ECN May 2018

VOLUME 38 NO. 05 • MAY 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE: TOOLS & WORKWEAR

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GEWISS LAUNCHES NEWLY IMPROVED ROTARY ISOLATOR SWITCHES A new, even wider range from GEWISS designed to offer both high performance and easy installation.

70 RT HP (high performance) is a new range of surface-mounted rotary isolators designed for use as main switches for applications that need to be isolated from the network. This range complements

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GEWISS has launched a new and improved range of its popular rotary isolators, offering a wider range of codes and special features that are already creating a buzz in the industry.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 05 • MAY 2018

CONTENTS…

Special features: Tools & Workwear

Regulars 4 Editorial Mind the gap.

6 Industry News Bringing EV charging points to the nation, on the lookout for apprentice of the year, and charity cycles.

14 Contract News Lighting the rails, restaurant revamps, and office expansions.

22 Training Expert training on the 18th Edition and fire safety.

24 Key Issue Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC, discusses the steps the company is taking to help women achieve their aims of breaking into the electrical sector.

26 Competition Win a Virgin supercar experience day, courtesy of NICEIC.

28 Project Focus

Malcolm Duncan from Klein Tools explores the long and surprising history of one of the electrician’s most important tools – the plier.

45

Matt Rockliff, buying manager at Toolstation, takes a look at the latest advancements in drills, and how this can benefit the contractor.

Set within the peaceful South Hertfordshire countryside, Chris and Kayo’s home is no ordinary residential development. MK Electric tells us more.

71 Company Showcase

Features

42

Sponsored news, contracts and product releases from the sector.

48

Celine Verdot of Honeywell Industrial Safety explores how the latest technology, supported by recent updates to regulations, can help protect electrical engineers working at heights.

50

Sangeeta Aeri, technical manager at workwear specialist Supertouch, explores the common complaints around safety eyewear and identifies key considerations to help improve compliance.

63

Penny Jones of Domus Ventilation looks at how additional income can be generated on ventilation projects, from the smallest fan installation through to whole house ventilation.

67

Andrew Nixon of Johnson Controls discusses the benefits investing in a quality HVAC system can offer for the long-term.

Test & Measurement 52

Steve Dunning of Martindale Electric outlines safe isolation procedures and emphasises the importance of having the right tools for the job to stay safe and compliant.

HVAC

30 On hand for 18th Edition Ahead of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, Paul Collins of Hager answers some of the questions electrical professionals are asking.

32 Brand value With an influx of budget products from unknown names hitting the UK electrical accessories market, Marie Parry of Scolmore outlines the value of investing in a trusted brand.

34 Clear compliance In 2005, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was introduced in England and Wales as part of government legislation. Peter Adams of Mackwell explains what it means in practice.

38 Stay in control Kentec explains how renewed scrutiny on fire safety has put a timely focus on control panels for contractors.

40 Safety in the sector Chris Beasley, health and safety manager at CEF, explores the common causes of accidents in the electrical trade.

58

Embrace the HVAC prefabrication revolution, says Carl Ghinn, managing director at Fixmart.

60

Stuart Doggrell, national sales manager, Fabdec, explores the evolution of unvented water heaters, and looks ahead at the new generation of electric water heating.

May 2018 | 3

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EDITORIAL

MIND THE GAP

“O

nce people start speaking up, it gets easier for others to keep the momentum going,” says Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC, in this month’s Key Issue. As the NICEIC pushes ahead with its Jobs for the Girls campaign, Clancy considers the problem of the gender gap within the industry, pointing to the fact that it’s often a topic that falls at the first hurdle – not even being discussed within the industry. If this is the case, what can be done to encourage a conversation to support

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

women in an industry that has historically been very male-dominated?

The opportunities are there, it now is a case of raising awareness. But it’s not simply the sector that needs to embrace change. How do we raise awareness outside of the industry, encouraging schools, universities and apprenticeship schemes to point women towards the electrical industry and bring attention to all the opportunities that exist there?

This month, EI Live! will be taking place over the course of two days at Sandown Park in Esher on May 9 and 10. The UK’s only smart home and building trade show, EI Live! is a chance for electrical contractors to get savvy on the smart revolution,

offering opportunities to learn, get training, and network with key players in the smart home and install industry. There’s still time to register your place, simply visit essentialinstalllive.com.

Next issue, our special features will be on commercial vehicles and EV infrastructure, as well as energy management. These issues are becoming increasingly important, as government regulation and incentives are becoming more ubiquitous in the pursuit of a greener future and the need for more cost effective energy. As always, ECN wants to hear from you on these and any other subject you want to raise from within the sector – so drop me an email with news, opinions and article ideas at Kayleigh@ allthingsmedialtd.com.

EDITOR: KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: JORDAN O’BRIEN E: jordan@ allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR: CAROL GYLBY T: 01634 673163 E: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER: BEN BRISTOW T: 01634 673163 E: ben@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

DESIGNER: JON APPLETON E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication.

In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication.

Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00 Copyright © 2018, All rights reserved Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontilanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YA

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INDUSTRY NEWS MR. ELECTRIC AND ROLEC EV JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE NATIONWIDE EV CHARGING POINTS A new collaboration to deliver electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for consumers and businesses across the UK has been announced today by Mr. Electric and Rolec EV. The two organisations will now be able to offer domestic and commercial customers a one-stop solution for all types and modes

SELECT BRINGS SEC GROUP POSITION ON PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT TO MSPS Alan Wilson, head of membership and communications at SELECT, has made a presentation on the problems facing public sector procurement to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group for Construction.

Wilson, in his capacity as national executive officer of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group, made his presentation to the Cross Party Group at the end of March. It was the latest initiative in SELECT and the SEC Group’s campaign to improve how the business community interacts with the public sector, which buys £10bn of goods, works and services each year.

“My presentation was made to a group of MSPs as well as interested parties from throughout the construction sector to give our organisations’ views on how procurement could be improved,” said Wilson.

The SEC Group represents a number of trade bodies in Scotland, which in turn represent around 3,000 firms which employ more than 30,000 people and more than 5,000 apprentices.

SELECT’s 1,250 member companies have a collective turnover of around £1bn and provide employment for 15,000 people.

In his presentation, Wilson stated that Scottish SMEs are acknowledged as the backbone of the economy and that a smoothlyrunning procurement environment was a vitally important issue for them.

He said, “I wanted to draw to the attention of our elected representatives a number of issues including the payment cycle, retentions, large packaging of contracts and lack of accountability.”

On payment, Wilson suggested the more stringent enforcement of Section 15 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, as well as the extension of, and reduction of limits for, Project Bank Accounts.

He also proposed placing all retentions into a trust-based deposit scheme and greater implementation of the act’s provisions which allow public bodies to package contracts into smaller lots for which small firms can more realistically bid.

On accountability, he supported the introduction of a yellow/red card scheme and the appointment of a Construction Regulator.

of EV charging, from the product itself right through to the installation and maintenance of the charging point.

Mr. Electric, which is an authorised OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) installer of electric vehicle charging points, will give Rolec EV access to its network of franchised NICEIC approved electrical experts enabling them to install and manage the points for homes, workplaces and public areas.

Rolec EV has a comprehensive product range designed and built to be flexible and compatible with all leading motor manufacturers’ EVs. In addition, Rolec EV is able to personalise its charging range to suit individual client requirements, specifications and branding.

APPRENTICES ANNOUNCED FOR JTL’S ‘APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR’ JTL’s 11 best electrical and plumbing apprentices in England and Wales have been selected from more than 1,665 learners. Each is currently in their final year, or has recently completed a four-year building services engineering apprenticeship with national not-for-profit training provider, JTL. The regional winners – from JTL’s seven regions across England and Wales – will go head-to-head at One Moorgate Place in London on Tuesday June 12 to compete for the title of ‘JTL Apprentice of the Year’.

The 11 finalists were picked out following a rigorous selection process which took into account their practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as feedback from workplace mentors, college tutors and JTL’s regional training officers who help the learners from day one through to qualification.

One award will be presented to the top electrical apprentice and one to the best MES (plumbing) apprentice of the year. The final award – ‘JTL National Apprentice of the Year’ – will be presented to the overall winner, selected from all 11 finalists.

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CP ELECTRONICS RECOGNISED

BY BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE CP Electronics, a brand of Legrand Electric Ltd, has received recognition for its long-term commitment to quality from the British Standards Institute (BSI).

Mo Mohanaranjan, quality and environmental manager at CP Electronics, was presented with a long-service award by the BSI at a ceremony in February.

At the same time, he accepted the ISO 14001/2015 certificate – the latest in a long line of accreditations CP Electronics has achieved.

CP Electronics currently has a suite of major BSI accreditations – ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001, representing quality, environment and health and safety.

Maintaining the standards requires an ongoing process of tracking levels of quality and service. Mohanaranjan’s team uses a variety of tools, including internal audits and customer questionnaires, to monitor service levels. One metric that has stayed consistently high is customer satisfaction, which has been 94% or higher every year for the past decade.

As one of the first manufacturers in the sector to recognise the importance of British Standards, CP Electronics achieved its first BSI accreditation (ISO 9000) in 1999.

Electrical accessories and consumables supplier, Niglon, is to list all its products on Luckins for the first time, making real-time pricing, integration with wholesalers’ own stock management systems, and product selection by specifiers and contractors quicker and easier than ever before.

The move comes as part of an investment in product development, infrastructure, sales and marketing by Niglon, an electrical specialist that trades exclusively through the wholesale channel.

The company has recently moved to custombuilt premises with product development, assembly and training facilities and, last year, launched seven new ranges totalling more than 500 new products.

Niglon’s commercial director, Paul Dawson explained, “As our product range and customer base expand, we need to ensure that we make it as quick and simple as possible for wholesalers to list our products and gain accurate, up-todate product and pricing information on every item across our circuit protection, wiring accessories, industrial accessories, cable management, lighting, and fixings and tools portfolio.”

Live Luckins data on all Niglon products is now available, bringing more than 2,500 individual Niglon products to the online service, with automated updates to wholesalers’ websites, contractor and wholesaler business applications and contractor mobile applications.

6 | May 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS B.E.G. INTRODUCES KNX PRESENCE DETECTORS AT LIGHT & BUILDING 2018

CHECKATRADE PARTNERS WITH PROFESSIONAL DARTS CORPORATION

B.E.G. showcased a new range of KNX generation 6 presence detectors, which include a version that has built-in logic, sound and temperature monitoring, at Light + Building 2018 in Frankfurt in March.

Building on its popular range of presence and motion detectors, the German manufacturer has launched updated versions of the majority of its PD2, PD4, PD9 and PD11 products in basic, standard and deluxe variations depending on the application.

The deluxe version will offer a premium solution for KNX integrators facing more demanding applications with extra functions, which can include a logic module, sound sensor and temperature sensor.

The logic module is independent of the detector operation, while the integrated sound sensor can be used in areas where there are restrictions to the normal presence detection, such as a toilet cubical.

If configured, the sound sensor will activate, but only after motion is detected. Run-on times are configurable. The builtin temperature sensor will send temperature readings to the KNX bus to be used by HVAC actuators. This means separate temperature sensors do not have to be fitted to the wall, saving installation time and expense.

Checkatrade has signed a major deal to become a key partner of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and its series of events.

The fastest-growing indoor sport in the UK over the past decade, over 500,000 spectators will attend PDC events worldwide in 2018, with tournaments also broadcast to over 20m viewers in more than 110 countries worldwide, including through Sky Sports, ITV4 and BBC Sport in the UK. The partnership will see Checkatrade feature in television ad exposure and provide at-event branding opportunities including presence on the stage and players’ shirts during PDC televised events.

The partnership follows a successful initial sponsorship that Checkatrade undertook at the Unibet Masters competition in Milton Keynes in January, and will see Checkatrade expand its presence further and be involved in the full calendar of PDC televised events.

CONTRACTORS WARNED OVER MV CABLES AEI Cables has issued a warning to make sure that medium voltage cables coming onto the market are independently approved and certified as compliant as the pressure mounts on the installation of quality products in modern building developments.

As the incidence of non-approved cables continues, the company is warning the supply chain to be particularly careful around the application of these cables into highrisk environments including hospitals, industrial sites and sub-stations serving infrastructure sites.

AEI Cables’ range of MV cables meet all requirements of BS 6622, BS 7835 and IEC 60502-2, and are all approved and certified by third-party approval organisation, BASEC, for ranges up to 33kV. Stuart Dover, commercial manager for AEI Cables, said: “We are advising contractors to be careful, especially with new building design and development for modern complex buildings. If these cables are not approved, just question why not and check them out. To follow best practice and all compliance, we also advise that these cables are independently tested and certified by a third-party such as BASEC. “There have been many instances in the recent past of non-approved cables coming onto the market, but in these environments it is crucial to get it right.

“Take all due precautions. Look for the British Standard, European or international standard number, the manufacturer’s mark and third-party approval markings.

Even if there are markings, it is worth checking because some labels and stamps have been used fraudulently.

“Cables which are unmarked but not checked can become untraceable so it is important at the point of receipt for contractors to check every time. Also keep records of purchases and deliveries to ensure that what is being installed is what was specified originally.”

REMOTE MONITORING MODULE SIMPLIFIES SET UP OF HEARING LOOPS Assistive hearing specialist, Contacta, has launched a remote monitoring module that simplifies the set-up of hearing loop systems and offers installers alerts via email when a driver develops a fault.

The RMM1 works with the company’s HLD7 and HLD9 large area hearing loop drivers and provides a remote visual indicator of up to two of the drivers in standalone configuration or a pair in phased array.

Installers can set up the drivers directly on-site from a laptop making the process much simpler and more efficient. Once they are in place, the RMM1 allows the hearing loop drivers to self-monitor, and drive levels and output levels can be adjusted from a laptop or a mobile device.

Previous models from the company have alerted users via SMS but the addition of email alerts allows for comprehensive information to be transmitted quickly, meaning customers have minimal downtime should an issue arise.

Head of new business development at Contacta, Ran Meyrev, said, “We always design with the installer and the end-user at the forefront of any solution we create. The simplicity the RMM1 brings to the installation process minimises any disruption to customers.

For contractors, that’s a big selling point.

“What is unique about the RMM1 is that it sends real-time email alerts if a driver develops a fault, such as an aerial disconnect, a power failure or general output stage failure. This cuts out the need to physically check the drivers themselves.

“Installers can also view the drivers’ performance via an online portal on our website. Because issues can be so easily identified and managed remotely, it means customers’ visitors never have to miss out on the benefit that a hearing loop system provides.”

CEF’S JON GIBBONS TO CYCLE BRITAIN FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT Jon Gibbons, who has worked for CEF for 27 years, is set to take on a mammoth cycle challenge this September to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event, Ride Across Britain, will see hundreds of cyclists cover 969 miles between the most south-westerly point of Cornwall and the most north-easterly tip of Scotland.

Aiming to raise a minimum of £2,100 for the charity, Jon’s ride will begin at Land’s End on September 8, and will follow a gruelling, nine-day trek north. The longest day will see 126 miles between Hamilton and Fort William in Scotland, while the shortest is between Bath and Ludlow, a 99-mile journey.

CEF is Macmillan Cancer Support’s corporate charity partner, and the company is supporting the organisation in its aim to reach and improve the lives of people living with cancer. In addition to the efforts made by Jon and other CEF team members for the charity, CEF will back Macmillan’s ‘Just Say the Word’ campaign by helping raise awareness of the impact of cancer on men in the construction, electrical and home improvement sectors, and encourage those who need it to access support.

‘LACK OF NATURAL LIGHT’ COMMON OFFICE BUGBEAR, SAYS LAMP SHOP ONLINE Over a third of workers are adversely affected by a lack of natural light in their office, according to a recent poll conducted by Lamp Shop Online.

The poll, which quizzed employees about the difficulties associated with workplace lighting, revealed that headaches and dizziness were a problem for one in seven.

Other employees reported finding the lighting too bright and dazzling (12.4%), while one in 10 said they had to strain their eyes due to a general lack of light.

A similar proportion said they were bothered by the position of the lights and by the ‘stressful environment’ created by their workplace lighting (9.3% each).

Fluorescent tubes in offices are often cited as a source of complaint.

Many companies now opt for LED panels, which produce light with a far lower Unified Glare Rating, reducing discomfort for employees.

8 | May 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS ESP INVESTS IN PREMISES TO FUTURE-PROOF BUSINESS ESP has made a significant investment in its Midlandsbased business premises to ensure it will accommodate the growth plans the business has planned.

The site that the premises occupies in Redditch, Worcestershire, has been increased from 8,000 sqft, to 32,000 sqft, allowing for significantly more warehouse space and therefore increased stockholding capacity. A total reconfiguration of the space has allowed for new offices and meeting rooms to accommodate the growing workforce, which currently stands at 37. Investment in testing and product development at the company has seen the addition of a dedicated testing facility.

As part of the building work, the ESP showroom has also been expanded and redesigned to create a state-ofthe-art facility to showcase an ever-expanding range of CCTV, access control, fire protection, emergency lighting and external security solution products.

Neil Baldwin, sales director at ESP, comments, “We are in the fortunate position that we have been able to significantly

expand the premises on the site we currently occupy, without the need to consider relocating. The business has been expanding at a rapid rate in the last 18 months, and we have increased the number of people working here from 21 to 37 in this time. This expansion will secure our future here, with enough space to accommodate continued growth both in the workforce and our extensive product line up.”

RECOLIGHT CRITICISES ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WEEE CHARGING ANNOUNCEMENT

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

Recolight has criticised a decision by the Environment Agency (EA) to significantly increase WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) charges.

Following a consultation, the EA has announced that some annual WEEE charges they levy on producers would more than triple in 2019. Current EA fees are £210 for companies with a turnover below £1m, and £445 for companies with a turnover above £1m.

The EA announcement revealed that they will increase both these charges to £750 from January 2019.

Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said, “It is disappointing that the EA did not take on board comments made during the consultation process. This increase will be particularly difficult for small and medium sized lighting companies.”

He added, “The EA were presented with alternative, fully-costed funding options that would have limited the impact on lighting businesses with a turnover below £1m. These alternatives would have spread the increase more fairly across the range of operators in the WEEE system. However, they were ignored, in favour of this excessively costly solution.”

The higher fees will only apply to producers based in England. Fees for those businesses registered in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland remain unchanged.

VERTIKAL DAYS MOVES TO DONINGTON Vertikal Days, the annual event for the lifting equipment used by electrical contractors, will be at a new venue this year.

The event is moving to Castle Donington for the 2018 event, a new site with more space and facilities to cope with the additional companies looking to exhibit. The two-day event will take place on May 16 and 17 at Donington Park – one of the famous grounds of British motorsport.

Donington Park hosts numerous national and international events, as well as a wide variety of exhibitions, shows and other music concerts. It is well equipped for what promises to be the largest Vertikal Days so far.

This year’s event looks set to see several new product launches from crane, powered access and telehandler manufacturers, as well as component and ancillary service companies.

WERNERCO URGES BUSINESSES TO CONSIDER LADDER SAFETY WernerCo is issuing a warning that anyone failing to follow correct procedures when working at heights could face a hefty fine or even a prison sentence.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in the UK 40% of working at height accidents occur when using ladders, and the majority of those happened when safe access had not been provided.

However, it’s not just personal safety that is put at risk. Recently a scaffolder was spared jail after failing to follow the correct procedures when working 60ft up the side of a building. The court ruled that not only their personal safety was at risk, but also that of the public.

Jamie Brassington, product manager at WernerCo, commented, “Although working at height is unavoidable in many industries, we are keen to promote safe practices when using access equipment. It may seem obvious that risk assessments and equipment checks be carried out prior to even setting one foot on a ladder, but thousands of accidents are still occurring every year.”

According to WernerCo, by also failing to safeguard employees who are using working at height equipment, companies could be liable and face some hefty fines. Most recently a leading British supermarket chain was issued with a fine of £2.5m after breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, when a contractor was fatally injured due to a fall from height.

Brassington added, “To ensure maximum safety choosing the correct equipment is paramount. Considerations should be placed into such things as load capacity, including the weight of the tools and materials being used to carry out the job, and the time spent working at height.”

Kevin Crew has left Nexans after serving almost 50 years in the industry and 13 years with the company. Kevin has now taken retirement and bid farewell to the team in a heartfelt send off, which was well deserved.

Waxman Energy Ltd. has welcomed Sarah Wallace as its new sales manager. With a history working within the Solar PV distribution sector, Sarah’s key focus will be expanding Waxman Energy’s sales within PV, battery storage and EV charge points.

The Electrical Industries Charity has welcomed Claire Shelton as the new programme manager for the Big Build project.

McCann has appointed a new operations manager, Liam Mazurke. Liam will be working on the company’s Calderdale Street Lighting and LED project in Yorkshire.

ERA has appointed Simon Brown as head of smartware sales. Simon has previously worked at companies including Philips CE, Sharp UK Ltd and, most recently, Sennheiser.

10 | May 2018

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SAFE, DURABLE AND VERSATILE GEWISS tells us more about its 70 RT HP surface-mounted rotary isolator range, which has been designed to offer a variety of applications for a wide array of installations.

T

he devices in the 70 RT HP surface-mounted rotary isolator range are available with plastic or metal boxes, in versions from 16A to 160A. Reducing installation time and providing the ultimate solution in terms of safety and strength, the new range of isolators are available in both control and emergency versions with a variety of poles: 2P, 3P, 3P+N or 4P. The range includes panel-mounted options, for frontpanel or DIN rail (EN50022) assembly in 16A to 63A options, all of which can be equipped with auxiliary contacts.

This means the range is extremely flexible as it can be installed in any of GEWISS’ enclosures and distribution boards.

These devices have been designed to reduce wiring time, simplifying installation, and offer maximum safety and durability, even in the most demanding conditions.

The innovative protection level – up to IP69 against the ingress of dust and water jets, means the 70 RT HP isolators range meets the most demanding requirements, even heavy-duty ones.

70 RT HP is ideal for a wide variety of applications, including industrial kitchens, air conditioning systems, lifts, technical rooms, modular buildings and even for the most heavy-duty applications.

With a modern and ergonomic design, the range fits in perfectly with the entire GEWISS industrial system, and offers high impact resistance at IK08, UV protection, and protection against chemicals. All this ensures that performance and safety is maintained during the life cycle of the product, including packaging that protects the products in storage and shipping.

Total protection With an innovative and unique degree of protection of IP66/IP67/IP69 guarding the product from dust and liquid ingress, 70 RT HP switch isolators are ideal for the most demanding applications, thanks to their high level of mechanical resistance.

Fast and easy to install “All GEWISS products are designed to perform for the installer, hence the wealth of improvements that have been made on a widely used solution.”

The plastic front of 70 RT HP isolators can be closed with just four quarter-turn captive screws; a simple, innovative system to open and close the front more quickly than any other systems available on the market.

Safe system 70 RT HP features ergonomically-designed switches that are hardwearing and ideal for heavy-duty applications. The innovative padlocking system, concealed within the switches, will take up to three padlocks and can be locked in both on and off positions in the command versions (in the emergency version the switch can only be locked in the off position).

Versatile and innovative More technical features have been introduced to this range, with dual metric entry points top and bottom, external fixing points for surface-mounting, and plenty of internal space for cable wiring. Optional N/O N/C auxiliary contacts make them suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Robust and reliable The metal box versions (IP66) are made from painted aluminium alloy, offering high levels of performance over time, even in the most challenging conditions. The devices are also available in ATEX versions up to 100A for explosive atmospheres.

Ready to use The metal box is pre-equipped with four external brackets for surface-mounting, maintaining the original IP rating even after installation. The bottom of all versions up to 80A are pre-drilled, ready to take metric cable glands.

“We are delighted to bring a new proposal to the electrical market – we’ve had very positive feedback from our network of wholesalers who look forward to offering a wider and better range of rotary isolator switches to their own customers,” explains Gino Stocchetti, general manager of GEWISS UK. “GEWISS SpA launched this range at Light + Building earlier this year, and now we’re introducing it to the UK.

“All GEWISS products are designed to perform for the installer, hence the wealth of improvements that have been made on a widely used solution.”

GEWISS is a leading manufacturer of over 20,000 innovative electrical and lighting solutions, including: wiring accessories, such as circuit protection and isolation, industrial plugs, sockets and connection systems, enclosures, and cable management; lighting for industrial, floodlighting, street and decorative applications, and home automation systems.

Each product made by GEWISS combines exceptional quality, innovation and engineering, designed to make life easier for the installer, and optimised for its application and environment.

The 70 RT HP range is available from leading electrical wholesalers, or contact GEWISS UK on tel: 01954 712 757, email: customerservice@gewiss.co.uk GEWISS, www.gewiss.com

12 | May 2018

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IP69

70 RT HP Reduce your installation time by choosing the ultimate solution in terms of safety and strength, with the new range of isolators from 16A to 160A. Available in both plastic or metal boxes, 70 RT HP is ideal for all industrial installations, designed even for the most heavy-duty applications.

Main advantages of 70 RT HP Total protection

Quick assembly

The devices offer the innovative and unique degree of protection with IP66/ IP67/IP69 that protect the product from dust and liquid ingress. 70 RT HP switch isolators are also suitable for the most demanding applications, thanks to their high level of mechanical resistance.

The plastic front of 70 RT HP devices is fixed with just four quarter-turn captive screws; a simple, innovative system to fix or remove the front much more quickly than any other systems available on the market.

Versatile and innovative

Robust and reliable

More technical features have been introduced to this range: with dual metric entry points top and bottom, external fixing points for surface-mounting, plenty of internal space for cable wiring.

Optional N/O N/C auxiliary contacts to make them suitable for a wide variety of applications.

The metal box versions (IP66) are made from painted aluminium alloy, offering high levels of performance over time, even in the most challenging conditions.

The devices are also available in ATEX versions up to 100A for explosive atmospheres.

GEWISS UK LTD T: 01954 712757 E: customerservice@gewiss.co.uk Visit www.gewiss.com

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Indoor applications

Outdoor applications

ATEX applications

30/04/2018 14:20

CONTRACT NEWS SKYSCRAPERS BECOME WORKS OF ART WITH PHILIPS SMART CITY LIGHTING Philips Lighting has completed a large-scale project that uses connected LED architectural lighting to illuminate the facades of 37 buildings, along a 9.2 km stretch of road in the city centre of Ningbo, China. The project, one of the largest of its kind, is aimed at boosting the city’s cultural heritage and tourism, as well as stimulating commercial activities in the city centre.

Buildings along the 9.2km-long Zhongshan Road are a magnet for tourism. The new lighting system, designed by Toryo International Lighting Design Center and Huazhang Lighting Design, uses nearly 2,000 Philips Colour Kinetics controlled and managed by Philips ActiveSite software. The lighting accentuates the architectural features of the buildings while creating sparkling night scenes in the city’s business district and Ningbo’s main square Tianyi Square.

“The lighting design of the Zhongshan Road project took advantage of a powerful mix of colour architectural lighting and world-class narrow projection. Philips

LUCECO BRINGS LIGHT TO PRINT INNOVATION SPECIALIST Luceco and Advanced Interior Solutions (AIS) have recently completed an LED lighting installation at Vinyl Graphics Ltd with LuxBay, an LED luminaire designed for high ceiling mounting positions in industrial and warehouse environments.

Vinyl Graphics Ltd (VGL), based in Reading, is a family-run screen and digital print company with a reputation for quality and innovation.

During the 1980s, VGL introduced the UK’s first computer aided sign-cutting machine and have remained at the forefront of digital print technology ever since.

VGL’s production facilities were poorly lit following the initial base build installation inherited when they took the building. Given the high-quality graphic works produced, there were issues with precision technical equipment not working correctly under the original lighting levels. With the combined expertise of Luceco and Advanced Interior Solutions, a full lighting design was produced, and luminaires installed to ensure the correct lux levels for the environment.

Offering over 50,000 hours of operational life, LuxBay boasts 105 Llm/cW, is environmentally friendly and requires no maintenance over its lifetime. Mounting positions include surface, trunking or suspended and there are options of integrated presence and daylight sensors for use with fixed output or DALI dimmable control gear.

Mark Hill from AIS said, “due to poor levels of lighting from the existing fittings, the print machines at VGL weren’t able to work to full capacity. With the installation of highperformance LED luminaires, the client has reported that cameras on the machines can decipher colours more efficiently and production rates have greatly increased.”

Lighting brought our design concept to life, delivering high performance energy efficient lighting and control software, which enable everything to be monitored and controlled remotely. The design, the technology

and controls combine to not only raise the bar of city illumination in China but does this in a highly sustainable way,” said concept designer, DongLiang Xu, from Toryo International Lighting Design Center.

ESP CAMERAS INSTALLED IN NORK PARK SOCIAL CLUB With the original CCTV system of Nork Park Social Club in Banstead proving inadequate, one of the club’s members, Tony Cable – former events and marketing engineer with NICEIC and ELECSA – was approached for advice on the best equipment to go for on their budget. He recommended ESP and after a consultation about the requirements, they were advised to install the HDView 16-channel full HD 2TB DVR, and to replace the poor quality cameras with new ones and at the same time to increase the number of cameras from six to 10 to maximise coverage of the entire premises and surrounding grounds and car park.

The HDView 16-channel full HD DVR is a high definition digital video recorder that provides superior quality live images and recorded footage, which is essential for any CCTV system installation. It is networkable for remote viewing from a PC or smartphone or tablet – a great feature which allows the club to keep round the clock surveillance on the premises.

The six new bullet cameras installed outside are 3.6mm fixed lens cameras with high definition 2MP AHD sensors and built-in 20m infrared LED illumination. The housings are IP66-rated for weather protection. Four dome cameras have been positioned inside the club house. The white cameras feature 3.6mm fixed lens, HD 2MP AHD sensors, with built in 10m infrared LED illumination.

Another of the club members – NICEIC-approved Contractor, Glen Dunkin – has undertaken a number of jobs for the club and was on hand once more to carry out the full installation.

TAMLITE BOOSTS LIGHTING QUALITY FOR UK THYSSENKRUPP SITE thyssenkrupp’s Milton Keynes facility has been equipped with a host of the latest high-efficiency LED lighting systems from Tamlite Lighting.

With interests in steel production as well as manufacturing ranging from elevators to high-speed trains, thyssenkrupp is one of the world’s most prominent diversified industrial groups. Based in Duisburg and Essen in Germany, but with locations in countries around the world, thyssenkrupp’s operations in the UK include a site in Milton Keynes that delivers a range of products for the aerospace industry.

Improving working conditions and energy efficiency are ongoing priorities, and it was for this reason that Tamlite Lighting was chosen

to complete an extensive lighting upgrade at the Milton Keynes site.

The project was instigated due to multiple pressing factors, including inadequate illumination in some areas and an overarching wish to reduce energy expenditure.

CEF, the main electrical wholesaler, contacted Tamlite Lighting to work on the project due to CEF’s long-running and successful association with the lighting manufacturer. In addition to specifying and providing LED lighting, Tamlite’s in-house design team also recommended the installation of sensors to minimise unnecessary illumination.

The Tamlite MODLED LG PRO fittings were supplied for the office areas. These recessed panels are fitted with I-Tech low glare diffuser optics, ensuring that office areas could be sufficiently illuminated without producing intrusive light, allowing workers to be more comfortable and productive.

Tamlite and CEF worked in close cooperation with thyssenkrupp’s team of contracted electricians to ensure that the installation went as smoothly as possible, and with minimal disruption to the site’s normal operations. The end-result has brought about a dramatic upturn in lighting quality, according to the company.

14 | May 2018

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12/04/2018 11:07

CONTRACT NEWS TAKTIS DETECTION SOLUTION CHOSEN FOR £4.7M COMMUNITY HUB

MICK GEORGE LTD HAS ACQUIRED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE EXPERTS DRBS EAST LTD Mick George Ltd has acquired property maintenance experts DRBS East Ltd. This regional company, based in Haverhill, has significant experience in the property maintenance and insurance industry. DRBS East has been trading for over 25 years.

It offers a service which manages and delivers all aspects of building maintenance requirements, catering for planned, responsive, occupied and pre-occupation works. DRBS East provides this service to both developers and insurance companies.

A local recruitment drive has been activated due to the acquisition,

seeking to attract tradesmen within the immediate catchment to work on a sub-contract basis which will bring employment opportunities to the area.

Discussion is under way to bring other elements of the Mick George Group to Haverhill due to its geographical position and new presence in the town.

David Russo, director at DRBS East Ltd said, “With high housing targets set out by the Government, the market is particularly buoyant especially in the new-build sector.

That combined with the thriving business community that is continuing

to attract outsiders to the region, subsequently means that our services are increasingly sought.”

Jon Stump, finance director at Mick George Ltd added, “Acquiring DRBS East Ltd was a strategic and logical step in developing our facilities management offering. Our intention is to quickly establish this service within our core portfolio and working collaboratively with those as experienced as DRBS East Ltd is only likely to accelerate that process. The initial response has been encouraging but it is still very early stages.”

Kentec Electronics Ltd has had its Taktis fire detection and alarm technology chosen to help protect a new £4.7m flexible use community hub development for Scotland’s Dumfries Baptist Church.

The church is a community facility and will be a new home for the Dumfries Baptist Church’s congregation.

The church had long outgrown the building where the congregation had met since 1873, so suitable land had to be secured and funds raised before project could be realised.

The recently completed new building, a 2,000m2 community hub, comprises a main church hall, seating around 500, and conference facilities including full catering, youth facilities plus a full specification games hall and multi-use games area.

Such a busy, multi-use facility demands a fire safety system of the highest pedigree, performance and reliability, which is why JJ Group (Contracting) Ltd. opted for an open protocol L3 system built around the sophisticated features of the new Taktis Technology Platform, and comprising a Taktis two loop fire control panel connected to a range of Apollo addressable loop powered devices including multi sensor detectors, sounders and beacons.

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NEXT TIME… In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the June issue of ECN will contain special features relating to commercial vehicles and EV infrastructure and energy management as well as a wiring accessories special supplement.

The features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area.

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

Contract News.indd 16

30/04/2018 15:29

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21/03/2018 14:16

CONTRACT NEWS ELLIS SECURES US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL WORKS PROJECT Cable cleats designed and manufactured in Yorkshire by Ellis have been specified and installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at the Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown, South Dakota.

The Fort Randall Dam Pipe Cable System Replacement project is being overseen by the USACE and involves the removal of 48,000ft of single conductor oil impregnated paper insulated copper cable, eight oil filled pipe cables and 8,000ft of steel pipe. It will also involve the subsequent installation of 48,000ft of singleconductor copper cable with 133% EPR insulation, including 96 total class 3- 15kv cable terminations.

Tony Conroy, global sales director of Ellis, said, “The US Army Corps of Engineers had heard of our Centaur cable saddle, knew of our expertise in developing innovative project specific solutions, and contacted our US distributor, NASCO with a view to discussing the development of a bespoke solution for this particular project.

“The job itself proved extremely challenging, not least because of the tight constraints of the existing support structure. But by working together, the combined experience of the USACE engineers and our in-house design team meant we were able to arrive at and then deliver the perfect solution for the project.”

The original idea for the Fort Randall project was to use a fixed cable tray/roller system, but the cable movement caused by thermodynamic forces meant that a snaked system was found to be more appropriate.

Ellis’ bespoke solution required USACE modifications to the existing steel angle supporting structures to accommodate both its Centaur cable saddles and Centaur anchors.”

“The scale of the project needs to be seen to be believed,” added Tony. “For example, the eight oil filled pipe cables removed contained 24,000 gallons of insulating oil; and some of the circuits were an astonishing 1,500ft long.”

The contractor for the Fort Randall Dam project was Colorado-based Interstate Electrical Contractors Inc., and the order was placed through Ellis distributor, California-based NASCO (North American Sales Company Inc.). The project is due for completion in September 2019.

UNITRUNK POWERS COUNCIL COST SAVINGS WITH MERRION HOUSE INSTALLATION Cable management from Unitrunk’s RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) range of solutions has been used in the £41m transformation of Leeds City Council’s Merrion House building.

In a scheme designed by BDP Architects and delivered by BAM Construction, Merrion House has been refurbished, remodelled and extended as part of the Council’s asset optimisation programme. The completed project will provide c.170,000sqft of office space, including an additional 50,000sqft thanks to a six-storey extension.

Cat A and B electrical fit-out for both the refurbishment and extension elements of the building were delivered by electrical contractor G&R Electrical, and the company selected Unitrunk’s RIS Uniklip cable tray and Easy Connect cable basket to help fast track the programme, along with Unitrunk single compartment trunking.

G&R Electrical started the electrical installation on the ninth floor, working down the building, before returning to fit out the 10th floor plant room. Unitrunk’s Easy Connect cable basket provided the solution for installation in the confined ceiling voids and was used for all data cabling, fire alarm, security, building management systems, low voltage and extra low voltage cabling.

Unitrunk’s Uniklip cable tray was installed as risers through the central core and split into three to be routed across the back wall of each wing. From here, a network of single compartment Unitrunk cable trunking was installed enabling power and lighting cabling to be distributed to every area of the office layout.

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17876_Electrical Contracting News_159x224.indd 1 Contract News.indd 18

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CONTRACT NEWS NETWORK RAIL’S LIVERPOOL STREET STATION LIT UP BY GOODLIGHT LED LED Eco Lights has announced that Network Rail has fitted its Goodlight LED lighting into all 18 platforms and the concourse at London’s Liverpool Street Station. According to the company, passengers and staff are benefitting from better quality lighting and at the same time Network Rail is seeing a significant saving in electricity costs and a reduction in its carbon footprint.

The Goodlight LED lamps can be retrofitted into the existing fittings, allowing the

relamping to proceed with little disruption.

Over 3,500 lights were replaced by two teams of two operatives. They worked from two scissor lifts on a permanent night shift during the five-hour window offered by station closing hours over a sixmonth period.

Some commuters shared tweets about the improvement and many of the staff that work at the station expressed appreciation for the improved station environment.

According to LED Eco Lights, Liverpool Street Station is seeing both an increase in light levels and a reduction in energy demand following the relamping with Goodlight LED. The station has measured an increase in lux levels on the platforms and concourse, from approximately 75 lux with the old lighting to 210 lux with Goodlight.

At the same time, there has been a temperature drop of approximately 40 degrees centigrade at the exterior of the globe fixtures, which should improve reliability as well as efficiency.

During the replacement of the concourse lighting in particular, maintenance teams noticed that there was a lot of the discolouration around the lamps and reflectors caused by heat produced by the old fluorescent lamps and control gear. This illustrates both the amount of waste heat generated and the issues it was causing.

LED Eco Lights says the energy saving from the new lights is over 800,000 kWh per year from the platform globe fixtures alone.

Adam Thackeray, works delivery manager for Network Rail, estimates that the new LED lighting uses about half the energy of the old lights, and will pay for itself in just 12-18 months.

LEADING GLASSMAKER APPOINTS SMITH BROTHERS FOR GRID CONNECTION Power engineering contractor Smith Brothers has been appointed by Europe’s leading flat glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain Glass to connect its East Riding industrial site to the Northern Powergrid (NPg).

With the manufacturing facility currently supplied via a private-wire network, high voltage specialist Smith Brothers has been enlisted to connect it to the local distribution network via a turnkey scheme of works. Acting as the Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Smith Brothers will be responsible for all required electrical and civils elements, from initial design through to final commissioning.

Tasked with replacing the existing connection and carrying out necessary network reinforcements, a 10-strong Smith Brothers team will take care of the construction of two 66kV outdoor substations – one for NPg, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), and another for Saint-Gobain.

The engineers will additionally carry out the required cabling works to link the NPg compound into a nearby 66kV supply, and feed this into the private substation. Two parallel-fed 20MVA transformers will be installed along the route between the compounds, and Smith Brothers’ duties will also encompass the construction of a control room, 11kV substation and the fitting of all electrical equipment.

Once these elements have been established, the engineers will then take care of commissioning the entire system and integrating it into both the Northern Powergrid and Saint-Gobain Glass networks.

TANSUN IMPROVES AL FRESCO DINING AT LA PLACETTE IN PARIS La Placette opened its doors in Champs-Elysées, Paris last year and has become a well-known hotspot for locals and tourists. The new restaurant has an outdoor dining area which has been fitted with Tansun infrared heaters to encourage diners to eat outside all year round.

In order to create a better outdoor dining experience, La Placette has installed red Monaco heaters on its terrace so that their customers can enjoy the brasserie experience both indoors and out.

Making the terrace inviting was a priority for the restaurant, so Tansun’s Monaco Triple, Double and Single infrared heaters have been hung from the ceiling at La Placette.

Arthur Mangel, owner of La Placette commented, “Tansun heaters are used in a lot of restaurants around Paris, and after using them in another project we decided that they were the right fit for La Placette. We have 16 heaters installed and I am very pleased with the impact they have made on our business. I would definitely recommend Tansun heaters to others looking to enhance their al fresco dining experience.”

REL EXPANDS WITH NEW REGIONAL OFFICE London-based REL Building Services has announced that it is opening its first regional office to extend its services to clients operating across the East of England.

Located in Cambridge, the office will be headed up by newly appointed Stephen Laverick who joins the firm from CIE International.

Managing director Toby Buckley said, “The vast majority of our projects are located in London and the surrounding areas, but increasingly we are being asked to tender for work in the East of England in and around Cambridge as well as areas such as Northampton.

“Our new office will ensure we can meet the needs of these clients. Stephen brings extensive experience and importantly, vast local knowledge and contacts to our business. He is ideally placed to head up our new regional offer and expand our services not only in Cambridge but across the wider eastern region. “

20 | May 2018

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25/04/2018 15:39

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TRAINING NICEIC AND ELECSA PARTNER WITH JTL

ESP PROVIDES BOOST TO NICEIC FIRE TRAINING PROVISION Training facilities at the NICEIC’s head office in Dunstable have received two new training boards produced and supplied by fire protection and security products supplier, ESP. Giving electricians the opportunity to work with some of the very latest fire protection products, the ESP training boards are being utilised at the Bedfordshire head office, as well as the Chesterfield training centre. They are providing a valuable boost in the amount of hands-on and practical experience available for each individual taking up one of the fire training courses on offer.

Darren Staniforth, technical development manager, NICEIC and ELECSA, commented, “We are indebted to ESP for the help they have given us in supplying these training boards. In the last 18 months we have really invested in our fire training provision to meet the growing demand and provide a much more comprehensive course.

Having previously offered one full day course to try and cover all aspects, we are now offering a modular

approach, which means candidates get a much more indepth learning opportunity. They can choose from a range of modules that cover legislation and standards; the design process; installation, as well as commissioning. Being able to offer a more hands on approach with the support of the ESP fire training boards makes all the difference to the overall learning experience.”

NICEIC and ELECSA are partnering with JTL to offer electricians more choice and higher quality training.

NICEIC, ELECSA and JTL have formed a unique partnership that will ensure electrical contractors have a wide choice of training courses in the country for the upcoming 18th Edition changes.

JTL supports over 3,000 companies and 6,000 apprentices every year. NICEIC and ELECSA are leading certification bodies within the UK, with over 36,000 registered contractors.

The 18th Edition standard will be published on July 1, 2018, leading to the need for more training support.

Electrical contractors will be given a six-month transition period to get up to speed with the changes.

From January 1, 2019, it will then be a requirement that all electrical installations designed after this date comply with BS 7671:2018, 18th Edition (2018).

JTL operates nine of its own centres, and has access to more than 100 training locations throughout England and Wales, whilst NICEIC and ELECSA have access to 80% of the country’s electricians.

NICEIC and ELECSA presently manage two dedicated electrical training centres in the UK and have access to another 10 centres.

The collaboration between the organisations means they will be able to provide 18th Edition training at more locations and to more contractors.

NICEIC, ELECSA and JTL are currently developing training programmes that will ensure electricians can benefit from the latest training delivery methods.

This will include a mixture of classroom and online courses to suit all needs.

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TRAINING COSAC OFFERS ONLINE CSCS TRAINING For the first time, UK electricians seeking to obtain the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Labourer card will now be able to complete a course online.

Operated by COSAC, the work-focused training academy based in Runcorn, Safe2Site is the first online course approved

by CSCS as a route to the Labourer Card.

The Labourer card was introduced to help site managers verify that people working in labouring occupations have achieved the RQF Level 1 (Level 4 in Scotland) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or an approved alternative course, such as Safe2Site.

In a move that aims to revolutionise the way that health and safety courses for workers on construction sites are delivered, those seeking the CSCS Labourer card will be able to take the Safe2Site course at a place and time that suits them – using a computer or laptop.

CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out. By ensuring workers hold the appropriate qualifications and training, the CSCS card plays its part in improving standards and safety of UK construction sites.

Although not a legislative requirement, most contractors and major house builders require construction workers to hold a valid CSCS card before permitting them on their site. Last year alone, there were approximately 140,000 green Labourer cards issued.

Andy Mason, managing director of COSAC, said, “We’re delighted to be able to offer this new, more convenient method of gaining the CSCS Labourer card. One of the main challenges currently being faced in the construction industry is getting workers qualified to the required standards for their occupation. However, our Safe2Site course allows Labourers to study in short, interactive bursts which maximises knowledge retention and helps them get the necessary skills to obtain the CSCS Labourer card.”

MEGAMAN’S KERRY SIMMS WINS NATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARD Kerry Simms, business development manager at Megaman, has been awarded a Learning Achievement Award from the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA).

The annual awards, selected from members of the EDA, recognise the learners who have impressed their assessors and managers most during their one-year apprenticeships.

Kerry Simms received the award for being the highest achiever in the UK who completed the Fundamentals of Electricity MOL course delivered by the EDA – receiving three distinctions in the process.

“I’m extremely proud to win this award,” explained Kerry. “The Fundamentals of Electricity MOL course has helped me take my knowledge of the lighting industry to the next level. I hope that this success inspires others to follow in my footsteps and contribute to the continuing professionalism of the industry.”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said: “Our annual EDA Education and Training Awards recognise outstanding achievement by individuals, like Kerry, who have demonstrated excellence in their performance and a commitment to both their training and to their employer.”

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T | 029 2130 3710 E | sales@premspec.co.uk W | www.premspecelectrical.com All rights reserved © 2018 Premspec elctrical products limited

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KEY ISSUE

SPEAKING UP AND TAKING A STAND Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC, discusses the steps it is taking to help women achieve their aims of breaking into the electrical sector.

A

t a recent event to celebrate International Women’s Day, I was asked to present a speech on women in construction.

It’s a subject that I am particularly passionate about and something I have spoken about on numerous occasions over the last ten years.

The latest talk was different though.

Rather than speaking about the depressingly low levels of women who work in the sector (only around 1% of electricians are female), the talk centred on the reason why, and what needs to be done to improve those figures.

The theme for my talk was the value of speaking up – or more pertinently, the importance of speaking up if you feel something is not quite right.

Speaking up has become a bit of a theme in recent months – particularly in Hollywood and the media where women have felt more empowered to make their voices heard. This collaboration of voices is now making real waves across all industries.

It is only by speaking up against something that you can affect change.

Remaining silent often means an act will be repeated and behaviour endorsed.

By taking the time to speak out, you can change a mindset and effect change. Often, this small step can make more difference than you think.

However, it is sometimes hard to vocalise concerns – particularly when there may be a negative impact on yourself or things that you hold dear. You can end up in the double bind of being annoying if you do and not heard if you don’t.

For me, being the CEO of an organisation, I believe that we have a duty to lead the way.

Leadership also means you have a duty to help the industry. Sometimes this is through open and honest communications with stakeholders. Other times, it is about putting our money where our mouth is – like on this issue of a more diverse workforce.

Recently, we have introduced a bursary scheme for women looking to break into the sector. Through our Jobs for the Girls campaign, we have been at the forefront of promoting opportunities for women.

We have helped bring the issue to national attention and through this bursary scheme we want to take the next step and help those directly involved.

We have already received several applications and we look forward to working with, encouraging and promoting those who will be working in the sector now and for years to come. We will continue to be brave and lead the way.

Encouraging steps As I look back now – seven years on from the launch of our Jobs for the Girls campaign – I am proud of the huge steps we have taken.

More and more women are now coming to NICEIC for advice on how to get a start as an electrician.

Speaking to those females who have taken the brave step to enter what is considered a male dominated environment, we have also discovered that the main barrier preventing them from joining the sector was not one of sexism or inequality – it was simply lack of awareness, opportunity and perhaps most importantly encouragement.

While I have never found a group meeting up to discuss how to keep women out, there has equally been little evidence of a group of people meeting up to discuss how to invite them in.

That’s what we need to change, and by launching our bursary scheme this year, we intend to do just that.

Lessons learnt The Jobs for the Girls campaign has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my career.

Perhaps the most amazing aspect has been how inspired I have become by others.

We started off by trying to help, but in the end they inspired us to do more.

It has made me realise that helping other people to achieve their potential is often the best way to achieve more of your own.

And isn’t that what leadership is really about? Getting everyone involved and making the most of their talents?

Once people start speaking up, it gets easier for others to keep the momentum going.

“The Jobs for the Girls campaign has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my career.”

I am reminded of a quote by the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa; “We bear the wounds of all the battles we avoided.”

As part of its Jobs for the Girls campaign, NICEIC has set up a bursary scheme to help women in the electrical industry. The bursary is open to women of all ages and can help cover training or other associated costs up to a maximum of £500.

For more information and how to apply, visit www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls/bursary

24 | May 2018

Key Issue.indd 24

25/04/2018 15:42

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

More than just a badge: Your industry trade association carries more weight than certification alone.

Offering membership to businesses achieving the highest industry standards and certifications in all aspects of electrical and electrotechnical design, installation, testing, maintenance and monitoring.

www.eca.co.uk/become-a-member info@eca.co.uk

0207 313 4800

@ECAlive *Terms & conditions apply and are subject to change ** Membership eligibility and the stated 25% discount off initial 12 months membership of the ECA is subject to continued registration of qualifying schemes through accepted certification bodies or organisations. All rights reserved.

Registered in England: Company Number 143669. Covering England, Wales & NI.

Untitled-13 1

Shaping our industry. Enabling business growth. Getting you specified.

06/03/2018 16:48

COMPETITION

WIN A VIRGIN SUPERCAR EXPERIENCE DAY NICEIC is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. It has been assessing the electrical competence of electricians for over 60 years and currently maintains a roll of over 28,000 registered contractors.

Electricians registered with NICEIC are assessed on a regular basis to ensure high standards and their work is checked against the IEE Wiring Regulations BS 7671, as well as other standards.

When it comes to improving the electrics in your home or business, choosing an NICEIC registered contractor is the best option.

That’s because all NICEIC registered businesses are covered by a Platinum Promise – a promise that protects you against all non-compliant installation work.

Should any work carried out by an NICEIC registered contractor be found not to comply with the relevant installation standards, NICEIC can instruct the contractor to go back and carry out the work to the required standard.

If the contractor is no longer in business or disputes the matter, NICEIC will have the work rectified by another registered contractor at no extra cost.

The Platinum Promise is valid for up to six years from the date of the completion of the original work and covers work up to a maximum of £25,000 for any one installation.

Platinum Promise is an assurance that choosing an NICEIC registered installer is always the best option.

NICEIC works in partnership with several leading brands, including B&Q Homefit, who only employ NICEIC registered electricians to carry out electrical work for its customers.

Similarly, high street giant John Lewis worked with NICEIC directly on its Home Solutions project – which puts John Lewis customers in direct contact with registered tradespeople.

Courtesy of

March competition The winner of an Apple iPad courtesy of Dimplex is Philip Hodder of Philip Hodder Electrical Contractors.

Closing date To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following questions: 2. NICEIC registered businesses are covered by what scheme? a) Silver Promise b) Gold Promise c) Platinum Promise

1. How many contractors are registered with NICEIC? a) 28,000 b) 20,000 c) 2,000

3. How many years is Platinum Promise valid for? a) Up to one year b) Up to three years c) Up to six years.

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

The name of the winner will be published in the July 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.

The answers to May’s competition are: 1............................................. 2. ............................................... 3. ................................................

Personal Details Name .................................................................................................................................

Have you previously registered for your free monthly copy of ECN? What is the main activity of your business?

Yes

How many people read your copy of ECN? 1

2-3

1

Electrical contractor

2

Manufacturer

3 4 5

Public utilities

6

Facilities management

7

Training/qualifications

8

Trade association

4

SELECT

9

Other (please specify)

5

NAPIT

6 7

4-6

6+

No Which of the following areas are you interested in?

Circuit protection and switchgear

Wholesale/distribution

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

1 2

Test equipment

Consultancy

3

Tools

1

NICEIC

4

Cable management

2

ECA

5

Security

3

B&ES

6

Fire detection & emergency lighting

7

Lighting

8

Heating and ventilation

9

UPS

ELECSA

10

Wiring accessories

IET

11

Network infrastructures

12

Other (please specify)

How many full time employees work for your company?

1-5 21-50

Competition.indd 22

6-10 51+

11-20

8

Other (please specify)

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

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

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

Address ............................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................... Postcode ......................................

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

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

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

Signature ....................................................................... Date ............................................

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

25/04/2018 15:43

YOU’LL BE SPOILT

FOR CHOICE From white moulded, ultra-slim contemporary designs, to decorative metal plates;

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Over 600 Products Across 8 Different Ranges Ultima

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Manufactured from stainless steel and available in brushed & polished chrome finishes, with no visible plastic switch surround.

A comprehensive, modern, ultra-slim, decorative, stainless-steel accessory range finished in brushed and polished chrome with white or black coloured inserts.

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A modern designed smooth-edged range of wiring accessories made from urea, which has inherent anti-microbial properties.

A range of euro sized modules allowing integration of TV, Data and USB charging points into Ultima, Premium Edge & Profile faceplates.

Arctic Edge - Traditional

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A white, square-edged, moulded accessory manufactured in a robust urea construction.

Arctic Edge offers traditional design values for new, or existing installations.

An extensive range of grid modules provide easy on site configuration, offering seamless integration into matching faceplates.

Hurricane - Weatherproof

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Constructed from a High Impact Resistant material. Hurricane products are designed to withstand ingress from dust and water, in both indoor and outdoor applications.

A comprehensive range of metal clad wiring accessories for use in the most demanding environments. Manufactured from heavy duty steel and finished in satin silver.

0121 711 1990 sales@niglon.co.uk | www.niglon.co.uk Untitled-3 1

17/04/2018 10:27

PROJECT FOCUS

A GRAND DESIGN Yards from a protected cathedral, and set within the peaceful South Hertfordshire countryside, Chris and Kayo’s home is no ordinary residential development. MK Electric tells us more.

T

he one-storey property sits on 11 different levels as it follows the contours of the land, and has two living wings, a cinema room, and an outdoor putting green. The home attracted the attention of Channel 4 show Grand Designs recently, and appeared on the programme in early October with host Kevin McCloud, impressed by the way the sprawling plot subtly and sympathetically blends into the surrounding parkland.

This was a necessity when it came to building on this site. Despite being left as wasteland for a number of years, several large-scale developments were turned down for spoiling the views over the cathedral, or for not fitting in with the aesthetic demanded by such a prominent location.

Once planning permission had finally been granted to build on the site, however, Chris and Kayo needed to source companies that could help them realise their vision. When it came to wiring devices they immediately opted for MK Electric, a decision taken in no small part due to the option of using the company’s Design Service.

28 | May 2018

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PROJECT FOCUS

Custom details The MK Design Service allows customers to create tailor-made solutions from a wide range of design options. It gives them the flexibility to enjoy the build quality of MK Electric’s Elements range in the exact colour, material or finish they require, allowing the products to enhance their surroundings and create a premium look, complementing any interior design.

The wiring devices were tailor-made through the MK Design Service and produced using a real wood finish to perfectly complement the Japanese maple interior. Chosen by the couple to bring a light, airy feel to the home, the materials were inspired by temples in Japan.

Chris, a professional golf instructor, has travelled the world through his job, and he worked at length with his friend, architect Rogan Gale Brown, to incorporate design ideas from his travels – in the process displaying the same eye for detail in property design as he does for the mechanics of a golf swing.

“It was important for us to discover companies that were willing to do something different,” he reflected when explaining the thought process behind the design.

“In MK Electric, we most certainly found that. From day one they were looking for ways in which they could help to make our vision a reality. They bent over backwards to ensure that we got what we wanted, and really became a part of the project, which is exactly what we needed.”

Form and function Chris and Kayo were impressed by the options of the Design Service, which enhanced the interior by providing a common design aesthetic, while maintaining the form and functionality required by the family.

On brick areas, the switches and sockets were selected from the 16 standard Elements finishes. Metallic brushed bronze was used throughout, creating a high-quality finish which matched other aspects of the home’s crisp interior.

“Initially, we were going to go for a completely different product range in the MK Electric portfolio,” explains Chris. “But the team were able to advise us on exactly what would work best and went through everything in detail with us to ensure we got the solution we wanted.

“With all the switches and sockets, you can quite clearly see that they are there, but they complement the look of the house, rather than detracting from it.

They seamlessly fit in with the rest of the property, which is exactly what we wanted when we asked MK Electric to help us realise our vision.

“We were well aware when we set out on the project that white plastic wasn’t going to cut it. In Elements we found something that fitted in perfectly.”

It wasn’t just the look that made Elements the perfect fit for Chris and Kayo. The functionality of the range made it an ideal solution for locations right around the home.

Along with traditional switch sockets, the couple also opted for electronic dimmers and touch switches for a modern, sleek solution which is easy for the family to operate thanks to LED displays, intuitive fingertip control and vapour trails.

The products in situ match the tones of the interior and help to create a common design aesthetic from floor to ceiling throughout the property.

“Throughout the whole process, MK Electric bent over backwards for us to make sure that we were successful,” Chris says, thinking back on his experience of the project.

“The finish that the MK Design Service was able to achieve was beautiful, perfectly matching the tones used throughout the rest of the house to create a unique look that fits in with the rest of the property.

“MK Electric were an important partner of the project. We knew we could rely on them thanks to their reputation for manufacturing excellence, quality and reliability built up over almost 100 years and we really appreciate their commitment to the project from start to finish.”

MK Electric, www.mkelements.com

In their element ‘The wiring devices were tailor made through the MK Design Service and produced using a real wood finish to perfectly complement the Japanese maple interior.”

Following an in-depth consultation, the couple decided that MK Electric’s Elements wiring devices, typically popular in higherend hospitality and luxury homes, would be the best fit for the property. This enabled them to achieve a harmonious, consistent look, with the bespoke design amplifying the impact of the maple interior they had created.

Using the MK Design Service, Chris and Kayo provided a sample of the Japanese maple veneer used within the home which the team then recreated to produce matching wiring devices which were thoughtfully positioned throughout the home. Complementing the maple finish were bronze switches which created a harmonised aesthetic and enhanced the look of the living space.

May 2018 | 29

Project Focus – MK.indd 29

25/04/2018 15:44

8newprodu 8newpro ducts du ucts...fr .fro .fr rom thewebs thewe bsi siite te towatc towatch h!

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

Suitable fo f r most types of lighting proj o ect, covering interior or exterior areas oj and available with a next day delivery — they can complete a proj o ect even oj when design and purchase decisions are left f until the last minute. ft Emelux products are tested and selected to provide high quality, y y, competitively priced lighting equipment to comply with the relevant safe f ty fe standards and are CE marked.

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ON HAND FOR 18TH EDITION With just weeks to go until the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations are published on July 2, Paul Collins, technical and training manager from Hager, answers some of the questions electrical professionals are asking.

What are the IET Wiring Regulations?

The IET Wiring Regulations are the national standard for the design and erection of electrical installations in domestic, commercial and other buildings and installations.

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What are the proposed changes?

In March, the IET and BSI announced the official list of changes to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, or BS 7671 as it’s otherwise known. At Hager, we believe some of the most significant changes include: recommendations for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits, changes to the requirements for the inclusion of surge protection devices, supporting wiring systems within buildings against their premature collapse in the event of a fire,

Omega

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LED decorative wall luminaires

provision of overload protection of devices within assemblies, and a consideration for the use of different types of RCDs. There are of course many others.

How will the changes affect me?

The revision to the Wiring Regulations means, from January 1 2019, all work carried out by electrical contractors will need to fully comply with the new regulations. It’s therefore important electrical contractors take the time now to understand the upcoming changes to ensure the transition to the 18th Edition is a smooth one.

How will Hager be supporting electrical contractors?

We’ve recently launched ‘Regs Live’, an initiative developed solely to make sure electricians are fully aware of the changes to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and what they will need to do differently going forward.

As part of Regs Live, we will also be taking the Regs Live team to a number of key trade events throughout the year. At each show, Hager’s team of experts will be on hand to answer the questions of electrical professionals and offer guidance concerning the revised regulations.

For more information on the 18th Edition to the Wiring Regulations, visit www.hager.co.uk/18thedition.

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30 | May 2018

25/04/2018 15:46

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For a quotation please email sales@mosselectrical.co.uk or call 01322 282 700 Untitled-7 1

11/04/2018 15:14

FEATURE

WIRING

BRAND VALUE With an influx of budget products from hitherto unknown names hitting the UK electrical accessories market, Marie Parry, group marketing director at Scolmore, outlines the value of investing in a trusted brand.

A

ccording to AMA Research, the UK wiring accessories market is expected to be worth £1.8bn by the end of 2018, while the market for home automation products, including intelligent wiring accessories, is described as a rapidly growing market that has benefitted from the spread of wireless and app based technologies, and is forecast to nearly double in value by 2021.

The opportunities that this growth and expansion promises can be evidenced in the influx of products onto the market in recent years, from unknown names from outside the market. As a sector, we are only too familiar with the pressures of tight margins and the need to complete projects on time, to shorter programmes and within restricted budgets. Within these constraints, the appeal of a lower priced product may make sense in the short term; but, can contractors afford to put themselves in a position where

a product may fail to meet the requirements for which it has been specified, resulting in time lost, delays on-site, and additional expenditure on labour?

Online impact The growth in online sales of electrical products is also having an impact. The market for online distribution of electrical products was estimated to be worth £1.3bn in 2017 according to a report by AMA Research, having grown by almost 300% since 2012. Whilst the largest distribution channels for the sales of electrical products are direct from manufacturers and via electrical wholesalers, in terms of online sales, the most significant distributors are ‘internet only’ distributors, with around 42% of the market. One of the key drivers for growth of the online channel in recent years has been the widening of product ranges by large internet retailers (such as Amazon and eBay) where access to lesser known brands is more likely.

Online distribution of electrical products has grown at a monumental rate

When you procure products from an established brand with a trusted reputation, the purchase doesn’t start and end at the point when the products are ordered and received. You should be embarking on a whole process or journey that, as well as delivering the tangible products, allows you to take advantage of the considerable knowledge and expertise that a trustworthy manufacturer has built up over many years of successful trading and collaborative partnerships.

32 | May 2018

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25/04/2018 15:47

WIRING

FEATURE

Partnership benefits Working with a reputable brand will allow access to an unrivalled range of products, services, facilities and expertise, helping customers keep up-to-date with the very latest products, technologies and regulation changes. A dedicated technical support team and customer service department will be trained to provide the right level of support whether it is productrelated or more general advice seeking.

Such is the pace of development in this industry – with more smart systems becoming available – it can prove difficult to keep up with the raft of new products and solutions that are coming on board. It is a manufacturer’s responsibility to provide customers with the opportunity to be educated on how these new products work.

As a group, we have always put great emphasis on the importance of training and development as part of our service to customers. Having invested time and money to harness the latest technologies to develop cutting-edge products, we want to ensure that our customers are given every opportunity to understand how the products work and how they can be utilised to best advantage on a project.

With contractors under increasing pressure to complete projects within tight deadlines and budgets, it is more important than ever that they have the security of knowing the brands they are working with are rigorously tested, fully compliant, will help deliver faster installation and are backed up with reliable customer support service.

“The UK wiring accessories market is expected to be worth £1.8bn by the end of 2018.”

Investing in the future As a leading player in the electrical accessories market, Scolmore cares about the future of the industry and invests a significant amount of time and money to help support and promote the industry through a range of measures including sponsorship, event organisation and attendance. Our support for the

NICEIC and ELECSA National Apprentice of the Year competition – now in its third year and going from strength to strength – demonstrates a commitment to help secure the future of the industry by educating and developing the next generation of electricians.

Working with a reputable brand offers a number of benefits

Scolmore Group, www.scolmore.com

Metalclad – when the going gets tough!

Traditionally a heavy-duty range, Metalclad is ideal where hard-wearing performance is required, making it the perfect solution for workshops, garages, sheds, schools and industrial premises. And a popular choice for achieving a modern industrial look within a property looking for a sophisticated edge.

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Wiring – Scolmore.indd 33

Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection • Smart Lighting Control & Multi-room Audio

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25/04/2018 15:47

FEATURE

THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER

CLEAR COMPLIANCE In 2005, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was introduced in England and Wales as part of government legislation. Peter Adams, support services manager at Mackwell, explains what it means in practice.

T

he order dictates that, to ensure the safety of occupants, tenants or workers within commercial premises, a responsible person or persons is to be appointed to carry out initial and regular on-going risk assessments.

Requirements set out in the order include measures for the provision of safe means of escape. The order also states that for premises with emergency routes and exits, that these should be correctly signed.

If the routes and exits are determined as requiring illumination, they must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity. This will ensure safety of all occupants in the case of failure of their normal lighting supply. Other countries including Scotland and Ireland, as well as countries across Europe, have their own legislation as do various countries across Europe and the rest of the world.

Legal requirement Together with fire alarms, smoke alarms and sprinkler systems etc., emergency lighting is a legal requirement once the risk assessment deems that the provision of it is necessary. Failure to provide it may eventually result in prosecution, including fines and even custodial sentences.

For this reason, it is not difficult to appreciate how the design, implementation and on-going compliance of an emergency lighting scheme may be considered an unenviable task resulting in a heavy burden for the appointed ‘responsible’ or ‘competent’ person or persons as described in the RRO (Regulatory Reform Order).

Fortunately, there are numerous legislative bodies whose role amongst other things is to provide advice, guidance and safety recommendations on the design and provision of reliable and compliant emergency lighting.

These recommendations are detailed in documents such as British Standards (BS) or European Norms (EN or NORME EUROPÉENNE). Indeed, many of these standards are harmonised across Europe and include essential material to ensure conformance to legislation.

The standards The catalogue of standards or harmonised standards which may impact emergency lighting are too numerous to detail in this article, but the list below provides more than a good starting point for designers, specifiers, consultants, electrical contractors and installers alike.

“Emergency lighting is a legal requirement once the risk assessment deems that the provision of it is necessary.”

• BS 5266-1:2016 – Emergency lighting code of practice (UK only) Part of BS 5266, this element provides guidance on areas that should be considered in the design, installation and wiring of emergency lighting systems, in order to ensure the safety of people in commercial and non-residential premises in the event of a failure of the normal lighting supply. BS 5266 should be referred to in conjunction with the following standards: • BS EN 50172 (BS 5266-8) – Emergency escape lighting systems This standard specifies the provision of illumination of escape routes in the event of failure of the normal supply. It also specifies the minimum provision of emergency lighting based on the application of the premises.

• BS EN 1838:2013 – Lighting applications, emergency lighting This European standard specifies the minimum lux levels for emergency escape and standby lighting systems installed in premises where they are required. It applies mainly to locations which can be accessed by members of the public and occupants such as workers or students.

• BS 5499-4:2013 – Safety signs: code of practice for escape route signing This British standard gives guidance and recommendations on the provision of signage for escape routes as part of an emergency lighting design.

• BS EN 60598-1:2015 – Luminaires, general requirements and tests This standard details and specifies the tests and checks required to ensure the safety, correct functionality and performance of luminaires which include electrical light sources. It covers classification, electrical and mechanical construction, correct marking and photobiological parameters to name just a few.

• BS EN 60598-2-22:2014 – Luminaires for emergency lighting, general requirements and tests This standard mirrors the above but for emergency luminaires in particular. Some of the tests and checks in this standard are more stringent than those in part one due to the safety-critical nature of emergency lighting.

• BS EN 61347-2-7 – Particular requirements for battery supplied electronic control gear for self-contained emergency lighting This standard lays out the safety requirements for battery supplied control gears for emergency lighting.

• BS EN 62034 – Automatic test systems for battery powered emergency escape lighting This standard specifies the performance and safety requirements of components included in automatic test systems for use with emergency lighting systems.

Safety critical Emergency lighting is a safety critical resource which is a requirement within commercial and other non-residential premises which include access for members of the public, workforces, students and people who are elderly and may be infirm.

When designing and implementing an emergency lighting scheme, there are many factors which must be considered – but the fundamental overriding objective is to ensure the on-going safety of the persons detailed above. The acknowledgement and use of the various standards listed above as an aid will help to guarantee compliance.

It is important to note, however, that like most systems which are reliant on electrical power, quality and longevity of components and shelf life of consumable items’ on-going compliance can only be guaranteed by effective testing, maintenance and replacement.

Mackwell, www.mackwell.com

34 | May 2018

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25/04/2018 15:48

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Untitled-2 1

05/04/2018 09:32

ADVERTISEMENT

A DOWNLIGHT CUT OUT FOR AN LED AGE UK manufacturer Integral LED discusses the launch of its new Multi-Fit downlight, with which the company aims to introduce the sector to a new generation of LED luminaires with ease of installation as the core feature.

W

Integral’s new MultiFit downlight offers a number of benefits with its new design

ithin the dynamic electrical market, lighting is a very fast-moving category.

There is hardly a lighting application that has not been transformed by LED technology. For the installer, not a week goes by without a launch of an LED lamp, strip or luminaire.

Apparently, we are promised plenty of innovations ahead. The question is – what direction is next?

LED’s overthrow of conventional lighting has targeted the flaws in legacy lighting.

Naturally, lower running costs have been the key feature behind the success of the semiconductor-based lights. However, producers have taken other avenues to gain acceptance of the new lighting technology. LED lamps of today have lost their unsightly heatsinks and now resemble the Edison lamps of old. A subsequent generation has tackled the quality of

“There is hardly a lighting application that has not been transformed

by LED technology.”

light with high CRI and ‘dim-to-warm’ features that match the characteristics of incandescent illumination.

Multi talented Integral’s new Multi-Fit downlight points the way forward to the next generation.

The new design has combined many of the virtues of LED and promises to be the most versatile luminaire to install. Increasingly efficient chips, the miniaturisation of onboard circuits, and the integration of heat management have all contributed to making a fixture that is smaller, sleeker and more flexible. Essentially, the new product is a universal light that fits almost every size of ceiling cut-out likely to be encountered by a contractor in the field.

The Multi-Fit can be installed in cut-outs as small as 65mm and increasing to a maximum size of 205mm. The aim is to provide a one-product-fits-all solution for both residential and workplace projects. Integral believes the product also serves an existing need to replace downlights on a maintenance cycle. The MultiFit’s adaptability also provides a uniform light fitting where an assortment of cut-outs exist across a ceiling.

“LED brings many benefits to the ‘ease of installation’ of a luminaire. The relatively light weight of LED units provides a range of advantages,” says Alex Duggan, Integral LED’s senior product manager. “Additionally, new heat

management materials and the continuing miniaturisation of the onboard electronics and the light source itself, all enable a fundamentally new approach to the design of LED fixture and fittings. Integral’s LED Multi-Fit downlight is only the first of a series of products that have been designed to provide a flexible solution on-site.”

Shaking up the system At the core of the Multi-Fit downlight is a uniquely designed configurable bracket and clip system that allows one fixture to span any aperture. The lightweight aluminium body enables the springs to hold the fitting firmly in place within a plasterboard or suspended ceiling. Removing the clips allows the unit to be surface mounted, adding further flexibility. In addition, the downlight has an ultra-thin body and an elegant and compact design that will complement contemporary interiors.

Usefully the Multi-Fit’s diffuser, light source and control gear are all fitted below the ceiling line which avoids the provisions regarding use of TPa or TPb as stated in section 3.11 of Building Regulations. The luminaire is powered by a mere 18W and uses an integrated driver that eliminates visible flicker. The unit comes in a choice of 3,000K and 4,000K, and outputs 1,440lm and 1,530lm respectively, through an opal frosted diffuser for a uniform light.

Integral is planning further additions to the Multi-Fit range of highly adaptable luminaires with further easy fit and universal installation features.

Integral LED, www.integral-led.com

36 | May 2018

Integral.indd 36

25/04/2018 15:52

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Untitled-3 1

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17/04/2018 10:28

FEATURE

FIRE DETECTION

STAY IN CONTROL Kentec explains how renewed scrutiny on fire safety has put a timely focus on control panels for contractors.

T

he review of building regulations ordered by the UK government following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, whatever its outcome, is likely to include calls for far-reaching legislative reform of fire safety. There is a broader acknowledgement that where lives and property are at stake, there will be an intensified scrutiny of issues, such as the current regulatory guidance on the specification of sprinklers and alarm systems.

Similar concerns are also being reflected in the insurance industry, which emphasises that fire safety systems such as fire suppression systems actively pay for themselves through lower insurance premiums. A growing trend in the installation of sprinklers is predicted since the specification of this fire protection measure is thought to lead directly to reduced premiums somewhere in the order of 50%.

Forecasts for the next five years predict an annual growth rate approaching 10% in the profitability of extinguishant systems, with the sprinkler-based systems segment continuing to dominate with a 60% share.

Beyond residential buildings, the growth of automatic fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems installed in new-builds and refurbs can be seen to range from care homes and student accommodation to the budget hotel sector and heritage buildings, as well as

IT-enabled convergence permits closer integration of devices such as smoke detectors and sprinkler indicators into a common interface for management control and monitoring

continuing applications in the industrial, commercial and technology sectors. In the education sector, it is interesting to note that, even without sprinklers in new schools being mandatory throughout all of the UK, one-in-three of ‘priority-build’ schools are being fitted with the equipment.

Taken together, then, medium-term prospects for contractors and installers to boost system integration in life safety building management applications remains positive and profitable.

New business opportunities From the installer’s perspective, new business opportunities for extinguishant control panel installations are significant.

With the leading developers’ latest extinguishant control panels, their intuitive simplicity of programming will be appreciated and found to be a powerful tool for rapidly processing sophisticated cause-

and-effect configuration options. These can save commissioning engineers time with their quick and efficient system start-up.

These simple-to-use, easy-to-set-up control panels have powerful capabilities to streamline troubleshooting, programming and maintenance, while giving end-users full confidence in the safety systems they have selected.

An example of the concept of configurability is the Syncro XT+ addressable multiarea extinguishant control panel from Kentec

Guardians against fire Fire-extinguishing and fire-suppressing systems protect the continuity of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sites such as data centres, utilities, mass transit and distribution hubs or communications networks – vital for a modern economy. In the case of fire, it is essential to minimise any disruption and to avoid potential impact on businesses and consumers, as a blaze can spread quickly and totally wipe out network IT operations with very little warning.

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FIRE DETECTION

FEATURE

For responsible risk management, the central task of a fire safety system is two-fold: at the same time as critically protecting life 24/7, the aim is also to keep the premises functioning, even in the event of a fire, by remedying the situation before it becomes a catastrophe.

Smarter troubleshooting The significant advance in digital addressable fire alarm systems means contractors and system integrators can apply the superior benefits of the technology to more solutions. Supported by high integrity fire data comms, such systems meet compliance criteria for traceability by their precise pinpointing of an addressable detector’s ID for both status interrogation and service and maintenance audits. Critically, these advances allow users to effectively troubleshoot the system for breaches while benefitting from analytics that permit the planning of environmental improvements that can reduce the lifecycle costs of the system.

Of course, behind these vital preventative steps lies the first line of defence in safeguards that not only insure against potential risk to life by rogue systems but forestall operational malfunctions and fiscal loss.

Up to code

Defeating rogue systems Crucially, when engaged on a system’s installation or its expansion with new devices, installers should observe the first golden rule of good practice: recognise that new products may have minimal security credentials to allow for easy system set-up, although these default credentials, if not changed immediately, could easily be compromised. Retention of factory-set passwords such as ‘admin’ or ‘user’ can be an open door for unauthorised access.

System integrators are storing up future problems unless default security parameters such as keys and passwords are changed before the system is launched. Strict management of system users’ confidentiality should ensure only complex multi-type passwords with more than 10 characters are assigned.

Establish site security policies to ensure unique password credentials are adopted for each site. Avoid credentials shared among a group of users as traceability and accountability can be negated.

Connect and protect New challenges and threats arising from IP (Internet Protocol) Convergence are likely to be high in the security concerns system developers must now confront.

This is particularly true of fire detection and life safety systems, when IT-enabled convergence can permit, for example, the closer integration of devices such as smoke detectors and sprinkler indicators or lift alarms into a common interface for management control and monitoring throughout an entire building and its remote sites. Developers, therefore, be warned: ‘if you can’t protect it, don’t connect it.’

“Forecasts for the next five years predict an annual growth rate approaching 10% in the profitability of extinguishant systems.”

Needless to add, an important consideration for UK contractors when assessing extinguishant control systems as an extension of current activities is to recognise fully the importance of the strictest conformance with installation codes and the complete compliance of components and systems with an appropriate British Standard.

System integrators are urged to review security access standards of all those critical elements of critical infrastructure whose remote access capabilities are under threat: facilities, systems, sites, property, information, people, networks and processes, telecommunications, internet co-location sites, logistics control areas, production machinery, broadcasting or CNI installations supporting essential archive resources, whose integrity taken as a whole designedly requires protection at all times.

The penalties for ignoring such routine risk audits can be the loss or compromise of critical data gathering which could result in a major detrimental impact on the availability, delivery or integrity of essential services, leading to severe economic or social consequences or, in the worst case, to loss of life.

A new life safety system based around Kentec’s Syncro XT+ addressable extinguishing control panel technology is installed in the new terminal at Norway’s Bergen Airport, Flesland

Fire-extinguishing and fire-suppressing systems can protect life and aid the continuity of critical sites such as data centres, utilities, distribution hubs, communications networks and mass transit

provides addressable detection over one or two loops with 16 zone LED indicators and is available with up to four extinguishant release control units built-in.

The extinguishant control modules on the panel have a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs to monitor and control the extinguishing system whether the fire suppressant agents are gas, aerosol or cooling agents (such as sprinklers.)

Sprinkler-based systems, it should be noted, are a requirement for data centres under the terms of insurers in the USA, where oxy-reduct (oxygen reduction) systems are not recognised. In this regard, the configurability of the XT+, via a simple programming interface, means that the panel can be programmed to meet the client’s specific extinguishant or suppression system requirements, a versatility of particular value to contract management within Tier 3 and Tier 4 critical IT support categories.

Kentec, www.kentec.co.uk

Scalable control systems For system integrators, extensive easy to set up configuration options reduce risk factors in functionality and allow the programming of the system to be extensively modified with clarity at every step along the developmentpath. Such adaptability permits the flexible configuration of panels according to the needs of each interface, with the capability to match specific supervisory structures – for example, from the restricted entry-level user, through facilities management, to the maintenance engineer.

An example of this concept of configurability is the Syncro XT+ addressable multi-area extinguishant control panel from Kentec. Fully approved to EN12094-1, EN54-2 and EN54-4, the XT+

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FEATURE

HEALTH & SAFETY

SAFETY IN THE SECTOR Chris Beasley, health and safety manager at CEF, explores the common causes of accidents in the electrical trade, and offers advice about how contractors can keep health, safety and first aid front of mind in the workplace.

I

n today’s busy working environment, ensuring that health and safety remains a primary concern can sometimes seem like an impossible task. In the electrical sector, jobs often involve working with dangerous equipment, at heights and around other trades – factors which increase the risk to contractor and installer safety.

A recent report from Business Insider UK recognised ‘electrician’ as one of the top 10 most dangerous professions, averaging 27 injuries per week (Electrical

Safety First – 2016/17 statistics). Across all sectors, workplace incidents have accounted for the loss of approximately 31 million working days – collectively costing employers about £14.9bn.

Reinforcing the importance of health and safety is not only beneficial for the individual worker, but can also benefit businesses in terms of reduced down time.

By investigating the more common causes of incidents in the workplace, and investing in methods to address them, electrical contractors can reduce the likelihood of health and safety issues arising.

Working at heights “A recent report recognised ‘electrician’ as one of the top 10 most dangerous professions.”

Working with ladders, steps and other access equipment is often required while installing, maintaining or replacing electrical systems. Injuries are often the result of missteps or falls, which can result in time off work or even a life-changing injury.

Using a ladder safely and effectively may be second nature to electrical contractors, but it’s always worth refreshing best practice by looking over the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s most recent safe use of ladders and stepladders guidance document.

In the wider industry, it’s reassuring to know

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HEALTH & SAFETY in buildings presents the greatest risk, and should be planned and monitored to ensure it is carried out in the safest possible way.

Caring for cuts

Electrical equipment must always be properly maintained to avoid accidents

that changes to European ladder standards are being developed, improving the safety of ladders and making elevated access easier and safer.

Hidden hazards Electrical accidents can occur in any workplace; but for electricians, whose role involves working with complex wiring systems, live circuits and potentially heavy and hazardous equipment, the risks are significantly greater.

It’s therefore crucial that electrical equipment is properly maintained to ensure that workers are not vulnerable to dangerous situations. Refurbishment work

“Reinforcing the importance of health and safety can benefit businesses in terms of reduced down time.”

Common injuries in the electrical trade include flash burns, repetitive stress injuries, and cuts or grazes. It’s important to always carry a first-aid kit on-site or in a vehicle – and most importantly, fully understand how to use it.

First-aid kits can be purchased through wholesalers such as CEF, and if you haven’t attended a first aid course in a year or two, booking one to top-up your knowledge is always a good idea.

For cuts and grazes, one product we recommend is Accident Plaster from Dr Weil’s. Initially designed for pro-athletes, the spray-on plaster creates a protective, transparent film over a cut or graze, sanitising the area and creating a barrier against infection. Moreover, it protects against Weil’s disease, a severe form of the bacterial condition leptospirosis, which can be picked up in areas where rats are present.

Safety on the road CEF was recently awarded SafeContractor Accreditation, a recognition which demonstrates the company’s long-standing commitment to the health and safety of its employees, customers and suppliers.

As part of this, CEF is currently in the process of introducing the Lightfoot vehicle

FEATURE

management system across its van fleet.

The system is proven to reduce the risk of accidents, and improve the safety of drivers on the road. The Lightfoot scheme enables professionals to be as safe as possible while travelling between jobs, and is a useful technology for contractors who need to move between sites as part of their role.

Learning more about health and safety For any contractor who wants to learn more about health and safety, industry bodies offer easily accessible and downloadable resources, literature and support. The NICEIC provides a range of courses to help electrical professionals improve their health and safety knowledge and understanding.

The HSE also provides various online documents which detail best practice for those working in the electrical sector.

The industry has undergone significant change in recent years. Evolving technology has made systems more complex, and increased demand – alongside the ever growing skills shortage – means the pressures on an electrician’s time is greater than ever.

In light of this, ensuring the sector is as safe as possible is paramount if we want to promote the industry as a viable and attractive career path for nextgeneration electricians.

CEF, cef.co.uk

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H&S – CEF.indd 41

30/04/2018 13:51

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

TOOLBOX TRANSFORMATION Take a look inside any electrician’s toolbox and you are sure to find a wide array of pliers. But did you know that behind each modern-day pair of pliers is thousands of years of history and a whole world of innovation, development and design? Malcolm Duncan from Klein Tools tells us more.

I

t’s hard to believe that mankind has been using pliers for thousands of years, yet historians can trace their origins back to ancient civilisations like the Greeks, who created rudimentary versions to help them in their everyday work.

Those early versions – which were more like tongs – are a far cry from the sleek designs we use in the electrical industry today, capable of dealing with the many different cables, components and tasks a contractor is faced with daily, yet the basic mechanics remain the same. It’s always two levers, joined at a fulcrum, which give the user a mechanical advantage over the jaws of the tool.

Perhaps the enduring success of pliers lies in both their simplicity and their ability to evolve in tandem with the needs of trades over time. Those who make them keep reinventing the wheel, to ensure pliers stay relevant in an ever-changing world.

One company which is no stranger to the evolution of pliers is Klein Tools, which has

been making these toolbox essentials for over 160 years. Here, we look at the top 10 ways that pliers have changed over time, and why they remain an electrician’s favourite.

Fit for purpose designs Klein Tools founder Mathias Klein opened a small blacksmith shop in Chicago in 1857, and after fixing a broken pair of pliers for a linesman, he began to make his own handcrafted tools for the trade.

At the time, tradespeople from all over America came to Chicago to install the telephone, telegraph and electricity lines, so Mathias quickly began to develop new plier designs tailored to the tasks the men were doing.

A Klein Tools catalogue from the early 1900s shows the variety of shapes and sizes of pliers that Mathias made including round nose, square nose, curved nose, cutting and long handled pliers. Klein Tools now makes 165 different pairs of pliers, offering electrical contractors a tool for every conceivable application.

Multipurpose pliers One of the more recent developments in plier design has been the introduction of multipurpose pliers, which allow installers to accomplish more than one job with the same tool. For example, pliers which also cut or strip wire, or crimp terminals.

As well as saving contractors money on buying several tools when one will do the job, multipurpose pliers can deliver a time saving as there is no need to keep hunting around for different tools.

Mass manufacturing When Mathias Klein made his first pliers, he used an anvil and basic blacksmith’s tools, but by the turn of the 20th century this method of making tools would be replaced by the modern assembly production line, all thanks to Henry Ford and the introduction of mass manufacturing. From its production facility in Chicago, Klein Tools now makes a pair of pliers every seven seconds.

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TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

Mass production has enabled plier manufacturers to better control the quality and design of their products and bring new pliers to market more quickly.

Advances in steel quality To guarantee a good quality product, you need to use good quality materials and at the turn of the 20th century, significant improvements to the way steel was made greatly improved plier standards and their durability.

In Blaenavon, south Wales, the ironworks pioneered a way to refine steel production by removing the phosphate from the iron. The Gilchrist-Thomas method made the steel stronger and last longer, and the technique was used in commercial steel production right up until the 1960s.

Computerised design and production Computers have transformed our daily lives, and they have also had an impact on plier design and production.

In the 1970s and 1980s, high precision technology such as CAD (computer aided design), CAM (computer aided manufacturing) and CNC (computer numerical control) machinery, was introduced to streamline production and improve consistency.

Digital forge

The evolution of the plier – more complicated than one might think

While computerised machinery, better quality steel and optimised work processes all help to ensure a good quality pair of pliers, manufacturers still need to get the basics right and this starts in the forge.

In a manufacturer’s forge, a mechanical hammer slams down onto an orange-hot bar of steel, pressing it into a precision-cut mould (die).

During the 1980s, Klein Tools was the first manufacturer to introduce 3D modelling software to ensure its dies produced the highest quality components, with each part forged accurately to thousandths of an inch and guaranteeing a flawless pair of pliers every time.

Challenge from China In recent years the influx of cheap, massproduced imports from China and other developing countries has challenged the global tools market and manufacturers are under increasing pressure to compete.

While low-cost pliers may look identical, they are not made to last and often fail, causing inconvenience and unscheduled downtime for the contractor. Mathias’ motto was that ‘the best product is always the cheapest in the end’ and I daresay many people in the trade will agree with that.

Guarantees and warrantees Some good has come out of the fight against substandard products though, as more reputable manufacturers now offer a guarantee or warranty on their pliers, to reassure contractors that their premium product is worth the investment. Klein Tools first offered a guarantee against the ‘chipping and crumbling’ of their pliers in 1914.

Safety first At the end of the 19th century, things were pretty bleak for electrical contractors in the US, who would regularly do 12-hour days, seven days a week with no training or safety standards in place to protect them.

During that time, as many as one in two

electrical workers died on the job in some parts of America.

In the face of such damning statistics, manufacturers moved towards making pliers which provided some level of protection against injury from electrical current. The introduction of insulated handles for pliers was a game-changer, ensuring any errors when working on live circuits wouldn’t prove fatal to a contractor and today’s pliers must meet rigorous test standards to be VDE rated.

Ergonomic handles As a society, we are increasingly savvy about occupational health and this too has influenced the evolution of pliers. Many now have ergonomically designed handles to reduce hand fatigue and to ensure they are comfortable to use over long periods of time. All a far cry from the ‘tape’ used on the handles of basic pliers in the past.

The design and manufacture of pliers has changed considerably over the past 150 years, and it remains to be seen how much further these toolbox staples can evolve. But for as long as the electrical industry and the needs of contractors are changing, there will always be a reason for manufacturers to reinvent the humble pair of pliers to be something we can’t do without.

Klein Tools, www.kleintools.eu

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sales@trakm8prime.com sales@trakm8prime.com 09/04/2018 16:04

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

BRUSHING UP Matt Rockliff, buying manager at Toolstation, takes a look at the latest advancements in drills, and how this can benefit the contractor.

E

veryone’s had it – you get halfway through chasing the cable runs, removing the tiles or breaking the masonry and your drill starts to lose speed, produce sparks and get uncomfortably hot. It’s time to either buy replacement parts or invest in a completely new drill.

If you’re going for the latter, and we think you should, then it’s worth taking a proper look at the wide range of brushless motor drills that are now on the market.

With a variety of brands offering brushless technology on their drills, from entry-level Einhell, mid-priced Hitachi, through to topof-range Milwaukee, now is the time every electrician can benefit from going brushless.

Brushless business So, what’s the big deal with brushless?

How does it make life on-site easier for electrical contractors, even when it comes to the tough jobs that are encountered from time to time? Well, it’s all down to the technology, and the enhanced performance it delivers versus your traditional brushed motor drill.

Brushed motors suffer inevitable deterioration over time because the brushes are in constant contact with the rotary electrical switch during use; which, of course, makes friction unavoidable, leads to wearing, and results in loss of power and effectiveness. Brushless motors suffer none of this energy loss – in fact, brushless motors can provide as much as twice the performance of a brushed motor, particularly as there is space to make the copper windings on the outside of the motor larger.

In addition, whereas a brushed motor will always simply run as fast as it can, the electronics in some brushless motors will adjust according to the task. With soft surfaces, the brushless tool will sense the lack of resistance and adjust accordingly, saving energy. When it comes to harder surfaces, like cement or brickwork, the drill will automatically draw more power as needed, making quick work of tough jobs.

By combining brushless motor technology with improved dust proofing, this latest range of drills offer reduced maintenance and increased service life together with greatly improved comfort – saving you time and money not just in respect of cleaning your power tools, but when it comes to replacing parts too. Add to this the increased comfort

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

and reduced vibration that’s provided by advances in ergonomic design, and we think you’re on to a winner.

12V tools prove popular Alongside increased customer preference for brushless motor drills, we’re also seeing a continuation in the popularity of 12V power tools, which are considered viable alternatives to 18V equivalents due to their being smaller and lighter while still packing a punch.

ECN ADVERT2.indd 1 T&W – Toolstation.indd 46

The size and weight advantages of 12V tools are of particular benefit when it comes to working in the cramped conditions that electricians can often find themselves. According to research amongst the trade conducted by Toolstation last year, 65% of electricians highlighted difficult work postures or movements as the main cause of injuries, aches and pains, which 70% had suffered in the past 12 months. Having power tools that are lighter and easier to handle in such circumstances is clearly a benefit.

“We are seeing brushless motors being applied to a wider range of tools, as manufacturers respond to increased customer familiarity with this technology.”

A quick look at the Toolstation website also reveals high levels of customer satisfaction with their 12V tools, with five stars being awarded to the various combi drill and impact driver kits, combi drills, multi cutters and impact wrenches on offer from Milwaukee and Einhell amongst others, all which qualify as best-selling products in the power tool range.

A continuing trend It’s difficult to make predictions for the future of the power tool market, but we are seeing brushless motors being applied to a wider range of tools, such as angle grinders, saws and sanders, as manufacturers respond to increased customer familiarity with this technology.

As a result, we will continue to add these to our range.

With increased application of brushless technology by leading brands, and a continued rise in customer demand, it’s inevitable that prices of these models will reduce as the technology becomes more accessible to the whole market.

Toolstation, www.toolstation.com

18/04/2018 11:18 30/04/2018 14:12

connect with us

Real projects.

Real energy savings.

Products utilised in this project include:

Case study: National College of High Speed Rail Vitesse Plus lighting control system and An-10 wireless controls increase energy efficiency at the new learning space in Doncaster Thousands of engineers will need to be trained at the National College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster, meeting the future requirements of the UK rail sector.

CP Electronics, the leading supplier of lighting controls in the UK, supported the construction of the building at each phase of the development, from design to completion, ensuring that the project was executed correctly, first time round.

“The support from CP Electronics throughout the project was first class. We were particularly impressed with the technical support that was provided to us.”

Nick Richardson, Project Manager, Briggs & Forrester

Vitesse Plus: Standalone lighting control system with built-in pre-set menu for simple commissioning.

An-10: Wireless presence detectors led to reduced wiring and installation time in this project.

www.cpelectronics.co.uk +44 (0)333 900 0671 or comms@cpelectronics.co.uk

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19/03/2018 20/03/2018 11:12 14:45

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

RISKY BUSINESS Working at height is, by definition, dangerous undertaking. This is particularly true when tasks are undertaken near edges, for example when installing a solar panel on a rooftop. Celine Verdot, global product management leader for fall protection, Honeywell Industrial Safety, explores how the latest technology, supported by recent updates to standards and regulations, can help protect electrical engineers and installers operating in these challenging environments.

T

he latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that the UK safety industry is moving in the right direction when it comes to tackling falls from height [1]. These no longer represent the main cause of workplace related deaths and more importantly, last year, the number of fatalities resulting from falls was the lowest on record. However, while these statistics are encouraging, these type of accidents still resulted in 25 workers losing their lives, so it is easy to see that there is still room for improvement.

One of the most common causes of workplace death and serious injury [2], and something electrical contractors should take seriously, is falls from roofs. A good example of an application that can put workers at risk is solar panel installation: at a time when the solar industry is growing across Europe [3], the number of installers who may at some point need to operate at height, near an edge, is set to grow.

Going it alone One of the main reasons that makes working at height so risky is that it is often carried out alone or in small teams, without a trained safety manager present to supervise the operation and with no one to provide assistance in case of a fall. With this in mind, it is hardly a coincidence that the fatal injury rate for the self-employed, who are more likely to operate alone, is more than twice as high compared to company-employed workers [4]. That’s why personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) should be an essential piece of every installer’s workwear, if there is a possibility that any part of the day will be spent working at height.

When it comes to specifying fall protection equipment, it is important to consider the location, application and the task at hand. Even if some collective protective measures are in place, safety levels are strongly enhanced by the use of PFPE, such as self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) and harnesses, which provide continuous attachment, yet allow users to operate hands-free to carry out a range of tasks without being exposed to danger.

However, the equipment alone does not provide full protection – training on how to use and maintain it is also crucial.

One of the challenges working at height presents is finding the right anchor point for PFPE. Selecting the wrong anchor point can significantly affect the equipment’s capability to safely arrest fall and in some cases, especially if the worker has anchored themselves to the floor, can even heighten the risk of the lanyard breaking when it comes to contact with an edge.

Finding the right anchor point is crucial when using PFPE equipment

Raising the standards This is where new standards come in. Up until now, there’s been no requirement for SRLs to undergo an edge test in order to be used in horizontal applications (when the anchor point is positioned at ground or shoulder level.) However, a revision of the current EN 360 standard – set to come into application this year – will now force personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers to edge-test any fall arrester to be used in horizontal applications. This will assess whether the SRL is able to withstand a certain weight in case of a fall and the ability of its shock-absorbing system to minimise the impact on the user’s body.

This change in standards has been made to provide safety managers and workers operating near edges with further assurance that the PFPE they are using is entirely fit for purpose.

This year is also set to see another important piece of legislation come into application. The new PPE regulation (EU) 2016/425 will replace the existing directive and mandates that any new PPE has to be recertified every five years. This will force manufacturers to comply with the most up-to-date industry standards (including the revised EN 360), which means that the quality of equipment will have to be reassessed on a regular basis to ensure higher levels of safety.

Following the instructions Additionally, manufacturers, importers and distributors of PPE will also be required to provide more comprehensive technical documentation and instructions with their products. New fall protective equipment must carry instructions that

specify, “all relevant information relating to: the characteristics required for the reliable external anchorage point and the necessary minimum clearance below” as well as, “the proper way of putting on the body harness and of attaching the connection system to the reliable external anchorage point” [5].

This is crucial, as finding the right anchor point is one of the main problems encountered by workers operating at height. If a fall was to occur, a wrong anchor point can expose them to the so-called ‘pendulum effect’: if the anchor isn’t positioned directly overhead, the falling worker will swing back and forth like a pendulum. The angle between the worker and the anchor point is critical: the wider the angle, the longer it will

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TOOLS & WORKWEAR take for the worker to reach a straight position in case of a fall, which is when the SRL is able to arrest the fall. This can result in serious injuries if the worker hits a nearby surface such as a wall or a protruding beam.

However, with the right equipment, achieving an overhead anchor point, and so enhancing safety, doesn’t have to be a challenge. For example, lightweight brackets that support overhead anchors can be easily attached directly to the building structure and quickly moved from one position to another as work progresses, enabling workers to proceed with their tasks without delay whilst fully protected.

Recovery position While arresting a fall is essential, avoiding the risks that can arise after a fall occurs is also paramount. The new PPE Regulation instructs that PFPE must ensure that, after braking, the user is maintained in a correct position in which he may await help if necessary [6]. From an electrical contractor’s perspective this is a crucial point, especially for installers operating alone; for lone workers, it can take time for the accident to be noticed and rescuers to arrive. Hanging from the lifeline for prolonged periods of time can not only cause discomfort for the worker, but also heighten the risk of accidents and even lead to ‘suspension trauma’ (loss of consciousness due to pooling of blood in the legs) [7].

“While arresting a fall is essential, avoiding the risks that can arise after a fall occurs is also paramount.”

That’s why, in order to minimise risks after a fall, it is essential to design PFPE that accounts for rescue plans. A good example of equipment that allows for rescue waiting time is a harness equipped with release straps. They enable the fallen worker to easily insert their feet into loops to reach an upright position, which will ease pressure on the upper part of the body and ensure normal blood circulation to the legs.

SPECIAL FEATURE

important for contractors and small companies that lack the corporate backing to enforce standards and best practice. By knowing what the risks are, electrical contractors can take steps to ensure that they, and their employees, have the equipment they need to carry out their daily tasks as efficiently and safely as possible.

Honeywell, www.honeywell.com

Connected solutions Electrical contractors and installers working alone can also further enhance safety by leveraging the possibilities of connected solutions. New technologies, such as fall detection and alarm systems that automatically notify first responders in case of emergency, can help provide these workers the level of protection they need to safely carry out tasks alone, at height.

For example, the latest developments in PPE make it possible for sensors to be embedded in a harness which is attached to a self-retracting lifeline, which can trigger an automatic system that pulls the worker backwards if they are getting too close to an edge.

New legislation and technology can both play a key role in driving continuous improvement in safety at height, which will ultimately ensure workers operating near edges are fully protected. Staying up-to-date on the advances in technology and changes to standards is especially

References [1] Health and Safety Executive, Fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain: Headline results 2016/17, www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm [2] Health and Safety Executive, Working at height, A brief guide, www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf [3] European Commission, Over one million jobs in renewable energy, ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/over-one-million-jobsrenewable-energy [4] Health and Safety Executive, Fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain: Headline results 2016/17, www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm [5] Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016R0425 [6] Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016R0425 [7] Health and Safety Executive, Evidence-based review of the current guidance on first aid measures for suspension trauma, www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr708.pdf

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25/04/2018 15:58

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SIGHT FOR SORE EYES Safety eyewear is compulsory for a wide-range of sectors, but poorly specified glasses can cause the user discomfort and ultimately lead to non-compliance, despite the vital role safety eyewear plays. Sangeeta Aeri, technical manager at work-wear specialist Supertouch, explores the common complaints around safety eyewear and identifies key considerations to help improve compliance.

E

ye strain, fatigue and pain are just some of the complaints employees make about safety eyewear, all of which can be mitigated against if the right eyewear is selected. When it comes to safety eyewear, a ‘one size suits all’ approach is a common issue, however the result of doing so can be dangerous.

Unsuitable eyewear can not only cause eye irritation or injury, it can also lead to a general lack of confidence in PPE from workers, and in turn a lack of compliance.

Given the fact that safety eyewear has evolved over the years, with a vast array of styles to suit a wide range of needs, there is greater ability to provide employees with a comfortable, durable and stylish set of glasses – that also deliver unrivalled protection for the wearer.

If safety eyewear has poor scratch resistance, this will impair the user’s vision and the muscles in the eyes will have to work harder to be able to see through the lens. Nowadays, most safety spectacle lenses have an anti-scratch coating. We would always recommend specifying high quality coatings, as these help to prolong the life of the spectacle and ultimately help prevent non-compliance.

Block the rays For those working outdoors, protection against UV rays is another important factor to consider as the sun can have a serious impact on eyes too. Grey or silver mirrored lenses will reduce the glare of bright sunlight, or for applications where workers are frequently moving from internal to external settings, an Indoor and Outdoor (I/O) lens may be more appropriate.

Don’t strain One area of concern is eye strain, as it can cause employees unwanted stress, lead to migraines and distraction, and this could have disastrous consequences – particularly in roles where concentration is paramount.

Eye strain can be relieved by sourcing glasses with quality scratch resistance.

50 | May 2018

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TOOLS & WORKWEAR Alternatively, where there are continuous low levels of light, amber lenses will help by enhancing the contrast.

For individuals exposed to high humidity working conditions or moving between hot and cold environments, anti-fog coatings are considered essential.

Awake and alert Eyewear users may also complain of fatigue. This not only effects the individual, but it can also impact an organisation as well. Overtired workers are less productive and are more frequently involved in avoidable accidents. One way this can be lessened is through the use of quality panoramic eyewear which provides an unlimited field of vision, such as Pyramex Ever-Lite. High tech coatings can also improve vision, enabling employees to work for longer periods without loss of concentration.

Perfect fit Last but not least, comfort is an essential element for any eyewear user – it can help to prevent all of the above and more.

Uncomfortable eyewear is not only less likely to be worn, creating a real threat to health and safety, but can once again reduce productivity as workers are driven to distraction by pain and irritation.

The weight, finish and fit of the safety eyewear are therefore key. Softer materials around the nose and temples allow the ECN April18.pdf 1 11/04/2018 10:21:31

SPECIAL FEATURE

“If employees are suffering from discomfort, pain or fatigue due to safety eyewear, it is very likely that compliance and safety will be compromised as a result.” safety eyewear to mould to the wearer’s unique face shape and help to reduce pressure on the side of the head. Comoulded temple designs in conjunction with low weight ensures the eyewear grips the side of the head and does not fall off even with excessive head movement.

If employees are suffering from discomfort, pain or fatigue due to safety

eyewear, it is very likely that compliance and safety will be compromised as a result.

With so much choice and variety on the market, it’s never been a better time to understand the differentiating factors that can affect safety eyewear compliance and help to mitigate against it.

Comfort and protection in all environments are essential for compliant safety eyewear

Supertouch, www.supertouch.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT

SAFE ISOLATION Steve Dunning, managing director of Martindale Electric, outlines safe isolation procedures and emphasises the importance of having the right tools for the job to stay safe and compliant.

W

hen it comes to working on electrical installations, be it installing new build, adding new circuits or maintenance of equipment, implementing safe isolation procedures is essential to achieve compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations and stay safe. With fines for health and safety offences trebling over the last year and imprisonment more likely, it’s more important than ever to get it right.

In place to ensure workers on-site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems, getting it right requires both effective procedures and selecting the right equipment to the latest standards.

Ensuring the right tools are available for the job might seem like common sense, but it’s becoming an increasing issue among electrical contractors, who may potentially be putting their lives at risk. For example, using a multimeter to prove a circuit is dead is not permissible when implementing safe isolation procedures, as it could easily give a misleading reading if set to the wrong range or the batteries need replacing. A dedicated voltage indicator with no ranges, switches or batteries is by far the most reliable method for proving dead. Having the right locking off device to hand for all types of common circuit breakers or fuse holders is a must.

Comprehensive kits Many contractors are now turning to complete safe isolation kits, which include all the necessary equipment to safely lock off the circuit being worked on and prove dead. The latest kits now include matching voltage indicators and proving units and contain a complete range of locking off devices for all types of site and installation.

The kits keep everything to hand and simplify any compliance issues with the latest test equipment standards regarding the use of fused devices and having the right installation category rating for the job.

Proving dead to stay alive However, locking off the circuit correctly is just one part of the procedure. Before carrying out any work, you must also verify that the circuit is dead before proceeding and in order to do so, a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit is a must.

In terms of the use of voltage indicators to prove dead, guidance from Electrical Safety First addresses some key points: ‘Following isolation of equipment or circuits and before starting work it should be proved that the parts to work on, and those nearby, are dead. It should never be assumed that equipment is dead because a particular isolation device has been placed in the OFF position.’

With this in mind, it is not enough to simply lock off the breaker and assume that the circuit is dead. There are recorded instances where neutrals are ‘borrowed’ and while this is not permitted by BS 7671, it is unfortunately not uncommon. In this instance, although a particular circuit may be locked off, the neutral conductor can become live, if an energised load on another circuit is connected to it.

Correct equipment As Electrical Safety First states, contractors should use a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit when carrying out this procedure. In line with guidance that a voltage indicator must be able to work without the need for a battery, many voltage indicators, such as the VI13800 and VI-15000 do not require batteries and are dedicated to measuring voltage only, which avoids any potential errors which may occur from using a tester on the wrong setting.

“Whilst customers can use a known live source to test a voltage indicator, it is recommended that a dedicated proving unit is used.”

Whilst customers can use a known live source to test a voltage indicator, it is recommended that a dedicated proving unit is used. The reason being is that the known live source will only light some of the LEDS on the tester, whereas a proving unit will ensure that all the LEDS on all ranges are working. In addition, there may not be a known live source close by, so by having a proving unit, the contractor will not have this problem. It’s also safer to use a proving unit rather than working on a live source.

With around 1,000 serious accidents per year at work due to contact with electricity and 10 times as many involving electricity as a cause of an accident, the importance of implementing safe isolation procedures and using reliable and quality equipment is clear.

Proving isolation is the key to safety

Martindale Electric, www.martindale-electric.co.uk

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25/04/2018 16:00

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19/01/2018 16:18

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LOCKOUT AND SAFE ISOLATION David Sweetman, marketing and business development director at Di-log, discusses the importance of safe isolation.

E

very electrician with experience of working on a busy site knows how it feels to take responsibility for the other tradesmen around them. When you are dealing with live electricity, there’s no room for calculated risks and educated guesses. The only way you can ensure the safety of you and your colleagues is through adopting adequate safe isolation procedures.

For electrical systems where the supply has been cut off to allow dead working, Regulation 13 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 applies as follows: “Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent electrical equipment, which has been made dead in order to prevent danger while work is carried out on or near that equipment, from becoming electrically charged during that work if danger may thereby arise.”

This establishes a clear requirement to ensure that conductors and equipment may not be inadvertently energised.

In other words, safe isolation.

In reality, this means not only cutting off the supply, but also ensuring the method of disconnection is secured in the OFF position and a caution notice or label is posted at the point of disconnection.

Safe Isolation procedures

working on the installation have completed their work and removed their padlocks from the hasp: “The practice of placing insulating tape over a circuit breaker is not an adequate or acceptable means of securing the device in the OFF position.”

With the up-and-coming 18th Edition, safe isolation is being enforced across the industry, especially by the NICEIC and ELECSA. Although nothing is changing in the way of the testing requirement on installation test equipment, safe isolation is critical for the safety of yourself and those around you.

Isolation of equipment or circuits using the main switch or distribution board switch disconnector is the preferred method. The method of isolation should be locked off using a unique key, retained by the person carrying out the work, and a caution notice posted at the point of isolation.

Where more than one operative is working on a circuit, a multi-lock hasp can be used to prevent operation of the main isolator until such time as all persons

May 2018 | 55

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ADVERTISEMENT the kits enable multiple persons to work on the same circuit, with the ability to hold up to six lockout padlocks.

The DLLOC3 – Professional and DLLOC4 – Expert kits provide more scope to safely isolate a broader range of MCBs and main switches. Items such as the larger universal MCB lockout device, large main switch lockout device, and with a fully insulated padlock and hasp, ensure all commercial and industrial applications are covered.

Proving dead isolated equipment or circuits Following isolation of equipment or circuits, and before starting work, it should be proved that the area you are about to work on is in fact dead. The recommended method for doing is by use of a test lamp or a two-pole tester (as recommended in HSE Guidance Note 38).

The test lamp or voltage detector should be proved to be working on a known live source or a proprietary proving unit.

All line, neutral, and protective conductors should be tested to prove they are dead.

Electricians who regularly work on installations that have been energised should be equipped with devices for proving that conductors are dead. Di-log’s latest range of safety equipment for working on LV electrical equipment includes an array of lockout kits, ranging from a simple single MCB ‘Personal Lockout Kit’ for isolation of individual circuits through to the industrial ‘Expert Lockout Kit’ with mostly fully insulated lockout devices for virtually all individual and main sources of energisation.

The Di-log range of lockout kits are designed with safety, versatility and affordability in mind. With the entry level DLLOC1 – Personal Lockout Kit, you get a 38mm steel padlock, a universal MCB lock, a standard ‘pins-out’ MCB lock and warning tag.

The higher the level of kit the more features are included. By adding items such as multiple isolation lockout hasps

“With the upand-coming 18th Edition, safe isolation is being enforced across the industry.”

ISOPKx safe isolation kits To fully conform to the ‘Safe Isolation Procedure’, and in addition to the above, once the circuit or main source of energy has been isolated, the conductors must be proven to be dead at the point of work before they are touched and, where necessary, caution notices should also be applied at the point(s) of isolation.

With this in mind, Di-log has combined its lockout kits with its award-winning two-pole CombiVolt voltage indicators and its PU260 – 690V two-pole Voltage Proving Unit to create the all new ISOPKx kits. The ISOPK1 – CombiVolt 1 Safe Isolation Kit comes with DLLOC1, while the ISOPK2 – CombiVolt 2 Safe Isolation Kit comes with DLLOC2 and the new ISOPKpro and ISOPKexpert. Both the Pro and the Expert kit offer the digital CombiVolt 2 voltage and continuity tester, with either the DLLOC3 Professional lockout kit or the DLLOC4 Expert lockout kit.

The CombiVolt voltage and continuity indicators are packed with features, such as single pole voltage indication (even when the batteries are depleted), phase rotation and non-trip phase to PE indication.

They also fully conform to all standards, including the vital BS EN 61243-3-2015.

The PU260 – 690V Proving features LED indication if your two-pole tester draws excessive current above 3.5mA, thus not conforming to standards such a ‘Protection Against Electric Shock’.

With all the above combined together, Dilog can confidently boast that it offers one of the most comprehensive Safe Isolation Kits available to the UK market.

Di-log offers comprehensive Safe Isolation Kits

Di-log, www.dilog.co.uk

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30/04/2018 15:02

SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

ABSOLUTELY PREFABULOUS Embrace the HVAC prefabrication revolution, says Carl Ghinn, managing director at Fixmart.

A

t the beginning of September last year, construction giant Lendlease announced that it had picked an offsite specialist to assist with the prefabricated design of Google’s new Headquarters in London.

While we have seen a big increase in the use of prefabrication in the HVAC industry in recent years, the fact that it is being used on a high-profile project has put the method well and truly on the map.

In fact, according to the HVAC body BESA, offsite construction is now used in 90% of UK projects and accounts for 3-4% of the total construction market. With leading companies such as Google and Crossrail choosing to use it in their landmark projects, we can expect these numbers to continue to rise.

It is easy to see why this method has become so popular. With increasing costs and time pressures, and a continuing skills shortage, many companies see prefabrication as a potential solution to these problems.

However, while there are obvious benefits, when we talk to our clients, many have concerns that pre-building large parts of projects offsite could result in sizing errors, a reduction in quality and make deliveries even more complex than they already are. As a key supplier to the industry we are keen to help address these concerns and enable customers to gain maximum competitive advantage from this new trend.

The challenge ahead There are valid concerns within the industry about using prefabricated components in a project. The first is the inability to react to unexpected changes during the installation process. It is impossible to fully predict what can happen on a fast-moving construction site. Normally workers will prepare for unforeseen changes, such as additional corners, as they occur. However, if the component is assembled offsite and then a problem arises, the sub-contractor would either have to return the product and wait for a replacement, or attempt to fix it themselves. This can then cause a delay on the project and result in large fines for the sub-contractor.

Another key consideration is the increasingly strict delivery restrictions.

There are specific rules that delivery companies must comply with before they are allowed on-site. Many require vehicles to be FORS accredited, which promotes best practice in terms of safety, efficiency and environmental protection. I have also known delivery drivers to be turned away if they are wearing shorts rather than trousers due to health and safety regulations.

Similarly, if a product isn’t packaged properly it can become a safety risk and the site manager won’t accept the delivery.

Pre-assembled components are much larger and therefore more complex to transport. It is imperative that suppliers and their delivery services are aware of these regulations and take steps to avoid a failed delivery.

What are the benefits?

“Offsite construction is now used in 90% of UK projects and accounts for 3-4% of the total construction market.”

However, there are a number of benefits for using prefabrication on a project. One of the biggest is cost saving; it requires fewer people, takes less time, and potentially reduces risk of delays. It is no secret that there is a skills shortage in the construction industry. Large numbers of Eastern European workers have returned home, partly due to the weaker pound, but also because of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

This, combined with fewer young people choosing plumbing and other manual jobs as careers, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of skilled workers.

Nethertheless, utilising prefabrication simplifies the installation process as workers only need to fit the component rather than cut it to size. As a result, not only does it reduce the amount of labour needed on a job, but also the time it takes to install.

In addition, some argue that it improves the quality of the products being used as they are being measured and fitted in a controlled environment. This reduces the risk of delays due to faulty or ill-fitting products. As many sub-contractors operating on-sites are working to very strict margins and timeframes, the slightest delay can be the difference between a

loss and profit on a project. Utilising prefabrication can provide developers and sub-contractors with peace of mind.

Finding solutions As a supplier, we aim to do number of things to help our clients embrace prefabrication and use it to their advantage.

We offer a number of bespoke solutions which are designed to help our customers save time and labour on-site. We have recently invested in a pre-fabrication cutting machine, the BIANCO band saw, which enables our clients to order specific lengths of channel, tray and studding, and receive it on-site within 48 hours. While our warehouse holds a wide range of pre-cut products, if a customer wanted a specific size, it could take a few weeks for the manufacturer to cut and deliver the products.

In my opinion, it is important to build trust with your clients by ensuring every product you provide is of a high quality and fit for purpose.

I would also advise finding a supplier that offers flexible delivery solutions, such as timed delivery slots, as well as one that understands the complexities of delivery regulations.

With the big names embracing and exploring prefabricated installation, it is only a matter of time before it becomes the norm on projects across the UK. Yes, it is a natural solution to the many issues facing the HVAC industry today, however, there are a number challenges it brings. As a leading supplier to the industry who understands the difficulties of prefabrication, we are committed to providing flexible solutions that will help our clients overcome them.

Fixmart, www.fixmart.co.uk

58 | April 2018

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05/04/2018 16:01:43

SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

IN HOT WATER Stuart Doggrell, national sales manager, Fabdec, explores the evolution of unvented water heaters, and looks ahead at the new generation of electric water heating.

S

ome 30 years ago, the UK water heating industry took a major step forward, with the introduction of the unvented water heater.

This was by no means a new system, having been invented in 1861 by British

would ensure safety, laws were amended to allow for heating water in unvented cylinders. This greatly improved the delivery and comfort of hot water to consumers – guaranteeing hot water at mains water pressure.

People’s expectations increased and they wanted to recreate the luxury experience that they may have only had in hotels, at home. Unvented water heaters quickly developed from leisure and commercial use to domestic households, where conventional vented systems with loft feed tanks – whilst effective – were limited in hot water pressure that they could deliver.

The systems were suitable for both indirect and direct installations (indirect fed by an external heat source or most commonly gas boiler) or direct electric immersion heaters, often benefiting from cheaper ‘off-peak’ tariffs, increasing the water temperature overnight.

engineer Thomas Hawksley, and used extensively across Europe.

However, prior to 1986 it had been prohibited in the UK to heat water in a pressurised closed cylinder because of the risk of explosions due to the increase in temperature and the build-up of pressure.

As the technology evolved and the industry was able to deliver devices that

Safety first

Fig. 1 Conventional unvented hot water cylinder installation schematic

The change in UK legislation was accompanied by a set of rules and regulations to ensure the security and the safety of running this system.

In accordance with BS 7206:1990, to accommodate for the expansion of the water as it is heated inside the water tank, an external pressurised expansion

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HVAC

Fig. 2 Unvented hot water cylinder with internal floating baffle within installation schematic

vessel would need to be installed in the piping system.

Whilst there was also an allowance for limited internal expansion in the system, the expansion vessel was a necessary additional fitting which could cause multiple installation issues. It would need extra space and was another functioning part of the system that would require regular maintenance – including having to be re-pressurised throughout its life cycle.

Expanding innovation As pioneering as the original unvented heater was, research and development within the industry meant alternative solutions to cater for the expansion of hot water were sought, and this led to the next innovation – what is commonly known as the floating baffle.

This is an internal expansion device, which would provide for a volume of air to be accommodated above the water level inside the cylinder. Sitting on the water surface, the baffle would reduce the exposure of air to water to a minimum.

With no external expansion vessel required, this would allow for a quicker and simpler installation, also reducing the amount of space required.

The floating baffle was an innovative technology that enjoyed huge success, and is still used extensively today.

However, it is important to recognise

that it only minimises the issue and does not completely eradicate it. Utilising the floating baffle results in a short, medium or longer-term retention of the internal air expansion gap. The air gap or ‘bubble’ will need to be re-charged, which may or may not be frequent dependent on the conditions of use.

Because the baffle is designed to move up and down the dip tube outlet length (as the water level fluctuates) there is still the matter of wear-and-tear, plus the outer ring can never fully seal against the inner wall of the vessel; so ultimately, the system would still require maintenance.

So, how could the expansion system be improved upon even further, to create, say, a totally self-sustaining internal air gap system?

SPECIAL FEATURE

This, in simple terms, is the reduction in pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section of pipe with no discernible restriction to the volumetric flow rate.

In the process, a fluid’s velocity must increase as it passes through a constriction in accordance with the principle of continuity, while its static pressure must decrease. Any gain in kinetic energy a fluid may accrue due to its increased velocity through a constriction, is balanced by a drop in pressure.

It is the mixing of liquid with air – or more specifically the induction of air bubbles into the liquid – that makes the ‘self-sustaining system’ 3S Technology unique, with the system now able to maintain the internal air gap as hot water is drawn off further upstream in typical usage. As it replenishes the internal expansion device permanently, there is no need for recharging or regular servicing.

The organic development of the inlet valve led to prototype trials with the help of Birmingham University Chemical Engineering Division and the Advanced Engineering Cluster at Wolverhampton University, who carried out Computational Fluid Dynamics to find the best geometry for the Venturi configuration.

What is also important to consider is the dip tube length within the vessel itself. The relationship between ‘aerated water’ entering the vessel and the air gap maintained must ensure that firstly there is an adequate air gap for the volume of water to be heated, and secondly that excess air may cause the water flow outlet to stall and starve demand for hot water upstream.

Self-sustaining system

Fit for the future

In the early 2000s, Fabdec started looking at ways to develop a self-sustaining system. How could air be ever-present in the vessel in a range of operating conditions, and how could the absorption of this air into the water be eliminated over a period of time which has always been the downside of any unvented hot water system?

The eureka moment came with the idea to install a device on the inlet valve which followed the Venturi effect, so named after Italian physicist Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746 – 1822).

The resulting unvented water heater has no internal, moving parts in the cylinder, and once the Venturi valve (air gap device as Fig. 4) is installed, no additional parts are required. The absence of an external expansion vessel means the tank can fit into more compact installation spaces.

The 3S Technology is now practically used within the Fabdec WXI range of domestic water heaters both in direct and indirect versions up to 500 litres. There is scope to introduce it into the wider product portfolio including larger bore Venturi valves for commercial applications where volumetric flow throughput requirements are that much higher.

Additionally with the meteoric rise in popularity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and economically utilising the electrical energy generated from the sun’s radiation, this can be fed directly to the electrical immersion heater within the hot water vessel.

The net effect of ‘recharging’ the hot water supply during daylight hours when the PV system is generating and not sending excessive electrical energy back down the grid offers a truly sustainable solution. This combination works very well and ensures that direct electric water heaters are future-proof both for new and retro-fit installations.

Fig. 4 Installation schematic of ‘inlet group’ including Venturi valve

Fabdec, www.fabdec-store.com

May 2018 | 61

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HVAC

SPECIAL FEATURE

FAN FAVOURITE Penny Jones, product manager at Domus Ventilation, looks at how you can generate additional income on ventilation projects, from the smallest fan installation through to whole house ventilation systems.

V

entilation can be a tough sell; let’s face it, no one gets excited over it, least of all housebuilders or home owners. More often than not, ventilation within a residential property has been designed to meet regulatory requirements and that’s all. As such, it seemingly doesn’t make for the most exciting business prospects.

But there are opportunities to generate more business and income out of domestic ventilation – and to make for happier, more appreciative customers – with actually very little effort. The key is to understand your customer’s requirements and to have an up to date knowledge of the ventilation products available on the market. Bringing these two aspects together enables you to not only meet your customer’s requirements but add genuine value by suggesting how their ventilation can be improved and, just as importantly, why it matters.

I’m going to start with the easiest opportunities to increase revenue and add value for the customer by looking at fans.

A fan-tastic opportunity?

Intermittent extract fans are a costeffective, easy to install, simple to operate method of bathroom and kitchen ventilation. But not all fans are equal.

When you have a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom, you don’t want it spoilt by an unsightly fan, so offering a customer a better quality, well designed fan is an easy sell and is sure to be welcomed. Manufacturers now provide a range of stylish fans that are designed to be unobtrusive and/or are adaptable to complement a wide range of interior designs.

In a similar vein, inline fans, where the fan itself is located in the ceiling void or attic connected to the room via ducting, can come with a choice of decorative grilles at the end. Moreover, there is also the option of a grille which incorporates a ceiling spot light – ideal for installation in showers. More often than not, they are sold in installerfriendly kits containing all the parts you will require, so it’s easy to fit.

“If you really want to go for the big prize and achieve the maximum revenue from ventilation, then you should have whole house ventilation systems in your sights.”

One further option to add value to a simple fan installation is to consider the controls. There are the straightforward timer and pull cord options, but make your customer aware of the more advanced humidity control options that are capable of identifying and reacting to a significant change in humidity, plus PIR based controls that activate the fan on the detection of movement. Some fans also come with an app to control them, but I can’t help think this is more of a gimmick; can you honestly see a homeowner pick up his smartphone to switch the bathroom fan on or off?

The heart of the matter Discussing ducting with a customer is likely to send them off to sleep. However, ducting is at the very heart of any ventilation system; it’s the arteries and veins. Quality ducting is vital if the ventilation system is to perform at its best and by that I mean a system that has good air flow, is quiet and is effective at reducing condensation. It’s vital you make your customer aware of this and ensure you only fit good quality ducting that has exacting tolerances (i.e. a good fit) and has been third party tested for end-toend system performance.

On the noise front, you can also look to use sound attenuators where appropriate.

A good ducting system that has been installed correctly shouldn’t cause unnecessary noise, but there is potential for sound to travel down the ducting from the fan, or from traffic noise or room-toroom-cross talk. Assess the sound levels surrounding the property and discuss with the customer how sensitive to noise they are. If it is an issue, recommend duct sound attenuators be included, as these effectively absorb sound over a range of audible frequencies.

Duct insulation in colder areas is a requirement of Building Regulations and should therefore form part of your ventilation system. Whilst materials such as mineral wool fitted with an integral vapour barrier are readily available, opting for a system that has been specifically engineered for insulating ducting will be more effective in preventing heat loss and contributing to a healthy living indoor environment by eliminating the formation of condensation. It may cost a little more but is easier and quicker to fit, making for a better installation system.

For new build properties designed with whole house mechanical ventilation

High quality ducting is a vital part of efficient ventilation systems

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Whole house ventilation

systems, consider a semi-rigid radial ducting system. The ducting, typically 75mm, is flexible enough to go round bends, but rigid enough to retain its shape. With a radial system, each room terminal is served by its own duct run which connects directly to a central distribution system.

As you can imagine, this makes for a considerably quicker and easier installation than traditional branch ducting and with far fewer parts. Such systems can also benefit from reduced air leakage and improved air flow, which makes for easier commissioning and a quieter system, as the air flow is smooth and cross-talk noise is minimal.

As mentioned with fans, quality ducting also comes with a choice of grilles, which is an easy sell, along with fly screens.

It’s important to select the right fan for the job

If you really want to go for the big prize and achieve the maximum revenue from ventilation, then you should have whole house ventilation systems in your sights. There are two main system types: Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). MEV units are designed to continuously extract waste air from a dwelling, whilst MVHR goes one step further, adding heat recovery into the mix to bring fresh, pre warmed air into the property.

With modern homes built to reduce heat loss, indoor overheating in the summer months has become a real problem and is already recognised in Building Regulations.

Whole house ventilation systems directly address this issue, but there are other benefits to be had from these, such as reduced heating bills (applies to MVHR only) and proven health benefits including the reduction of indoor airborne pollutants.

If you are serious about moving into this field – and it’s an expanding market – take the time to identify the most energy efficient, well designed and well made mechanical ventilation system and explain to customers why it matters; quality systems make for a highly sustainable, long lasting, energy efficient, healthy lifestyle ventilation solution. Investing in training is essential here, but the good news is there is no significant outlay for specialist equipment other than a calibrated airflow meter for commissioning centralised

systems, at a cost of a few hundred pounds.

The trend for installing energy efficient whole house ventilation systems for new build properties is coupled with the growth of ‘smart’ technology being widely adopted to integrate and control these systems to create ‘smart’ homes with clean and fresh indoor air. The Domus Ventilation Bluebrain controller, for example, includes features such as digital humidity control and automated summer bypass which stops the system from supplying pre-warmed air into the home during warmer periods. This represents a further opportunity to build upon your revenue in this sector.

Added value A discussion on ventilation may not be at the top of your customer’s list, but if you want that system to be effective and contribute to your bottom line then you have to put in the effort; explain why it’s important and what’s available to ensure the system meets – and even exceeds – their requirements. It’s not so much of an ‘up sell’ as the chance to provide added value and benefits to your customers. In other words, it’s a winner all round!

Domus Ventilation, www.domusventilation.co.uk

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HVAC

SPECIAL FEATURE

THINKING LONG-TERM Andrew Nixon, area general manager – energy, HVAC and industrial refrigeration, Johnson Controls, discusses the benefits that investing in a quality HVAC system can offer for the long-term.

H

VAC systems are frequently overlooked as a key part of building design.

Far from a mere afterthought, HVAC systems will have a direct impact on the health of employees, as well as the working environment, energy use and running costs. A well-designed system can help businesses stay efficient, be environmentally friendly, cost-efficient and improve employee engagement, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of safety.

Although equipment is replaceable, a HVAC system is a considerable investment likely to last for at least a decade, so it needs to be done right.

Implementing a system that is not only installed in a safe way, but can operate safely in the long-term, is hugely important if businesses are going to continue to reap the rewards when it comes to the environmental and cost benefits.

With that in mind, there are two key areas that businesses need to consider when evaluating choices when it comes to their HVAC system. One, choosing a

Ongoing maintenance of HVAC systems

system that will last and two, considering the cost and time required by ongoing maintenance. But with both, sustainability and safety is paramount.

Choosing a system built to last With a life expectancy of roughly 20 years, it’s essential that businesses make the right investment decisions when considering the inclusion of HVAC into new buildings.

Cutting corners when it comes to that initial implementation, as well as longterm maintenance, simply shouldn’t be a consideration. Taking shortcuts typically comes at the expense of quality and as a result, personnel safety is often compromised.

Companies typically make decisions based on which system requires the lowest initial investment. With the uncertainty of Brexit, businesses are facing increased pressures to cost save and tightly manage budgets.

In a competitive market, any increase in costs can cause problems. The lowest initial investment cost is not always the best basis for long-term investment decisions, and it’s important to remember this.

“By monitoring remotely, businesses can gain regular status updates in near realtime.”

An essential requirement is in ensuring the long-term high performance of HVAC systems. While it can be seen as low priority or a short-term cost saving, in reality, poor maintenance will impact costs and also decrease the years of operation.

Typical HVAC system maintenance is usually scheduled on a regular basis.

However, a more effective solution would be to incorporate connected Internet of

Predictive maintenance solutions and remote monitoring could help extend the life expectancy of HVAC systems

May 2018 | 67

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SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

Things (IoT) devices to enable predictive maintenance solutions and remote monitoring. This would arm businesses with the knowledge and insight to not only save costs – both financially and from an energy-saving perspective – but also streamline efficiencies and help avoid unnecessary call out charges. A report

by Carbon Trust[1] recently found that by investing in heating controls, companies can save thousands of pounds, and that many will pay back their investment in just a couple of years. Not only this, but energy efficiencies can also be assured.

With the costs of IoT-based devices continuing to fall over the last few years, such devices can be easily deployed and monitored and as a result, should be utilised as part of a comprehensive maintenance schedule.

By monitoring remotely, businesses can gain regular status updates in near real-time. This data can then be analysed off-site to help identify early signs of system failure as well as any other need for maintenance. The trend data and associated reports available from remote monitoring systems can be essential tools to support maintenance scheduling, but also in prioritising capital investment.

Also available is a retrofit option, which means that facilities that aren’t able to completely replace systems can still upgrade.

Across all industries, there are increasing energy efficiency requirements.

As a result, businesses need to always

be looking for opportunities to improve efficiencies and save energy. As well as planned maintenance works, companies should also ensure their maintenance service provider is looking to deliver additional energy savings in both existing and new systems. Ultimately, this will have a positive effect on your costs.

Choosing the right supplier It’s really important that companies find the right HVAC supplier. Speaking with experts who can provide a full-service portfolio, advising them from a long-term point of view and considering all the options should be key considerations.

Experience is key – especially with a wide range of industry sectors and building types. There’s a wide variety of HVAC systems and decisions should be made depending on what type of building you’re working with, for example, an office block, a factory or a residential building.

be something to be outsourced and forgotten.

In fact, successful projects must take the time to consider it in depth and secure the correct equipment for the job.

Reflecting on business needs

Johnson Control, www.johnsoncontrols.com

The best results can be achieved when HVAC is integrated early on in the project development. Businesses need to be aware of their heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs, and work with expert sector consultants to ensure best practice.

A well-designed HVAC system is a key part of any building, and has the ability to save costs – both financially and from an energy perspective – in the long run. HVAC shouldn’t

References [1] Carbon Trust, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Energy Efficiency, www.carbontrust.com/resources/ guides/energy-efficiency/heating-ventilation-and-airconditioning-hvac/#docdownload-17514

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by Netatmo Thermostat owners in Europe from October 2015 to September 2016 when compared to installations using non-programmable thermostats.

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LiteIP requires no special lighting controls design work. Each wireless luminaire is programmed to operate using drag and drop menus within LiteIP software. Changes to individual luminaire operation, to improve light usage, can be made without the need to alter any wiring. Furthermore, emergency lighting tests can be run automatically, with monitoring email alerts and reports generated.

The lighting installation is also simple; each luminaire needs only live, earth and neutral, no expensive control cables are needed. This is followed by a commissioning engineer setting up the system on-site, applying settings and grouping luminaires as required. LiteIP is compatible with all driver types including DSI, DALI and 1-10 V. For further information visit www.luceco.com

ZUMTOBEL HELPS CREATE THE ‘X STORE’ CONCEPT FOR GEOX Luminaires from Zumtobel Lighting have been used to help create the ‘X Store’ concept for footwear retailer Geox at its new flagship store in Oxford Street, London. The new store concept aims to bring together technology, design, sustainability, and well-being, and Zumtobel’s Supersystem II has played a key role in achieving the desired lighting effect.

Supersystem II is a multifunctional LED lighting tool famed for its stringent miniaturisation and virtually limitless usability. The addition of recessed downlights and spotlights in three different sizes, and with extremely low installation depths, along with recessed tracks and corresponding accessories, offers total flexibility and enhanced design possibilities. The mounting options for Supersystem II have been expanded and simplified.

Zumtobel also supplied emergency lighting for the store using fittings that blend in perfectly with the overall design.

The result is a lighting installation that emphasises the moods and atmosphere that Geox strove to achieve while creating an exciting and technology-friendly retail space.

TWO DRIVERS, ONE HOUSING Tridonic’s dimmable two-channel DALI DT6 constant current LED driver is the latest addition to the company’s Premium SELV series and is already DALI-2 certified.

The LCA 50W 350–1050mA 2xCH lp PRE LED driver has an output of 50W and accommodates two channels within its housing. For each channel, the output currents can be set separately between 350 and 1,050 mA, either via I-select two plugs or DALI. The integrated one4all interface supports DALI DT6, DSI, switchDIM and corridorFUNCTION V2. The driver is also equipped with a proportion Switch interface. While preset dimming levels for the connected luminaires can be easily selected with a pushbutton via switchDIM, different predefined dimming levels are available for each channel via proportionSwitch.

Measuring only 350x30x21mm, the driver achieves an efficiency of up to 90% and has a wide dimming range of 1 to 100%. With a life of up to 100,000 hours, the driver is also extremely durable and comes with a five-year guarantee.

For further information visit www.tridonic.com

For further information visit www.zumtobel.co.uk

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COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

CROMPTON EXTENDS THE AR111 RANGE Lighting expert Crompton has extended its popular range of AR111 LED lamps to include a GU10 base version and cool white option. Offering excellent performance with less power consumption and low heat output, the lamps are perfect for retrofit applications and offer instant full light.

The new LED lamp in the range is a 12.5W variant, which is equivalent to a 100W halogen, and offers 15,000 hours operating life and also comes with a 3,000K warm white, as well as the new cool white option of 4,000K. Other products in the range include a 12.5W G53, which is the same size and shape as a halogen lamp with 3,000K warm white and 4,000K cool white colour temperature options, and a 14W dimmable version with driver, perfect for display illumination in 2,700K warm white and 4,000K cool white variants.

The AR111 lamps come with Crompton’s threeyear warranty.

For further information visit www.cromptonlamps.com

SNICKERS RELEASES ALL-ROUND TOOL VEST Snickers’ new tool vest is the ultimate in toolcarrying technology.

Versatile and adjustable, the ergonomic design features a wide range of hard-wearing pockets for a variety of tools, fixings and accessories. It’s lightweight, hard-wearing, comfortable and easy to keep clean.

The tool vest’s ergonomic comfort also looks after your back by providing for comfortable heavy tool carrying through the specially designed wide shoulders, elasticated back, and an integral waist belt to take pressure off your shoulders.

It comes with Cordura 500 reinforced front holster pockets for enhanced durability and easy access angled rear holster pockets.

There’s also Cordura reinforced breast pockets plus a knife fastener, an easy-access padded mobile phone compartment and detachable ID badge.

What’s more, the integrated internal expander means the tool vest can be easily expanded and worn over a jacket in colder weather.

For further information visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

SCOLMORE LAUNCHES DUAL MODE LED DIMMER Scolmore has developed the dual mode dimmer module, which not only eliminates flickering, but is much easier to control than regular dimmers.

With a choice of dimming modes – leading or trailing edge – installers can choose the mode that works most effectively with the LED lights they are using. The new module allows the minimum brightness to be adjusted.

Scolmore has made installation easier by positioning two small switches on the back of the module. Switch one allows the minimum brightness to be adjusted, switch two allows the dimming module to be adjusted. Their position on the back of the module also makes it easier to change the dimmer settings without removing the module from the plate.

The small size of the new dimmer module means they can be placed above/below each other on multi-tier plates. They will fit into 25mm back boxes when used on raised plates and into 35mm back boxes when used on flat plates.

MEGAMAN LAUNCHES NEW GU10 COMPATIBLE EMERGENCY POWER UNIT Megaman has launched its new GU10 Emergency Pack, Tempus. The EMC-compliant alternative power unit provides a back-up solution in the event of power failure, enabling Tempus-approved GU10s to remain lit for a minimum of three hours.

With a slim and simplistic design for individual use, Tempus enables seamless integration into a wide range of light fittings and self-adjusts its output to fit the power available to the unit. Tempus also offers easy, quick and efficient installation even in retrofit applications due to its pre-wired configuration and lightweight inverter.

Compared to previous emergency LED solutions from Megaman, Tempus provides superior mechanical protection over sausage packs due to its toughened plastic enclosure, and is compatible with Megaman’s range of high performance, energy efficient GU10s – including the 4W, 5W, 5.5W, 6W and 7W ranges.

In addition, the Tempus has been glow-wire tested to IEC 60695-2-10, and comes complete with a fouryear warranty.

For further information visit www.megamanuk.com

QCONTRACTOR REVOLUTIONISES THE ESTIMATING PROCESS WITH SHEER SPEED OF SETUP UK-based Q-Group Technology, creator of My Project Q, has launched its new estimating platform to the contractor market place.

This addition to the Q-Group technology suite is part of the company’s aim to build powerful mobile estimating experiences for contractors worldwide.

QContractor is designed to provide contractors across multiple industries with a free, quick and simple solution for capturing customer requirements, turning them instantly into estimates.

“We have a very clear objective,” says Matt Dodd, CEO of Q-Group. “We will support contractors by spearheading the transition to technology in the SME marketplace. Our biggest competitor is change; thousands of contractors are sick of estimating, and yet so many resist the change to technology. We understand this, which is why we are focusing on one key area, estimating. QContractor supports contractors by making the transition as easy as possible to set up and use as they gradually take on technology to fulfil what has always been a pen to paper exercise.”

Features of QContractor include free cloud-based estimating software, quick setup (taking minutes, rather than hours), web console to manage products and services, mobile app to use on the go, instant reports straight from the app and secure hosting on industry leading global platforms.

The new web-based console can be set up to manage the products and services sold, including labour breakdown, within minutes. QContractor is designed to focus purely on creating and delivering estimates quickly and professionally to customers.

It’s completely free, and it’s available now.

For further information visit www.qcontractor.com

For further information visit www.scolmore.com

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

MEGAMAN LAUNCHES NEW INGENIUM ZB Megaman has introduced the INGENIUM ZB, a new smart system that works with ZigBee technology to create a scalable solution, allowing users to gain wireless control over all INGENIUM ZB products. Ideal for new and retrofit applications, INGENIUM ZB is a smart lighting solution for residential, commercial, retail and industrial spaces.

The new INGENIUM ZB smart lighting solution is compatible with a range of smart systems on the market – including voice control. Utilising ZigBee mesh technology, the solution allows the user to connect up to 150 devices, and offers automated control to varying schedules.

Users can gain wireless control of INGENIUM ZB enabled LED lamps and luminaires – individually or in groups – from smart devices whilst at home or when out via a mobile or tablet device. The INGENIUM ZB smart lighting solution is also compatible with Megaman’s portfolio of lighting products.

For further information visit www.megamanuk.com

COMPANY SHOWCASE

PHOEBE LED’S IRIS SUNSET DIM DOWNLIGHT CREATES THE RIGHT MOOD The new Phoebe LED Iris is an adjustable, dimmable LED downlight that features the company’s Sunset Dim technology which allows the light to change colour temperature as it is dimmed.

The compact Iris energy-efficient downlight is just 2.5in in size and is constructed from quality die-cast aluminium.

Utilising an integrated 11.5W LED COB chip, Iris has a 38-degree beam angle and the option of adjusting the light head up to 30 degrees vertically to put the light exactly where it’s required.

At 100% output, the downlight offers 600lm/3,000K warm white which gradually gets warmer as the light is dimmed, eventually achieving a cosy 1,900K extra warm white at 10%. This versatile luminaire is perfect for a variety of interior applications, including bathrooms zones 1 and 2 as it has an IP44 rating.

Iris is compatible with both leading- and trailing- edge dimmers and comes with Phoebe LED’s five-year warranty.

For further information visit www.phoebeled.com

FLUKE 1660 SERIES MULTIFUNCTION INSTALLATION TESTER KIT MONEY-SAVING OFFERS Until June 30, 2018, Fluke UK is offering two money-saving 1660 series multifunction installation tester kits. The Fluke 1664 UK-TPL KIT comprises a 1664 FC multifunction installation tester with free Fluke DMS data management software and a free Fluke T150 two-pole voltage and continuity tester. The Fluke 1663 UK-TPL KIT comprises a 1663 with free Fluke DMS data management software and a free Fluke T130 voltage and continuity tester.

The Fluke 1664 helps prevent damage to appliances that may be inadvertently connected to the system under test. Test results can be shared easily using Fluke Connect.

Fluke DMS data management software uses results from the Fluke 1663 or 1664 for data recording. The Fluke T150 and T130 offer fast test results, while built with CAT IV 600V, CAT III 690V safety ratings.

The Fluke 1660 series of multifunction installation testers quickly and efficiently tests fixed installations to BS 7671 17th Edition Wiring Regulations.

For further information visit www.fluke.co.uk/promotions

CARL KAMMERLING’S MIGHTYRODS PRO TO THE RESCUE! Carl Kammerling International has come to the rescue of electrician Jason Price, of Jason Price Electrical Services, whose hand was badly injured when a cable rod by another supplier splintered during use. Now, thanks to the generosity of Carl Kammerling, Jason is the proud owner of a C.K MightyRods PRO cable rod set, which offers total protection against splinters due to the unique SplinterShield coating.

The story came to light when William Sheridan from Carl Kammerling was visiting a customer – Seryn Electrical, in Ross on Wye. It was during a conversation with Elaine Powell, the owner of the business, that she learned C.K MightyRods PRO are 100% splinterproof. She then recounted the story of Jason.

Elaine Powell commented, “Customer confidence is of paramount importance to me and, as soon as I heard about the quality and the unique splinterproof feature that C.K MightyRods PRO provide, I had no hesitation in stocking them and sales are already increasing due to increased customer confidence”.

For further information visit www.carlkammerling.com

MERIDIAN LED ANTI-CORROSIVE FITTINGS BY CED The Meridian anti-corrosive range forms part of a substantial LED range from CED, including other major commercial products in high bays, battens and floodlights.

These anti-corrosives comprise single and twin 4ft, 5ft and 6ft fittings, with emergency and motion sensor options for 5ft and 6ft versions. Single and twin variants have power levels of 24W and 48W for 4ft, 30W and 60W for 5ft and 48W and 96W for 6ft fittings. They come fitted with waterproof frosted polycarbonate diffusers, whilst spare opal options are also available but sold separately.

The range is designed with SMD LED strips built-in and fixed to the base tray, whilst polycarbonate bodies provide protection from moisture, grease and UV radiation.

Suitable for garages, car parks, workshops, warehouses, factories and industrial areas, Meridian Anti-Corrosive fittings offer excellent value for money.

Quality is assured with CE and BS EN 60309-2 approval.

THE METWAY CONNECTION CENTRE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE The MCC Connection Centre lighting control module from Metway offers a wealth of features to benefit the installer and specifier alike. It is the simple, flexible and cost effective solution for your lighting installation.

The Metway Connection Centre unit comes in a 10 and eight output configuration with dedicated PIR inputs. It features dual side latching luminaire outputs and PIR inputs, dual channel dimming and dual channel switching. The robust moulded low profile construction allows for simple single fix installation and loop in termination of cabling.

The unit also features pluggable switch inputs which combine dimming and switching of detectors on individual channels. The switch inputs can also be used to facilitate Metway’s range of communicating detectors to create a networked system with corridor hold.

Pluggable BMS integration is also available via third-party controls.

For further information visit www.metway.co.uk

For further information contact 0208 503 8500 or visit www.ced-elec.co.uk

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COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

THORN LAUNCHES ISARO PRO Thorn Lighting has launched Isaro Pro, a sustainable luminaire offering a long life and low energy consumption.

Manufactured from die-cast aluminium, Isaro Pro is built to withstand the elements and cope with physical impact and vibration.

Offering a lifetime of 100,000 hours (at 25°C), efficacy of up to 139lm/W and control options including RF wireless, Isaro Pro guarantees years of reliable performance at low cost, making it an ideal choice for both new and retrofit projects. With light output of up to 9,500lm, Isaro Pro is powerful enough to handle minor roads, residential areas and car parks.

Thorn’s unique R-PEC optic allows Isaro Pro to provide unprecedented optical flexibility with a choice of 14 light distributions that offers highly efficient, comfortable illumination exactly where required. Isaro Pro comes with an IP66 rating for ingress protection and IK09 for impact, as well as strong corrosion resistance.

Isaro Pro is easy to install and maintain and the fitting is available pre-wired.

SUPER ROD SPONSORS MINI RACING TEAM FOR SECOND YEAR Super Rod is sponsoring local Mini SE7EN racing team SMG for the second year in succession, to help the Abergavenny-based constructors and driver Leon Window build on their Winter Cup win last season.

SMG driver Leon won the Winter Cup at Brands Hatch in November, in the Mini sponsored by Super Rod. The team also finished inside the top 10 in the overall championship. With the backing of Super Rod, Leon and the SMG team are hoping to make a real challenge for the top spot in the forthcoming racing season, which starts in April at Pembrey.

As well as being a racing driver in his spare time, Leon Window is an installer by trade. He is the owner of Select Security, which started out in 2010 to deliver security systems to rural and agricultural clients.

For further information visit www.super-rod.co.uk

For further information visit www.thornlighting.co.uk

TITANEX CABLE RANGE SUPPORTS TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS UP TO 90°C Nexans has upgraded its TITANEX family of low voltage (LV) flexible rubber cables to become the first H07RN-F cable operating at up to 90°C temperature at the core (for fixed and protected installations).

Nexans has improved stability, flexibility, durability and thermal performance of the TITANEX design, with a high resistance to vibration and abrasion. Internal tests have shown that TITANEX cables are designed to withstand up to five times the 30,000 continuous cycles required by the H07RN-F standard.

The cable range is suitable for applications up to 1KV within fixed and protected installations in compliance with the H07RN-F standard for rubber cables.

The latest generation of TITANEX now also features a larger cross section marking to ease identification and installation, and is compliant with ECA classification of the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) For further information visit www.nexans-titanex.com

*Tested to withstand five times the 30 000 continuous cycles required by the standard.

4MP CCTV RANGE LAUNCHED BY ESP Marketed under the wellknown ESP brand, HDView offers an upgrade from 1080p (2MP) to 4MP to give users a higher density of pixels to produce a super high definition image. The range also benefits from sleek modern styling for a contemporary look.

The range will comprise a collection of DVRs, cameras and an ultra-high definition monitor. The initial offer will include a four and eight channel DVR, which will cover the majority of installations. Support for 4MP live view and recording comes as standard, and as existing 720p and 1080p resolutions are also compatible, it allows the user to upgrade the system gradually if and when required.

There are a number of hard drive options to suit storage demands using the renowned surveillance hard drives by Western Digital from 1-8TB. The new 4MP cameras are available in dome and bullet designs, all in a modern style metal housing. There is a choice of a white or grey finish.

For further information visit www.espuk.com

A USB WITH A USP The robust shape and composition of Crabtree’s new Metalclad Dual USB socketoutlet makes it perfect to fit in a variety of applications, bringing a wider choice of USB socket outlets to the market.

Meeting all relevant product standards, this latest socket outlet from Crabtree, one of Electrium’s leading brands in electrical components, is a 13A two-gang switched socket with double pole switching – with two USB ports providing a total of 2.1A. The durable finish of the socket is thanks to its Metalclad features, meaning it is resistant to premature aging, discolouration and corrosion, keeping the socket looking as fresh as the day it was installed.

Industrial sites such as factories, garages and workshops will benefit from its tough exterior, allowing users to plug in devices safe in the knowledge that its surrounding environment won’t affect its performance.

Installers at educational facilities would also benefit from the advantages provided by the tough socket.

SIMPLY SAVING ENERGY WITH DANLERS NEW HIGH BAY PIRS Danlers has launched a new range of high bay PIR occupancy switches. The range is ideal for energy saving lighting control in areas such as factories, storage aisles and entrance halls.

The products detect a person moving within the detection area and controls the lights accordingly.

Each product includes an adjustable time lag function plus an adjustable photocell.

There are versions for simply switching the lighting load on/off, as well as products for DALI, DSI or 1-10vdc ballasts, which automatically dim or brighten the lights in response to changes in the ambient light level.

The products either come with manual adjustment or as versions which are programmable using the free Danlers ‘EasyZAPP’ or ‘ControlZAPP’ apps on an Android phone or tablet.

For further information visit www.danlers.co.uk

For further information visit www.electrium.co.uk/contact-us

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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

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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.

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FIRE SURVIVAL CABLES Large stocks of high quality FIRETUF circuit integrity cables ü ü

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