ECN July 2018

VOLUME 38 NO. 06 • JULY 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE: FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY

WWW.ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.CO.UK

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24 COMPETITION

SPECIAL FEATURE: SMART BUILDINGS

Win an Ethos 8400 multifunction tester courtesy of CEF

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THE 18TH EDITION IS HERE!

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With the release of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, NAPIT chief technical officer and trade association chairman, Frank Bertie, summarises the main changes and recommendations. pe ns 6I li Part cia pe s ice nd Part

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We’ve been talking about it, secondguessing or trying to understand it, but now it’s finally here. There are too many changes to cover in one article – so here’s a quick overview of what might be useful to you.

The BS 7671:2018 18th Edition will be a live document – alongside the BS 7671:2011(2015) 17th Edition Amendment 3 – for a six-month period up until December 31.

After that date, the old 17th Edition will be withdrawn, and the 18th Edition will be the only publication that must be complied with.

There will be an allowance for installations designed to the BS 7671:2011(2015) 17th Edition completed in early 2019, but specific criteria has been determined for this.

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Turn to page 14 for full story.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 07 • JULY 2018

CONTENTS…

explores the implications for electrical contractors when it comes to installing ‘safety lighting’ systems.

Sooner the better.

and accreditation plays a vital part in ensuring 41 Assessment fire safety and best practice. Will Lloyd, technical manager

7 Industry News

at the the Fire Industry Association (FIA), explains how its qualification pathway can help up-skill the sector.

UK lighting market on the up, protection of title for electricians and walking for charity – news from around the industry.

20 Training Bridging the skills gap and free training resources.

22 Key Issue Jocelyn Golding, electrician programme manager at Schneider Electric, explains how the 18th Edition will alter the daily operations for electrical installers.

the Hackitt Review on Building Regulations and Fire 36 Following Safety, set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Colin

Hanslod, CEO of Bri-Tek Technologies, discusses 38 Mohamed the latest reforms to emergency lighting standards and

4 Editorial

Lighting up Old Spitalfields Market, spotlight on the World Cup and Holiday Inn refurbs – contract and company news.

Fire Detection & Safety

Lawson of Tamlite calls for the lighting industry to support contractors installing emergency lighting.

Regulars

16 Contract News

Special features:

24 Competition

Smart Buildings

Win an ETHOS 8400 multifunction tester courtesy of CEF.

26 Project Focus Featuring an ice rink above a swimming pool, Romford’s new £28 million leisure centre presented complex electrical design and installation challenges for REL Building Services.

59 Company Showcase Sponsored content from around the sector.

Features

Holvey, of technology optimisation specialist Priva, 44 Gavin urges electrical contractors to take advantage of building management systems (BMS) to guide facilities managers towards the integrated future.

Lane, commercial director at Open Technology, explains 47 James how you can tailor your lighting control system to suit the needs of the building and make changes at the touch of a button.

Anders, vice president of business development at 50 Armin EnOcean GmbH, explains why self-powered sensors are the future, and why the EnOcean energy harvesting wireless standard has become successfully established for wireless networking.

Needham, vice president of European sales for lighting 53 Mark and control specialist Fulham, explains how market realities are delaying intelligent lighting for smart buildings.

28 AFDDs and the 18th Edition Paul Collins, technical and training manager of Hager, answers some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to AFDDs.

31 No crossed wires Emma Segelov of MK Electric explains how it’s vital to get the right information from the right sources about how to stay compliant with the 18th Edition.

Insurance your business? Keep your insurance cover on 56 Diversifying track, says Paul Young, underwriting manager at ECIC.

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EDITORIAL

SOONER THE BETTER

T

he summer holiday season is upon us and 2018 is storming ahead at an alarming rate. Before you know it, the year will be up – so there’s no time like the present to get to grips with the changes that the 18th Edition is bringing. Human nature is to put things off when you’re busy enough on a day-to-day basis (and what contractor isn’t?), but it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the implications that the changes BS 7671:2018 will bring.

The industry will have six months to get compliant, and already, the sector is gearing up to spread knowledge,

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

Kayleigh Hutchins, Editor

expertise and best practice. For example, the NICIEC will be broadcasting a live cinema event on July 4, where industry experts Darren Staniforth and Alan Wells will come together to discuss the changes and how to get compliant. ECN will be keeping you up-to-date on the latest 18th Edition news, views and events both online and in print, so watch this space.

Our special features this month look to both the present and the future of the industry. As the world becomes more connected and techsavvy, smart building technology is only going to go from strength to strength; we take a look at how staying ahead of technology,

like smart lighting, can benefit both contractors and their customers.

Fire safety and security looks to the here and now, at the importance of training and skilling up the workforce in the wake of the Hackitt Review, while Paul Young, underwriting manager at ECIC, talks us through the importance of keeping your insurance cover on track when growing your business.

As always, ECN is appealing to all readers to get in touch and let us know what’s on your mind. What does the second half of the year have in-store? What do we need to be doing as an industry to stay ahead of regulations?

What needs to change? Send me an email at Kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com.

EDITOR: KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com

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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

Editorial.indd 4

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INDUSTRY NEWS ECIS HOSTS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID WORKSHOP Learning how to identify and support staff members with mental health issues was the focus of a recent workshop held by EC Insurance Services (ECIS), in conjunction with Mental Health First Aid England and ECA. Electrotechnical professionals and ECA staff attended the event, which provided the foundations to create ‘mental health champions’ in their organisation. Delegates learnt how to spot the symptoms of mental health issues, offer initial help and guide a person towards support.

The day provided information on the various mental health issues employees may experience and tackled the delicate topic of suicide. There were several interactive sessions that enabled the delegates to work together to think about the best way of dealing with different situations.

Lee Hawkins, managing director of Hawden Associates, commented, “As an employer, you recognise most occasions when staff might feel pressured or under stress, but this event really helped me to realise some of the symptoms of stress that I have, to date, missed. I’ll be using the practical tools from the workshop back in the office with my team to look more closely at what might affect their mental health and how we can help them.”

Following this initial pilot event, the ECA plans to work with ECIS to hold further workshops around the country for its members. Through ECIS, electrical contractors can access healthcare services that includes comprehensive support and treatment for mental health as well as physical wellbeing.

CEF GOES THE DISTANCE FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT CEF has gone the distance to raise £54,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by walking the 290-mile Macmillan Way in just 17 days.

With the aim of raising enough money to fund a Macmillan nurse for a year, over 70 members of the CEF team were joined by friends, family and suppliers for different stages of the walk, which stretches from Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in Dorset.

Participants walked between 13 and 28 miles each day along a route that followed footpaths, bridleways and byways, from June 1 until June 17, 2018.

Andrew Moseley, commercial director at CEF, commented, “One in two people born after 1960 in the UK are expected to be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime and almost 360,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year. Macmillan Cancer Support is CEF’s corporate charity partner and plays such a vital role in supporting people living with cancer by providing advice, assistance and nursing.

“The Macmillan Way walk is a fantastic opportunity for us as a business, with our colleagues, family and suppliers, to show our support and we’re incredibly proud of the money – and awareness – we’ve raised together.”

The Macmillan Way walk is the latest in a long line of CEF charity events to support Macmillan.

CEF team members across the network have been taking part in ‘Go Mad, Go Green’ days, with fund-raising activities ranging from sky dives to ultra-marathons raising over £23,000 so far.

CEF is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support as its chosen charity partner as part of the CEF Cares programme.

44% INCREASE IN THE UK LIGHTING MARKET BETWEEN 2013-17, SAYS RESEARCH The overall lighting market in the UK was estimated to be worth £2.4 billion in 2017, having increased by 44% since 2013, according to a new report by AMA Research Ltd entitled Lighting and LED Market Report – UK 2018-2022.

The key driver for the lighting market is LED lighting, which has gained significant share in the non-domestic sector and also started to make inroads into the domestic market. LED technology is likely to promote a period of innovation and expansion particularly in terms of more integrated products, control and lighting solutions. Forecasts are for growth but at a lower rate than in the period 2014-2017 as the uptake of LEDs has increased.

Retro-fitting of efficient lamp products has been crucial to growth rates within the market, and the lamps market has recorded the highest level of growth in recent years. It is expected to continue to outperform the market, due to the introduction of a wide range of replacement, higher value LED and low energy halogen products, although as the prices of these products fall considerably and penetration increases, this sector is expected to slow.

Luminaires dominate the UK lighting market, accounting for a 57% share in 2017, although their overall share of the market is gradually declining in response to the high growth of other sectors. The luminaires market is more reliant on the levels of new build and refurbishment activity, particularly in the non-domestic sector.

ONGOING ISSUES & ONE-OFF EVENTS SLOW ENGINEERING SERVICES GROWTH, SAYS RESEARCH Almost one in three (28%) engineering services firms say turnover decreased during the first quarter of 2018, according to new findings from the quarterly sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey, sponsored by Scolmore. The survey covers a membership turnover of around £12 billion.

This is the highest reported percentage fall in turnover since Q1 2016, when 33% of respondents reported a fall in turnover since the previous quarter.

However, the overall outlook for the current quarter (Q2 2018) is positive, as 86% of businesses said they expect turnover to increase or remain the same, compared to Q1 2018.

Ongoing issues, such as poor payment practices (60% of commercial work was paid later than 30 days after completion), and one-off events, such as unusually adverse weather conditions (34% said this had impacted productivity), likely served as contributing factors to some of the slowdown in growth.

ECA deputy director of business policy and practice Rob Driscoll said, “So far, 2018 has been characterised by continual uncertainty as we awaited the output from the Grenfell enquiry, continued in the shadow of Brexit, saw Carillion fall and powered through a prolonged period of extreme weather.

“It was therefore no surprise that the first quarter of 2018 showed some decline, but despite higher operational costs and ongoing issues surrounding protracted payment, our sector has historically proven its resilience and has a positive outlook as demand is expected to increase during the second quarter.”

The survey, run in partnership by engineering services trade bodies BESA, ECA, SELECT and SNIPEF, received 316 responses from companies across the multi-billion pound industry mainly regarding their performance in Q1 (January 1 to March 31 2018).

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INDUSTRY NEWS TAKE ON THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA CHALLENGE WITH ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY Do you think you have what it takes to conquer the thousands of steps of the Great Wall of China? The Electrical Industries Charity is looking for participants for its Challenge for a Cause – the Great Wall of China trek 2018 to help ‘Raise the Roof’ for the Dickinson family.

The Great Wall of China (also known as Changcheng) trek is part of the charity’s Challenge for a Cause campaign, which aims to raise £250,000 for the Dickinson family and help Caz Dickinson with her development and care.

Throughout the challenge, you will have a chance to experience the breath-taking scenery of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and gain an insight into a rich culture and history. You will also have an opportunity to combat thousands of steps through terraced farmland, beautiful hills and mountains in remote areas of north Beijing.

Over the 10 days, you will also venture along the contours of the world’s longest defensive fortification, which was built in the 5th century BC by the Qin Shi Huang and the Ming Dynasty and stretches up to 6,000km across China. This incredible experience is taking place between September 13-22, 2018. All you need to do to take part is to sign up and raise £3,150.

To book your place or for further information, please contact Sema Gornall at sema.gornall@electricalcharity.org.

ONE IN FOUR MPS BACK ALDOUS BILL More than one in four MPs now support the Aldous Bill, according to BESA and ECA. This increased support comes as the second reading of the bill has been moved to October 26.

Conservative MP Peter Aldous introduced the Private Members Bill to put retentions in secure deposit schemes six days before the collapse of Carillion.

The new date has been welcomed by key supporters of the bill, as it enables the growing list of supporters to continue to make the vital case for reform and to grow political and industry support for the initiative.

With the recent additions of significant organisations, such as accounting body the Association of Accounting Technicians and the British Chambers of Commerce, the coalition of support around Peter Aldous’ proposals has grown to over 575,000 businesses and members of professional bodies.

ECA deputy director of business policy and practice, Rob Driscoll, commented, “It is fantastic to have such a groundswell of support for the Aldous Bill from MPs. With the bill now moved to October, the campaign will continue to grow and move from strength-to-strength. Industry is unanimous and united, on the need for reform of retentions. We are working with government and industry to deliver the method and solution within the reform to payment practices that the industry so urgently needs in order to meet government’s industrialisation, growth and prosperity agenda.”

Alexi Ozioro, BESA public affairs and policy manager, added, “There is a very busy legislative timetable at the moment, especially with Brexit. For the bill to have been given a later date shows that the government are not ready to end the conversation around retentions reform. The broad spectrum of MPs supporting the bill is very encouraging, and is set to continue to grow. Reforming the poor payment landscape is not a matter of ideology or party loyalties, its common sense.”

SELECT SUPPORTS CALL FOR PROTECTION OF TITLE FOR ELECTRICIANS Representatives of both employers and employees have come together in Scotland to press the case with government for the protection of title for the occupation of electrician.

Unite the Union has written to Keith Brown, the cabinet secretary for the economy, jobs and fair work, to express its full support for the long-running campaign for recognition by respected industry bodies.

The union supported the Electricians Working Group, which was convened at Holyrood following a concerted awareness-raising push by electrical employers’ association SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust.

Both sides of the industrial divide are asking the government to recognise the skills, knowledge, training, experience and qualifications of electricians and the vital role they play in the functioning of modern society.

They are also asking the government to take into consideration the risk to public safety of unqualified or underqualified people being able to pass themselves off as electricians, especially when carrying out work for vulnerable householders.

Pat Rafferty, the Unite Scottish secretary, said, “Our members have expressed their frustration that people in such a safety-critical occupation are able to use the title of electrician when they have not met the established national and industry standards.”

SELECT commissioned a report from 4-Consulting on the economic impact of regulating electricians in Scotland which showed that protecting lives and property in this manner could save the country around £58 million a year. It pointed out that 10 people were killed and more than 600 injured in electrical fault-related incidents in 2016 alone.

WAGO LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO FIND OUTSTANDING INSTALLATIONS WAGO is looking for unusual installations across the UK and Ireland utilising the company’s 221 Series lever connector.

Qualified electricians and trade professionals are invited to submit the details of any projects they have worked on that utilise the connector, particularly those in which it has been used in unusual or creative ways, or in notable locations. The four winning entries will each receive £500 worth of WAGO equipment, and one of four holographic glass trophies.

WAGO will also hold a special celebration event to honour the winners.

The 221 has been used in a wide range of building projects, from residential properties, schools and hospitals to castles, museums and football stadiums. However, once installed, the connector often remains hidden from view inside cabinets and junction boxes. WAGO is therefore hoping to find and celebrate the interesting locations and applications where the 221 is used, and reward the installers who use it.

LEADING ELECTROTECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS WIN TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS Nineteen top-performing businesses and individuals from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry have scooped honours at this year’s ECA Industry Awards, held on Friday 8 June at the London Hilton Bankside Hotel.

The ECA Industry Awards recognise key achievements of the finest talent in the sector, providing a great opportunity for contractors and wider industry associates to showcase exceptional work.

The awards took place during ECA’s Industry Awards Dinner, supported by joint headline sponsors LEDVANCE and Electrium. TV and radio personalities Alastair McGowan and Alan Dedicoat hosted the proceedings and presented awards to the winning ECA organisations and individuals.

An independent panel of judges including Margaret Fitzsimmons, chief executive, EDA, Jon Graham, chief executive of JTL, and Tessa Ogle, managing director of the Electrical Industries Charity, determined the winners from a series of impressive entries.

8 | July 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS FERN-HOWARD SUPPORTS WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTRE Lighting manufacturer FernHoward has stepped in to support HART Wildlife’s hospital by donating and installing new LED battens in corridors and treatment rooms, new LED bulkheads into their reception area and Exodus Emergency Bulkheads throughout the premises.

A registered charity, HART’s wildlife hospital provides vital rescue, treatment and rehabilitation for wildlife. Before Fern-Howard’s help they were using 710W – now its 479W. That’s around £125.65 per year saved when re-lamping costs are factored in.

LIA & BSI PARTNER TO SUPPORT COMMERCIAL LIGHTING INDUSTRY The LIA (Lighting Industry Association) has announced a partnership with BSI, the business standards company. The LIA and BSI have joined together to combine their knowledge and expertise in assurance and testing within the lighting sector. This partnership will see the two organisations collaborate on and develop product testing and certification solutions.

The BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting is a step forward in product safety and quality, aimed at driving up standards and further reducing the risks of product recalls and returns. It encompasses a wide range of lighting products and includes LEDs. Whilst recognising the achievements of commercial lighting manufacturers that consistently meet the highest possible standards, the BSI Kitemark also provides an important marketing tool for manufacturers of commercial lighting products.

Speaking about the partnership, Greg Childs, electrical & gas certification group manager at BSI said, “We’re delighted to be working with the LIA in order to help organisations achieve the BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting, as well as developing other product testing and certification solutions.

“We’re committed to helping manufacturers deliver lighting products that are highly efficient and safe to use and this collaboration will enable us to continue to help businesses face new industry challenges.

“The BSI Kitemark is a symbol that around 70% of the British public recognise, and one that has given millions of Britons over the last century the knowledge and comfort that the products they come into contact with are safe and reliable.”

QUOTATIS OFFERS SAVINGS FOR ELECTRICIANS WITH NEW SAVINGS ACCOUNT Quotatis, a home improvement quotation service and specialist marketing company, has introduced a new Smart Savings plan, providing its members with business and personal discounts. The new account provides UK electricians with a chance to save money for their business and get more work with a pay-as-you-pick feature. Quotatis has created a package of over 200 trade and leisure deals and discounts, made available through the Smart Savings account. The account costs £10 per month.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer our members so many savings at such a low price,” said marketing director, Tom Crosswell. “The large size of our contractor network means that we’ve been able to leverage our position and secure huge savings for our members to help them keep their business costs down. And because we know that our members don’t just work, we’ve included some great extra personal savings like free movie downloads and coffee too.”

Other Smart Savings account features are a closed reviews system and customisable profile page to help members boost their online presence and reputation. The account also includes Quotatis’ pay-as-you-pick feature, which gives members the flexibility to pick and pay for customer enquiries as and when they want more work.

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INDUSTRY NEWS ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED Zach Swift from Helensburgh, Scotland, has been crowned winner of the 2018 NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year competition.

The 21-year old was one of eight competitors to reach the grand final, which was held at the head office premises of Scolmore Group – the competition’s official partner – on Tuesday, 5 June.

Whittled down from more than 650 candidates who entered the competition, the eight finalists were put through a gruelling day of challenges comprising nine separate tasks designed to assess their abilities across a range of disciplines including testing, fault finding, conduit bending, tray manufacturing and safe isolation, as well as a virtual reality test. Each candidate also had to undergo an interview with Certsure’s technical standards director, Alan Wells.

“When my name was called, I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised, I was ecstatic. I never thought I would even pass the first stage, let alone win the overall title,” said Zach. “After completing the competition tasks and awaiting the results, I really doubted whether I had done well enough. The

MOVERS & SHAKERS… Justine Heeley has been appointed as the new managing director at Oceanair Marine Ltd. Heeley was previously CEO of Orolia UK (part of the McMurdo Group), prior to this she was managing director of Drew Marine Signal & Safety and formerly managing director of Chemring Marine.

Fire Design Solutions (FDS) has appointed Bijan Fard as group marketing manager.

Bijan will oversee all marketing activity across the group’s three brands – Fire Design Solutions, FDS Consult and Be Safe Direct.

quality of the work that the rest of the guys were producing was fantastic so when I heard my name called out, I was staggered. Being involved in the whole competition process has already given me more confidence in my work ability and I’m extremely proud of myself for what I have achieved. I plan to keep pushing forward and keep challenging myself to continue to improve more and more.”

As the overall winner, Zach was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000. Runner up Morne Louw, 30, from Barnsley received a holiday voucher worth £750, while third place went to Matt Jones, 32, from Bristol who received a £250 holiday voucher. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and a kit bag containing an array of Scolmore’s electrical accessories.

J S Wright has appointed its first prefabrications manager. Roy Stevens will manage the 128-year-old company’s new prefabrications unit which produces fully loaded heat interface unit (HIU) backboards for UK-wide apartment schemes in a new warehouse facility at Digbeth in Birmingham.

Robroy Enclosures has annoucned Scott Thompson is joining the company as a market development manager.

Aico has announced the appointment of Andy Speake to the role of national technical manager.

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COVER STORY Par t2 De Par fin t3 As Par t 4 se Pr 5

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Frank Bertie of NAPIT outlines the changes that the 18th Edition will bring.

A

long with many smaller changes, a.c and d.c are now AC, DC. This is to align with international requirements and to ensure the UK is not left behind by global standards.

Definitions have had significant changes – among them a departure where the designer takes responsibility for a method or equipment that is not covered by BS 7671 but is no less safe. Not to be confused with the new non-compliance definition, which is a non-conformity that may give rise to danger.

• Regulation 411.3.1.2, protective equipotential bonding – A change to this now allows metal extraneous incoming pipework to have an insulated section at the point of entry to an installation. This means that there may not be a requirement to connect a main protective bonding conductor to the metallic incoming pipework.

• Regulation 411.3.2.2, maximum disconnection times – Final circuits discussed in this regulation have now been increased to 63A when supplying one or more socket-outlets. This is to take into consideration the use of power track systems in call centres, data centres and offices. Previously, the use of power track between 32A and 63A may not have been specified with suitable disconnection times when supplying socket-outlets.

• Regulation 411.3.3, additional protection requirements for socket-outlets and for the supply of mobile equipment for use outdoors – The title of this regulation has changed and now requires all socket-outlets not exceeding 32A be protected by an RCD. The caveat to not install RCDs on socket-outlets in anything other than domestic dwellings remains but must be determined by a robust risk assessment. The risk assessment should be carried out by the client. There is no longer an option to label a socket-outlet for a specific purpose, that is not RCD protected.

• Regulation 411.3.4, (new) additional requirements for circuits with luminaires – To give greater protection in household dwellings, it is now a requirement to protect luminaires supplied by AC circuits with RCD protection not exceeding 30 mA. This removes the ability to construct a lighting circuit using surface mount – not buried – wiring systems without protection from an RCD. • Regulation 421.1.7, (new) Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) conforming to BS EN 62606 are recommended as a means of providing additional protection against fire

caused by arc faults in AC final circuits.

The hotly debated AFDDs have been confirmed and make their debut in the 18th Edition. They are a recommendation for particular environment types – such as sleeping accommodation, locations of increased fire risk, buildings of combustible construction materials, fire propagating structures and museums.

As they are only a recommendation, to avoid confusion, designers should inform the client about these devices to determine if they would be beneficial. AFDDs are complex microprocessor controlled selfmonitoring devices that disconnect the circuit they are connected to. They detect arc faults in circuits and equipment that may cause an overload or fire. There are special requirements for the testing of AFDDs and the configuration of circuits for optimal protection. There will be more on this at our 18th Edition roadshows.

• Chapter 443, protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching – The Surge Protection Device (SPD) regulations have changed significantly. SPDs must now be installed in all scenarios that meet four distinct installation area types unless a detailed and robust risk assessment has been carried out. Any risk assessment should be carried out by the client and given to the designer/ installer/tester before the omission of any SPDs can be allowed.

A caveat for the omission of SPDs exists for a single dwelling where the value of equipment protected is not significant.

Again, the client should be consulted before omission of any SPDs, and this should be documented and attached to the EIC or MEIWC. The requirements for SPDs are complex. We would urge you to attend one of our 18th Edition Roadshows to learn more about this.

• Chapter 46, (new) isolation and switching – This new chapter contains information previously in Section 537 and has been introduced to align with the HD’s. Section 537 still contains regulations relating to isolation and switching.

• Regulation 521.10.202, (new) wiring systems shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire.

Probably one of the most significant changes for everyday compliance is the new Regulation 521.10.202, which replaces Regulation 521.11.201. To remove the difficulties involved with defining an escape route, and to ensure firefighters’ safety in the event of a fire, all wiring systems now need to be supported throughout their length from premature collapse.

• Regulation 536.4.203, (new) integration of devices and components – This new regulation now disallows the mixing of manufacturer’s equipment in an enclosure/ CU unless the manufacturer has consented to the mixing of devices. This is to ensure that thermal efficiencies of equipment types used in enclosures are within required parameters and tested adequately during manufacturer type testing.

Where the installer wishes to use equipment not from the same manufacturer, within an enclosure, the installer becomes the manufacturer and accepts responsibility for type testing. This must be recorded on the EIC or MWEIC.

“Where the installer wishes to use equipment not from the same manufacturer, the installer becomes the manufacturer and accepts responsibility for type testing.”

• Part 6, inspection and testing – The whole of Part 6 has been re-written to align with European standards. Chapters 61, 62 and 63 have been removed and redrafted with existing information – and some new requirements – into two new sections chapters 64 and 65.

• Part 7s – As with the rest of the 18th Edition, there are some significant changes especially in 722 (electric vehicles) and 710 (medical locations). There is a new part 730, (new) onshore connections for inland navigation vessels. This is dedicated for the supply of power to large vessels in ports which are different from marinas by their more industrial nature and larger power capacity requirements.

Appendices All the appendices have been altered – small and major changes.

•A ppendix 6 has been altered with the introduction of a new style Minor Works Certificate to include the required information that was absent from the previous version of the form.

•T he inspection schedules for both EIC and EICRs have been revised to include changes to regulations.

•T he generic schedules of test results which will now require the following to be noted: RCD operating current; max permitted device Zs; insulation resistance; test voltage; RCD disconnection time; and the AFDD test button.

•A new Appendix 17, (new) (informative) energy efficiency has been introduced. This replaces the planned Part 8 which will now be included in a separate BS IEC publication.

To receive more updates and information from NAPIT regarding the 18th Edition, including seminars, books and training visit my18thedition.co.uk and sign-up to the monthly newsletter.

NAPIT, napit.org.uk

14 | July 2018

FCP.indd 14

26/06/2018 16:58

EICR Codebreakers A Guide to coding observations for Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) In accordance with BS 7671:2008 (2015)

BS 7671:2008 (2015) 17th Edition Amendment 3

Untitled-2 1

26/06/2018 09:46

CONTRACT NEWS NORTECH’S MRC350 HELPS GUNNEBO IMPROVE VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT THE SHARD

REHAU CHECKS IN FOR HOLIDAY INN REFURB REHAU’s slimline PVC trunking has been chosen for two major room refurbishment projects for the Holiday Inn hotels in Southampton and Reading.

The cable management solution was specified for the hotels by Haddow Electrical, that required high quality, robust trunking which would meet the technical brief and be aesthetically suitable for the new room designs.

Chichester-based Haddow Electrical won the Holiday Inn refurbishment projects as part of a tender bid with Phelan Construction. The six-month works programme included the

refurbishment of 97 rooms in the Holiday Inn in Southampton and 202 rooms at the Holiday Inn in Reading.

The specification of the cable trunking was an essential element of the refurb programme to not only provide the three necessary power points for each room – in locations which would fit around the new furniture and room layouts – but also to deliver a cabling solution which would be futureproof and could be easily adapted again in the future.

Although it is made of extruded PVC, the chamfered finish of REHAU’s SL Trunking gives it the look of

traditional skirting, making it a neat and unobtrusive way to run cables around a room. At 70mm high and 20mm deep, the new REHAU trunking was the same size as the trunking being removed, so it was an easy substitution and required less finishing off for the construction team.

In excess of 2,800m of trunking was used for the two Holiday Inn room refurbishment projects, which will be completed in April 2018. Haddow Electrical has been impressed with the trunking fitted; the company has specified it since for a chalet refurbishment job on a well-known family holiday resort on the south coast.

Access control system specialists Nortech has recently worked with The Gunnebo Security Group to install its MRC350 motorised card capture readers at the Shard in London.

The challenge for Nortech and Gunnebo was to secure the entrance with a system that had a modern and elegant design to complement the building while being 100% effective at preventing unauthorised access.

Gunnebo was able to provide a combination of slimmed-down high speed gates and half-height turnstiles controlled with Nortech’s MRC350, a motorised card capture reader that is designed for use at entrances and exits. Compatible with Gunnebo access control systems and turnstiles, the MRC350 units enable high speed flow of staff and visitors.

Simon Preston, marketing manager at Gunnebo UK commented, “The integration allowed us to provide the Shard with a stylish, efficient and secure access control solution, which eliminated bottlenecks whilst maintaining the flow of visitors and staff.

We are very pleased with the result.”

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Contract News.indd 16

20/06/2018 12:47

CONTRACT NEWS SIGNIFY LIGHTS THE WORLD CUP Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, has announced that it has lit 10 of the 12 stadiums that will be used as venues for this summer’s World Cup tournament in Russia. The stadiums include Luzhniki (Moscow), Krestovsky Stadium (Saint Petersburg), Fisht (Sochi), Ekaterinburg Arena (Yekaterinburg), as well as stadiums in Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd and Samara.

Signify’s LED pitch lighting is used at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The state-of the-art LED lighting provides football players and fans with a high-quality of light and is designed to be ideal for 4K TV transmissions and UHDTV super slow-motion action replays. The LED pitch lighting can also be controlled and synced to music to create spectacular pre-match entertainment.

Signify’s lighting can be used to light stadium façades, adding to the atmosphere and spectacle for fans attending

the matches. One unique installation is at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium, where a 39,000 sqm LED media roof was installed, making it one of the largest media façades in Russia.

“We have more than 80 years of experience in lighting sports events and are recognised as the world leader in

sports illumination,” said Sergey Karpov, head of sport lighting of Signify in Russia. “Through these installations, fans and television viewers around the world will enjoy their favourite game while soccer players on the field will get the optimum visibility.”

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20/06/2018 12:48

CONTRACT NEWS J S WRIGHT NETS CONTRACTS WORTH £8M FOR HARBOUR CENTRAL Building services provider J S Wright has secured two contracts together worth more than £8 million for one of London’s tallest and most luxurious riverside schemes.

The contractor, which has its headquarters in Birmingham and offices in Bristol and London, will supply and install the mechanical services for the Maine Tower at Galliard Homes’ prestigious Harbour Central development in Canary Wharf.

The 42-storey building will comprise 299 highly specified private apartments ranging from studios to penthouses that offer panoramic views at their highest levels. It is the largest of five residential buildings in a scheme that will eventually provide 642 properties.

J S Wright will also provide the mechanical and electrical (M&E) services for Harbour Central’s amenity buildings incorporating two gyms, a boxing ring and yoga studio, and a cinema, as well as luxury lobbies and lounge areas.

The company, which installed the engineering infrastructure for the Maine Tower under an earlier contract, will install a low temperature hot water heating system including heat interface units in each apartment that will enable residents to receive instant domestic hot water and heating from a central plant room.

J S Wright will also install a chilled water system with risers connected to fan coil units to provide comfort cooling on demand to each property, along with a boosted cold-water system with extended pipework to provide potable water.

The company’s 90-week project, scheduled for completion in December 2019, will also involve the installation of a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system – which will extract stale air from each apartment and replace it with fresh incoming air – and an aboveground drainage system.

J S Wright will also begin work on-site this summer on its other new contract with Galliard Homes to provide the M&E services for three amenity blocks ranging in height from eight storeys to 35 storeys at Harbour Central.

The mechanical systems will include heating and cooling with fan coil units, heat recovery ventilation, and hot and cold-water distribution. The electrical services will include power generation, lighting, fire protection and security controls.

The amenities fit out is scheduled for completion in December 2018.

KINGSWAY ROAD SURFACES RECYCLED FOR USE IN CITY’S REGENERATION Built environment specialists from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering are using their expertise to help a Swansea firm recycle thousands of tons of Kingsway road surface for new use in the city’s regeneration.

Family-owned Stenor West has six trucks taking concrete slabs from the city centre route to its Fforestfach base.

There, it is broken down into hardcore, some of which may form foundations for the Kingsway’s new pedestrian footways being laid this year as part of Swansea Council’s £12 million scheme to make the route significantly more people-friendly.

UWTSD’s Lindsay Richards, head of the School of Architecture, Built and Natural Environments, said, “We are collaborating with Stenor on a couple of exciting projects in Swansea.

“We are delighted to be part of these construction industry-based projects, including the upcycling of innovative construction products from waste. This type of innovative practice enriches our learning, teaching and student experience.”

Council leader Rob Stewart said, “The Kingsway and Orchard Street will soon be a fabulous green artery for the city, with an urban park replacing two of the existing traffic lanes.

“The transformation is part of our broader plan to get many more people living in the city centre, working here, visiting and staying.”

Construction work to transform The Kingsway and its neighbouring streets began in April, with Swansea business Dawnus the main contractor. By the end of next year it will have new public spaces, landscaped parkland, enhanced cycle provision, a two-way single lane vehicle route and wider pedestrian walkways.

Stenor West began taking the concrete road surface in April and expect to work on the scheme for around another year.

Stenor West managing director Steve Norman, left, site manager Stacey Norman and UWTSD PhD student Simon Thomas with Kingsway concrete being recycled at the company’s Fforestfach base.

REGGIANI PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET Reggiani has supplied adjustable, round MOOD fittings to market trader stalls at the famous Old Spitalfields Market located in the City of London. The site has hosted a market for 350 years but the old Victorian structure has recently been revamped and updated to provide a central market trader space that can also be transformed into an events area. The refurbishment was part of a project by Foster + Partners who took their inspiration from the original architecture of the old building and successfully transformed this iconic site into a flexible multi-use facility. A carefully considered design achieved the right balance between the often conflicting needs of conservation and refurbishment.

Specified by Lighting Design International, approved by Foster + Partners and working with Benchmark Furniture, Reggiani’s adjustable, round MOOD fittings with trim in embossed matte black finish were among the fittings chosen for use in all of the stalls to provide accent lighting for the merchandise on display.

The MOOD fitting selected for the Spitalfields project included a COB 3.5W LED with a 28° angle, three of which were built into the overhead stall crossbars. With every new stall now incorporating its own lighting, all electrical connections were discreetly integrated into the floor, allowing the stalls to be folded up and stored away and freeing up the space for other functions.

Old Spitalfields Market has become one of London’s most popular meeting places, with thriving market stalls, shops and restaurants, and is now ranked as one of London’s top ten visitor attractions.

MR. ELECTRIC OFFERS ENERGY SAVING SYSTEMS IN WOLVERHAMPTON Mr. Electric has teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes to trial a new smart heating system, Heat Genius, to help homeowners reduce their energy consumption and bills by only heating the rooms that are being used.

Mr. Electric Wolverhampton is one of the electrical businesses involved in the six-month trial and recently installed the new intelligent heating system into one of City of Wolverhampton Council homes managed by Wolverhampton Homes. Heat Genius predicts and adapts to a household’s energy usage by using a smart thermostat to heat only the parts of the home that are being used. The Genius Hub automatically adjusts the heating schedules for each room, ensuring it’s warm when you arrive, but not wasting heat when you’re out. It even turns radiators off when a window is open, or when it’s a warm day.

Following a product and installation training programme by Heat Genius, Mr. Electric is now able to install the system into all properties, including buildings with gas central heating and internet connection.

The system comprises a Genius Hub controller that plugs into the internet router, a boiler controller and a portable wireless thermostat that can be moved from room to room. By being fully wireless, the user can control and monitor the system remotely via a smart device or web browser to identify where savings can be made, as well as seeing which rooms are warmer or colder than they need to be.

The Smart Heating Controls pilot study, managed by the BECCI project, aims to investigate how suitable the Heat Genius system is for local consumers and how easily it can be deployed by the local SMEs. Working with Wolverhampton Homes, suitable properties were chosen and innovation active SMEs were selected for this six-month trial.

18 | July 2018

Contract News.indd 18

20/06/2018 12:48

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16/03/2018 15:44

TRAINING MARTINDALE ELECTRIC OFFERS FREE TRAINING RESOURCES

METSEC TACKLES THE SKILLS GAP WITH NEW, FEMALE APPRENTICE

Martindale Electric is offering a range of free training resources, based on a wealth of experience in keeping maintenance teams safe when working on or near to electrical plants and equipment.

Martindale has put together all the information needed to get up-to-date with the correct procedures required to achieve compliance, including details on the equipment and the processes involved, together with offers on City & Guilds accredited training.

The latest series of City & Guilds training courses from NAPIT’s Premier Training Academy are designed for those who want an accredited training programme with practical hands on experience.

Available at a special price to attendees of toolbox talks and those registered for Martindale training resources, the one-day Safe Isolation courses from NAPIT are available at several locations around the UK and include a range of theory subjects and practicals.

voestalpine Metsec plc has appointed a new apprentice, Abbiegail Hill, as part of its commitment to bridging the skills gap and encouraging women to consider engineering and manufacturing roles.

Employed within the structural design department, Hill is the second female student in recent months to be taken on at an advanced level. The scheme offers a fast-track approach and requires the apprentice to attend college four days a week with the remaining day spent on the job for the first six months of the course.

The student then spends the rest of the course in full-time employment as an apprentice. This approach provides students with the relevant technical knowledge to excel when working on-site and to achieve the NVQ Level 3 qualification more quickly in comparison to other schemes.

At the end of an apprentice’s first six months, Metsec then recruits another student while allowing the current apprentice to move into a full-time position and gain handson experience.

CEDIA RELEASES GLOBALLY REVISED ESC-T CERTIFICATION EXAM

BCIA OFFERS UPDATED TRAINING COURSES The Building Controls Industries Association (BCIA) is calling on engineers, technicians, electricians and building services trades personnel to complement their existing knowledge and skillset in the building controls sector by securing their place on the new and improved BCM00-BCM06 training courses.

The BCIA offers a suite of seven modules designed for those who are looking to enter the world of building controls, as well as those seeking to extend their knowledge base, advance their careers and help reshape the future of the controls industry.

On successful completion of the three modules, delegates will be awarded the BCIA Technical Certificate and will be eligible to apply for the brand-new ECS card.

For further information or to book your course, email training@bcia.co.uk.

ECN Half Page - BS Approval New 2.pdf

1

11/06/2018

CEDIA has announced that the updated version of the ESC-T Certification Exam is now available. This new version was created with input and guidance from Americans and EMEA volunteers, ensuring the content was relevant for a global audience.

The ESC-T exam is intended for technicians with two years of experience and represents proficiency in the technical knowledge that forms the foundation of the residential electronic systems industry. The exam now covers lighting control and features expanded networking content in addition to pre-wire and trim out, integrated control systems, and audio/video systems.

“It is considered best practice to update professional certification exams every few years to ensure they stay relevant,” said David Whitney, CEDIA director of certification. “The ESC-T exam was last updated in 2014 and with the changing landscape of our industry, it was important to revise the exam.”

In addition to the updated exam, CEDIA has also created a Certification Handbook that explains the updated policies and provides more instruction on how to prepare and register for an exam.

Geoff Meads, CEDIA volunteer and president of Presto AV added, “As we reviewed and updated the exam to ensure it was globally aligned, the volunteer team also wanted to provide the tools and resources to help individuals properly prepare.”

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T: 01453 844333 25/06/2018 09:22

TRAINING SPARKS UK ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED Matt Taylor from Farnborough College was crowned the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year for 2018. As the winner of the competition, Matt received £1,500 of Schneider Electric equipment for both him and his college.

Luc Mathlin from DCET in Exeter came a close second, receiving £500 worth of equipment for him and his college.

Launched in 2010 by SNG Publishing, the competition gives students the opportunity to be recognised for their hard work and skills. The competition brings together lecturers, employers, industry leaders and manufacturers to support the next generation of electricians and encourage them in their career development. The 2018 competition was entered by 71 apprentices keen to show off their skills.

Following the regional heats held across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to assess students on both practical and technical merits, Matt and the other finalists were invited to 3M’s Customer Innovation Centre to compete for the title.

Matt reached the final after finishing first in the South East regional heat. To win the competition, he had to complete the toughest test featured to date. This involved wiring, conduit bends, a consumer unit, switches, and bulbs, which were all live tested at the end of day two. As the competition’s Platinum Sponsor, Schneider Electric donated all of the materials for the competition bays.

SOFT ON HANDS. TOUGH ON TASKS.

JTL APPRENTICES MAKE WORLDSKILLS NATIONAL QUALIFIERS Training provider JTL is celebrating the successes of three of its apprentices in the World Skills UK Competition. The three, all electrical apprentices, took part in qualifier competitions in Birmingham and Chichester.

The WorldSkills Competition is held every year and is the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world that truly reflects global industry. The three JTL apprentices that took part this year were Ellis Morris, Rhiann Hartwell and Ben Ellis.

JTL’s chief executive, Jon Graham, said, “We’re extremely proud of the achievements of these three young people, who have excelled in their skills learning and in the application of those skills, to

get to where they are. Competitions like this enable apprentices and students to develop world-class skills and it’s vital that we in the UK aspire to be the best in the world at whatever we do.”

STREETWISESUBBIE.COM OFFERS SEMINARS FOR SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS In the wake of the Carillion collapse, Streetwisesubbie.com is presenting a round of seminars in July exclusively for specialist contractors.

Barry Ashmore, MD of Streetwisesubbie.com, said, “We want to ensure that we offer high quality but very affordable training to specialist contractors to protect them in what is still a very difficult contractual environment.

“It has already been a very bad year for specialist contractors with millions of pounds in lost revenue and a crop of insolvencies including of course Carillion,” he continued. “I want to share the key strategies to minimise risk and maximise profit, that we have been putting into practice on behalf of specialist subcontractors for the last 28 years.”

Specialist contractors are being urged to protect their business by attending one of four July events – ‘Understand Your Contract to Minimise Risk and Maximise Profit’ and ‘ Introduction To Contractual Awareness and Using JCT Subcontracts’ – which are based around Greater London.

For more information email tanya@streetwisesubbie.com to book.

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25/06/2018 09:22

KEY ISSUE

CHANGING ROUTINE Jocelyn Golding, electrician programme manager at Schneider Electric, explains how the 18th Edition will alter the daily operations for electrical installers.

I

t’s time for electrical contractors and electricians to get familiar with the changes to the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Electrical contractors and installers need to be aware of all of the changes to the regulations since the 17th Edition.

As of the July 1, 2018, there is a sixmonth period in which electricians are able to ensure that they have everything in place. Then, from the January 1, 2019 – electricians must be fully compliant. This means all installation work taking place from December 31, 2018 must abide by the new rules and regulations.

The 18th Edition has updated standards in-line with the latest advances in technology, including updates to technical data. These updates will have a direct impact on making installations safer. In addition, the 18th Edition contains a new appendix on energy efficiency, reflecting the country’s need to reduce the overall consumption of energy.

For electricians to be ready for January, it is important to get to grips with the changes now.

The five key changes Changes in regulations around fire safety, protection against voltage overloads, and wiring systems are all listed in the 18th Edition. This will impact how electricians perform their work from day-to-day, affecting the length of time spent at each install and the expenditure on equipment:

for installation 1 Recommendation of Arc Fault Detection Devices

A new regulation has been introduced recommending the installation of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire due to the effects of arc fault currents. This means that some circuits may now require the fitting of an AFDD to protect specifically against arc faults.

for metal 2 Requirements cable supports

Currently, regulation states that only wiring systems located in fire escape routes must be supported against premature collapse in the event of fire. This will now apply throughout the entire installation, and wiring systems in all locations will need to have metallic clip supports. Not all clips will need to be metal, however – there just needs to be an adequate number in place, expected to be around 25%.

3 Requirements for RCD protection

With the exception of FELV and RLV sockets, all AC sockets that are rated up to 32A will require RCD protection, as opposed to just 20A. This is a life-saving regulation designed to prevent any electrical shocks to the installer working with live AC socket outlets. It means that electrical contractors will need to pay increased attention to the type of RCD being used, to prevent RCDs being ‘blinded’ by the current waveform.

“Changes in regulations around fire safety, protection against voltage overloads, and wiring systems are all listed in the 18th Edition.”

pipes entering a 4sectionMetallic building with an insulating at their point of entry no

longer need to be connected to the protective equipotential bonding This regulation will require electrical installers to identify whether or not an incoming metallic pipe has an insulating section, to allow them to determine if they must add the protective bonding to the pipe.

relating to energy efficiency, 5andContent devices for isolation and switching, onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels has been introduced

Energy efficiency appears in the new Appendix 17 in the 18th Edition. This provides recommendations on the design and erection of electrical installations for optimising the overall efficient use of electricity.

To prepare for full compliance with the 18th Edition, electricians can seek a range of AFDDs, varying RCD types (AC, A, B and F), and automation, control, software, and metering and monitoring products for Appendix 17’s energy efficiency application.

Other equipment that electricians ought to be sourcing includes metallic cable clips to provide support under fire conditions, and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for Section 443 applications.

However, the 18th Edition does not just mean that electricians need to invest in new equipment. They will also need to plan and prepare for a revised installation process, potentially putting aside more time to conduct an electrical install. It could also mean that electricians will need to take a more active role in the architectural design process of a building to ensure it will comply with regulations.

Ultimately, the changes taking place in the 18th Edition will have an immediate and noticeable impact on the day-to-day operations and work of electricians and electrical contractors. The 18th Edition offers a positive step towards creating safer dwellings – but to implement this, electricians must have all the equipment needed to do so. By getting up to speed now, electricians will be ready to implement these changes smoothly.

Schneider Electric, schneider-electric.co.uk

22 | July 2018

Key Issue.indd 22

20/06/2018 12:43

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

COMPETITION

WIN AN ETHOS 8400 MULTIFUNCTION TESTER

D

options, prominent push buttons, and a fast restart option.

Available exclusively at CEF, a leading UK provider of electrical products and services, the device helps speed up testing without compromising on accuracy and safety.

The unique, simple-to-operate product has a socket/polarity function

esigned with electrical contractors in mind, the ETHOS 8400 features a full colour display with precise, easy-toread values, a large rotary selector with colour coordinated

which will clearly display correct wiring in colour, and will also highlight when an installation has incorrect connections via clear visuals and an audible warning.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this innovative multifunction tester, with an RRP of £495, is answer the following questions correctly.

2. W here is the ETHOS 8400 available to buy in the UK? a) All wholesalers b) Exclusively at CEF c) Online only

1. CEF’s ETHOS 8400 has a retail price of what? a) £945 b) £595 c) £495

Courtesy of

3. Alongside clear visuals, how does the ETHOS 8400 highlight when an installation has incorrect connections? a) Audible warning b) Vibration c) Email notification

May competition The winner of a Virgin supercar experience day courtesy of NICEIC is Neil Whitlock of Solarpowerlink.

Closing date All entries must be returned by July 31, 2018. The editor’s decision is final.

The name of the winner will be published in the September issue of ECN. * Prize is not exchangeable.

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

Personal Details

The answers to July’s competition are:

Name.......................................................................................................................................

1.............................................. 2. . .............................................. 3. .................................................

Have you previously registered for your free monthly copy of ECN?

Yes

No

Job Title...................................................................................................................................

Company Name......................................................................................................................

Address...................................................................................................................................

What is the main activity of your business?

1

Electrical contractor

2

Manufacturer

3

Wholesale/distribution

4

Consultancy

5

Public utilities

6

Facilities management

7

Training/qualifications

8 9

How many people read your copy of ECN? 1

2-3

4-6

6+

Are you a member of any of the following trade bodies?

Which of the following areas are you interested in?

1

Circuit protection and switchgear

2

Test equipment

3

Tools

................................................................................ Postcode.................................................

Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................

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

1

NICEIC

4

Cable management

Important Notice

2

ECA

5

Security

3

B&ES

6

Fire detection & emergency lighting

For audit purposes we need to update our database. Complete this form stating any changes and make sure you fill in the analysis tick boxes. Please do not forget to sign and date your form to ensure you receive your magazine every month.

Trade association

4

SELECT

7

Lighting

Other (please specify)

5

NAPIT

8

Heating and ventilation

9

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6

ELECSA

10

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7

IET

11

Network infrastructures

8

Other (please specify).

12

Other (please specify) .

How many full time employees work for your company?

1-5

6-10

21-50

Competition.indd 22

51+

11-20 .

....................................................

...................................................

Contact Preferences YES, I would like to receive the ecn newsletter YES, I would like to subscribe to ecn magazine YES, I would like to share my data with CEF Signature........................................................................ Date.................................................

26/06/2018 12:57

BS 7671:2018 is here!

The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations has published (2nd July).

With changes encompassing requirements around surge protection, arc fault detection and electric vehicle charging, BS 7671:2018 contains a lot of new and amended information.

Get your copy and the popular On-Site Guide directly from the IET. Buying direct from the co-publisher of BS 7671 guarantees your copies are genuine.

Buy now at www.theiet.org/18th-regs-ecn Prepare for C&G 2382:18 with the IET Academy.

The only training endorsed by the IET, co-publishers of BS 7671, this online course lets you complete your training in your own time, at your own pace.

With 12 months access to all content, and 3 practice exams included, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to sit your exam*.

Book your Full or Update course now at www.theiet.org/academy-regs-ecn

Contact us for multi-user training details or to buy bulk copies of the books: academy@theiet.org

*Exam not included The Institution of Engineering & Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698).

The IET, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2AY, UK.

We've Published It - Elec Con News Ad.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

06/06/2018 12:57 16:46 18/06/2018

PROJECT FOCUS

LEISURE LIGHTING Featuring an ice rink above a swimming pool, Romford’s new £28 million leisure centre presented complex electrical design and installation challenges for REL Building Services.

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unded by the London Borough of Havering and Sports England, the Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre is located in the heart of Romford town centre. Built by Willmott Dixon on a highly constrained site, the design of the scheme was completed by Saunders Boston Architects to maximise the site and bring a raft of impressive new facilities to the area.

Nathan Swift, director at Saunders Boston Architects, explains, “Romford had been without an ice rink since 2013 and without a pool for even longer.

“A normal design process would be to place a pool hall and an ice rink side by side at ground floor level, but this wasn’t possible within the site limitations. The chosen solution was to construct the 56m by 26m rink above the eight-lane swimming pool. It is extremely rare in the UK to design a leisure centre in this way.”

The fitness suite required careful co-ordination of the power wiring

26 | July 2018

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19/06/2018 14:47

PROJECT FOCUS Partnership working A robust structure was required to accommodate the ice rink, which given its position above the swimming pool, was created without using internal columns.

Given the complexity of this design, all of the contractors and specialist teams had to work closely together from the outset to understand and address any potential challenges and issues.

Swift continues, “Close collaborative research was required between ourselves, the mechanical and electrical designers, structural engineers, specialist consultants and suppliers to ensure that everyone understood the technological challenges of the facility’s unusual design.

“Everyone in the project team then worked closely together to ensure that all services and disciplines were carefully co-ordinated.”

Improving lighting performance Appointed by Kershaw Mechanical Services, REL Building Services was involved in the electrical design from the very early stages, responsible for developing the concepts and then evolving them as the project progressed to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.

REL’s technical manager, Steve Jamieson explains, “Initially, our focus was on value engineering, ensuring the electrical elements could perform effectively within the required budget. However, the project spent a number of years in the preconstruction stage, so as the timescales shifted, there were opportunities to review the electrical design.

“Within this time, there had been a considerable revolution in LED lighting technology, so we reviewed and altered the lighting design to significantly improve performance, energy efficiency and running costs.”

In the swimming pool hall, which also features a learner pool with moveable floor, there were additional challenges as the lighting had to meet the strict criteria set

by Sports England and maximise safety.

Not only did the design have to achieve a high level of lighting for competitions, but eliminate glare on the pool surface as this can make it difficult for lifeguards to see below the water line.

Jamieson continues, “The original electrical design comprised downlights around the pool perimeter, but these were changed to LED uplighters to ensure compliance with Sports England and reduce maintenance. To reduce glare on the water, the uplighters were arranged in such a way that all light was directed evenly over the ceiling, which in effect, meant the ceiling became the luminaire.”

The swimming pool and the ice rink were built in a double height space, so in each area, the lighting had to be installed at a height of seven metres. In the ice rink, high-bay LED luminaires were used.

These were coordinated with AV equipment gantries which result in uniform light over the rink and minimise glare. This was essential as the rink is used by local sports teams, including the London Raiders ice hockey team.

Striking facade

Further investment

The lighting design extended to the outside of the building, which has a unique appearance designed to resemble a block of ice. This facade also provides the insulation required to keep the building running efficiently and further avoid glare in the ice rink and swimming pool hall.

“To give the facility its visually striking appearance, we had to deliver lighting which harmonised and emphasised the architectural cladding,” says Jamieson. “This was achieved by creating a vertical ribbon of light at specific points, comprising a very thin watertight LED strip just 16mm wide.

We also advised on the use of cool-white LED lights to set off the blue panelling and give maximum impact.”

The Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre took 18 months to build with the electrical installation taking 12 months.

Operated by Everyone Active, it represents Havering Council’s largest single investment in a borough-wide improvement programme. It is set to have a major impact on the local economy and will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the local area.

Councillor Roger Ramsey, leader of the council, who opened the facility, says, “This project has been at the forefront of this administration’s ambition. I’m very happy that thousands of residents joined us to celebrate the opening and were all impressed by the facilities available at Sapphire Ice and Leisure. I hope that all residents across the borough make good use of this complex to help maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.”

Overcoming challenges In addition to the lighting design and installation, there were other electrical challenges to overcome.

As the facility was in the heart of the town centre, there was limited storage space and no car parking. This required very accurate programming to ensure that electrical items were delivered at exactly the right time to enable REL to install them straight away.

The design of the fitness suite also presented installation hurdles.

Jamieson explains, “With 100 stations, the electrical equipment in the fitness suite is vast, but there was only a 65mm void in the floor through which to feed all the services. This required very careful co-ordination of the power and IT wiring, which had to be segregated within the small space but then connect to the same machine.”

“The project spent a number of years in the preconstruction stage, so as the timescales shifted, there were opportunities to review the electrical design.”

REL Building Services, relbuildingservices.co.uk

High-bay LED luminaires were used in the ice rink, coordinated with AV equipment gantries to minimise glare and create uniform lighting

The striking building was designed to resemble a block of ice

July 2018 | 27

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19/06/2018 14:47

8newproducts...from thewebsite towatch!

COLUMN

As promised, the Emelux website is being expanded month-on-month to include brand new products like those shown below.

Suitable for most types of lighting project, covering interior or exterior areas and available with a next day delivery — they can complete a project even when design and purchase decisions are left until the last minute.

Emelux products are tested and selected to provide high quality, competitively priced lighting equipment to comply with the relevant safety standards and are CE marked.

Please visit www.emelux.co.uk regularly for new and comprehensive product details, and for sales and for any further information, including photometric details, please contact: sales@emelux.co.uk

AFDDS AND THE 18TH EDITION

Duo

Paul Collins, technical and training manager of Hager, answers some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to AFDDs in order to help contractors as they get to grips with the new regulatory landscape.

LED dual up and downlight surface luminaires

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ith the recent publication of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, Hager’s team of experts has been meeting electrical contractors across the UK as part of the company’s innovative ‘Regs Live’ campaign. Following a number of recent trade shows, Hager has identified some of the most commonly asked questions put to its Regs Live team.

The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations has seen AFDDs recommended to protect against arc faults in certain locations. As a result of the introduction of AFDDs, electrical contractors, understandably, have a number of questions.

What is an Arc Fault Detection Device?

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Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) use microprocessors to identify characteristic current flow and voltage curves that indicate an arc fault and automatically trip the affected circuit.

This significantly reduces the risk of fire due to faulty conductors and connections. The protective function of the AFDD has already proven its worth internationally, and has been used in Germany since February 2016.

Where do I install an AFDD? In the consumer unit/distribution board at the origin of AC final circuits, as per regulation 532.6

What are the potential hazards that AFDDs protect against?

Arc faults can be caused by all types of cable and insulation damage, including a kink or break in a cable, cable wear due to frequent use, cable damage resulting from drilling or construction work, incorrect wire stripping, incorrect bending radii, loose screwed connections, and rodents biting cables.

An AFDD will trip the circuit when a potentially hazardous arc occurs, eliminating the resulting fire hazard.

How are they different to a miniature circuit breaker (MCB)?

An AFDD is activated by both series and parallel arc faults. Unlike circuit breakers or RCDs, an AFDD does not have an electromechanical trigger, but utilises electronic technology to analyse the signature (waveform) of an arc. It reliably differentiates between an arc fault and the signature (waveform) in normal switching and control events, preventing false tripping.

For more information on the 18th Edition and how Hager is on-hand to support electrical contractors, visit: hager.co.uk/18thEdition

“An AFDD will trip the circuit when a potentially hazardous arc occurs, eliminating the resulting fire hazard.”

Wafer Wall mounted LED uplight luminaires

www.emelux.co.uk the website to watch Hager.indd 28

28 | July 2018

19/06/2018 14:49

ECN June Issue 18.qxp_Layout 1 16/05/2018 11:55 Page 1

PHOENIX RANGE LED EMERGENCY LIGHTING

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16/05/2018 12:48

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CONTACT DETAILS Moss Electrical Co. Ltd Maxmor House Sandpit Road Dartford DA1 5BU

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Untitled-17 1

Certificate No 338c/02

24/05/2018 16:53

18TH EDITION

NO CROSSED WIRES With the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018) upon us, Emma Segelov, head of marketing at MK Electric, explains how it’s vital to get the right information from the right sources about how to stay compliant.

T

he impact of the 18th Edition will affect the ways in which contractors work day-today. With this in mind, it is important to consider where the most reliable information on the 18th Edition can be found.

17th Edition, Amendment 3 contained a number of updates which changed the compliance standards of certain products and put more responsibility on the designer and contractor in a number of ways. The 18th Edition is likely to have a similar impact, and contractors have roughly a sixmonth period (until January 1, 2019) before the regulations come into effect. Within these six months, contractors will need to get to grips with new ways of working and potentially new products, too.

But, for busy contractors, finding the time to sit down and read the new regulations can be a daunting prospect.

After all, understanding these regulation changes can make the difference between a compliant and non-compliant install, so careful attention will need to be paid to every page.

This means that it is worth considering where the most reliable and accessible information will be available on the 18th Edition, and who will be able to provide a break-down of what the changes mean for contractors and the products they use.

Below are a few simple tips to help contractors save time and stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments.

Speak to manufacturers

“The new regulations will have an impact on which products should or should not be installed.”

Given the implications that regulation changes hold for manufacturers, there is a vested interest on their part to provide comprehensive advice on any new standards and regulations. As new regulations will likely affect their product offering, manufacturers will have thoroughly read and digested the full document. This means that they will have a deep understanding of each aspect of the regulations, and they will be happy to share this knowledge with their customers.

More than likely, major manufacturers will be providing a wide variety of support and guidance over the coming months.

For example, at MK Electric we will be delivering an 18th Edition CPD, which is brand agnostic and CIBSE accredited, to specifiers and contractors.

As a trusted manufacturer, our CPDs – which have included 17th Edition AM3 and BIM – are able to offer reliable and insightful information to these groups, meaning that contractors can learn directly from MK Electric, or from the specifiers who they work with. This, alongside ongoing advice and insight guides in the trade media, will offer multiple sources of readily available information.

Furthermore, trade bodies such as NICEIC, ECA and ELECSA will no doubt be providing guidance in addition to supporting documents from IET and will be an excellent resource for contractors.

Ask wholesalers for product guidance As mentioned above, the new regulations will have an impact on which products should or should not be installed.

Inevitably, the changes will impact certain products, and it’s important that contractors speak to their wholesalers in order to understand which products will be entering and exiting the market as a result. MK Electric will be providing its wholesalers with impact training, trade days, brochures, web content and in-branch events, so contractors can feel confident that their wholesaler is able to offer solidly compliant recommendations.

Keep learning Finally, remember that knowledge is power.

The more a contractor knows, the more confident they can feel in their understanding of the 18th Edition and how it relates to their products and services. With guidance available from manufacturers, wholesalers and trade bodies, there are plenty of sources from which to gather information, and the more contractors can learn, the better.

The latest edition of the regulations will raise many questions, and by staying abreast of who is offering the most comprehensive guidance, contractors can stay informed and stay compliant.

MK Electric, mkelectric.co.uk

July 2018 | 31

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26/06/2018 11:15

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INTELLIGENT CONTROL With fire safety of paramount importance, Firesafe explains why its new addressable touchscreen, intelligent fire alarm control panel offers both high-performance and a customisable design.

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he Firesafe touchscreen panel is one of the slickest fire alarm panels on the market, and combined with innovative features and functionality, is now set to become the most sought-after panel currently available.

With a clean and minimal design aesthetic, this touchscreen panel is ideal for architects and prestigious buildings looking for a new solution to managing their fire detection needs.

When combined with the extensive range of compatible industry-leading control equipment, the touchscreen panel offers the most flexible wired or wireless fire solution available today.

Forward-thinking design The appearance of the unit was designed so it could be displayed even in high-profile buildings, and provides easy access to anyone needing to operate the panel and check its status. The Firesafe touchscreen panel offers a number of benefits, including:

Its sleek new design makes the Firesafe control panel even more versatile

• Unique design – it offers all the information and instructions you need on a single touchscreen.

• Expandability – connect up to 128 panels on a network loop to manage massive systems with more than 250,000 devices.

• Touchscreen – it’s made to be touched; the first certified fire panel that is fully touchable, featuring a touchscreen with an easy-to-use interface.

• Custom – it also has customisable lighting options with white or tricolour back lighting LEDs and customisable enclosure colour.

•A ll languages – a superior quantity of characters and symbols, with up to 111 languages.

“The most flexible wired or wireless fire solution available today.”

The Firesafe control panel offers single person set-up, with remote monitoring through cloud network and data logging stored electronically. Real-time information is available online, with up-to-date software always available to download.

With the new attractive front panel design, the fire alarm control system can now be displayed in plain view even in high-profile environments. This significantly improves response time and therefore could lead to better safety protocols, effectively saving lives. The sleek touch-sensitive screen makes it easier to operate the panel and check the status of the fire alarm system.

Trusted brand With a highly-trained and knowledgeable technical support team, working closely with its national sales team, Firesafe can offer contractors, installers and specifiers individually-tailored training days.

Touchscreen Elegance units are available from national stockists. For more information, visit firesafe.co.uk, call 01253 699 500 or email info@firesafe.co.uk.

32 | July 2018

ADivision Advertorial (Firesafe).indd 32

22/06/2018 14:54

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20/06/2018 16:37

ADVERTISEMENT

MAKING A BREAKTHROUGH Integral LED describes how its product designers have stripped away many of the familiar features of conventional fire-rated downlights and produced an innovative makeover for its Evofire line-up.

I

ntegral LED’s ingenious can-less fire-rated downlight fitting, Evofire, was launched last year to major acclaim, earning a reputation as a safe and attractive GU10/MR16 fixture. Its unique open design does not conceal the lamp in a metal canister and allows the installed lamp to run at up to 10°C cooler – extending longevity. In the hands of installers, Evofire has become equally popular for its looks.

The 1mm blend-in bezel is thinner than typical IP65-rated downlights and fits almost flush with ceilings.

Now, a new Evofire line-up has been announced and focuses on the aesthetic with more versions and finishes.

How fire rating works Downlights are a focus for safety regulations due to the nature of their installation.

Essentially, a hole is cut out of the ceiling which compromises the fire integrity of the structure. It is important to remember it is not the downlight itself that is subject to fire rating, but the length of time the complete barrier can withstand a building fire. The

purpose of the regulations is to ensure that the materials and the fittings will protect the occupants, allowing enough time for occupants to use an escape route.

In the past, the fire resistance of the floor/ceiling was retained by specialist fittings that use an array of designs developed at a time when halogen was king. This original generation of fire rated downlight uses a metal ‘can’ structure, often featuring the addition of expanding intumescent fire-resistant material to seal the gaps in times of fire.

The Evofire approach The Integral Evofire has adopted a novel approach of creating a glass and steel barrier as a solution. Essentially, the fire protection is deployed below the lamp at the ceiling surface. The lightweight downlight is rated BS 476, matches current fire regulations and has been tested by a UKAS-accredited fire laboratory for 30/60/90 minutes in a full furnace.

The Evofire’s open design allows the separately fitted LED spotlights to breathe freely. Under test conditions, the

interchangeable GU10 or MR16 LED lamps run up to 10°C cooler than a typical model using a can. This critical lower temperature provides a major boost to LED longevity, potentially doubling the operational lifetime of the LED unit. An optional built-in insulation guard variant of the Evofire also ensures ‘cool’ operation even when insulation material is laid above the downlight fitting.

“A new Evofire lineup has been announced and focuses on the aesthetic with more versions and finishes.”

Good looks The additional benefits of Evofire’s cutdown and open design have emerged as a key factor behind the popularity of the product. The downlight is made from highly durable steel and standard models fit a 70mm cut-out, plus the range now includes larger bezel models, suitable for 70-100mm cut-outs. Importantly, the bezel is remarkably thin at only 1mm, so it can ‘blend-in’ and look great in any ceiling. The original white finish has now been joined by polished chrome and satin nickel finishes. Both round and square bezels are also available with the addition of a new recessed version, which allows the spotlight to be set further back into the ceiling, reducing glare.

“Initially our design focus was on delivering an LED solution at a lower cost,” commented Francesco Rivieccio, senior product and development manager, Integral LED. “It was only after introducing the downlight to the market that its good looks were praised by both installers and interior designers alike. In the new generation of Evofire, we have concentrated on the aesthetic and we now have a comprehensive range of finishes to suit any project.”

Integral LED, integral-led.com

34 | July 2018

Integral Advertorial.indd 34

26/06/2018 15:11

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Untitled-5 1

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12/06/2018 11:35

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY

GUIDING LIGHT Following the Hackitt Review on Building Regulations and Fire Safety, set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Colin Lawson, head of product development, sales and marketing at Tamlite, calls for the lighting industry to support contractors installing emergency lighting.

T

he Hackitt Review identified that, “while there are many instances of competent people, there is no consistent way to assess or verify their competence. The current approach to levels of competence is disjointed and in places not rigorous enough. This allows individuals to practice with questionable qualifications or without a requirement for competence to be assessed, accredited and reaccredited.”

The lighting industry should take the lead when it comes to working with our colleagues across the building sector to ensure building safety. Our industry can’t just rest on its laurels regarding the training and ongoing professional development of its own specialists, but must work to improve that training across the entire construction industry.

As buildings become ‘smarter’ with the integration of sophisticated control systems for building functions from HVAC, to security, internet and energy, as well as lighting, it stands to reason that electrical contractors and their staff are kept fully trained on the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure smart buildings are safe buildings. There must

be particular regard to the installation, ongoing testing and maintenance of safety/emergency lighting.

Supporting contractors

“The current approach to levels of competence is disjointed and in places not rigorous enough.”

While there is no suggestion that the emergency lighting in Grenfell Tower was responsible for the loss of life, there have been indications that the lighting was unable to penetrate the unexpectedly intense smoke in the stairwell and so was prevented from fulfilling its purpose of guiding residents, visitors and firefighters around and out of the building safely.

There are already a number of stringent qualifications that electrical contractors must have before they are allowed to work on construction sites, but there is no doubt that the lighting industry itself can play its part. Not only with CPD programmes, but also with clear and unequivocal advice on the regulations covering emergency lighting.

With the right training and support, contractors will be able to reassure the building’s facilities manager that the right products are installed in the right locations, and robust testing and maintenance programmes are in place. Put simply, an installation may require several types of

emergency lighting product to fulfil the requirements of the building standards and regulations; illuminating to different levels and light distribution dependent on the area.

Match the product to the application When specifying and installing emergency lighting, the contractor needs to take into account the following: • Function of the building or room/area • Mode of operation: residential, office, commercial, educational, care/healthcare • Users’ familiarity with the building: predominantly residential/office/ commercial or more frequently receiving short-term visitors, ie. hospitality, museums and so on • Usage: will it change over time, such as from a warehouse with tall racking and aisles, to a retail space, or from an office that was originally open-plan, being converted to separate office spaces?

• Aesthetics: modern buildings may have different aesthetic requirements to historic and listed buildings, whose lighting will need to be sensitive to their surroundings until required.

36 | July 2018

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19/06/2018 16:50

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY

In addition, consideration needs to be taken of the particular area of a building/room/corridor where the lighting is to be installed, with different fixture heights and distances being required for different applications: • Final exit point • Junction • Corridors • Stairways • Emergency equipment areas • Toilets • Open areas • Hazardous areas • Control rooms.

As well as ensuring contractors have the information and qualifications to ensure they are installing to the relevant building standards, safety codes and legislation, responsible manufacturers can assist contractors and facilities managers by addressing their ongoing testing and maintenance responsibilities.

Safety: support and compliance Post-installation monthly functionality testing and annual three-hour tests are stipulated by the aforementioned standards. Often, this takes the form of someone switching off the mains power, going to each individual emergency

FD&S – Tamlite.indd 37

light to ensure the battery is supplying power and that it lasts for the minimum stipulated three hours. Naturally this relies on a strict adherence to a timetable of monitoring and testing, but leaves room for human error or disruption to the schedule.

However, bespoke solutions to ensure legal compliance in carrying out the testing process are available, including autonomous emergency lighting test solutions developed to be easy to access and update, with users able to download test logs and identify maintenance required. Such an autonomous system is invaluable in minimising the possibilities of human error, as well as ensuring compliance with safety legislation and insurance requirements. A robust overall monitoring and testing process supports strict audit procedures which ensure overall responsibility is correctly understood, and assigned to a ‘nominated’ individual.

Ultimately, ‘it is an offence for any ‘nominated’ person or business to fail to comply with any requirement or prohibition imposed under the fire safety articles, where that failure places one or more individuals at risk of death or serious injury in case of fire’. However, it is a defence for the person charged to prove that they took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of such an offence.

“Every sector of the construction industry needs to take responsibility for ensuring the highest safety standards are met on every project, whether new build or retrofit.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

It is the responsibility of lighting manufacturers and electrical contractors to ensure that the ‘nominated’ individual to whom they report for the work carried out, is fully appraised of the details and that it has met all the necessary legal requirements.

Taking responsibility What Dame Judith Hackitt’s report has highlighted is that robust systems for ensuring a clear audit trail on maintenance and adaptations to buildings must be put in place, sooner rather than later.

Responsibilities for ensuring the work meets fire and safety regulations and does not compromise the integrity of other, interdependent systems should be clear and unequivocal.

Every sector of the construction industry needs to take responsibility for the ensuring the highest safety standards are met on every project, whether new-build or retrofit. We cannot wait for government to legislate, or for new building regulations to be introduced. We must act now. We must lead the way in setting new standards, issuing guidance, developing training and, most of all, in ensuring competence and compliance – and this includes supporting our contractor colleagues with information and training.

Tamlite, tamlite.co.uk

19/06/2018 16:50

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY

REFORMED THINKING Mohamed Hanslod, CEO of Bri-Tek Technologies, discusses the latest reforms to emergency lighting standards and explores the implications for electrical contractors when it comes to installing ‘safety lighting’ systems.

W

ith an evergrowing emphasis on emergency evacuation measures for large buildings, from high-rise apartment blocks, hospitals, care homes, hotels and even schools – intensified by tragic events in recent years, including the Grenfell Tower fire – the implementation of robust and reliable emergency lighting systems has never been more important.

The critical role played by emergency lighting to support the safe evacuation of buildings during emergency incidents

“The new standard calls for a more nuanced approach to emergency lighting design and installation”

cannot be underestimated, and today’s electrical contractors and specifiers are under increasing pressure to ensure solutions not only meet building requirements but are also in line with the latest emergency lighting standards.

Legislative reforms The long-awaited revision to the Emergency Lighting Code of Practice BS5266:1 2016, issued in May 2016, has only compounded the necessity for sufficient emergency lighting in a range of buildings.

Specifically aimed at lighting engineers and electrical contractors who are tasked with protecting building occupants from hazards identified by risk assessments,

the new standard calls for a more nuanced approach to emergency lighting design and installation in a multitude of applications.

The standard also gives detailed guidance on factors that need to be considered during the installation and wiring of both new and existing emergency lighting systems, in order to ensure adequate lighting performance is delivered for building occupants in the event of failure of the supply to the general lighting.

Under the revised standard, electrical contractors and specifiers will need to consider not only the positioning of emergency signage and luminaires, but also the required performance such as lux levels and illuminance levels on escape route signage.

38 | July 2018

FD&S – Bri-Tek.indd 38

20/06/2018 11:05

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY When it comes to emergency lighting, location is crucial and this is reflected in the new standards. As well as providing specified illuminance levels along designated escape routes, an emergency lighting system also needs to provide higher levels of lighting in specific areas, such as locations of fire safety equipment, alarm points, first aid sites and high-risk areas such as staircases.

Should the decision be made that people can stay on-site during a light outage, sufficient ‘stay put’ lighting, of one lux minimum, must be provided at all times in areas of a building that people will move through. The minimum illuminance figure for escape routes has also been increased to one lux from 0.2 lux previously, in line with European requirements.

Although the regulations – which also require emergency lighting to be checked on a regular basis and results to be logged by the person responsible for the building – have been widely accepted as a step in the right direction for emergency lighting, especially in large, densely populated buildings, they have also brought a new unique set of challenges for both specifiers and electrical contractors alike.

Understandably, the inadequate installation and management of emergency lighting systems, as well as the failure to meet installation standards and undertake urgent remedial works, can have disastrous consequences for both residents and building owners.

Keen to address the issue at hand and improve emergency lighting significantly, electrical contractors and specifiers are seeking lighting solutions that can ensure functional emergency illumination and compliance.

A new era The adoption of LED luminaires and the introduction of state-of-the-art battery technologies have opened up a new world of opportunities for emergency lighting applications; presenting electrical contractors and specifiers with safer and more reliable systems that far exceed the performance levels of heritage lighting schemes.

All emergency lighting systems are designed to come into operation when traditional light sources fail, typically during power outages. Such systems, therefore, necessitate a very flexible and reliable battery to guarantee they will keep running at the light levels required under new emergency lighting standards, often for long periods of time during building evacuations.

Innovative emergency lighting solutions, such as Bri-Tek Technologies’ LED emergency battery, are helping to dramatically improve emergency evacuation procedures in large buildings.

Approved by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), the emergency lighting solution provides a universal emergency battery pack that can be used across a wattage range from 3-80W and is

New solutions like Bri-Tek Technologies’ LED emergency battery are designed to improve emergency evacuation procedures

SPECIAL FEATURE

compatible with any manufacturer’s LED luminaires up to 42V DC – excluding the requirement to carry multiple battery back variants for different wattages.

The emergency battery back-up unit can provide power to any luminaire during outages, essentially offering the ability to convert any LED light within a building into emergency lighting during an evacuation procedure – powering the lamp for up to three hours from the built-in backup battery.

Should any emergency occur, building managers must have sufficient processes in place to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants. The integration of advanced emergency lighting technologies is helping to enhance existing systems, maximise safety and minimise disruption to building operations.

BriTek Technologies, britektechnologies.com

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19/06/2018 11:25

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY

SPECIAL FEATURE

WELL-QUALIFIED Assessment and accreditation plays a vital part in ensuring fire safety and best practice; indeed, it was one of the recent recommendations of Dame Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. Will Lloyd, technical manager at the the Fire Industry Association (FIA), explains how its qualification pathway can help up-skill the sector.

A

sk yourself: what do you need to know in order to safely and correctly install a fully functioning fire detection and alarm system into a building?

There are a lot of aspects at play here: fire safety legislation, building regulations, health and safety (since there’s plenty of opportunity for accidents when working with tools and up ladders), and knowing what to do with the old equipment (there are laws governing disposal of electrical waste). These aren’t necessarily the first things that spring to mind; having a secure knowledge of system components, fault finding, and installation methods are the far more visible and vital parts of the role – but all of the above help towards broadening the installer’s knowledge.

Pathway to success

“The FIA’s qualification pathway will lead to a nationally recognised qualification.”

The FIA’s qualification pathway is currently the only pathway of courses that will lead to a nationally recognised qualification set at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This translates as a Level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework, meaning those undertaking the qualification will meet the level specified in the service standard EN 16763, which was released in 2017.

EN 16763, Services for Fire Safety and Security Systems, lays out the minimum levels of education that technicians should have. Although not mandatory by law, the standard specifies that those working on a system should be qualified to at least a Level 3 on the European Qualifications Framework.

In a nutshell, EN 16763 lays out a Europewide benchmark of quality that should be expected and maintained throughout the industry. It sets out all the pre-requisites for

the level of skills, knowledge, and education that should be expected.

The Standard is all about hitting quality standards for fire safety systems, focusing on who is actually doing the work and whether they are doing it correctly. With a life safety system, it really isn’t acceptable that in 2018, people are able to claim that they are able to do the job without a certain level of expertise behind them. But that is what this standard aims to define.

The message is clear – education is key.

Fire detection and alarm installers must be educated to at least a Level 3 on the European Qualifications Framework.

Those taking the Installation qualification will be able to both meet and exceed the Standard, providing employers with quality technicians, and customers of installation companies with greater confidence in the level of skills that they are purchasing.

July 2018 | 41

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19/06/2018 17:05

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE DETECTION & SAFETY The 10 areas of study are:

The assessment for each course is a series of multiple choice questions designed to challenge the knowledge and understanding of the learner. As the learner progresses from the Foundation Course to the other units, they will find that the knowledge gained in previous units will be built upon and tested.

As with all formal exams – the usual rules apply: no talking, texting, conferring, or reference material allowed. However, the advantage here is that those walking out of the exam can be proud of the fact that they passed on their own brain power and knowledge alone (and later, can use that knowledge in the workplace.)

• Legislation • Standards, codes of practice, guidance, and technical notes • Working with third parties • Documentation • Fire events • Passive protection • Fire detection and alarm system technology • System design (according to the requirements of BS 5839) • Explosive environments • False alarms and unwanted fire signals

Health and safety The eight areas of study are: • Health and safety legislation • Manual handling • Working at heights • Lone workers • Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) • Personal protective equipment (PPE) • Asbestos • Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

Environmental Qualification structure There are four units to complete in order to become qualified, and each has a range of topic areas that are taught in detail from a syllabus set by the awarding organisation (the exam body).

•F oundation Course •H ealth & Safety •E nvironmental •A dvanced Installer Although these courses are numbered one to four in this list, it is important to note that this is just a suggested order of study – a learner must study the Foundation Course first, and then the remaining three units of the qualification can be studied in any order of preference.

After passing all four units, the learner will be awarded the FIA AO Level 3 in Fire Detection and Alarm Installation, Theory, and Regulatory Requirements.

Foundation course This unit is the first unit to be studied on the qualification pathway. The Foundation in FD&A is a two-day intensive course, and is run throughout the year at locations across the UK. Training is delivered by professionals within the fire industry who have a background of both training and extensive technical expertise. Training is delivered in class through a PowerPoint and a course handbook.

As the name Foundation suggests, this course covers a broad base of knowledge that will prepare learners to undertake further fire detection and alarm courses. There are 10 areas within the syllabus, and all of these are assessed. Throughout the course, all of the areas are covered by the trainer, and more extensive notes are available in the course handbook, which is given to learners on the first day of the course.

This unit also has eight areas of study.

These are: • Environmental law • Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (ROHS) • waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) • Waste management • Energy consumption • Ionising radiation regulations irr17 • F-gas • Ozone depleting substances (ODS) (Halon)

Advanced installer This unit is designed to further develop knowledge and understanding gained in completing the Foundation Course. Whilst the Foundation introduced a range of topic areas, this unit focuses in further, examining how fire safety law, codes of practice, and guidance can be applied to the role of systems installer.

The unit will then develop knowledge and understanding into the application of systems installation, systems testing and fault finding, and of course the documentation necessary for installation and handover to other key stakeholders including commissioning technicians and the end-user.

The course has five areas of study (labelled A-E on the syllabus set by the FIA AO):

“The FIA has put together a number of pre-learning materials that are freely available on the FIA website.”

Pre-learning materials To those worried about exams – fear not.

The FIA has put together a number of prelearning materials that are freely available on the FIA website.

A word of advice: use the pre-learning materials to study before attending the course, and don’t skip out – these are an important part of the course and are made to help learners on the way to achieving a pass for the qualification.

Those who do study up tend to do a lot better on the courses than those who don’t, purely because attending the courses will then draw on anything you may have learnt through self-study and develop that knowledge further.

All pre-learning materials are freely available, whether you’ve booked a course or not, so you can get started even before you’ve booked. However, attendance in class is a necessary part of the qualification, so these two methods of study should complement each other to give you (or your staff, if you’re sending them) a more rounded learning experience.

Other courses The FIA will be releasing other units in maintaining, designing, and commissioning fire alarm systems over the coming weeks and months (at the time of writing one of the units listed is gearing up for release), so now is the perfect time to start on the initial units if you’re interested in getting qualified in any of these areas.

FIA, fia.uk.com

•B S 5839/IS 3218 •T he construction design management regulations (CDM) 2015 •B uilding regulations • I nstallation methodology •D ocumentation

Assessment Long gone are the days of putting pen to paper. All assessments on the qualification pathway are taken digitally on a tablet at the end of each individual unit.

42 | July 2018

FD&S – FIA.indd 42

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21/06/2018 21/06/2018 09:58 10:05

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

SMART BUILDINGS, SMART BUSINESS Gavin Holvey, UK and Ireland sales manager for technology optimisation specialist Priva, urges electrical contractors to take advantage of building management systems (BMS) to guide facilities managers towards the integrated future.

W

e’re all familiar with the concept of ‘smart’ technologies.

After all, we live in the age of ubiquitous iPhone/Android handsets, tablets, SatNav, HVAC systems with app controls, WiFi, Bluetooth and more. We’re also aware that we are only scratching the surface of what these, and other, interconnected technologies can really do – whether at home, in the office, travelling or at leisure.

The main question, for larger contractors, is how to harness the opportunities opening up through the incorporation of the latest technologies to create truly smart buildings. Larger contractors are a trusted and authoritative voice, understanding what’s possible with current technologies and importantly, working with manufacturers to help educate building and facilities managers on future trends regarding intelligent, connected buildings.

The message to smaller contractors is that by increasing their knowledge of the latest products and services, they are able to offer insight and understanding to their clients about what connected, smart buildings can provide through monitoring building performance; and how they can achieve energy savings, providing increased comfort and productivity on-site.

In addition, the latest technologies enable significant ease of installation, cutting

time on-site, increasing the margin on individual projects and accumulating time for additional projects.

diagnostics, make automatic adjustments and where necessary, alert staff to problems that need further action.

Smart definitions

Data collection

Smart buildings are often referred to as automated or intelligent buildings, although these don’t tell the whole story.

In its simplest form it means buildings that include technologies such as: wireless, digital infrastructure, energy efficiency measures, information and communications networks and automated systems, to name a few. It is focused on the use of technologies to make buildings more intelligent and responsive, ultimately improving their performance.

However that doesn’t tell the whole story, as at present, many building systems operate independently or lack the monitoring and data capability that would enable them to adapt better to changing conditions or operational requirements. The smart contractor therefore needs to ensure they can provide a more holistic solution for clients seeking better integration, control, monitoring and savings.

Key to the creation of truly smart buildings is the collection and response to data collected by intelligent sensors, both within and outside the building. The system can use the information to connect a variety of subsystems that usually operate independently, so that they can share information and optimise total building performance. These buildings look beyond their own footprint; they are connected and responsive to the building’s surroundings and interact with building managers and occupants through visible data which can be used to optimise performance, comfort and savings.

Automation can facilitate better decision making for building managers

Automation nation Incorporating automation, smart technologies can enable better decision making for building and facilities managers. Automation ensures better performance monitoring and detection of potential inefficiencies; it can run

44 | July 2018

Smart Buildings – Priva.indd 44

19/06/2018 14:46

SMART BUILDINGS

Performance and savings

Security of systems

There are a number of ways a smart building can optimise performance and save money. Among them is the optimisation of HVAC and ventilation equipment, which uses data from internal and external sensors to manage the system load and run it at the minimum necessary for the comfort desired.

A smart building will monitor occupancy levels and match energy usage on heating and lighting, lowering costs when the building has fewer people inside.

Recent stories in the media about AI, the advances in robotics and the misuse of data have caused disquiet in the community about the security of the systems which increasingly run our major infrastructure, as well as our social networks.

This is especially important in buildings where confidential and proprietary information is held, created or used. There is a greater emphasis therefore, on ensuring the building’s management systems are not vulnerable to cyber attackers, while integrating the management of multiple systems into one, easy to use web-based dashboard. This then securely provides a visual snapshot of which facilities are experiencing high energy use, abnormal maintenance costs or other situations which need prompt action.

Intuitive tools Central to the smart building is connectivity – between all the equipment and systems within it, for example, using data from building security systems to adjust lighting and reduce the load on heating/cooling systems when the building is unoccupied.

Crucial to ensuring optimal building performance is ensuring building and facilities staff have access to relevant data and can use the tools provided by the connected system. Without informed staff, even the most comprehensive and fully integrated system might not be used to its capacity. However, with margins tight and staff responsibilities increasing, there is little opportunity for time-consuming and difficult training on multiple systems.

The tools and technology must be intuitive and designed to enable staff to do their jobs more efficiently, safely, securely and cost-effectively.

Environmental benefits A web-based dashboard also provides executives in charge of sustainability and carbon footprint management the ability to see the big picture of their organisation, no matter how many buildings or locations are involved. When information is available quickly and can be accessed anywhere, managers are able to make better decisions that have an immediate impact on performance, profitability and environmental impact.

“There are a number of ways a smart building can optimise performance and save money.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

Facilities managers need to look outside the physical space and consider the impact of their building on its occupants, their businesses, and the environment, it is not enough for a building to simply contain the systems that provide comfort, light and safety.

Contractors can take advantage of the latest in intelligent systems to assure facilities managers that buildings of the future can connect and use the various operational systems in an integrated, dynamic and functional way; enabling the building to fulfil its purpose while minimising energy cost, encouraging a secure, comfortable and productive working space and mitigating its environmental impact.

Priva, priva.co.uk

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ECN_magazine.indd 1 Untitled-5 1

20/06/2018 14:23:19 21/06/2018 12:07

SMART BUILDINGS

SPECIAL FEATURE

TAILOR MADE James Lane, commercial director at Open Technology, explains how you can tailor your lighting control system to suit the needs of the building and make changes at the touch of a button.

W

hether it’s providing a comfortable working environment, protecting our security or complementing architectural design, lighting in the 21st century has a fundamental role to play in improving our built environment.

The famous Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as ‘Le Corbusier’, once said: “Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see forms in light.”

“At the touch of a button, we can transform a building’s interior environment.”

July 2018 | 47

Smart Buildings – Open Technology.indd 47

19/06/2018 15:56

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

ENERGY MATTERS Lighting controls can improve a building’s energy performance in a number of ways: •T ime control: Lighting output and settings can be matched to your building’s exact occupancy times, adapt to changes in daylight saving time and even accommodate public holidays.

•P resence detection: Lights switch on or off when presence or absence is detected. This delivers optimal energy savings whilst ensuring the building is always ready for use.

•D imming: Light levels can be controlled according to changing uses of the building, for example lowering output when the building is being cleaned in the evenings.

This drives further savings whilst ensuring the building is still functional.

• Integration: Lighting control systems can be integrated into Building Management Systems to ensure that all systems work together to deliver full functionality and maximum savings.

At the touch of a button, we can transform a building’s interior environment.

Exterior lighting is also a huge impact on our surroundings and personal feelings.

How much safer do you feel walking down a well-lit street than a dark alley with no lighting? And how much brighter and more vibrant do our towns and villages look when the Christmas lights go up? Yes, some households might overdo it slightly, but you get the point.

For all its wonderful benefits, lighting affects the environment in negative ways, including energy usage, the materials used to produce lighting products, and light’s impact on the nighttime sky. But in recent years, we have made great strides to adapt lighting technology to the environmental needs of the 21st century.

Minimum Energy Performance Standard

LiGO from Open Technology is based on the DALI standard, to ensure interoperability of lighting system components

For decades, the lighting market was dominated by incandescent bulbs which, although cheap, are very inefficient as they waste most of their energy pumping electricity into filaments to make them glow. The emergence of light emitting diodes (LEDs) has revolutionised the lighting market thanks to their longer lifespans, reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance requirements. With the major advances in LED technology, there is

“Intelligent lighting control is crucial in meeting the changing needs of the environment.”

no good reason for them to be overlooked for any new build project, and the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), which took effect on April 1 2018, means more building managers will be looking to retrofit LEDs into their properties if they haven’t done so already.

Lighting is responsible for a whopping 20% of electricity produced, but replacing fixtures alone is only part of the solution.

Commercial buildings are increasingly taking advantage of the savings to be made from the adoption of LED lighting, but often overlook the additional savings (30-40% extra) that controlling your lighting can achieve. With the advanced technology available today, we can choose where, when and how we light our surroundings, and the advantages are plentiful, in terms of aesthetics, efficiency and cost.

Intelligent lighting control From shopping centres and attractions to leisure centres and municipal buildings, intelligent lighting control is crucial in meeting the changing needs of the environment. Buildings already control the vast majority of systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning through their Building Management System (BMS), and the same can be applied to lighting.

Lighting control systems can be installed in a variety of building types, and tailored to each of their own specific requirements.

Galleries and museums, for example, often require particular light levels to protect precious artwork and artefacts. Retail outlets use lighting to create a comfortable shopping environment for customers, and the type of lighting used can also enhance and embellish product displays to help improve sales. In transport environments, such as rail networks, precise lighting levels are required to ensure safety and to match lighting use to timetables and varying use. Low lighting levels, for instance, are needed during quieter times to maximise savings and reduce light pollution in the surrounding area.

Lighting controls that are based on the manufacturer-independent DALI standard, such as LiGO from Open Technology, ensure interchangeability and interoperability of lighting system

components. These systems enable both full functionality and impressive energy savings, and are suitable for all types of building, including retrofits and refurbishments, and can work alongside other building systems.

Old buildings, new tricks One such example that shows how a modern lighting control system can be integrated into an old building and adapted to its needs is at the National Gallery in London, which prioritises the responsible use of energy in running its site. One of the projects within the carbon management plan involved replacing all of the lighting in the galleries with LED lighting. This not only reduced energy consumption, but also gave the benefit of not producing UV light, which harms the paintings.

Open Technology designed and executed a project to combine the new highlyefficient LED technology with an intelligent, digital control system. This resulted in combined energy savings of 85%, while maintaining a precise and consistent lighting environment.

The gallery wanted to make good use of the daylight provided through the building’s skylight glazing. This is controlled via external louvres and indirect sensors connected to the BMS, which is operated

by Norland Managed Services. LiGO is able to slowly augment the natural light by adjusting the light output from the LEDs. This ensures that the paintings are lit to exacting scientific standards while using as little energy as possible.

The project was one of the first in the world to use LEDs in conjunction with a system that automatically adjusts external roof light blinds according to the amount and angle of sunlight.

This is just one of many examples of how interactions between building systems can be made simple and deliver major benefits at minimal cost. A lighting control system can easily be integrated into a BMS to enable all systems to work together and produce full functionality and maximum savings, improving how your building can work for you.

Open Technology, opentechnologyuk.com

48 | July 2018

Smart Buildings – Open Technology.indd 48

19/06/2018 15:57

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Untitled-5 1

12/06/2018 11:35

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

SENSOR SENSIBILITY

Armin Anders, vice president of business development at EnOcean GmbH, explains why self-powered sensors are the future, and why the EnOcean energy harvesting wireless standard has become successfully established for wireless networking.

T

he eyes and ears of a building – these are electronic sensors that already enable classic building automation systems to control the lighting, shading and room climate of a building. The Internet of Things (IoT) has now facilitated more efficient or even entirely new services through networking with other disciplines, such as multimedia, household appliances, alarm systems, elevators and the parking area belonging to the building. Each of these disciplines is getting smarter all the time, and thus provides an entirely new dimension in services and business models.

Smart light management In addition to HVAC and shading, lighting is an important part of classic building automation.

Lighting solutions are getting smarter, and the light adjusts, for example, to the conditions within the home, office, shopping centre or on the street – coordinated with daylight or occupancy. Dynamic lighting control and the adaptation of light to human biorhythms are also becoming increasingly more important. Active light regulation ensures that employees are active and motivated throughout the workday.

The introduction of LED technology has brought about an enormous transformation in the area of lighting. Fundamental changes in electronics had to be developed to be able to efficiently control and regulate the new lamps. Occupancy sensors, for example, make it possible to automatically turn off lamps that are not needed. This is particularly sensible in large office environments, in which not all areas are occupied all the time. Light sensors

can adapt the brightness of indoor lighting to the amount of available ambient light (‘daylight connection’). This is especially beneficial for buildings with large glass fronts where a lot of ambient light is available. Defining maximum brightness settings for dimmable lights (‘task tuning’) avoids too brightly lit areas and optimises the light level for individual areas.

Other sensors can also provide real-time insight into the building’s condition and technical health. Current sensors measure energy consumption and energy savings per luminaire, per floor and for the entire building. Motion sensors collect occupancy data and thus provide information on the use of office rooms, which helps optimise economical use. A system of this type can also provide insight into the operating hours and usage history of lighting systems, for example, in order to improve the maintenance process.

Maintenance history shows events within the system, such as current peaks, voltage drops, devices that are offline and sporadic problems.

Making a connection The IoT’s enormous potential lies in its interdisciplinary use of sensors. For example, a motion sensor can control the lights, or the room climate, according to demand. This saves energy and also ensures security within the building. The same is true of window contacts. The optimum approach is to combine the motion sensor with window contacts, which protect against intruders and also prevent false alarms due to open windows. If windows are opened, or if the room is unoccupied, the heat is turned down and the overall system is optimised in conjunction with algorithms that learn and suitably map user behaviour. Combining with weather data on the internet for example,

a warning of imminent rain can be given in good time when windows are open.

Additional intelligence can also be added – such as light quality (e.g., light intensity, colour mixture), temperature, moisture or air quality. All this data can be collected centrally in the system, processed together with other environmental data available on the internet and distributed to other networked devices and disciplines within the building.

Self-powered future “The IoT’s enormous potential lies in its interdisciplinary use of sensors.”

Collecting reliable sensor data and combining the data properly links the physical world with the digital one, and the networked system can respond in a far more optimised way or even create entirely new services. Wireless sensors will become the norm, since they can be flexibly placed within the room in the optimum location for the function. The maintenance-free sensors are also suitable for retrofits in existing buildings, which make up more than 99% of the total market.

Considering the many subsystems and international standards, in particular, interoperable sensor concepts are becoming increasingly more important. For instance, the EnOcean ecosystem of more than 400 leading companies in the building sector, which have come together to form the EnOcean Alliance, is in an excellent position. These companies are committed to the basic idea that wireless and self-powered sensors are the future: the self-powered IoT, where innovative buildings can sustainably meet the needs of the future through efficient and networked automation solutions by implementing new services for the users and managers of the rooms that we occupy every day.

EnOcean, enocean.de

50 | July 2018

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21/06/2018 12:06

SMART BUILDINGS

SPECIAL FEATURE

TIME TO GET SMART Mark Needham, vice president of European sales for lighting and control specialist Fulham, explains how market realities are delaying intelligent lighting for smart buildings.

T

Sensors in LED luminaires can be used to form a robust Bluetooth mesh network.

Photograph courtesy of Bluetooth SIG

he lighting industry has been promising to deliver smart building-wide lighting control systems, offering advantages beyond simple energy savings and simplified system management. The right smart lighting control system appears to become the ideal skeleton for the Internet of Things (IoT). Why? Luminaires are prevalent in any commercial building, they have a reliable power source, and they are more evenly spaced than any other electrical equipment including wall outlets.

By placing sensors in these luminaires, a building owner or property manager can not only monitor lighting and save energy, but the system has the capability to control other systems such as HVAC, building security and emergency systems.

So why is the market still struggling to find the right commercial lighting control solution? In addition to dueling lighting control standards and installation strategies, the biggest issue has been dealing with lighting in existing commercial buildings. Smart lighting retrofits can be problematic. It’s the market realities of implementation that have been getting in the way of smart lighting adoption.

Big benefits There are a number of advantages to centralising intelligent lighting controls.

For example, according to the US Green Building Council, commercial buildings consume 70% of the electricity load and produce 39% of carbon-dioxide pollutants.

The US Department of Energy estimates that buildings consume 40% of all electricity produced and waste at least 30% of the energy consumed.

Adoption of LED lighting has helped lower energy costs and reduce emissions.

By adopting LEDs, commercial energy consumption from lighting has dropped from 38% to 17% of total usage between 2003 and 2012 (see Figure 1), and market annalist Gartner predicts that by adding smart lighting, savings could jump to 90%.

Changing to energy-saving LED bulbs and fixtures certainly delivers immediate savings (see Figure 2), but centralising lighting controls offers so much more. For example, using a building-wide lighting control system allows you to manage and monitor lighting, providing data for analytics to understand power consumption and even detect when a luminaire is ready to fail. Centralised control also gives you control over the quality of light, which is an increasing concern in EU countries that are watching the impact of artificial lighting on human health.

For contractors, given the advent of intelligence in the luminaires, how do you make the most of smart lighting controls?

Figure 1: Energy consumption from commercial lighting dropped more than 50% between 2003 and 2012

What’s smart?

Let’s start by defining what we mean by smart lighting controls. First, there has to be on-board intelligence in the luminaire itself. The foundation for smart lighting controls lies in the solid-state LED fixtures with on-board, programmable intelligence that can be used to set such light characteristics as hue, light intensity, dimming, and energy consumption.

These ‘clever’ LED fixtures can be tuned at the factory or during or post-installation.

When you connect these clever LED fixtures together using communications, you move from clever lighting to an intelligent lighting system.

Sensors installed in the luminaires can be connected using wired or wireless networking. Using a hard-wired network system such as 10BASE-T Ethernet cable, for example, can provide both control and power as defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard for Power over Ethernet (PoE). Both DC power and data transmission can be sent over the same Category 6 network cable, so it can be used to directly power DC LED luminaires (no DC-to-AC conversion needed so there are no drivers). There are wireless

networking options for smart lighting as well, such as Bluetooth mesh.

Once in place, you have two-way communications between a central controller and smart luminaires, allowing you to monitor and control power consumption, lighting characteristics, light levels, and even monitor and moderate heat. Controls can be accessed via a central console, with the right security rights, of any web browser. Once the sensors are in place, the smart lighting infrastructure can be extended to control other building systems such as HVAC, window coverings, fire alarms, etc.

Smartening up “There are a number of advantages to centralising intelligent lighting controls.”

Many commercial buildings are already seeing substantial savings by replacing fluorescent and incandescent lights with LEDs. Market watchers predict that more than 50% of LED lighting installations through 2025 will be retrofits, especially since LED retrofits are easy to install and yield immediate savings. However, connecting installed luminaires into a smart lighting infrastructure has other obstacles.

You have two basic connectivity options: wired or wireless. Most commercial buildings already have a computer network that is separate from the electrical system so performing a rip-and-replace to consolidate lighting with the computer network isn’t practical. New building designs may consider PoE as an option and include lighting as part of the IT network.

Unfortunately, new commercial construction is only 7-8% of available commercial space.

Demand for PoE for lighting power and control is likely to remain low.

July 2018 | 53

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19/06/2018 16:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS and the quickest to install. The contractor naturally wants luminaires they can install quickly to save time and labour. The goal is to minimise complexity, including the added labour of installing central lighting controls. Lighting is just another line item along with nails and drywall.

Laying a foundation

Figure 2: LEDs offer an immediate ROI in reduced energy costs

B.E.G.

Wireless lighting connectivity is more promising, but there are other impediments here. The big question is which wireless control standard do you use? There are multiple wireless standards for lighting, including ZigBee, which is supported by the Connected Lighting Alliance, and Z-Wave for home automation.

Most of these standards only apply to lighting and can only offer proprietary, single-vendor solutions, and none of them are extendable to other building systems such as HVAC or security controls.

The lighting channel has also been slow to take the next step and embrace smart lighting. Electrical suppliers and distributors are comfortable selling components rather than systems, and as a result, contractors tend to shop for units that are the lowest cost

With the lighting market for LED retrofits heating up, now is the right time to start installing intelligent lighting controls. Many vendors already ship LED luminaires with embedded intelligence. Installing LED luminaires with control-ready sensors on-board will help lay the foundation for a building-wide lighting control framework as well as future-proof installations for building automation.

Lighting manufacturers also are starting to add wireless networking to their LED luminaires. Bluetooth mesh in particular has been gaining market momentum because it is an open communications standard that is extendable and offers plug-and-play connectivity. The Bluetooth standard is well documented, and Bluetooth-ready products have been tested and certified to interoperate with other Bluetooth devices. Therefore, luminaires with on-board Bluetooth mesh support can communicate with other Bluetooth devices, such as other luminaires and smartphones that can be used as controllers.

Bluetooth was developed as a deviceto-device communications standard, but

“With the lighting market for LED retrofits heating up, now is the right time to start installing intelligent lighting controls.”

Bluetooth mesh is a flood network, where every device in the mesh connects with all other devices in its vicinity. This makes Bluetooth mesh extremely robust and self-healing; if a device is removed or drops out of the mesh then data is routed around it. Bluetooth also is extremely secure with data encryption and authentication defined in the standard.

Installing LED luminaires equipped with data sensors and onboard wireless networking means you have a ready-made framework for centralised smart lighting controls. It also creates a skeleton for other types of network controls, such as IoT. Bluetooth mesh is capable of handling different types of data traffic, even transporting traditionally wired DALI for lighting controls or IoT instructions for building automation.

The place to begin, however, is to look beyond ‘dumb’ LED lighting components and start installing smarter lighting solutions. The market is embracing rapid changes in lighting management and communications, and the first step is going to be installing smart luminaires, both for renovations and new construction projects.

The returns from installing energy-saving LED retrofits are immediate, and with smart lighting sensors ready to handle Bluetooth mesh, today’s LED retrofits will be ready to upgrade to tomorrow’s centralised lighting and building automation controls.

Fulham, fulham.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

INSURANCE

WAY TO GROW Diversifying your business? Keep your insurance cover on track, says Paul Young, underwriting manager at ECIC.

B

usiness diversification can help electrical contractors achieve long-term financial goals at a relatively low level of risk. But it does need investment and it does need contractors to think about and manage changes to their insurance cover.

There’s little doubt that diversification can be a great way for electrical contractors to develop and grow their operation. While many contractors tend to specialise in one area, there are often complementary skills and services that put them on a firmer footing when competing for new business. For example, an electrical contractor may choose to extend their contract opportunities by broadening their skills base, extending the geographical areas in which they will work or embracing new technologies.

There are already around 10 different disciplines in the electrical contracting sector – from alternative power supplies to structured data cabling – and as technology continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for contractors to evolve their services.

But it’s important to remember that expansion and diversification also leads to a change in the types of risks you will encounter in completing your contracts.

Electrical contractors are obliged to disclose those new and changing risks to their insurer or broker.

Good faith An insurance contract is a ‘contract of utmost good faith’, which means that all parties to the contract are under a strict duty to deal fully and frankly with each other. Contractors must disclose all facts that are ‘material’ (or relevant) to the risk for which they are seeking cover.

The Insurance Act 2015, which came into force two years ago in August 2016, has afforded contractors greater protection when it comes to making an insurance claim. However, in order to maximise these benefits, policyholders are under a duty to make ‘a fair presentation of risk’ to their insurer. This includes disclosing every material circumstance they know and that they ought to know that might influence the insurer’s view of them as a risk. Failing to do so could lead to a claims experience that fails to meet expectations.

“Electrical contractors are obliged to disclose those new and changing risks to their insurer or broker.”

Risk exposure If you have diversified your business, you need to conduct a detailed review of where you and your employees are exposed to risks and the process of disclosing this information to your insurance provider. Don’t wait until renewal time – as soon as you are ready to enter a new discipline, inform your insurance provider. It also means ensuring steps are in place to maintain up-to-date internal records of the names and roles of individuals responsible for arranging insurance cover, as well as members of senior management, who should always be involved in any disclosures made.

For smaller electrical contractors, this can be reasonably straight forward. However, for mid to large sized businesses which have undergone a period of growth or those that have diversified into new skills and services, this process can be much more complex.

For most, if not all contractors, insurance cover can hardly be expected to be front of mind, especially considering today’s challenging climate with skills shortages, the issue of retentions in the wake of the Carillion collapse and the impact of Brexit. However, electrical contractors have an obligation to ensure all information known or ought to be known by them which could influence an insurer’s view of risk is declared.

Broker value It is then a matter of electrical contractors working with their insurer or broker to ensure all relevant information has been disclosed. This enables the insurer to prepare a comprehensive insurance contract or, if needed, ask further questions based on the information provided.

Taking time to understand the specifics of your insurance contract is key to ensuring you’re aware of any relevant restrictions, exclusions or terms and conditions with which you need to comply.

This is where an insurance broker with a good knowledge of your industry and access to insurance cover created for your specialisms, can have real value.

An insurance broker deals with insurance contracts on a daily basis, which means they are easily able to explain the contract specifics in great detail. An insurance broker can also help electrical contractors understand the exact risk profile of their business and make certain that when committing to a period of growth, expanding into new areas of expertise or diversifying into new markets, the correct information is disclosed to the insurer.

The electrical contracting sector today comprises a wide mix of different disciplines creating plenty of scope for business diversification for those contractors keen to develop and grow their business. However, it’s crucial that electrical contractors take the time to understand the importance of declaring any business diversification and growth to their insurer or broker – there’s no such thing as too much information. The more conversations you have with your insurer or insurance broker, the more confident you can be that your insurance cover keeps pace with business changes.

ECIC, ecic.co.uk

56 | July 2018

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19/06/2018 10:40

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58 | July 2018

Buyers’ Guide.indd 58

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

COMPANY SHOWCASE

TECBLU: SUPPLY AND SUPPORT FOR IOT TECH TO THE TRADE Today, when every home and business is connected to the internet, a new generation of smart entertainment, lighting, heating and security products is gaining popularity. Not only do they offer round-the-clock eco-monitoring and convenient control from mobile apps, they’re usually easy to install: simply connect power, configure Wi-Fi and you’re done. No wonder market growth is unprecedented.

Tecblu is the first online warehouse dedicated to the supply and support of a wide range of these internet-connected (IoT) products to professional electricians and contractors. Our experienced service providers will offer you immediate access to familiar names like Philips Hue, Ring and Honeywell, for lighting, security and heat, as well as high performance WLAN infrastructure from brands such as Ruckus, specialised multi-room AV distribution hardware from global leader WyreStorm, and a generous mix of home cinema system components – complete with online technical support to avoid those dreaded ‘blank screen’ scenarios.

Only Tecblu can dedicate the specialist knowhow that ensures the smooth supply and operation of IoT and AV systems in the homes of your customers, and the exclusive trade-only discounts that support your profitability as well.

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For more information please contact us at 01256 805665, sales@tecblu.co.uk, and visit tecblu.co.uk

LIGHT EFFICIENT DESIGN UK PUTS STANDARD CORN LAMPS IN THE SHADE Light Efficient Design UK Limited offers superior design for retrofitting into floodlights, low-bay and high-bay fittings. The unique lamp shape can deliver up to three times the illuminance when compared to a standard corn lamp.

Take its 4,000k and 5,000k LED-8089 80W and 8090 120W retrofit models. They deliver maximum light output when replacing 250 to 400W HIDs in low-bays, highbays and floodlights. The one-sided LED design ensures users benefit from clean, bright light (>80 CRI) right where it’s needed, while saving up to 70% in energy costs and emissions.

All Light Efficient Design retrofit lamps come with active cooling, thermal feedback and a five-year warranty. Importantly, they can be used in enclosed fittings, which is not the norm for most other products on the market. LEDUK Ltd products are fully CE/ROHS compliant and LM79 LM80 data is available to provide users with genuine photometry.

NEW ADDITIONS TO ESP’S HDVIEW WI-FI CCTV RANGE ESP has expanded its CCTV range to include a new eight-channel NVR with four cameras kit, as well as wireless dome cameras in a choice of black and white.

The four camera Wi-Fi kit can be either dome or bullet cameras and is expandable up to eight cameras. Requiring a power supply at the NVR as well as at the camera, the CCTV kits offer WiFi open field range of 150m, with no cabling required between the NVR and the camera.

With an IP66 rating, the weatherproof cameras supplied (four x 2MP HD day/night cameras in either bullets or domes and with black or white housing options) are pre-registered to the NVR and additional cameras can be added via the LAN port on the NVR using the supplied network cable.

The NVR records camera footage to the internal hard drive – with options of 1TB, 2TB or 4TB hard drive – and footage can be transferred to a memory stick using the USB port.

For further information visit espuk.com

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C.K MAGMA TECHNICIAN’S WHEELED TOOLCASE TAKES THE STRAIN Carl Kammerling International is enhancing its toolcase range with the new C.K Magma technician’s wheeled toolcase (MA2650). Designed for all terrain use, the toolcase will effortlessly transport a fully laden toolkit which, with test equipment and power tools, can top 20kg – around the maximum that health and safety regulations direct.

The C.K Magma technician’s wheeled toolcase’s balanced design includes a tough and durable chassis, wheels and a telescopic handle; perfect for all terrain use and effortless movement of larger toolkits, test equipment and power tools, whether that involves areas on a factory site, or commercial premises.

Other handy features of the toolcase include: a tough 600-denier polyester construction, for superb strength and durability; an extra wide compartment with a red lining for high tool visibility; a zip down front panel featuring tool and A4 document storage; and 35 deep square pockets and tool holders for efficient tool storage.

EXCITING NEW RANGE OF MERIDIAN LED LIGHTING CONTROLS BY C.E.D. C.E.D has launched an extensive new range of LED compatible lighting controls.

Comprising microwave sensors, infrared motion detectors and PIR motion sensors, Meridian lighting controls combine elegant design with the latest sensor technology and are suitable for internal or external use.

Microwave sensors come in three styles, are available either recessed or surface mounted, and offer 360-degree detection at distances up to 12m.

With IP44 to IP65 ratings, infrared motion detectors are wall mounted with a detection range up to 180 degrees and come in a choice of white or black finish. A PIR motion sensor completes this new range and features 360-degree detection, IP44 rating and a choice of recessed or surface mounting.

Meridian lighting controls are well balanced units providing reliable, uninterrupted all-round switching and are fully compliant with CE, TUV and RoHS. For further information call 0208 503 8500 or visit ced-elec.co.uk

For further information visit carlkammerling.com or call 01758 704704

July 2018 | 59

Company Showcase.indd 59

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COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

GREENBROOK’S NEW IP65 3W LED EMERGENCY BULKHEAD GreenBrook Electrical has launched a stylish new bulkhead into its emergency lighting range that offers a cost-effective emergency luminaire for interior and exterior applications.

This IP65 polycarbonate fitting is link changeable to maintained or non-maintained, and can be either wall or ceiling mounted.

Complete with vinyl self-adhesive legends, it has a facility for remote switching and offers a hinged gear tray for easy inspection.

With built-in battery protection and a charge indicator, this fitting really does tick all the boxes. Emergency operation duration is a minimum of three hours.

For further information visit greenbrook.co.uk

STANDALONE DALI CONNECTION CENTRE (MDCC) FROM METWAY This system communicates with each luminaire via the DALI protocol to allow individual grouping of each light fitting depending on the desired layout. For example, this allows for fittings nearest interactive whiteboards to be grouped and switched separately.

Graduated dimming: this allows for rows of luminaires to dim at different percentages parallel to the window and reduces the need for a photocell per row of lights.

Future proof: via the installation of network cabling and minimal additional control equipment, this option can become a fully communicating system.

Plug and play installation: simpler installation with all items supplied with plugs for quick and accurate installation.

Simple on-site configuration: the individual set up of each room can be done by the installers using a simple programming remote to group the luminaires as required.

(Metway commissioning also available).

For further information visit metway.co.uk

BEHA-AMPROBE IRC-110-EUR INFRARED CAMERA OFFERS THERMAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY The new Beha-Amprobe IRC-110-EUR infrared (IR) camera offers point-and-shoot functionality to give a visual heat map image for quick and accurate identification of temperature related issues. It is an ideal tool to troubleshoot electrical connections and motors/drives, HVAC, mechanical and automotive applications, and insulation leaks around buildings to identify potential energy savings.

The Beha-Amprobe IRC-110-EUR thermal camera offers a visual image with five blending modes with the IR heat map overlay (at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) providing a quick indication to the actual hotspot location. The images are also viewable in one of three selectable colour palettes for better analytical evaluation – grey scale, hot iron and rainbow. Intuitive joystick navigation enables ease of navigation through onscreen menus and settings.

The Beha-Amprobe IRC-110-EUR is focus free and provides a centre-point temperature measurement, with hot and cold markers instantly identifying the hottest and coldest spots within the image.

For further information beha-amprobe.com

MEGAMAN LIGHTS UP WITH LUCIA Megaman has launched its latest low energy light solution, Lucia – a versatile, compact LED bulkhead.

Suitable for interior and exterior applications, the range provides customers with a high performance, class II rated solution with 360 degree light output.

Lucia LED bulkheads are available with a beam option of 8.5W, producing up to 810 lumens with a lamp life of up to 50,000 hours at L70. Importantly, the fixtures in the Lucia range also have a colour temperature of 4,000K which is ideal for applications where a modern, bright light is required.

With a light output of 360 degrees, Lucia achieves the same multi-directional illumination of an incandescent.

Its opal diffuser further enhances its beam distribution by diffusing the light evenly in all directions.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use as well as wall or ceiling installation, the bulkhead can easily be mounted with a bracket at 35 degrees. The LED also contains a built-in driver.

For further information visit megamanuk.com

INNOVATIVE FLOW CONNECTOR RANGE FROM SCOLMORE Scolmore’s Flow connector range makes the wiring of a lighting circuit easy, using a combination of connectors, hubs and management boxes. The unique design of the Flow Connector products prevents the possibility of incorrect polarity connection, which is a problem with other similar products that are making their way into the market.

The Flow Lighting Management System is designed specifically to help contractors create more complex lighting installations quickly, easily and safely. It features a number of products that allow the quick connection, configuration and re-configuration of circuits, using a simple ‘plug and play’ concept.

Built-in selectable configurations will save significant time in the planning and fitting stages of a project.

The Flow range currently comprises 22 different products including two lighting management boxes and mounting tray, a variety of three-pole and four-pole Flow connectors, extension cables, Flow connectors with link cables (pre-wired), plus a ceiling rose and cover.

NEW TI400 PRO AND TI300 PRO INFRARED CAMERAS FROM FLUKE The new, upgraded Fluke Ti400 PRO and Ti300 PRO infrared cameras feature a more intuitive touchscreen interface with a higher contrast display and compatibility with optional smart telephoto, wide-angle and macro lenses which can be interchanged without calibration.

Both the Fluke Ti400 PRO, with 320 x 240 resolution, and the Ti300 PRO, with 240 x 180 resolution, feature LaserSharp auto focus, which uses a built-in laser distance meter to calculate and display the distance to target and snaps the image into focus. An alternative advanced manual focus mode can be used.

They also feature Fluke IR-Fusion technology, which captures a visible light image in addition to the infrared image and combines them with three different operating modes (Picture-in-Picture, full visible light, and AutoBlend), and are provided with Fluke Connect SmartView Desktop software, for optimising and analysing thermal images, generating customisable reports and exporting images in multiple formats to the Fluke Connect Cloud.

For further information visit fluke.co.uk

For further information visit scolmore.com

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

REHAU CABLE TRUNKING SOLUTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS REHAU has launched a new brochure to make it more simple for specifiers and contractors to choose the right cable trunking products for a job, designed to present the vast product range in a clear and easy to reference format.

The brochure includes details of REHAU’s best-selling PROFILA and COMPACT trunking solutions, as well as a separate page for compatible accessories.

Also included in the brochure is an overview of REHAU’s antimicrobial trunking offer, which is ideal for the health and education sectors.

The cable trunking brochure also has a page devoted to bespoke items which REHAU can deliver on a project-by-project basis.

The new brochure is rounded off with a selection of case studies of where REHAU trunking has been used in the past, plus details of the company’s UK production and distribution network, and BIM capabilities.

COMPANY SHOWCASE

CROMPTON PLC LAMPS NOW AVAILABLE IN WARM WHITE Crompton’s LED PLC lamps are perfect for direct retrofit with no wiring and provide instant warm up time. They are ideal for use in a variety of multiple commercial applications and are now available in a warm white option.

The lamps come in two variants; 8W G24q four-pin cap and 12W G24q four-pin cap and are compatible with a range of common electrical ballasts. The polycarbonate body has a twist adjustment of ± 45 degrees to allow for directing light to the best position.

The LED PLC lamps offer 25,000 hours and are also available in a 4,000K cool white colour temperature and come with Crompton’s fouryear warranty. The PLC lamps are not suitable for dimming or emergency fittings and are for indoor use only.

For further information or for a copy of the brochure, email jo.trotman@rehau.com or download the brochure at rehau.uk/trunking

STAX TAKES WORKWEAR ON THE ROAD WITH NEW MOBILE SHOWROOM The Stax Trade Centre in Glasgow has underlined the company’s position as a leading UK workwear supplier with the introduction of a new mobile showroom which is now making visits to customer premises. Mounted on a road trailer, the new showroom allows Stax to provide workwear displays to individual customers and help them select from the large number of workwear garments which the company can provide.

“The mobile showroom is a great resource for us to have at our disposal, and it reflects the breadth of our workwear offering,” explains clothing product manager Jason Ellis. “We are now using it to take Stax out to customers, saving them the inconvenience of having to leave their office or contact us to request samples.”

The Stax Trade Centre in Glasgow houses the company’s own dedicated workwear showroom and production facility. The Stax branch provides workwear services to a wide range of businesses, from small independent traders to major commercial organisations.

For further information staxworkwear.co.uk

SWA WINS APPROVAL FOR TQ RANGE OF COPPER TUBE TERMINALS After many months of testing, the entire SWA TQ range passed both electrical and mechanical performance standards and is now fully approved to BS EN 61238–1:2003.

The range already meets BS product control standards: SWA TQ terminals are manufactured from high-grade copper to BS EN 12499 and electrotinned to BS 1872. SWA offers installers a full tool calibration service in order to meet BS 7609 – the code of practice for installation and inspection.

The SWA TQ range now fulfils regulatory requirements in: • Electrical performance • Traceability • Physical size • Copper content • Tensile testing • Wall thickness • Sufficient space to crimp adequately The SWA TQ range was certified by Dekra. SWA requested testing of the full range from the largest terminal (630mm2), to one of the smallest (10mm2).

For further information visit cromptonlamps.com

NEW SPIRAFLEX DRAW TAPE RANGE FROM C.K C.K has launched an innovative new range of spiraFLEX draw tapes, perfect for the smooth routing of cables through conduit, trunking, ducts and wall cavities.

The super flexible and immensely tough 4mm diameter spiraFLEX draw tape offers a major improvement on standard nylon and steel draw tapes, which are often prone to twisting and kinking.

In addition, the unique helical profile of spiraFLEX and advanced Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) material greatly reduces friction, kinking and coiling, and C.K spiraFLEX draw tapes are supplied with a high tensile steel wire flexi lead to allow much smoother runs.

The C.K spiraFLEX draw tapes are also compatible with all C.K MightyRods accessories.

Housed within a heavy duty, rewindable, impact resistant cassette, the C.K spiraFLEX draw tapes are available in lengths of 10m, 20m and 30m. Prices for the C.K spiraFLEX draw tape range start from £46.36 (ex-VAT).

For further information visit carlkammerling.com or call 01758 704704

CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS – WHY ARE THEY SO EXPENSIVE? Lawyers often charge well over £200 an hour with no guarantee of success. Taking a large claim to court will often cost more than £50,000 and even adjudication, the cheap and cheerful option often costs more than £5,000. So what can a construction company do to limit its exposure to legal costs?

The National Legal Consortium offers a monthly subscription service that provides unlimited legal advice (within the scope of the scheme) to its clients. Clients can issue debt letters, take or defend proceedings, obtain telephone advice, get advice on contracts and notices and get to use the scheme’s logo all for the cost of the monthly subscription.

The NLC scheme is like having a construction solicitor on your staff at a fraction of the cost.

This means that adjudications and court proceedings cost no more than the monthly subscription so that concerns about whether they can be afforded disappear starting at £150 plus VAT per month.

For further information nlcuk.net

For further information contact SWA Ltd: sales@swaonline.co.uk

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THE UK’S LEADING MANUFACTURER OF EV CHARGING POINTS Office for Low Emission Vehicles

COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

GRANT FUNDED

SNICKERS’ ‘CLIMATE CONTROL’ WORKWEAR

DC CHARGERS • FROM 25kW RAPID TO 150kW ULTRAFAST

DOMESTIC

WORKPLACE

PUBLIC

Over 95,000 EV Charging Points Manufactured And Supplied To Date The UK’s Largest Range Of AC Fast, DC Rapid & DC UltraFast EV Chargers EV Charging Points For The Home, Business And Public Sector

BECOME AN APPROVED INSTALLER OF ROLEC EV CHARGING POINTS

For more details contact Rolec’s technical/support/sales team or visit your local electrical wholesaler

t: +44 (0) 1205 724754 e: rolec@rolecserv.co.uk

@RolecEV

www.rolecserv.com

NEXT ISSUE

The onset of summer and warmer weather calls for a change of focus on what you choose to wear on-site.

From keeping warm and dry in winter, warmer weather brings with it a need for professional craftsmen and women to be cool and dry – to maintain wellbeing and working efficiency.

That’s why Snickers’ new working clothes for the summer uses 37.5 fabric technology, which is really good at ‘wicking’ moisture away from the body and keeping you dry.

In the Snickers Workwear FLEXIWork, LITEWork and RUFFWork product families, there are new shirts, shorts and work trousers that are super-light and quick-drying with advanced ventilation to keep you cool in the heat.

They’ve all got superb, body-mapping designs for an amazing fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.

For further information visit snickersworkwear.co.uk or email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

HAMILTON’S METALCLAD: NOW WITH DUAL USB DOUBLE SWITCHED SOCKETS Hamilton Litestat has made its 2.1A/1A dual USB double switched sockets available in its durable Metalclad design finish.

With two switched sockets, and combined 3.1A USB charge points, the solution supports the need for increased charging requirements in both the home and at work, making it even easier to stay connected 24/7.

Traditionally a heavy-duty range, Metalclad is suitable where hard-wearing performance is required, making it perfectly suited for workshops, garages, sheds, schools and industrial premises. It is a popular choice for achieving a modern industrial look within a property looking for a sophisticated edge.

The range comes in a stylish steel finish, with white inserts and white surround.

The back boxes have been developed to ensure an exact fit, for that seamless look, and can be surface mounted. Plus, for that extra peace of mind, Metalclad comes with a one-year guarantee.

For further information visit hamilton-litestat.com

CABLE & CABLE MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENT In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the August issue of ECN will contain a supplement dedicated to cable and cable management, as well as special features relating to software and apps, and test and mesurement.

The supplement and 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.

Software & Apps

Test & Measurement

CROMPTON LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE Crompton Lamps has launched a new website, showcasing the company’s extensive and varied range of LED light sources. The site will also provide a platform to display the rapidly expanding Phoebe LED range of sleek, innovate high-quality luminaires that provide excellent performance all at a very competitive price.

The new website has been introduced in conjunction with Crompton’s 140th anniversary year and the company will be celebrating this milestone with a prize draw to win a brand new smart hub for your home. To enter, simply visit the website and sign up to the mailing list; entrants will be anyone who has recently signed up or updated their membership to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

The new website has been redesigned to be very user-friendly with detailed product identification to make life even easier for the electrician/contractor. Crompton’s website is full of high quality, innovative, energy efficient lamps and fittings.

For further information visit cromptonlamps.com

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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p l e h d e d e e n I d n a c i l l o a h r o i c p l s a s I’m an my downward to break

Brian became very depressed and turned been his coping mechanism for all big traumas in his life. Brian’s drinking got so bad that he lost 3.5 stone and his life was left hanging in the balance. The EIC organised and paid for private rehab and family therapy. Without this Brian wouldn’t be alive today. Early intervention is key

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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services free to anyone in the industry.

Mental health stigma can be a silent killer, people’s wellbeing. We need to reframe the way that mental illness and mental health is seen by society and the electrical sector.

To us you are NOT just a number You are equally as important and the Employee Assistance Programme is open to everyone.

EIC support services Telephone counselling Rehab support Support for family and friends of alcoholics

You are just a n NOT umber

Access Assistance 0800 652 1618 support@electricalcharity.org

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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Don’t be like Brian, seek help now.

Available 7 days a week assistance for virtually any problem or issue you may encounter. Our trained advisors assist everyone with respect and empathy.

11/04/2018 12:41

the little red book FS Cables Cabling Guide Issue 11

DATA CABLES BUS CABLES HOME AUTOMATION HD CABLES FIRE & SECURITY CABLES TELEPHONE CABLES COAXIAL CABLES MARINE GRADE CABLES LSHF CABLES SIGNAL & CONTROL CABLES POWER CABLES RUBBER & CRANE CABLES HIGH TEMPERATURE CABLES SPECIAL MANUFACTURE

Extended to 182 pages and A5 in size, issue 11 of ‘The Little Red Book’ features technical data for over 8,000 cables and connectors.

Stock items are delivered next working-day as standard to most of mainland UK, in standard pack sizes or cut to the length required.

GLANDS

If the cable you need is not listed we can also manufacture cables to meet your specification, often with short lead times and low minimum order quantities.

TECHNICAL TABLES COLOUR CODES

Please contact us for your free copy or call and speak to a member of the FS Cables team.

www.fscables.com/littleredbook

flexible and specialist cables Tel: 01727 840 841 Untitled-11 1

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sales@fscables.com 17/05/2018 16:00