screws and apply the optimum level of pressure

SPECIAL FEATURE

Nine WAGO 221 Series lever connectors are integrated into the wiring centre, making it ready to install straight out of the box. It can be used for a wide range of applications, including heating systems, alarm systems and lighting, and is a much more ergonomic option compared to traditional junction boxes, making it suitable for wall affixing while also helping it to fit in more easily with a property’s aesthetic. The wiring centre’s housing is made of self-extinguishing plastic for maximum safety. A range of junction boxes from WISKA, Spelsberg and Connexbox have all recently been launched, designed for use specifically with spring connectors, while WAGO has introduced a range of mounting carriers which allow customers to create their own custom enclosures. Spring pressure connection has been growing in popularity for some time, but now there are more options and products available than ever. Installers can therefore benefit from the simplicity and reliability of spring pressure in an ever-increasing range of wiring scenarios. The screwdriver will of course remain a vital part of any installer’s toolbox, and the screw will always have its uses. Spring pressure connection is an effective, safe alternative that practically eliminates the possibility of wiring faults, delivers superior performance and stays within the regs. WAGO, wago.com

NEXT ISSUE

Commercial Vehicles & EV Infrastructure

Emergency Lighting

Test & Measurement

NEXT TIME… In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the February issue of ECN will contain special features relating to commercial vehicles & EV infrastructure, emergency lighting and test & measurement. The features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area.

To make sure that you don’t miss this major opportunity to advertise your products to ECN’s 40,000 readers, call Kelly Byne on 01634 673163 / kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

READY… STEADY… 18 EDITION! TH

Ian Peacock, technical product manager at Lewden, looks at the implications of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations coming into effect, and explains how Lewden’s range of devices can overcome a wide array of challenges.

ollowing on from the six-month transition period that started in July last year, the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations came into full effect from January 1, 2019; bringing about new guidelines and recommendations for all the professionals involved in design and maintenance of electrical installations. Significant changes in the new regulations include guidelines on protection of electrical installations by using surge protection devices. The new regulations also lay emphasis on the correct selection and overload protection of the RCCBs and RCBOs for specific application needs. An exclusive section related to the electrical installations in the caravan or camping parks highlights the

need of every socket outlet or connector to comply with BS EN60309-1-2 and be interlocked to prevent the socket contacts being live when accessible. Offering an extensive range of power distribution solutions for various industrial, commercial and residential installations, Lewden has always been committed to the safety of the electrical installers and end users by being at the forefront of ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new regulation changes. In compliance with the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Lewden has introduced a new range of Surge Protection devices in Type 2 and Combined Type 1, 2 and 3 for both single and three phase applications and RCCBs and RCBOs in Type A within its Consumer Units and Circuit Protection range. A new range of Caravan Hook Up Units with RCBO – protected switched interlocked sockets has also been recently launched, allowing the possibility to incorporate up to four 16A or 32A switched interlocked sockets within a single unit.

Surge Protection Following the implementation of the 18th edition, the use of surge protection devices looks set to become more widespread within distribution boards, for both single and three phase applications. Surge protection devices are strongly recommended for installations that are exposed to transient over voltages in order to protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. To comply with the regulations, protection against transient overvoltage must be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage affects: 1. S erious injury to, or loss of, human life; 2. Results in an interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage; 3. R esults in an interruption of commercial or industrial activity; 4. A ffects a large number of collocated individuals. For all other cases, a comprehensive risk assessment must be performed in order to determine if protection against transient overvoltage is required. Devices offering different levels of protection are available in the market. Type 2 Surge Protection devices are designed to protect single and three phase installations against the effects of man-made transients i.e. switching surges and should be installed within each electrical switchboard to prevent the spread of over voltages and protect the load equipment connected to it.

Lewden has introduced a new range of Surge Protection devices to aid compliance with the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Higher specification combined Type 1, 2 and 3 Surge Protection devices help to protect electrical installations against direct lightning strikes and switching surges, and must be utilised where the building is protected by a lightning protection system or meshed cage; fed from overhead power lines, or is in close proximity to an adjacent building that has a lightning protection system installed. Whilst the new regulations do not make it a mandatory requirement to install surge protection, if a risk assessment is not performed, the electrical installation will have to be provided with protection against transient overvoltage. An exception not to provide protection is included for single dwelling units where the total value of the installation and equipment therein, does not justify such protection.

RCCB / RCBO Selection The new regulation categorises four classes of RCD that are available within today’s market place. The four types are classified depending on their behaviour in the presence of DC components and frequencies. Whilst IET guidance note 1 states that for the majority of applications Type AC devices are suitable, with other types being used where special circumstances exist, the decision rests with the installation designer to select the appropriate RCD depending on the potential level of DC component and

50 | January 2019

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CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

Overload protection of an RCCB As per the 18th edition guidelines, overload protection of an RCCB or main switch shall not solely be based on the use of diversity factors of the downstream circuits. To achieve the correct overload protection of RCCBs or the main switch, the rated current of the upstream fuse must be selected accordingly. There is no defined standard between regional electricity providers with reference to the main fuse rating. While it is clear that the maximum permissible rating for a normal domestic installation is 100A, the main fuse ratings can vary between 63, 80 and 100A. Electrical installers should coordinate with the electricity supplier to adjust the main fuse rating to suit their design requirements. frequencies produced by connected appliances. In all cases, appliance manufacturer’s instructions must be considered when selecting the appropriate type of RCD for a particular item of equipment. Whilst the new regulations still allow the use of Type AC devices, Lewden have introduced a new range of RCCBs and single module RCBOs in ‘Type A’ running alongside the conventional ‘Type AC’ offering, allowing installers flexibility of choice between Type AC and Type A, depending on specific application needs.

Surge protection devices are recommended for installations that are exposed to transient over voltages in order to protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment

Electrical installation in caravan or camping parks As per the new regulations, every socket outlet or connector must be interlocked in order to prevent the socket contacts being live when accessible. Hence noninterlocked sockets can no longer be installed in Caravan / Camping parks and similar locations. Lewden has recently launched a new range of Caravan Hook Up Units

SPECIAL FEATURE

comprising individually RCBO - protected switched interlocked sockets featuring an overall 100A 2P main switch and 2P 30mA Type B 6kA RCBOs compliant to EN 61009. Allowing safe electrical operation, the Caravan Hook Up units range from Lewden includes a slim line single interlocked version as well as models with two or four socket outlets. The range is available in both unmetered and MID certified metered versions for each socket to ensure accuracy for consumer billing purposes. The interlocking arrangement is achieved mechanically via the socket outlet and an integral AC3-AC23A category isolator switch. The flexible and robust enclosure design of the Caravan Hook up units allows either 16A or 32A switched interlocked sockets to be interchanged on the same fixing flange and wire harness, making it easy to upgrade additional sockets quickly at a later stage. Lewden, lewden.com

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ELECTRICAL CONTACTING NEWS - FEB 2017 - 224 X 159.indd 1 Circuit Protection – Lewden.indd 51

16/02/2017 14:45 21/12/2018 09:36

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