ECN October 2020 by All Things Media

uickwire

The revolutionary new junction box for lighting www.quickwire.co.uk

VOLUME 40 NO. 10 • OCTOBER 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE: EV CHARGING

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE: SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

COMPETITION Win a high street dining voucher for up to six people courtsey of Timeguard

PRECISE. RELIABLE. EFFICIENT. Bosch has launched new intuitive and user-friendly cross lasers, which offer accurate results, robust design and simplified HMI. The new lasers provide a more detailed and accurate understanding of measuring. The GLL 2-15 G line laser and the GCL 2-50 G combi laser are Bosch’s latest innovations in the green beam measuring tool range. They come with improved features to make them Bosch’s toughest lasers so far – featuring rubber housing and IP 64 rating. The simplistic design with a new one button design reduces the fear of using measuring tools and prevents mistakes. The GLL 2-15 G is the basic model of the new generation of cross line lasers in the Bosch Professional measuring tool range. Two laser lines with Bosch green beam technology can be operated as cross line, horizontal or vertical line and the working range is up to 15m. The GCL 2-50 G also comes with Bosch green beam laser technology and two laser lines (horizontal and vertical). As the advanced model it also has two plumb points to provide additional reference points whilst using the laser. The working range is up to 15m and when operated with a laser receiver the working range is up to 50m.

Turn to page 12 for the full story.

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22/09/2020 11:17

Sign up for an account today electricfix.com or by phone on 03330 112 333 Hi, I’m Trevor I’ve been working on my dedicated Electricfix Counter for years. Three, in fact. So I know everything there is to know about the benefits of being an Electricfix customer. You’ll always get a great deal, in fact we’ve got 100’s of exclusive deals just for you - on top of our ex-VAT prices. Plus, you’ll get a Trade Credit account available to you, so you can plan ahead without emptying your pockets. Myself and the dedicated Electricfix team are here to help you get the job done, whether you’re in-store or on the other end of a phone. Looking forward to meeting you.

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ELECTRICFIX.COM

OPEN EVERYDAY 24/09/2020 16:15

CONTENTS VOLUME 40 NO. 10 • OCTOBER 2020

CONTENTS… Regulars 5 Editorial Hello from the new editor!

7 Industry News ECA calls on industry to hire more apprentices; Construction workers reminded to be COVID-19 smart in spare time; Eaton launches ‘Fundamentals Of Lighting Guide’; and more

12 Cover Story Bosch launches new cross line lasers

15 Contract News Electrical connection completed for luxury hotel development; Vantrunk signs Hinkley Point contract; Luceco luminaires installed at water park; and more

18 Training Free wellbeing training for all in construction; 18th Edition training returns to Select HQ; and more

SPECIAL FEATURES: EV Charging Brian O’Neill looks at 30 Schneider’s the road ahead for utilities in the future of e-mobility Energy is taking the next step 32 Trojan in curbside charging by installing 200 of its chargers in trials across Brent and Camden Power Distribution has 33 Western confirmed the site for its innovative DC Share project, which could help deliver 217,000 EV chargers in urban spaces by 2023 London bus garage is set 34 AtoNorth become a ‘virtual power station’, generating electricity from buses when not in use discusses the current climate 36 Rolec of electrification and future-proof charging infrastructure to support the uptake of electric vehicles

20 Key Issue The latest professional power tool technology saves installers time and money, explains Nick Chan, Marketing Manager for HIKOKI Power Tools

24 Project Focus The Waterside Inn’s newly-refurbished guest rooms have been equipped with new decorative wiring accessories

28 Competition A chance to win a high street dining voucher for up to six people, courtesy of Timeguard

64 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector

Smart Lighting & Lighting Controls Singleton, The Lighting Designer 48 Guy Inventor, looks at the evolution of LEDs Hopkins from Legrand 50 Richard explores trends in the smart tech sector and explains how electrical professionals can help their customers make the right choices Group looks close to 52 Scolmore home when considering the product requirements for the expansion and redesign of its Visitor Centre

Circuit Protection & Switchgear

Electrical’s Rob Aitken 54 Wandsworth investigates the advances in smart

designer and manufacturer of 43 Aswitchgear for the UPS industry has

Cairney, Technical Standards 57 Bob Adviser at Select, looks at the future of

doubled its switchgear production capacity Andrews, Doepke Technical 44 Chaz Manager, explains the terminology associated with different types of residual current protection and detection devices associated with EV installations has recently supplied the LV 46 TES distribution switchgear equipment for a major data centre expansion project

4 | October 2020

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home technology, including lighting, and the substantial savings to be made

the smart home David Williams discusses 60 Screwfix’s the opportunity that spending more time at home this year presents for electrical contractors Allden, Managing Director of 62 John Tamlite Lighting, explains why the government’s draft Building Safety Bill will bring benefits all-round

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EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

Cable & Cable Management

Energy Management

HELLO FROM THE NEW EDITOR!

’d like to take a moment to introduce myself as your new editor. Some of you may recognise me, as I’ve been working in electrical publishing for some time now. I’m really excited to be taking over ECN from Simon, who is moving on to pastures new. He’s done a fantastic job with the magazine and I wish him all the best for the future. In industry news, this month’s new Building Engineering Business survey has found that 67% of businesses expect their turnover to increase or remain the same in Q3 of 2020, compared with Q2, where there was a sharp drop in turnover due to the coronavirus crisis. Almost two thirds of businesses reported less turnover in Q2 compared to Q1, which is the sharpest drop since the quarterly survey began in 2016. However, this fall in turnover was not as large as businesses had predicted earlier in the year – back in April, 74% had predicted a fall in turnover during Q2.

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

ECA CEO, Steve Bratt, has said the picture that is now emerging is one of a resilient sector that braced for impact in the spring and is so far weathering the storm, whilst remaining cautiously optimistic about the future. According to BESA Director of Member Services, Debbie Petford, a key issue going forward will be retaining skilled workers, as the industry is already suffering from a skills gap, and the threat of redundancies may drive skilled workers out of the industry or discourage trainees from entering the sector. She said that the government’s KickStart scheme, the CLC’s Talent Retention Scheme and BESA’s own new online learning solution, the BESA Academy, are key initiatives which will help. Special features in this issue include EV Charging, Circuit Protection and Switchgear, and Smart Lighting and Lighting Control. We are also offering one lucky reader the chance to win a high street dining voucher for up to six people, so make sure you enter! I hope you enjoy the issue!

Fire, Safety & Security

Carly Wills, Editor

EDITOR: CARLY WILLS T: 01634 673163 E: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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

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

Lighting Supplement

November Issue Advertising deadline: October 22 Editorial deadline: October 14

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

ECN charity of choice

The editors 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 © 2020, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.

Editorial.indd 4

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25/09/2020 13:50

ELECTRICIANS & GAS SAFETY ENGINEERS SCOTLAND NEEDS YOU! Scottish Fire and CO Alarm Legislation has changed and Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2.48 million homes require a competent person to fit and upgrade their alarm systems. So, the question is are you up to date with your training? Do you know about the new legislation, could you guide a home owner if asked? If you need to update your training or become an Expert Installer and be listed on our website where you can be found by homeowners, simply book your free training today at aico.co.uk/expert-installer

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18/09/2020 09:51:24

22/09/2020 10:38 10:44 02/03/2020

INDUSTRY NEWS RESEARCH REVEALS EXTENT OF VEHICLE THEFT AND MISUSE Vimcar, the fleet management software for small and medium-sized companies, has released new research into vehicle theft and misuse in the electrical services sector. The survey of more than 1,000 UK firms identified a clear need in the sector to have greater control over its fleet, with vehicle misuse costing the industry thousands each year. At a time when businesses across the sector are seeking to control costs in order to bounce back from lockdown, it’s reassuring to see that 75% of the employers Vimcar spoke to in the electrical services sector have measures in place to restrict vehicle use. This safety-first approach could be due to the fact that one in three businesses admitted to having had a vehicle stolen in the past, with 32% of electrical services businesses now restricting company vehicle use to business purposes only. Despite this air of caution, it’s surprising to learn that more than half (51%) of the respondents did not have a system in place to track whether their vehicles were being used properly – although 62% said that they would like one. Ronald Clancy, UK Country Manager, Vimcar comments, “SMEs in the UK are currently facing numerous

economic and market challenges, and vehicle misuse threatens to add to these. This issue is costing the electrical services industry thousands in terms of extra fuel, HMRC fines, and unnecessary maintenance expenses. In addition to this, across all UK industries vehicle theft costs businesses more than £16,000 per year. For the two

out of three participants who would consider buying or have bought a telematics system, a GPS fleet management system that includes features such as live tracking, geofencing and data exportation would be the best way to curve vehicle theft and misuse.” Vimcar, vimcar.co.uk

TOOLSTATION ON TRACK TO OPEN 60 NEW BRANCHES IN 2020

ECA CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO HIRE NEW APPRENTICES

Toolstation has confirmed it remains on track to open a further 60 UK branches this year. Despite being forced to temporarily halt new branch openings during the coronavirus lockdown, the company has no doubt it can catch up with its expansion plan by December, employing at least 420 new staff. Toolstation’s ambitious growth plans have been bolstered by a significant increase in customer numbers during lockdown, with over 700,000 new customers opting for its Click & Collect and delivery services. At the end of July, the company announced increased first-half sales of 37.1%, attributable to a 12.9% increase in like-for-like sales and a 23.6% increase in trading space over the previous 12 months. “We’re making up for lost time,” says Managing Director, James Mackenzie. “Toolstation opened six new branches in 2020 before lockdown commenced and we’ve launched a further 24 since the end of May.” “Click & Collect has been a massive success story for us,” Mackenzie continues. “We adapted our business model really quickly during lockdown and customers have really embraced the new way of buying. This underlines the importance for our business of creating more retail branches in accessible locations and expanding our coverage to make it easier for trades and DIY customers to easily obtain the products they need with minimum delay between ordering and collection.”

The ECA is urging engineering businesses to continue to recruit apprentices. ECA has created an explanatory video, which highlights the array of financial and business benefits to employers from apprentices. These include:

Toolstation, toolstation.com

EATON LAUNCHES ‘FUNDAMENTALS OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING GUIDE’ Eaton is launching a ‘Fundamentals of Emergency Lighting Guide’ to empower consultants, planners and building owners to implement best practice emergency lighting systems. The guide aims to highlight the importance of essential illumination for guiding occupants, via safe routes, to critical locations and vital resources – reducing panic and saving lives in building emergencies. Eaton’s ‘Fundamentals of Emergency Lighting Guide’ details six easy to navigate sections, including: • What is emergency lighting? • Understanding system approaches • Choosing the right products • Choosing the right system for your needs • Planning for compliance • Creating a complete system Anthony Martindale, Field Product Manager at Eaton, comments, “There’s no room for cutting corners when it comes to protecting life and property. You wouldn’t put your family at risk in your home, and the same mentality should apply for building occupants. Whether it be a fire or terror attack, an effective emergency lighting system acts as a critical lifeline in emergency situations, particularly when we’re talking about some of our most vulnerable - in healthcare buildings, for example. “We built the ‘Fundamentals of Emergency Lighting Guide’ to help building owners, facilities managers and electrical contractors to start the conversation around implementing best-practice emergency lighting systems and to show the value of the investment.” Eaton, eaton.com

• Employers can claim government incentive payments of up to £3,000 per apprentice hired up until the end of January 2021 • Government training grants mean that in England, for example, non-apprentice levy payers need contribute only 5% of the costs of training an apprentice • Over four years, a business can receive a return on investment of up to £57,000 from each apprentice Furthermore, the video explains a range of ways in which employers can get apprentices back to work after time away on furlough. It also outlines how apprentices can travel to, and undertake, work safely, in line with current social distancing requirements. Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Employment, comments, “Apprentices are the bedrock of the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. Those employers able to retain and hire new apprentices can expect a healthy return on their investment, as well as longer-term benefits such as more sustainable business growth and stronger capability in new technologies. “ECA urges employers to watch our new video and consider the benefits of having apprentices in your organisation, as well how you can bring existing apprentices back safely from furlough. We welcome the consistent commitment of ECA Members such as T. Clarke, who recently confirmed recruitment of another tranche of apprentices, and hope other businesses will now follow suit.” ECA, eca.co.uk

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23/09/2020 10:46

INDUSTRY NEWS CONSTRUCTION WORKERS REMINDED TO BE COVID-19 SMART IN FREE TIME As Scotland continues to battle a surge in the global pandemic, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has repeated its urgent call for industry workers to be COVID-19 smart in their social lives. The plea comes after a rise in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Scotland, which has now seen localised restrictions extended on household gatherings. Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association, a leading Forum member, says, “Since people can spread the virus before they know they’re sick, it’s vital that everyone working in the construction industry adheres to

the physical distancing rules whether they’re at work or relaxing during their free time.” To reinforce its message, the Forum is ramping up a recent campaign which used social media animations and open source posters to remind construction workers to stay safe. The films feature construction workers called Campbell and Fiona who observe physical distancing in their spare time to protect colleagues when they return to work. The message is repeated on the posters, which can be printed out and displayed in workplaces. Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum, cicvforum.co.uk

SELECT RE-APPOINTED AS CERTIFICATION SCHEME PROVIDER BY SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Select has been granted Ministerial approval to continue in its role as a Scheme Provider for the Certification of Construction (Electrical Installations to BS 7671) scheme. Initially introduced within the 2003 Building (Scotland) Act, the scheme allows competent individuals to be appointed Approved Certifiers of Construction or Design, giving them the authority to certify that any work they undertake as part of a building warrant is compliant with building regulations. Select has been a Scheme Provider since 2005 and the re-appointment decision means it can continue in this role to the industry for another six years. The reappointment decision was made by the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division (BSD) after a lengthy application process involving intensive data and documentation submission, followed by review by a BSD appointed certification panel. Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services and Head of Certification at Select, says, “We are delighted that the integrity and quality of the services that we have been delivering for the past 15 years will continue to be of service to the Scottish Government and the construction industry as a whole. “Certification has never been higher on the sector’s agenda and building standards services are key to ensuring that construction schemes can help raise standards throughout the industry and deliver new buildings and improved facilities.”

NVQ LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION IN POWER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION CABLING Excellence Achievement and Learning (EAL) has announced the launch of a new NVQ Level 3 certificate for Cabling and Jointing, following work by the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee to develop recognised qualification routes in the sector. The EAL L3 Certificate in Power Supply and Distribution Cabling is an occupational qualification for learners who work in the electrotechnical industry carrying out either power supply distribution cabling or cable jointing and require a formal qualification to facilitate progression to becoming industry recognised in their role. The content was created from working with cabling and jointing contractors, the ECA, Unite the Union, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) through the JIB Cabling and

Jointing Committee. This new qualification has been available since September and the JIB will continue this work to help training providers and colleges deliver this qualification route. John O’Sullivan, Managing Director of TA Ronan Cabling and Jointing and Chair of the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee, explains, “This is really good news for companies and individuals alike who are carrying out cable installations or cable jointing. Gaining industry recognition in their occupation was a goal the Cabling and Jointing Committee set itself, and the achievement of that goal gives companies and individuals the chance to validate their competencies and recognise the skilled nature of their work.” EAL, eal.org.uk

Select, select.org.uk

HPA ENCOURAGED BY RESULTS OF TRAINING CONSULTATION The results have been revealed from a consultation on qualification criteria for low carbon heating system training courses. The consultation was carried by a coalition of heating industry bodies with particular interests in low carbon heating systems. A training strategy published by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) alongside the consultation lays out how the heating industry needs to transform to enable the wider adoption of heat pumps throughout the UK building stock. The Strategy contains five clear steps for how a plumbing and heating engineer can be trained to meet the new challenges faced in trying to achieve the UK goal of a zero carbon future, reducing administration costs, and recommending to government that they support a training voucher scheme for the first 5,000 installers to go through the new course. The key results from the consultation were: • 98% of respondents were positive about the content proposed for the Heat Pump Foundations course. • Over 66% of respondents indicated that they would be likely or very likely to attend the course. • The course content for the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) specific course was well-rated by 96% of respondents. • Many respondents cited that cost was a key consideration, with suggestions of a voucher scheme/incentive for installers to carry out this training. Regulatory requirement to do so was repeated as a key motivation if this course was mandatory to keep working, while others cited age as a reason that they would not attend. • 86% of respondents were either in agreement or of no opinion regarding the proposed length of time for the course (two days for the heat pump foundation course, with one day for each technology). Some suggested that an on-site follow-up assessment at a later date will be needed to ensure quality. Heat Pump Association, heatpumps.org.uk

8 | October 2020

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23/09/2020 10:46

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INDUSTRY NEWS BUREAU VERITAS LAUNCHES EV CHARGING POINT INSPECTION SERVICE Electrical safety expert Bureau Veritas has unveiled a new testing and inspection service for electric vehicle (EV) charging points, as latest figures show almost 10,000 new connections have been installed across the UK in the past year alone. Recent statistics from Zap-Map show there are now 33,779 charging points for electrical vehicles in the UK, a figure which has risen by 8,841 – or a sizable 39% – in the last 12 months. This number is expected to soar in the coming years. Bureau Veritas has launched an independent new inspection offering for EV charging points to help duty holders ensure all installations are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the BS7671- Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations). Conducted by Bureau Veritas’ highly-skilled electrical engineers, the testing and inspection programme includes earth continuity and insulation resistance testing, polarity confirmation, as well as checks on residual current devices and earth loop impedance. The firm recently helped a global technology leader with office locations worldwide to introduce an inspections and maintenance programme for the EV charging points at its sites. Bureau Veritas, bureauveritas.co.uk

BUYER DEMAND FOR NEW HOMES PLUMMETS TO LOWEST LEVELS IN SIX YEARS, SAYS FMB Demand for new homes has reached its lowest level since 2014, according to small to medium-sized (SME) house builders. The new figures, published in the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) House Builders’ Survey 2020, track the experience of SME house builders in England. Key findings of the House Builders’ Survey include: • Buyer demand fell to its lowest levels in six years. • 48% of respondents said that ‘the planning system’ was restricting their ability to build new homes. Anecdotal evidence suggests builders are typically waiting one year for a decision on non-controversial planning applications. • 46% said they had concerns over a ‘lack of available and viable land’ to build on. In a worrying development, access to finance has emerged as a growing concern for SMEs, with 41% saying that this is an issue for their company. Recent improvements in lending conditions over the past two years have been reversed, and the issue of loan refusal has seen the biggest jump in respondents citing this as a cause for concern. When asked to look ahead over the next three years, 37% of SMEs are concerned about the impact of restricted mortgage availability and what this will mean for prospective house hunters. Against this background, the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey sets out three key priorities for SME house builders over the year ahead: boost resources for local authority planning departments; improve flexibility in the government’s Home Building Fund; and extend the Stamp Duty Land Tax Holiday when it ends in March 2021. Federation of Master Builders, fmb.org.uk

MAJOR CHANGES TO 18TH EDITION OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT A raft of updates are being proposed to the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, with a consultation to engage with industry on the potential for a second amendment. The changes, led by IET and BSI, have been proposed following ongoing discussions at committee level, which involve stakeholders including ECA. Some of the key potential changes in AMD 2 include: • The mandating of AFDDs on circuits less than 32A • Removal of the risk assessment method for omitting additional RCD protection on socket outlets • Less paperwork for EICs • New cut-off date for complying with the 18th Edition • New energy efficiency and prosumer requirements • New SPD requirements • New foundation earthing requirements • New protected area requirements The DPC will remain open for comment until 11 December 2020. It is available via the BSI Standards development portal: https://standardsdevelopment. bsigroup.com/. BSI, bsigroup.com

MOVERS & SHAKERS… Mechanical and electrical building services provider, J S Wright, has promoted Richard Pendleton to the position of Associate Contracts Director. He was previously Senior Electrical Project Manager responsible for overseeing major contracts, and reports directly to National Electrical Contracts Director, Paul Featherston. British cable management manufacturer, Marshall-Tufflex, has announced the appointment of Paul Mitchell as its Managing Director. Mitchell brings with him an in-depth knowledge of the industry, having spent 30 years at the company and will continue to champion the use of recycled materials in manufacturing PVC-U cable management. Donald W Orr has been elected as the new President of Select, the trade association for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland. As Managing Director of Unitech Services, Orr has been a long-standing Select member and serves on a number of committees as well as representing the association externally.

10 | October 2020

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23/09/2020 10:46

IN SAFE AND STRONG HANDS All white moulded wiring accessories are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases.

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Scolmore plates were shown to have a 99.9% kill off rate against enveloped viruses and a 92% kill off rate against non-enveloped viruses.

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02/09/2020 15:22

02/09/2020 14:00:15

COVER STORY

The green beam feature on the cross line lasers has seen a high demand in the market in recent years

BOSCH LAUNCHES NEW CROSS LINE LASERS Accurate results, robust design and simplified HMI are three features that highlight the new cross line lasers from Bosch.

he intuitive and user-friendly lasers provide a more detailed and accurate understanding of measuring. It brings more confidence and safety when carrying out tasks and reduces costly mistakes on the job. The GLL 2-15 G line laser and the GCL 2-50 G combi laser are Bosch’s latest innovations in the green beam measuring tool range. The company says that the new designs are the most robust laser lines on the market with rubber housing and IP 64 rating. The simplistic design with a new one button design reduces the fear of using measuring tools and prevents mistakes. It’s state-of-the art technology that fits into your budget, bringing all the benefits of levelling into your daily job.

Robustness The new cross line lasers come with improved features to make them Bosch’s toughest lasers so far: • Impact absorbing rubber body, which is all around the combi laser so allows for greater protection and more stable positioning and grip on the ground. It is a great innovation for installing handrails, laying tiles, aligning pipes, aligning light switches, vertical plumbing and suspended ceilings. The rubber side bumper adds extra protection on both sides of the housing. • Recessed windows, where the green beam is located, which are protected by the rubber body, but also includes additional protection of H- and V- laser windows.

12 | October 2020

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• Market research has shown that in interior levelling, dust is a bigger enemy than water. The GLL 2-15 G and GCL 2-50 G have been upgraded from IP 54 to IP 64 so you can focus on the job while working in rough jobsite conditions. The 6 rating stands for dust tight (the highest rating), and the 4 on the rating stands for the water aspect, meaning the new cross line lasers can be used in heavy rain. • The improved pendulum lock provides maximum protection during transport, with almost no movement.

Both lasers have several operating modes, which the user can switch between at any time. These are: the cross line mode, horizontal mode and vertical mode.

Simplicity

GLL 2-15 G vs GCL 2-50 G

• The new switch design comes with improved grips and large indications. Also, its new location is closer to the keypad for easier handling. The optimised switch mechanism (only two positions) prevents accidentally starting to work in lock mode:

The GLL 2-15 G is the basic model of the new generation of cross line lasers in the Bosch Professional measuring tool range. Two laser lines with Bosch green beam technology can be operated as cross line, horizontal or vertical line and the working range is up to 15m. The tool comes with the LB 10, a mount with one of the strongest magnets in the market. The GCL 2-50 G also comes with Bosch green beam laser technology and two laser lines (horizontal and vertical). As the advanced model, it also has two plumb points to provide additional reference points whilst using the laser. The working range is up to 15m, and when operated with a laser receiver, the working range is up to 50m. As the receiver mode is constantly activated, no button needs to be pressed. The tool comes with the RM 10, an advanced mount featuring one of the strongest magnets in the world, a slide on function, fine adjustment and easy positioning. Both tools run on four AA batteries to provide even longer run time and fit in any ¼” thread tripod.

• OFF = laser off, pendulum securely locked. • ON = laser on, pendulum self-levelling. • A simplified keypad, with only one button and a larger, easier to read out battery LED display. • For the GCL 2-50 G the receiver mode is constantly activated, to eliminate necessity to press any additional buttons.

Laser technology The green beam feature on the cross line lasers has seen a high demand in the market in recent years. Is the green beam more visible then the red beam? The answer is YES! Green beam has up to four times better visibility than red beam.

electricalcontractingnews.com

• The cross line mode generates one horizontal and one vertical laser line. • The horizontal mode generates one horizontal laser line. • The vertical mode generates one vertical laser line. • Levelling accuracy ±0.3mm/m

Bosch, bosch.co.uk

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22/09/2020 10:53

NEW! GCL 2-50 G & GLL 2 -15 G PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASERS Precise. Reliable. Efﬁcient. It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

New Features: Simpliﬁed HMI: ▶ Now ﬁtted with a one button does all on the roof of the tool. ▶ Clear battery status indicator as well as a new switch location offering a clear ease of use for the user.

Improved Robustness: ▶ Both tools offer IP 64 dust and splash protection.

TECHNICAL DATA

GLL 2-15 G PROFESSIONAL

GCL 2-50 G PROFESSIONAL

Range

15 m

15 m (50 m with LR7)

Accuracy

±0.3 mm/m

New Magnetic Mounts:

Receiver compatible

LR7

▶ The brand new LB 10 and RM 10 magnetic mounts are made with the strongest magnets in the market.

Plump points

Yes 10 m

▶ The RM 10 uses a slide attachment whereas the LB 10 uses the GLL 2-15 G’s ¼” tripod thread.

Working mount

LB 10

RM 10

Power source

4 x AA batteries

▶ They are housed with an impact absorbing rubber body for added protection and grip. ▶ The switch and laser windows are now recessed and protected by the rubber caging.

www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/

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24/09/2020 12:42

Are you an EV installer?

The rules on DC fault protection are changing for the 18th Edition*.

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28/05/2020 10:48

8.11.2018 9:20:16

CONTRACT NEWS Rock Power Connections has finalised the installation of two looped substations from a HV point of connection to The Gantry

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION COMPLETED FOR LUXURY HOTEL DEVELOPMENT Rock Power Connections has finalised the installation of two looped substations from a High Voltage (HV) point of connection to a development of twin hotels known as The Gantry in Stratford, London. The hotel development includes a 285 bedroom Hilton hotel that stretches over 18-storeys, and a 136 room longstay Adagio aparthotel. The development also features new bars and restaurants on the lower floors, as well as a sky-bar on the 18th floor. Rock was appointed to install a 1MVA substation, alongside a 1.5MV substation, each providing a low voltage bulk-metered supply to an adjacent switchroom. The Gantry is one of the latest connection projects to have been completed by the growing independent connections provider, where the Rock team liaised very closely with UK Power Networks, and the rest of the contractors on the site to ensure the installation caused minimal disruption, whilst adhering to the project timescale. Rock Power Connections, rockpowerconnections.co.uk

VANTRUNK SIGNS HINKLEY POINT CONTRACT Vantrunk has signed a contract to provide cable management solutions to Hinkley Point C (HPC) Nuclear Power Station. HPC – on the Somerset coast – will be the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years and will provide enough low carbon electricity for around six million homes. HPC, situated adjacent to the existing Hinkley Point A and B stations, will be the first European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) built in the UK by EDF. The power station will mark a significant milestone in the UK’s revitalisation of the nuclear

power industry and the move to reducing carbon emissions. The electricity generated by its two reactors will offset nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year over its 60-year lifespan. HPC has appointed Vantrunk as the sole supplier of the complete cable containment package, including cable ladder and cable tray. The substantial contract will be supplied over a three-to-fouryear build period and will be managed by the MEH Alliance, which consists of Altrad, Balfour Beatty Bailey, Cavendish Nuclear and Doosan Babcock. Vantrunk, vantrunk.com

HPC will be the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years

DAMAC TOWER GETS TOTAL RISER SOLUTION Ambar Kelly’s riser zone system has been installed in Damac Tower, a stunning residential development situated in the emerging cultural hotspot, Nine Elms on London’s South Bank. For this project, Ambar Kelly worked with main contractor Multiplex, frame contractor Byrne Bros, architect Kohn Pederson Fox and lead M&E coordinator IBSECAD, to design, manufacture and supply its RiserSafe system. A total riser zone safety solution, it is an adaptable system which deals with all of the safety and cost risks associated with risers, including the prevention of falls from height and the spread of smoke and flames during and post construction. For Damac Tower, Multiplex required a solution that was flexible, well-designed and engineered, manufactured off site and capable of being installed to a strict programme. It also had to provide protection for the operational workforce from the risk of falling from height, and act as a fire barrier to the spread of smoke and flame during construction. Ambar Kelly’s RiserSafe was able to meet the project’s safety and fire protection requirements, all the while providing an effective way to secure the riser shaft. The solution would also seal the riser void when Damac Tower becomes occupied. Ambar Kelly provided 449 of its RiserSafe units for the project. As the majority of the RiserSafe units are located within Damac Tower’s core, Ambar Kelly had to meet the exact delivery dates to ensure the units were installed in line with the construction of the formwork decking. Byrne Bros simply erected the deck for each floor, and the RiserSafe units were craned into position and then reinforcement fixed. The floor slabs were then cast, ensuring the RiserSafe unit was permanently fixed into the structure. Accommodating all the challenges in one adaptable solution, RiserSafe prevents falls from height and the spread of smoke and flame during and after construction. Damac Tower is a high-profile build, yet the installation of RiserSafe made this process seem seamless, and will assure occupant safety and property protection well into this tower’s bright future. Ambar Kelly, ambar-kelly.com

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October 2020 | 15

22/09/2020 10:48

CONTRACT NEWS LUCECO LUMINAIRES INSTALLED AT WATER PARK Luceco luminaires have recently been installed at a multi-million-pound water park, The Wave, Destination Water and Leisure Project (DWL) in Coventry. At the centre of this state-of-the-art water park are six slides, a splash pad with water jets, a lazy river, wave pool and fitness and spa suites. Over 200 Platinum Mini Downlighters from Luceco lit spaces including changing areas and WC facilities, locker rooms, corridors and circulation areas. Platinum Mini is recessed mounted with a unique swing tab design for quick and easy installation into a 152mm cut-out. Climate Extra is a robust LED IP65 rated luminaire offering an efficacy of 140 Llm/cW with increased performance for improved energy efficiency in areas where a higher protection against ingress of water is needed. Climate Extra was installed on the ‘wet’ staircases, including those providing access to the attractions in the water park. Both single and twin fittings were installed, the opal diffuser enhancing the appearance and uniformity. Other luminaires included Academy, installed in store rooms and the communication hub and Luceco’s 600 x 600 square recessed LuxPanel installed in the offices, medical area and staff room, with IP65 rated versions being used in the kitchens. Celeste was installed on ‘dry’ stairwells. Celeste is an attractive circular LED luminaire from Luceco featuring

Luceco luminaires have recently been installed at The Wave

a ‘corona’ backlight effect with a direct/indirect light distribution. The luminaire can be surface, wall-mounted, or suspended using a three-point 1.5-metre suspension kit, creating an attractive pendant.

Front Five Building Services secured the contract for the mechanical and electrical works at DWL, with Coventry City Council investing £36.7m. Luceco, luceco.com

GREEN LIGHT FOR SMART RENEWABLE HEATING SCHEME A pioneering smart renewable heating scheme in Oxford, part of the £41m Energy Superhub Oxford project, has been given the green light to proceed following lockdown disruption, providing a confidence boost for the construction and renewables industries as they rise to COVID-19 operational challenges, and a positive step towards the UK defining how it will meet its 2050 net zero target. The recommencement of the scheme with housing provider, Stonewater, and Kensa Contracting, will contribute to the Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) project’s anticipated savings of 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year by 2021; the equivalent of taking 2,000 cars off the road. The 60 homes in Blackbird Leys will demonstrate how decarbonisation of heating using ground source heat pumps can interact with local energy systems to allow millions of homes to cut carbon and costs, and adopt a ‘smart cities’ model. The trial

represents 20% of homes committed to receiving smart heating with Kensa ground source heat pumps as part of ESO, a worldfirst project. The residents at Blackbird Leys will have their night storage heating system replaced with a Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump system coupled with Switchee heating controls, which will constantly sense, learn and respond to the inhabitant’s behaviour. Adding a further smart technology dimension to the running of the heat pump, Kensa’s heat optimisation software will take a day-ahead forecast of half hourly electricity costs, and automatically shift the operating times to enable the occupants to make savings from dynamic tariffs without having to change their behaviour. Kensa Contracting, kensacontracting.com

The smart heating system is expected to save residents 3,520 tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime

THORN RAISES THE STANDARD AT 2 STOCKPORT EXCHANGE Thorn has supplied the lighting for 2 Stockport Exchange, a new six-storey office building that has been constructed next to Stockport’s mainline railway station. Thorn’s Beta 2, Katona and Voyager luminaires were chosen for their ability to address the exacting design criteria and ensure a high-quality lighting solution with low total cost of ownership for the Grade A office development. The Stockport Exchange development will deliver 375,000ft2 of office space and 28,000ft2 of commercial floor space and is part of an ambitious regeneration programme that is transforming Stockport town centre. Thorn’s design team worked in close collaboration with KNG Building Services and after submission of various samples and on-site trial mock-ups, were able to devise a scheme that addressed the exacting criteria and achieve the energy efficiency rating of A and LG7 standard for office lighting. Suspended Rectangular Beta 2 LED luminaires illuminate the office spaces, providing low glare (UGR 19<) ensuring comfortable ambient light. Thorn’s slim, square Katona E3D LED luminaires have been installed in the stairwells and all floors within the building feature Voyager Fit self-contained emergency recessed luminaires. Voyager Fit uses easy to adapt interchangeable lenses and offers the most flexible optimised illumination for escape, anti-panic and spot lighting. Thorn Lighting, thornlighting.com

16 | October 2020

Contract News.indd 16

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22/09/2020 10:48

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22/09/2020 10:46

TRAINING

FREE WELLBEING TRAINING FOR ALL IN CONSTRUCTION As a direct result of the wellbeing issues presented to its 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has announced that it is delivering £20,000 of free mental health and wellbeing training to the industry for the remainder of 2020. One of the key findings of the charity’s recently published 2019 Impact Report was that 62% of emergency financial grants were to pay for daily living costs, paying bills and clearing rent arrears and debt. Financial wellbeing is one of the key factors affecting mental health, and the introduction of ‘bang on budget’ financial management sessions aim to directly address these issues. The fallout of COVID-19 has also seen an increasing number of redundancies across the industry and the charity has augmented its wellbeing programme to include two sessions aimed at improving employability with ‘At the Interview’ and a ‘CV Workshop’. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said, “A crucial element of our strategy is to

proactively support the industry’s mental wellbeing and ensure the widespread availability of construction focussed training programmes. These range from hour long interactive wellbeing sessions through to the full two-day MHFA England approved Mental Health First Aider course. This will ensure that companies have easy access to a robust wellbeing strategy to support every level of their organisation from the boots on the ground workforce through to senior management. We are a CITB approved training organisation (ATO) which means that our courses are delivered to a defined and industry-agreed training standard and most are CPD accredited, ensuring they contribute to personal career and professional development.” The charity is also offering its Company Supporters priority access to the MHFA England half-day Mental Health Awareness course and two-day Mental Health First Aider courses. The Lighthouse Construction Industry, lighthouseclub.org

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is delivering £20,000 of free mental health and wellbeing training

Free wellbeing sessions: • Work, life balance – what is good ‘work life balance’ and how to achieve it • Coping with stress – causes and coping mechanisms • Mindfulness – what is mindfulness and how can you implement it • Resilience – building resilience and keeping it growing • Meditation – an introduction to meditation from a construction professional • Bang on budget – looking after your finances, budgeting and debt management • CV workshop – showcasing your attributes and getting an interview • At the interview – tips and skills to shine on the day

INDUSTRY EXPERTS TO OFFER FREE COMMERCIAL ADVICE The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum is launching a series of free advice webinars to help industry professionals improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects. Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across six sessions from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers. The new webinars follow four successful Forum online events in May and June, during which experts gave advice on health and safety, cashflow, contract issues and a range of employment matters. Fiona Hodgson, CEO of SNIPEF and Chair of the Forum’s Commercial sub-group, said: “Since March, the CICV Forum has helped countless professionals across Scotland and beyond with a wealth of information. “This new development is yet another way in which the industry is coming together to help each other and assist in the rebuilding of the industry.” Hodgson added: “One of the most commonly asked questions we’re currently hearing is, ‘How can we improve cashflow and get paid on time?’ It’s clear there’s a demand for more commercial information, so like everything the Forum does, we’re listening to what people need and responding with clear and relevant advice that will help Scotland’s businesses.”

18 | October 2020

Training.indd 18

18TH EDITION TRAINING RETURNS TO SELECT HQ

The webinars will be held between 15 September until 24 November and will discuss a variety of themes. Each webinar will start at 11am and will run for between 60-75 minutes, with sessions recorded and hosted on the Forum’s YouTube channel. Presenters will include: • Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group • Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director, Scottish Building Federation • Deborah Harrison, Legal Manager, The British Constructional Steelwork Association • Angus Pearson, Industry Consultant and Director of Fortis Contracts • Len Bunton, experienced dispute resolution consultant and consultant to the CICV Forum Len Bunton said: “During the past five months, it has become obvious that the industry needs to cooperate and collaborate more than ever before if it is to survive the after-effects of this devastating pandemic. “These free webinars will offer a wealth of invaluable commercial advice, delivered by vastly experienced professionals with a deep understanding of today’s construction industry. This is a unique opportunity to harness this knowledge and understanding and gain a greater insight of how to navigate the post-pandemic business landscape successfully.” CICV Forum, cicvforum.co.uk Len Bunton, experienced dispute resolution consultant and consultant to the CICV Forum

Scotland’s largest trade association, Select, has introduced a range of comprehensive COVID-19 safety measures as it prepares to restart partial training sessions at its headquarters outside Edinburgh. Staggered start times, reduced class sizes, clear signage and a range of hygiene measures are all now in place as The Walled Garden prepares to receive delegates once again. The new measure will enable the association to safely deliver the practical part of its SQA Customised Award in Initial Verification to BS 7671 Course (18th Edition). Jenny Cryans, Select Training Manager, comments, “We are delighted to be able to welcome delegates back to The Walled Garden, and have taken every precaution to ensure they feel safe during training. “The training rooms are isolated from the rest of the Select offices, with clear signposting, hand washing facilities and other precautions against the spread of COVID-19. Delegates will also be thoroughly briefed on hygiene issues before and during their training.” The new course – also known as the 209 course – comes in three parts: • Part One – Introduction, completed online (takes around 2.5 hours) • Day One – Theory, delivered as a virtual classroom session from 9am to 3pm • Day Two – Practical, delivered at Select headquarters in Midlothian This third part of the course will take around two hours to complete, with candidates given either a 9.30am or 1.30pm allocated time when booking. This final part will also see a reduced class size, with only a maximum of four people in the training room, including the Select tutor. Last year, Select Training ran 260 courses and trained 2,407 delegates. During lockdown (March 23 to July 31), the department delivered 42 online courses for 253 delegates via its dedicated e-learning platform. Select, select.org.uk

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22/09/2020 10:49

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25/09/2020 14:39

KEY ISSUE

CAN PROFESSIONAL CORDLESS POWER TOOLS SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY? The latest professional power tool technology saves installers time and money, explains Nick Chan, Marketing Manager for HiKOKI Power Tools.

Multi Volt technology makes it possible to use 36V battery packs with 18V machines. Intelligent connecting technology makes it possible for the battery pack to detect whether it is being used on an 18 Volt or a 36 Volt device, and automatically adjust the voltage. If we use the analogy of cars, both a 1L and 2L engine can do 70mph, but the 2L engine is using less of its capacity to get there, therefore increasing the fuel efficiency and engine life. Take, for example, the new C3606DA cordless circular saw. In comparison to current 18 Volt machines, the Multi Volt version is up to 30% faster. The 36 Volt tool requires half the amperage of an 18 Volt tool to achieve the same power. Due to the lower amperage and an integrated cooling system, the battery pack heats up much more slowly. This has a positive effect on the battery’s capacity and working life: the battery pack can deliver its full power over a longer period of time. This high performance Multi Volt tool will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

hy should an electrical contractor invest in a professional, high-performance power tool when you can get what, at first, looks like the same tool for half the price? It’s a question we get asked and it’s an important one, but the answer is straightforward – not all power tools are the same and the best ones can improve a tradesperson’s profitability. It might be a larger initial outlay, but the fact is, choosing the high performance, professional power tool over the cheaper, less powerful tool, will undoubtedly save time and money. How? The power to get jobs done faster and more efficiently, means more profit and the opportunity to move onto the next job. Their reliability means less downtime or outlay on new tools or repairs and superior warranties mean more peace of mind and less outlay again for repairs or new tools. Here are five ways a power tool can save you time, money and give you the kind of value that cheaper, less powerful tools just can’t match.

Brushless motors: 40%+ work time

Battery power: 30%+ faster Choosing a high-performance power tool over the cheaper, less powerful tool will save time and money

It’s the obvious one, but having the battery power to get through really tough jobs efficiently is important. Tools with HiKOKI’s Multi Volt Li-Ion battery, for instance, provide users with awesome mains-like power, with all the freedom and convenience associated with cordless tools.

Having the battery power to get through really tough jobs efficiently is important

20 | October 2020

Key Issue – Hikoki.indd 20

Look out for brushless motor technology on cordless and mains powered tools. These improve efficiency, increase safety and provide a longer life. This in turn drives costs down for users. There’s nothing more frustrating than a power tool failing mid-job simply because it needs to be charged. With the huge improvement in efficiency this is no longer a pressing consideration. A brushless motor can increase working time by up to 40% when used on longer high-volume drilling jobs. Brushless motors work particularly well in big cordless grinders and hammer drills because these tend to be overworked by users. Brushless motors increase work time in other areas too. Cheaper tools may use brushed motors where the carbon brushes are in constant contact with the commutator during use. This friction will mean that the brushes will need to be replaced as they wear out over time with use, putting the tool out of action for a while at least. And due to the more compact design compared to brushed motors, incorporating the brushless motor permits a reduction in size and weight of tools for easier handling so you can keep going for longer.

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Warranty: years+ more service More expensive tools should come with a warranty. For example, most HiKOKI tools, for added peace of mind, are backed up with an automatic three-year warranty, and a five-year warranty is available on some tools, subject to the tool being registered online and additional terms and conditions. With a warranty, your investment is protected and should the worst happen, it can be repaired and parts replaced.

Efficiency: more jobs get done The cross-platform flexibility of the Multi Volt battery means you can use the same battery on a variety of tools, reducing the number of batteries needed (or needing to be checked that they are charged) and making for more efficient workflow. Multi Volt offers more power and durability than ever before, meaning their performance often matches that of their corded counterparts. These professional grade cordless tools have the added advantage that you can take a cordless tool anywhere, with no leads to trip on, and you don’t have to carry heavy transformers around either. This all makes for efficient working and time in the bank for more jobs to get done.

Safety: priceless There is another important advantage of high-performance power tools – user safety. The best manufacturers build individual safety features into different types of tool, like our super safe nailers, drills, saws and breakers. Take HiKOKI’s Reactive Force Control (RFC) for instance, which stops the tool torqueing violently under load, protecting the user, while User Vibration Protection (UVP) dampening is built into the tool to reduce the level of vibration transferred to the user. More generally, tools with brushless motors increase operator safety and overload protection. They don’t generate the same heat as there are no carbon brushes and can’t be burnt out. They also offer better protection on kick-back control when operating. Some manufacturers such as HiKOKI also have power cut out technology, which keeps the operator safe too. Although it can be tempting to go cheap, investing in a solid, professional power tool will repay you and the choice you make over and over again. HiKOKI Power Tools, hikoki-powertools.co.uk

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22/09/2020 10:50

Lasnek.

Because Quality Matters Stainless Steel Cable Management Systems • The stainless steel containment specialist • Choice of containment types & finishes • Bespoke manufacturing service • Large stock availability

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16/02/2017 14:45

Making kitchens safer The timer that prevents hobs from being left on if the cook is distracted. Hobsafe provides peace of mind for safety conscious landlords and care partners of those living with dementia. Hobs are turned off after a predetermined time, ensuring the kitchen is left safe. On-Off or Timer modes offer a choice of operation. Hobsafe is ideal for student accommodation and other multi-occupancy dwellings.

• Robust, tamper-proof design and manufacture • Quick and easy to fit • 15, 20, 30 and 45 minute run times • Large terminals • 30 amp capacity • 2 gang vertical and horizontal models available (40 amp capacity)

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23/09/2020 15:13

SPONSORED FEATURE

NEW CHALLENGER HIGH LUMEN FLOODLIGHT RANGE Challenger is pleased to announce an improvement to its already popular and successful high lumen LED floodlight range.

mproved performance coupled with the latest CAD designed casing results in a super slimline appearance while providing greater heat dissipation and durability, a full IP65 rating including PIR models and a high impact rating of IK09 to further improve the installation lifespan. In terms of performance, the range uses the Lumileds 3030 chipset along with a polycarbonate lens to provide a high lumen output of up to 135 lumens per watt, with a five-year warranty. The range has been designed with the installer in mind by providing both a pre-wired 1m cable and easy access mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has been designed and positioned to allow easy manoeuvre of the fitting during installation to gain access behind the product; coupled with a pre-wired cable, this makes for an easier installation for the contractor. Benefits of LED floodlights include durability and the fact that it is designed to perform in all weather conditions. Additionally, they offer better coverage, with wide beam angles enhancing security. Longer lasting, they can last up to 20 times longer than halogen lights. Another great benefit is Challenger’s slim design and the vertical adjustability of the head through 90 degrees, enabling the contractor to effectively position the fixture to ensure light only shines on the required areas, minimising light pollution.

28 | October 2020

Advertorial – Challenger.indd 28

“Sleek design, highly efficient output and ultimate performance, Challenger is your partner in a more secure future.”

Unlike LED SON replacement lamps, which require cooling fans to prevent lamp failure, Challenger’s complete fitting designed using the latest technology and manufacturing process allows for a super slim casing with alloy blade heat sink to allow for efficient cooling, preventing over heating and component failure. Many users have benefitted from the changeover to Challenger LED, upgrading their existing Halogen and HID floodlighting to the latest technology and being particularly impressed with the quality and light output achieved whilst enjoying energy savings of up to 60%. LED lights are very cost-effective and will save money on energy in the long-run. With four models in the new range, customers have the choice from 100W 13,500 Lumen up to a 300W 40,500 Lumen version. The improved lightweight, slimline design and high performance features provides a quality product range suitable for most applications. These latest additions complement the existing Challenger floodlight range as the company continually strives to offer the most up-to-date technology with a wide range of options available from 15w up to 600w including 15w, 30w and 50w PIR versions. It is Ideal for warehouses, commercial buildings, car parks, sports facilities and building facades and is very good anywhere you need large areas lighting or bright lighting to deter criminal acts

electricalcontractingnews.com

and trespassers. Sleek design, highly efficient output and ultimate performance, Challenger is your partner in a more secure future. Established for over 30 years, Challenger Security Products has earned an enviable reputation. The company has the expertise and equipment to provide you the lumens (brightness) needed to meet your requirements and regulations. Challenger, challenger.co.uk

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22/09/2020 10:52

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25/09/2020 09:53

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

Encouraging more people to adopt EVs is at the heart of the government’s efforts to tackle climate change

THE ROAD AHEAD FOR UTILITIES IN THE FUTURE OF E-MOBILITY Encouraging more people to adopt electric vehicles (for both personal, public and busi ness transport) is at the heart of the government’s efforts to tackle climate change, reports Brian O’Neill, VP Projects, Ireland, Schneider Electric. That is because in 2018 transport accounted for 20.1% of Ireland’s CO2 emissions, according to calculations by the Environmental Agency Protection Ireland.

Brian O’Neill, VP Projects, Ireland, Schneider Electric

30 | October 2020

EV Charging – Schneider.indd 30

ublic support for EVs is high – but affordability will be crucial to turbo charging adoption rates. CSO’s National Travel Survey 2019 showed that the most common factor influencing car purchase decisions was purchase price (65.7%), which was almost double the next biggest influencing factor – reliability at 35.7%. With 18% taking fuel emissions as a consideration, it’s great that carbon emissions are projected to decrease

by 37.8% between 2019-2030 with the influx of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles taking the road by 2030. It’s clear then, that in a strategy to meet the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales by moving to electric transport, end users need to be reassured that using electric vehicles will be as convenient and cost effective as their polluting diesel or petrol predecessors. The integration of more low carbon energy and an improved electrical infrastructure to deliver it when and where it’s needed must all go hand in hand.

electricalcontractingnews.com

How big is the challenge in front of us? The Irish government has set a goal of 950,000 electric vehicles on the road in 10 years’ time in its Climate Action Plan 2019. Despite the sale of EVs being on the rise, with the current approach Ireland has a long road ahead to achieve this target. However, electric transport adoption spans more than just personal consumer use – businesses are beginning to do their part too. For example, The Climate Group has signed up 67 companies to its EV100 Initiative, in which companies including Schneider Electric have committed

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22/09/2020 10:54

EV CHARGING

SPECIAL FEATURE

A service technician installing an EV terminal

times. However, it is expected that the impact on overall energy demand should be less dramatic. In order to target investment in EV where it will be most effective, when it will be needed, utilities must create a model to assess the needs of new infrastructure. A key element to this is better understanding how, when, and where consumers will want to charge up – as well as other environmental factors that might impact this behaviour. By understanding what the demand profile might look like at off-peak, mid-peak and peak, it will be possible to identity where efficiencies can be made. For example, if customers embrace a smart charging model, up to 70% efficiency could be gained and reduce the amount of investment required in higher voltage. In Ireland, an additional 1,000 charging stations will be installed over the next five years as part of a new on-street infrastructure scheme, making it easier for consumers to charge up while ‘out and about’. Another key element will be geography – with some charging locations and their supporting infrastructure requiring more network capacity headroom than elsewhere. At the more local level, this will mean assessing and expanding the capabilities of substations to feed data back to stakeholders in the energy supply chain, so that load can be managed effectively.

to launch a Green Fleet policy which aims to replace 100% of its car fleet with electric vehicles by 2030. This has introduced the need for multiple EV chargers to be installed at private commercial facilities, as well as in public spaces such as motorway services and public car parks. Commuter transport is also seeing an overhaul with numerous projects in cities to move to all-electric buses, electric trams and more digitised commuter railways. With this boom in the e-mobility sector being powered by electricity, we need to turn our attention to the potential strain EV adoption could put on Ireland’s power infrastructure. In turn, the power infrastructure in Ireland is still connected to the UK National Grid – meaning that energy stakeholders need to plan ahead to ensure new systems are compatible as well as resilient. Utilities stakeholders need to decide how to invest in upgrading the electrical network (especially distribution) without creating upward pressure on the cost of electricity for consumers and businesses – which may weaken the appetite for electric vehicle charging.

The challenge of legacy infrastructure As the adoption of electric vehicles gains pace, Ireland will require a significant increase in grid capacity in order to solve challenges such as demand at peak

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EV Charging – Schneider.indd 31

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How utilities can support EV adoption in Ireland Preparing for electric vehicles on the Irish distribution system is a delicate equation, but there are several improvements to our electrical infrastructure which utilities need to continue working on. Namely, by investing and deploying technologies that give their operations the agility and resilience to facilitate 250,000 EVs by 2027, as outlined in ESB’s 2027 plan. Building out this network of plentiful charging points at convenient locations is key to ensuring EV adoption by individuals and businesses alike. This will pave the way for a smooth and steady transition, reducing any bumps in the road that could be caused by a sudden demand for additional infrastructure projects. With this approach, energy distribution stakeholders will be able to continue to shape the future of EV charging, by participating in the development of a smart connected grid which can support new mechanisms such as off-peak retail tariffs. This should ease the pressure to scale infrastructure and capacity to provide consumers with an affordable, reliable and convenient supply of energy as new electric vehicles are connected to the grid. Schneider Electric, se.com

October 2020 | 31

22/09/2020 10:54

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

TAKING THE NEXT STEP IN CURBSIDE CHARGING

A CGI of the new Trojan Energy charge point, allowing discreet curbside charging

Trojan Energy is installing 200 of its chargers in trials across Brent and Camden. The startup is using technology that could unlock electric vehicle charging for people without driveways.

ach charge point is slotted into the ground with a flat and flush connection. The technology has no permanent footprint or street clutter, as the hardware is only visible when a vehicle is charging. The Subsurface Technology for Electric Pathways (STEP) project has been awarded £3m in co-funding by Innovate UK. If successful it will enable entire streets to be filled with the charge points so that no matter where a driver parks, they will be able to charge their EV. The technology consists of two parts – a charge point slotted into the ground, and a ‘lance’ which is inserted into the charge point in order to charge. The charger can provide charge rates from 2kW to 22kW, and up to 18 chargers can run in parallel from one electricity network connection. This will in turn create opportunities for electric vehicle owners to use spare capacity in their batteries to provide services to electricity network operators, which could make the cost of owning and running EVs cheaper.

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The trial will be located in the London boroughs of Brent and Camden, both of which are at the forefront of the EV transition in the UK. Both boroughs have rapidly growing EV usage, encouraged by council policy determined to drive down air pollution in their neighbourhoods. The technology has been developed by Trojan Energy, a team of ex-oil industry engineers determined to use their subsea skills for good, and contribute towards solving the problem of high CO2 emissions. Trojan Energy Managing Director, Ian Mackenzie, said, “We are grateful for the support we have received from our consortium partners and Innovate UK. This backing will allow us to bring our discreet curbside charging to cities where the need to transition to EVs is greatest. Our technology will allow us to electrify whole streets at a fraction of the cost of traditional charging infrastructure and without the need for curbside clutter. We are really looking forward to the challenge of bringing this revolutionary new solution to London and beyond.” Element Energy, a strategic energy consultancy specialising in the analysis of low carbon energy, is leading the

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project. The company will be guiding the project using its sectoral and project management expertise, to achieve the best commercial and environmental return for investment. Celine Cluzel, Element Energy Director, said, “STEP is trialling a solution to what is often the Achilles’ heel of charging infrastructure: scalability. The project is also conducting research on consumer and wider street users’ preference – a typical gap in research so far.” Other members of the consortium include UK Power Networks, Birmingham City Council and the University of Leeds. Octopus Energy will also be recruiting its customers for the trial and providing expertise in backend billing. A key aspect of the trial involves collecting consumer feedback on the technology and gathering new information on the charging behaviour of EV drivers who park on-street. This research will be led by the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds, and feedback from this research will crucially inform the development of commercialisation plans. Trojan Energy, trojanenergyltd.com

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22/09/2020 10:54

EV CHARGING

SPECIAL FEATURE

WPD CONFIRMS GO-AHEAD FOR EV CHARGING GAMECHANGER In partnership with Ricardo Energy and Environment, Western Power Distribution (WPD) has confirmed the site for its innovative DC Share project, trialling new technology which could help deliver an estimated 217,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in urban spaces across its licence area by 2023.

to link four local substations across the town centre, sharing their unused capacity to power 15 rapid EV chargers, including five 100kW rapid chargers intended to recharge the average electric vehicle in around 30 minutes. Taunton was selected due to site suitability and the proactive engagement of the council. Work will now begin preparing the local plans for the EV rapid charge stations in central Taunton. With building work scheduled throughout 2021, the rapid EV chargers are due to be available for public use by the spring of 2022. Users of the rapid EV chargers will enjoy 12 months of free charging to further encourage public uptake of low carbon vehicles and to gather valuable feedback aiding future implementation of the technology. Following the conclusion of the DC Share project, the intention is for the EV rapid chargers to be passed onto a local service provider so that visitors and residents can continue to reap the benefits of this increasingly essential low carbon infrastructure. The long-term plan is for the DC Share technology to be rolled out across the network to enable fast installation of EV rapid chargers in other towns and cities, especially those that are experiencing constrained network infrastructures. With a high proportion of WPD’s 7.9 million customers living in urban areas, this technology will ensure that network constraints will not limit or delay its customers’ access to ultra-low emission transport, renewable generation, and local energy storage. By reducing the need for costly network reinforcement, the DC Share approach will also help keep customer bills down, with initial savings from implementing the technology rising from £50 million in 2030 to an estimated £162 million a year in 2050, across the UK. Ricky Duke, WPD Innovation & Low Carbon Network Engineer, commented: “The confirmation of Taunton as the DC

he scheme, which will be trialled in Taunton, Somerset, aims to get over three million EVs moving across the Midlands, South Wales and South West by 2023. If expanded across other UK electricity networks, DC Share’s technology could save customers an estimated £162 million in network reinforcement costs by 2050. These savings will be made by allowing network providers to make smarter use of the existing electricity network, by harnessing spare capacity within existing substations, rather than investing millions in new infrastructure. The DC Share project, which has received over £4.7 million in funding through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition, will test a new method of pooling spare network capacity from several local substations. This will enable low carbon infrastructure, such as rapid EV chargers or battery energy storage, to be quickly connected without the need for expensive network reinforcement. DC Share’s approach will be particularly useful in dense urban communities, where the adoption of low carbon technologies can be slowed by constraints and a lack of available space for building a larger network of substations. DC (direct current) is a constant electric charge similar to the output of a battery and is used by nearly all low carbon technologies. Using DC technology rather than the more commonly used AC (alternating current) means that the use of electricity is more efficient as it does not have to go through the conversion process, which results in a loss of energy. DC charge also means that there is the flexibility to move power to where there is a high load, something which is more difficult to achieve with AC. The trial in Taunton, Somerset, which will be led by project partner Ricardo, will use innovative power electronic equipment

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“The technology could save customers an estimated £162 million in network reinforcement costs by 2050”

Share project site is an important step to securing the massive savings and decarbonisation benefits that DC meshing technology could bring to the UK. “As we look beyond COVID-19 towards the UK’s goal of Net Zero by 2050, innovative, low carbon technologies will be at the heart of the UK’s green recovery. Insights from DC Share will have a key role in helping us to build a stronger and cleaner UK economy. “DC Share is a win-win: this technology will allow us to rapidly decarbonise transport by making smarter use of existing infrastructure. That means less carbon emissions, while reducing the need for expensive infrastructure and network reinforcements in constrained urban communities.” Michael Feasey, the overall Project Manager from Ricardo, said: “This project takes UK networks another step forward in developing flexible networks and supporting the mass adoption of electric vehicles. By using a DC equalisation network to support the existing infrastructure and to facilitate large demand from rapid chargers, we are demonstrating that there are alternatives to traditional reinforcement. We are delighted to be using the combined expertise from all Project Partners to help the UK transition to a low carbon economy.” Local constituency MP and Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said, “It is wonderful news that Taunton is leading the way in decarbonising road transport, helping people to make the switch to EVs. As the local MP I’ve worked hard with Western Power Distribution to get this project secured and am absolutely delighted that Taunton has been selected. This will chime really well with our garden town status too, an initiative I was pleased to be part of.” Western Power Distribution, westernpower.co.uk/innovation/ projects/dc-share

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22/09/2020 10:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

LONDON BUS GARAGE BECOMES WORLD’S LARGEST VEHICLE-TO-GRID SITE A North London bus garage is set to become a ‘virtual power station’, generating electricity from buses when not in use.

Northumberland Park is now one of the biggest electric bus facilities in Europe

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ollowing a transformation to be able to park nearly 100 new zero-emission electric buses, Northumberland Park is now one of the biggest electric bus facilities in Europe. The project, called Bus2Grid, is believed to be the world’s largest vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial site. V2G technology enables energy stored in an electric vehicle’s battery to be fed back into the electricity network. By recharging when demand is low and putting energy into the grid when it is high, V2G helps manage the peaks and troughs, balance the network and make it more efficient. If the entire London bus fleet of around 9,000 vehicles were to be converted with the technology being used in the Bus2Grid project, it could theoretically provide enough energy to supply more than 150,000 homes. The Bus2Grid project will be led by SSE Enterprise in partnership with the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and Go-Ahead London. The initial trial will use the batteries of 28 state-of-the-art double decker buses, capable of returning over 1MW energy to the grid. Bus2Grid will explore both the commercial value and social benefits to the energy and passenger transportation systems by developing services for the national grid, regional distribution network operators, bus operators and transport authorities. The development and test of the underpinning technology is also an important objective of the trial.

UK Power Networks forecasts there will be more than 3.6m electric vehicles connected to its network by 2030

Niall Riddell, Smart Systems Innovation Sector Director for SSE Enterprise, said: “Central to the challenge of decarbonising our transport and achieving climate change targets is how we can optimise the existing flexibility within the energy system. Developing a charging infrastructure that operates in two directions so that batteries can give back as well as take from the grid is an important part of this. “SSE Enterprise is proud to have electrified most of the bus garages in London that operate electric buses. Delivering the Bus2Grid project is the next natural step in using smart technology to make bidirectional charging the reality for today’s bus users.” Go Ahead London was chosen by TfL to run the first electric buses in London back in 2013. It has now grown its fleet to 240 – making it the largest e-bus operator in Britain. Dr Stephen Hall from the University of Leeds, one of the project partners, said: “Electrifying transport will have huge benefits for air quality in cities and for meeting our climate change commitments. Large electric vehicles like these can also support the energy system, but this means creating new ways of working between energy utilities, grid managers, and transport providers. This project is creating new business models to make this happen.” Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD UK (Build Your Dreams), said: “This is a significant step for the BYD ADL Partnership, already the market leader in

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electric buses on British roads. Exploiting the potential of electric buses to act as ‘mobile power stations’ will be critical to the efficient running of the grid once electric vehicles of all types become commonplace.” UK Power Networks forecasts there will be more than 3.6m electric vehicles connected to its network by 2030, an increase of more than 3.5m on the 95,000 vehicles currently in its region, creating significant additional demand on the energy system. The options are either to spend customers’ money on building new infrastructure to meet this increasing demand, or to charge in a smarter way to avoid it. Ian Cameron, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “We believe buses have a big part to play in rolling out low emission vehicles. They offer huge opportunities to contribute towards the drive to improve London’s air quality. “A fleet of bus batteries harnesses large amounts of electricity and they are habitual, with regular and predictable routes, driving patterns and timings. That means we can easily predict and plan for how we can use any spare electrical capacity they can offer. For example, we could use them as energy storage devices that could add capacity and help us to increase the volume of renewable energy exported onto the network when supply might otherwise be exceeding demand.” UK Power Networks, sseutilitysolutions.co.uk/products/ bus2grid-2/

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22/09/2020 10:55

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@RolecEV / Rolec-Services www.rolecserv.com 29/07/2020 12:41

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

CHARGING AHEAD WITH ROLEC EV One of the UK’s largest manufacturers of EV charging points discusses the current climate of electrification and future-proof charging infrastructure to support the uptake of electric vehicles.

s businesses are steadily adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and starting to reconsider their corporate environmental responsibilities, the electric vehicle (EV) industry has experienced significant growth; perhaps one of the very few industries that have excelled during the current pandemic. During the months of lockdown, the UK experienced notable environmental benefits, with less vehicles on the road, air pollution was at its best – individuals and businesses began to rethink their ways of travel. Many businesses and company car drivers were already considering the switch to an electric vehicle/electric fleet as a result of the newly introduced 0% Benefit in Kind tax (company car drivers who drive an EV would be exempt from paying tax). The shift in mindset has derived from significant cost savings when driving an EV as well as people caring more for the environment after understanding the environmental advantages of driving cleaner vehicles. With heightened interest in the ownership of electric vehicles comes the demand for charging infrastructure, something that Rolec has experienced since resuming business.

Industry update The EV industry fails to be silent; there are countless opportunities, projects, new launches and ‘feel good news’ circulating across the field, with a lot relating to charging infrastructure. According to the Department of Transport, on July 1st there were more than 18,000 public charging points in the UK, meaning that the number of charge points accessible to the public has increased five-fold within the last five years. Numbers since the time of declaring these figures have of course increased as Rolec continues to add public charging points to EV Charge Online on a daily basis. Most recently, on the first ever World EV Day, the Department of Transport also announced an extra £12m funding towards research and development into electric vehicle technology, alongside green parking spaces, more EV charging across supermarkets, tourist attractions and more. Plans like this tie in seamlessly with the accelerated desire for owning an electric vehicle; according to Uswitch, 12 million drivers are considering purchasing an EV in their lifetime, therefore greater funding is required to support the uptake, allowing charge point manufacturers and businesses to work in unison to offer viable infrastructure solutions for EV drivers.

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Future-proof solutions For Rolec, designing and manufacturing charging points has become second nature, although the last 10 years has seen substantial changes across the sector, adapting to trends, regulations and requirements has always held importance for the business. The introduction of Rolec’s new workplace charging solutions allows businesses and organisations to reap the benefits of EV Charge Online’s back office management system’s functionalities. Workplaces opting for the OLEV grant funded charge points have the ability to maximise their ROI by operating flexible pricing models, instantly generating additional business revenue. Often, businesses are concerned that they do not acquire the electrical capacity to deploy EV charging infrastructure, however, EV Charge Online’s optional electrical load management service ensures that power demand is never exceeded and that EV charging points will only use the available power to recharge the electric vehicles. Features such as understanding real-time cost savings; historical and live data; PAYG, BiK, Free-To-Use options and mobile phone/RFID card/fob charge point operation also provides business owners with a full back office management system without incurring the costs associated with creating their own software. Really, for businesses, EV Charge Online is the gateway to managing their own charging network, complete with benefits such as full control over charging fees; access to insights; cost savings and more.

There is great demand for workplace charging

Safe domestic charge point installation Though there is great demand for workplace charging, most EV drivers will seek to charge their vehicles conveniently at home. For most electrical contractors and installers across the nation, they will have noticed an influx in clients enquiring about charge point installations. To ensure that charge point installations are safe and compliant, Rolec has launched the O-PEN:EV Consumer Unit, providing electrical contractors with the following benefits: streamline EV charge point connection; saves time during site survey; removes risk of striking underground services and decreases the requirement for costly labour, construction and maintenance. For electrical contractors/ installers, the O-PEN:EV Consumer Unit provides for a seamless charge point installation process, without the requirement for using earth electrode/rods . Rolec, rolecserv.co.uk

As of July 1st there were more than 18,000 public charging points in the UK

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22/09/2020 10:56

Have you got your copy of the latest Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation? This Code of Practice is the essential authoritative guide for all installations of electric vehicle charging equipment, providing you with the best practice on the topic. The 4th Edition also contains new guidance on different areas of installation, including: – – – – – – –

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25/09/2020 10:38

COMPETITION

STAY SAFE WITH STRAIGHTFORWARD NO-TOUCH TECHNOLOGY A chance to win a high street dining voucher for up to six people.

he lifestyle changes we’ve had to make over the past few months are fast becoming the new long-term normal, but inexpensive smart technology means we can fit a lot of them seamlessly into our lives. A top priority is now to minimise the need to touch items around the home and office: COVID-19 has been found on plastic up to 72 hours after being applied. Of course, regular cleaning is required, but you can also reduce the likelihood of contagion by avoiding the need to touch the switch in the first place. Sleek ceiling surface mount PIR presence detectors from Timeguard make for quick installation that doesn’t involve cutting new ceiling apertures. There’s also an easy wall mounted version that will fit into a ready-wired 25mm back box. Alternatively, you can just swap the light switches for automated models like the Timeguard ZV810N Motion Sensor PIR Light Switch that has a built in PIR detector and turns lights on and off as people enter and leave a room. It simply

replaces an existing one- or two-way two-wire light switch (no neutral needed). It detects movement over an 8m field and, as it’s rated for up to 400W LED, it is as suitable for large and brightly lit offices and commercial spaces as it is for domestic properties. Other options in the Timeguard Automated Light Switch range have built-in programmable timing.

Social distancing beginning to take its toll? Why not go out to dinner with a few friends, courtesy of Timeguard, the company is offering the lucky winner a high street dining voucher for a bubble of six people, giving the choice of over 600 safe, responsible venues throughout the country. Timeguard, timeguard.com

August Competition The winner of the August competition – a £200 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Marshall-Tufflex – was Amy Butler.

Closing date All entries must be returned by October 31, 2020. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms.

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To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe Competition.indd 38

22/09/2020 10:57

SPECIAL FEATURE

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October 2020 | 39

23/09/2020 15:14

SPECIAL FEATURE

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

A BRIGHT FUTURE: SAFETY, STOCK AND SERVICE ALL IN FOCUS FOR FAMILY FIRM A look at what’s new and what’s next for electrical component supplier, Niglon.

hey’re four generations and almost eight decades into supplying electrical products across the UK, so family owned and run company Niglon could be forgiven for maintaining the status quo. But here, the team explains how they’re calling for better safety standards across the industry, constantly increasing its product range, and developing new ways of working to ensure better service and stock availability.

Safety above all else The safety of electrical circuits and the components within them should not be left to chance, given the potential for harm if a product is faulty. This is one of the principles which guides all Niglon does – meaning the company has invested a great deal of time and resources into ensuring its products are certified and that it partners with businesses that have matching high standards. The team firmly believes in third-party independent testing for these important devices, but also that there should be total transparency around which products have been tested to this standard. This enables not only the wholesalers buying products from suppliers, but also the contractors and the end-users to have the utmost confidence in the components that they are either selling or buying. Niglon’s commitment to transparency means circuit protection devices in the catalogue and online are clearly marked as being accredited by SEMKO, VDE or TUV, ensuring their customers know the quality claims have been independently verified. It’s not something which can, or should, be left to chance – and there are huge risks to life and property in homes or businesses where untested products are installed. Clearly, this potential for loss of life is primarily the reason to call for better testing and more transparency, but by raising standards to the point where the entire industry is openly declaring certification,

SEMKO Certified Product

“Circuit protection devices in the catalogue and online are clearly marked as being accredited by SEMKO, VDE or TUV”

there is also the secondary effect of building trust between supplier and customer, and raising the reputation of those companies who are only dealing with tested products. Paul Dawson, Niglon’s Commercial Director, explains: “Individuals and businesses rely on contractors to install electrical devices in their properties, and they place a great deal of trust in those contractors that those devices are safe. Worryingly, there are thousands and thousands of products out there which don’t carry any third-party certification – and there is no way of knowing when or if they may fail. “Given the devastating consequences that could occur when you’re talking about electrical components, we want to educate end consumers and remind contractors and wholesalers that they should absolutely be asking to see proof of certification, rather than assuming the products they’re buying have been independently tested.”

When the introduction of surge protection devices came into the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671), Niglon was faced with a choice of sourcing an untested low-cost surge protection device, or partnering a European manufacturer with over 70 years’ experience in this field; Niglon chose to stock the latter because it knew the products were certified – especially important in this case due to the limited ability installers have to test a surge protection device once it’s placed within a home or business. Dawson continues: “Circuit protection devices are life-saving electrical equipment and this can sometimes be forgotten in favour of products with a better price point. We believe it’s a signifier of a higher-quality brand when the time has been taken to do the due diligence and get the certification in place to give peace of mind to the wholesaler, installer and end users alike.”

MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL GEAR GEAR GEAR GEAR 40 | October 2020

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23/09/2020 15:14

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

Stock surge

SEMKO Certified Product

Distributing Distribution Boards Switch to one supplier Niglon’s Three Phase Distribution Boards are an example of a range of products which have the certification needed to prove that they have been thoroughly safety checked by an independent third party. The 125A B-Type Boards that are offered in a range from four to 24 TPN ways are certified by Intertek and meet the compliance standard BS EN 60439-3. They are not just safe – they’re also designed to be user-friendly and meet the needs of those installing them, wherever they’re being used. They are supplied complete with a wall mounting kit and are packed with time saving features such as removable top and bottom gland plates, half DIN rail for speedy fit-out and a reversible door. The boards are all offered with or without a mains incomer, to save unnecessary expense for those who would be using one with a different rating or protection requirement to the 125A four-pole isolator supplied as standard. Alongside the distribution boards themselves, Niglon’s 125A TPN three phase product range also includes a comprehensive range of devices and accessories including single phase and three phase miniature circuit breakers (10kA), single phase 10kA RCBOs and extension boxes including one with a pre-installed multi-function energy meter.

The Niglon team is committed to being a one-stop shop for everything electrical, negating the need for customers to spend time and effort sourcing products from multiple suppliers. New product lines are added regularly – with a catalogue of more than 4,500 products meeting the needs of a huge range of customers. This not only reduces the hassle of using multiple companies at the point of order, but throughout the entire process including management of delivery and invoice processing. The new Control and Automation range, launched in July’s edition of Electrical Contracting News, features enclosed switchgear including switch disconnectors, fused switches (up to 800A) and changeover switches (up to 1800A). Customers can choose from polycarbonate, mild and stainless-steel enclosures and can be fully assured of quality, as with all Niglon products. The switchgear is fully EN60947-3 compliant and capable of AC23A switching of motors/highly inductive loads. Also, Niglon’s commitment to continually improving availability means a vast array of products are in stock – leading to quicker turnaround times, and a better service every time.

Transforming the systems in place to monitor and order stock has seen Niglon’s product availability rise dramatically over the past 18 months. This has involved a significant increase in the amount of stock held at the company’s Midlands headquarters, and an intensive testing period to ensure the new systems were working well and improving service. The investment in higher stock levels has meant the company is now consistently recording stock availability in excess of 99%, month-on-month. Director Oliver Hinley explains: “The new computer system we have implemented has meant a service decision was taken to carry around £1m of additional stock. We are one of the first in the UK to be using this type of system, and we have closely monitored the process to ensure all changes have seen us provide a better, more accurate, faster service for our customers. “Tweaks to finesse the system are undertaken regularly as part of our pledge to continually improve service – and I’m confident our long-standing customers will have seen a huge difference in our On Time In Full (OTIF) order fulfilment rate since the middle of last year. “These smart buying decisions meant the Niglon team was able to continue providing a high level of service, despite the unprecedented changes in demand during the COVID-19 lockdown. In practice, this meant continuing to supply many product lines where sales were several times higher than normal over consecutive months, including one item where the company sold 12 months’ worth of stock

in two and a half months. Competitors who didn’t invest in stock were struggling to keep up with demand, so smart buying decisions and stock availability led a number of wholesalers to move their order books over to Niglon, and to stay with them because they appreciate the value of a reliable service being provided, and the catastrophic effect it can have on their own businesses if their customers cannot buy what they want from them, when they want it.” Hinley adds: “Despite an unforeseen level of demand, this pandemic’s test of our stock analysis systems has seen us able to help customers who were struggling to get products from their previous supplier. “Our deeper stock position definitely contributed to us having an all-time record month in July. That’s not to say we haven’t faced challenges as a result of coronavirus, which has naturally impacted the industry just as it has the entire business world; but already having that stock ordering and analysis structure in place meant there was less of an impact for our customers and staff. We have proudly retained our very hard-working team in spite of these challenges. “The statistics from the past few months are also clear evidence to us that as things return to some semblance of normality, the systems we have put in place will mean our customers get a very good level of service in terms of stock availability – among the best in the industry, and a huge step up from where we were only a few years ago.” Niglon, niglon.co.uk

The Niglon distribution centre.

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Control Control Control & Automation & Automation & Automation www.niglon.co.uk www.niglon.co.uk www.niglon.co.uk | 0121 | 0121 711| 1990 0121 711 1990 711 | sales@niglon.co.uk 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk | sales@niglon.co.uk

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October 2020 | 41

23/09/2020 15:15

Control & Automation

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Multifunction, multivoltage process timers are presented with voltage monitors which feature fully adjustable parameters and clear indication.

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CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

DOUBLING SWITCHGEAR PRODUCTION CAPACITY RB1 Ltd – designer and manufacturer of AC + DC switchgear specifically for the UPS industry – has been laser cutting products for over five years, predominantly 3mm and 5mm acrylics and laminates to create covers and labels.

RB1 is a designer and manufacturer of AC + DC switchgear specifically for the UPS industry

received from the Trotec area manager. Convinced by the demonstration, as well as the support he had received from Trotec during his contact with the various teams, he opted to replace the existing laser cutters with two Trotec Speedy 400s, which were installed in February 2020.

he company had purchased two non-Trotec 120w laser cutters, both with a 1200 x 900mm working area, to maximise production capabilities. The large working area of the laser cutters allowed the team to produce large quantities of products, however, production was not without issue. Whilst the lasers were efficient cutters, the engraving proved to be an issue, with long job times and questionable quality. They also encountered issues when processing laminate materials, as the material would often warp during processing even with low power settings. Over the course of their ownership, the team at RB1 found the lasers to be increasingly unreliable, with the technical capabilities being only one of the issues that slowed production. Some of the problems included the cut settings for the material, which almost always required adjusting before each job and laser alignment issues. The main issue that the team faced however was the lack of technical support from the laser cutter supplier, which was especially frustrating when coupled with the other issues which they had encountered. Realising that the process could be more efficient, Dan Ward and the team began looking into alternative laser suppliers. Ward discovered Trotec through social media, and following further research into the products, he became quickly convinced that Trotec could be the ideal solution for the RB1 team. Keen to see for himself what the lasers were capable of, he contacted Trotec to book a laser demonstration at his local showroom on Trotec’s new Speedy 400 laser cutter. During the demonstration, Ward was not only impressed with the speed and quality of the machine, but the service he

Control & Automation

Efficient production Since the Speedy 400 lasers were installed, Ward and the team have seen a vast improvement to the production process for RB1. Despite having a smaller working area of 1016 x 610mm, the cutting efficiency of the lasers is a vast improvement over the previous machines, allowing for greater productivity, which has led to the company doubling its production output with the Trotec laser cutters. Material processing is also a lot more effective with the new Speedy systems, especially when processing flexible laminates. Alongside the more efficient cutting, the engraving quality has vastly improved thanks to the ceramic laser tube featured in the Speedy series. Whilst many glass tube lasers are designed purely for cutting, ceramic laser sources are equally as efficient for cutting and engraving, allowing for fine detailed results to be easily created with the laser, which has allowed the team to produce outstanding engraving results. Thanks to the technical capabilities of the Speedy lasers, Ward and the team have been able to trial other applications, including photo engraving, which has given them outstanding results. The laser software has also proved to be a benefit for the team, as laser settings are all stored within the dedicated materials database. This means the team can begin processing a material with full confidence that they will achieve consistent results throughout their processing. Ward has been quick to praise his Trotec experience. From the initial discussion to his demonstration and beyond, he has felt

Ward opted to replace RB1’s existing laser cutters with two Trotec Speedy 400s

fully supported by Trotec. Dealing direct with the supplier meant that the process was incredibly easy and everyone was extremely helpful. Any questions that Ward asked always received a prompt answer, making him fully confident that Trotec is a supplier that he can rely on. “Trotec made the whole process of purchasing a laser cutter easy. The machines are exemplary and have allowed us to maximise our production capabilities while experimenting with other features such as photo engraving. The Trotec lasers have really helped us to take the business forward. The customer service we have received from Trotec has been perfect from day one.” RB1 has also recently switched to using Trotec materials for their application. Ward said. “We recently switched to using Trotec’s flexible laminates. The quality is an improvement over our previous materials and the material is also cheaper to purchase. Thanks to the laser software we can easily process the material with the pre-installed parameters, minimising the risk of wasted material that was occurring with our previous laser cutter.” Trotec Laser, troteclaser.co.uk

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Circuit Protection & Switchgear – Trotec.indd 43

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October 2020 | 43

23/09/2020 10:47

SPECIAL FEATURE

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

EV CHARGING: IS IT AN RDC OR RCD? Chaz Andrews, Doepke Technical Manager, explains the sometimes confusing terminology associated with different types of residual current protection and detection devices associated with EV installations.

he similarity between different residual current protection devices, the different types, and devices that do not offer protection but detect residual currents, can trip up even some experienced contractors and installers. Understanding the terminology, specifying and ordering the correct products first time round, ensures a profit rather than a loss on EV installation work, particularly where margins are tight due to the amount of competition in the EV industry.

Terminology associated with 722 Amendment 1 RCD is a generic term used in the regulations and codes of practice to encompass RCCBs, RCBOs and CBRs. Namely devices that provide residual current ‘protection’ – i.e. they detect residual current and electrically ‘isolate’ the circuit when the residual current exceeds a defined threshold or when the device is manually switched off. As opposed to an RCM (Residual Current Monitor) used to ‘detect’ residual currents but does not provide residual current protection – see note to Regulation 411.1 and product standards listed at the end of clause 722.531.3.101. Using the term RCD when ordering from wholesalers (who generally are not electrically qualified), without clarifying if it is an RCCB or RCBO, is the same as ordering a timber fixing without specifying if you require a screw, nail or bolt. Providing the correct information

in the first phone call or visit will reduce the chances of misunderstandings and ordering errors. This applies equally to written specifications. 722.531.3.101 recognises the following RCD formats, and these devices provide protection through isolation of the electrical supply, in the event of a residual current fault that results in the device tripping or being manually switched off: • RCCB (EN6008-1) must be used in conjunction with a separate OLPD, i.e. it must be protected against the effects of overcurrent using fuses and or MCBs. • RCBO (EN6009-1) in addition to residual current protection it also provides overcurrent protection. • RCCBs and RCBOs have fixed characteristics and in the event of a fault, are designed to be reset by ordinary persons. • CBR (EN60947-2) circuit breaker with a built-in residual current protection feature, for use in higher current applications >100A.

Clause 722.531.3.101 refers to RDC-DDs? Doepke’s Type A-EV has been independently certified by VDE to IEC 62955 and includes 30mA protection for use in Mode 3 applications, providing effective isolation in the event of a fault

RDC-DD (IEC62955) stands for Residual Direct Current Detection Device[1]; a generic term for a range of devices designed specifically for detecting smooth DC fault currents in Mode 3 charging applications, enabling the use of Type A or F RCDs in the circuit. The standard for RDC-DDs details two basic formats, and understanding the different formats will ensure that you do

CBRs may have adjustable characteristics and in the event of a fault, are not designed to be rest by ordinary persons. Clause 722.531.3.101 also refers to EN62423; additional design requirements for RCCBs, RCBOs and CBRs suitable for detecting Type F or B residual currents.

ISOLATORS ISOLATORS ISOLATORS • Switch • Switch Disconnectors • Switch Disconnectors Disconnectors

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• Manual • Manual •Changeover Manual Changeover Changeover Switches Switches Switches • 20A •-125A 20A • 20A -125A -125A • IP54•-IP54 IP65 • IP54 - IP65 - IP65

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23/09/2020 10:48

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

not purchase a product that you cannot use – e.g. at the time of writing the only RDC-MD products available on the market are designed for inclusion in Mode 3 charge points by the OEM. RDC-MD (monitoring device) detects smooth DC fault currents < 6mA and provides a signal to operate a separate switching device, either mechanically or electrically. These are OEM products designed for incorporation into Mode 3 chargers as part of the original design. They are not designed for retrofitting into old charge points. RDC–PD (protection device) incorporates 6mA smooth DC detection and 30mA Type A or F residual current protection in the same device. The RDC-PD contacts electrically isolate the circuit in the event of a residual current fault. RDC-PDs are designed for inclusion in the circuit feeding the charge point if the Mode 3 charge point does not include an RDC-MD function.

Common questions • Why do we need to detect smooth dc fault currents > 6mA? Type A RCDs are designed to function with < 6mA smooth DC in circuit. If this value is exceeded, the RCD cannot be relied on to provide protection. • Are Type A selective 300mA RCCBs affected by smooth DC? Yes – the 6mA limit for Type A applies irrespective of the sensitivity. • Why not use 30mA Type B RCDs for all domestic applications? In simple installations containing a single charge point, cabling requirements may require a Type A RCD mounted upstream (in series) with the charge point – refer to the regulations. If you install a Type B downstream, the upstream RCD must be changed to Type B as well. • Why can’t you mount Type B RCDs downstream of Type A RCDs? Type B RCDs are designed to operate with higher levels of smooth DC residual current in circuit, e.g. 30mA Type B minimum DC trip threshold is 15mA < 60mA DC (0.5 to 2 x I∆n). DC fault currents > 6mA < 15mA Type B trip could be present in the system, resulting in the Type A RCD not being able to trip due to saturation of the detection circuit. • Do manufacturers have to include RDC-DDs to IEC62955 in their Mode 3 charge points? No – to meet the charge point standard, the manufacturer only has to advise about the risks related to smooth DC fault currents, when

using a Mode 3 charger. The installer is responsible for checking that equipment meets the required standards detailed in BS7671 – see 133.1 and the specific requirements of 722. • Why does BS7671 make reference to IEC62955 for RDC-DDs in clause 722.531.3.101? For reasons of safety – a separate RDC mounted in a charge point must operate with very specific characteristics, to ensure that under all fault conditions it will interact reliably with a separately mounted RCD. Generally, an RDC-MD installed in a charge point in the event of a smooth DC fault current, will provide a signal to operate a contactor[2], which in turn disconnects the supply in the charge point. This prevents the smooth DC flowing through the Type A RCD. However, in the event of a fault that results in an AC residual current or a pulsed Type A residual current flowing in circuit, the RCD must operate before the RDC-MD, thus ensuring that the circuit is effectively isolated for the purposes of electric shock protection – see regulation 411.1.

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Circuit Protection & Switchgear – Doepke.indd 45

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Conclusion Check the EV manufacturer’s information for specific RCD requirements. Check the charge point specification to verify the exact features provided in that version and any additional equipment required to meet the revised requirements in BS7671. If you are modifying or adding to an existing installation, complete the same checks as per a new installation – refer to the revised Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation 4th Edition. Equipment that fails to meet the regulations creates a hidden danger – it will not provide the expected level of protection. Check before you purchase and install.

RDC-MDs must be used in conjunction with a separate RCD to provide the residual current protection. The RDC-MD output signal is fed into the charge point software

Doepke UK, doepke.co.uk

If you see the term Residual Direct Current Disconnection Device or RCD-DD it is a typo

[1]

A contactor cannot be used to disconnect a circuit, where the primary hazard is electrocution.

[2]

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23/09/2020 10:48

SPECIAL FEATURE

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR

EUROPEAN DATA CENTRE PROJECT COMPLETED IN RECORD TIME TES has recently supplied the LV distribution equipment for a major data centre expansion project, completing it in record time when the client’s existing supply chain was unable to meet tight programme requirements. By providing new capacity the client hopes to be able to support the growing demands of the co-location market throughout the European Union.

espite the current global COVID-19 pandemic, the European data centre market has continued to see consistent growth as the adoption of cloud computing services booms; driven by an unprecedented increase in remote working, increased reliance on e-commerce and adoption of cloud computing services for entertainment and communication. This is the latest co-location data centre project that TES has completed, incorporating the latest design technology, manufacturing techniques, next generation switchgear components, instrumentation and monitoring technology. TES was selected by the client to supply the LV distribution equipment for a number of factors: • The existing supply chain solutions in place were unable to meet the tight programming requirements of the project. TES was able to design, manufacture, test, install and commission the equipment in record time, maintaining the client’s construction programme. • The data centre was being constructed within an existing, refurbished building. As a result, the space available for the LV distribution equipment was limited. TES was able, by utilising the latest BIM 360 technology, to design the equipment to fit the room and avoid clashes with other services. • TES has a team of European based service engineers, able to provide rapid response services to clients experiencing any technical difficulties, ensuring maximum uptime of operations.

The unique approach taken by TES ensures rapid manufacture, installation and commissioning to provide a world-class product, and service to clients. As part of the project TES supplied the following equipment: • Design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of main LV UPS input/ output switchboards and PDUs for critical services. • Fully withdrawable ACBs. • Form 4B Type 6 construction. • Thermal imaging windows. • PLC hardware. • Software design, development, testing and commissioning. Commenting on the successful completion of this latest data centre project, Martin Brannigan, TES Operations Director, said: “We are still relatively new to the data centre market and are continuing to build our reputation and grow awareness. We are finding that our 20 years of experience in other critical infrastructure industries have enabled us to bring some new ideas and techniques to our data centre clients, providing a range of benefits and ensuring long-term performance of their critical operations. We look forward to working closely with both current and new clients in the future on their global projects as we support their growth and development plans.” TES is a switchgear manufacturer based in the UK, operating globally and providing switchgear solutions for a variety of industry sectors including data centre, water, mining, renewables and pharmaceutical markets.

The European data centre market has continued to see consistent growth

TES’ range of low voltage switchgear has been developed with exacting standards in both design and manufacture. All switchgear designs have been verified to ASTA or DEKRA standards, which guarantees that the company’s bespoke designs are compliant to industry safety and performance standards. In addition, LV switchgear created by TES provides optimal protection of low voltage power equipment with complete centralised control. Ergonomically designed, TES low voltage switchgear is flexible enough to deliver in any environment and adaptable to change with minimum disruption. TES designed and manufactured LV switchgear is safely distributing power throughout a wide range of critical industries including data centres, banks, schools, hospitals, offices and renewable energy throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. TES, tesgroup.com

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Circuit Protection – TES.indd 46

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23/09/2020 10:49

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25/09/2020 11:34

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

Using good quality LEDs is extremely important

Guy Singleton, The Lighting Designer Inventor

he biggest evolution in lighting has been LEDs, as this has caused everyone to rethink lighting control. Incandescent lamps, halogen lamps and tungsten filament lamps were fairly predictable when it came to dimming them. The dimming process was smooth – from 1% all the way up to 100% and back down to 1% – whereas LEDs are a bit of an unknown quantity. The change in lighting loads and fixtures was initially driven through Building Regulations Part L, which focusses on power consumption and power requirements for lighting in dwellings. In the past, LEDs were predominately used on Christmas trees – they weren’t credible load sources and didn’t give enough light for tasks such as reading a book. As these load sources have become more credible – and the need for energy efficient lighting has increased – LEDs are now being used for task and accent lighting. As a result, we’ve had to get more creative, imaginative and technical with lighting control to ensure LEDs can be dimmed smoothly. So, when we talk about market trends in lighting, the trend comes with the fixture and everything else – the control and programming – has to fall in line.

Quality of light Human centric, bio-adaptive, circadian rhythm, biophilia – call it what you like – they are all steering towards the same thing, where a light fixture has the ability to create a moving target of temperature with a very high rendering index. Meaning

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Smart Lighting – Lighting Designer.indd 48

that the temperature doesn’t just stay at 5,000, 4,700 or 3,500 Kelvin, but it moves throughout the day and eventually reaches 2,700 or 3,000 Kelvin to create a warm environment for the evening. This is an exciting development in the world of lighting – we are going to get there, but I don’t believe that we are there yet. We shouldn’t overlook the fact that it’s still fairly complicated to design and control and still fairly expensive to implement, so I think that we’re still some way off seeing it becoming mainstream. Aside from the 10%-15% of projects where human centric lighting is being implemented, the focus for every other lighting project should be about working with a good quality of light with a really high colour rendering index. A light fixture of 90 and above will replicate daylight very, very well. Using good quality LEDs is extremely important to achieve this. With LEDs being batched manufactured, you could potentially see some colour shift in them. And while you could argue that our eyes aren’t so susceptible to colour, if there’s a 30 Kelvin colour shift, you will see that shift. Once you’ve ticked the box of selecting the right LEDs, it’s just as important to focus on how they will behave, how you will control them, and how they will dim, so you need to match the right fitting with the right driver and/or the right control equipment. Some drivers are only capable of dimming down to 5%, but if you dim a light to 5% in a really dark room, this is actually quite bright. You need a driver that dims down to 1% smoothly and goes all the way up to 100%.

We’ve had to get more creative, imaginative and technical with lighting control

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Of course, you need to test it all. You don’t want to buy 500 LEDs, fit them on a job and then realise that they don’t dim properly. You may have experienced something called ‘popcorning’ where you press the ‘on’ button and 10 lights in one room come on in a thousandth of a second at different intervals. You may think that no one will notice that, but if you stand there and turn them on, it’s like popcorn in a pan – the lights go pop, pop, pop. This happens when you haven’t done your homework – you haven’t selected the right drivers and you haven’t bench tested them. We use a phrase called ‘designing up a ladder’. You don’t want to be designing these jobs on the top of your ladder, you want to be designing them before that point. The Lighting Designer, thelightingdesigner.com

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23/09/2020 12:24

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02/09/2020 14:39:36

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

SHEDDING LIGHT ON SMART CONTROLS Richard Hopkins, Lead Marketing Manager at Legrand UK and Ireland, explores trends in the smart tech sector and how electrical professionals can help their customers make the right choices.

Electrical professionals need to be equipped with knowledge to help their customers realise what is possible

50 | October 2020

Smart Lighting – Legrand.indd 50

s it rises in popularity, more and more residential and commercial end users expect smart technology to be present in the nation’s buildings. While many carry out their research online, without a technical understanding of automation systems, it can be difficult to discern what product is right for them – particularly when it comes to smart lighting. In a recent survey carried out by Legrand, it was revealed that, while 68% of people would go to internet sources to find out about smart home technology, only 14% would go to their electrician. On top of this, over half of the respondents said that they would plan to purchase smart technology in the next three years, so evidently consumers are gearing up to make buildings smarter. On one hand, information from internet sources is suitable for aspects such as benefits, features and aesthetics of products. However, it can be potentially confusing for end users when it comes to understanding compatibility between different products and the replacement of existing items, such as light switches etc. It takes a great deal of industry knowledge and expertise to understand the full range of available options – and how to successfully install them – so customers may benefit from the expertise of an electrical professional. As the nation prepares to become smarter, clearly electrical professionals need to be equipped with knowledge to help their customers realise what is possible with a professionally designed and installed solution. In order to do this, contractors and installers should first understand the full smart technology landscape.

Smart technology on the rise According to the same survey, two thirds of people have some kind of smart device in their home already. With innovation in the smart sector and the UK 5G infrastructure’s continued development, this number is only likely to increase. As our buildings become more connected, it is vital that professionals in the sector understand the smart technologies that will be requested by their customers. A key range of devices available today are smart lighting products. Programmable in most cases through a dedicated app, lights can be set to turn on and off, or even be dimmed and colour changed, at certain times or to set routines depending on the habits of the end user. In order to be able to make recommendations around what smart lighting product is right for their customers, electrical contractors and installers must first understand what benefits they can deliver. Equipped with a full breadth of products and expertise, electrical contractors and installers can create a system scaled to the precise requirements of their customer. On top of this, they can also effectively integrate smart lighting products with other devices that have different functionalities. For residential properties, smart lighting can eliminate the worry for occupants that lights have not been turned off when not in use. Particularly when rushing out of the house for work or leaving a property unoccupied during holidays, there is no more need for occupants to question whether they switched all their lights off. Reducing unnecessary and wasteful lighting use helps to reduce consumption and save costs in the home – a particularly helpful feature for an increasingly environmentally aware and sustainable population. Smart lighting can also provide added security benefits. Exterior – and certain interior – lights, for example, can be programmed in tandem with smart cameras to switch on when an intruder’s movement is detected. Equally, a normal automated lighting schedule can be programmed when leaving the property for extended periods, giving the illusion that the building is occupied. When it comes to commercial properties, efficiency and security are again key aspects for buildings that are often occupied for only the working part of the day. However, in a time where buildings must be as hygienic as possible, programmable lighting set to certain times can also be beneficial for reducing the amount of contact areas. Controllable by a building’s facility manger, occupancy detection ensures the touchless operation of building services is possible, and can also be integrated into a wider smart building system of HVAC and shading smart products.

Smart technology is on the rise

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A question of training With smart building technology, a concern for many electrical professionals is what is needed to upskill in order to offer the in-demand service to their own customers. With full schedules and plenty of projects on the go, any training must also be able to fit into an electrical contractor or installer’s working week. Companies such as Legrand have designed a range of training with electrical professionals in mind, to help those who are installing smart building technology define what solution would be best for their customer. This includes both one-day training for the installation and programming of the MyHOME_Up home automation system, as well as online courses to become a certified Pro Installer of Netatmo smart devices. In addition, support is offered throughout the duration of a project to ensure electrical professionals can access a wealth of knowledge whenever they need it as they become experts in the smart technology space. In a time where technology is growing exponentially, electrical professionals can use this type of training to familiarise themselves with the latest innovations and their implementation. With such information, they are able to become the trusted source of knowledge to their customers, giving more bespoke and detailed advice than the internet can provide. Staying ahead of this growth is important for all installers and contractors in the industry – and it only takes a day to get started. Legrand, legrand.co.uk

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23/09/2020 12:19

Smart Home. Smart Building. Smart Life. giraltd.co.uk

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Gira Cube 26.08.20 14:10 17/09/2020 16:22

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

SMART SOLUTION FOR VISITOR CENTRE Scolmore Group looked close to home when considering the product requirements for the expansion and total redesign of the Visitor Centre at its Staffordshire headquarters.

Scolmore’s Visitor Centre

52 | October 2020

Smart Lighting – OVIA.indd 52

riginally opened in January 2009, Scolmore’s Visitor Centre catered for groups of up to 24 people and was designed as a facility to showcase and demonstrate the growing range of products to customers, as well as serving as a venue to host internal meetings and presentations. As the business has developed, the requirement to invest in the Visitor Centre and showroom facilities became a high priority. Now able to comfortably accommodate up to 60 guests at any one time, the new facility – which at 180 square metres is double the size of the original space – is designed to host a range of events including product launches and demonstrations, training sessions for customers, as well as corporate and industry events. One of the key considerations for the refurbishment of the visitor centre was the ability to control the lighting – from an energy efficiency point of view, as well as to offer ease and flexibility of control to reflect the variety of lighting function and scenes required, depending on the particular event or activity taking place. Products from across the Scolmore Group of companies were brought together to bring about a smart solution that would stand the test of time. These included Scolmore’s Ovia lighting and Click wiring accessories, as well as CCTV and emergency lighting products from group company, ESP. The vast ceiling space was divided up into nine main sections to allow for banks of lighting to be installed and controlled – with downlights taking up the centre space along the length of the ceiling and also as spotlights around the edges. This means that various areas of the room can be lit as required. For example, the front part with the screen can be dimmed during a presentation with the back area lit for candidates’ comfort. For the lighting, Scolmore opted for the Ovia Inceptor Omni fire-rated, integrated LED downlight with pre-wired driver and flow connector, and a total of 40 Omnis were installed for the project. As well as in the ceiling, they were fitted in pairs across the top of the display pods which are used to group the various product ranges together.

Flexibility and ease of installation are vital attributes of the Inceptor Omni and key features are an adjustable colour temperature switch, interchangeable fixed and adjustable bezels, as well as an insulation support clip for use when insulation is present. Helping to attain the quick and easy installation of the lighting products was Scolmore’s Flow lighting management system which was incorporated into the ceiling space. A number of eight-way distribution boxes were used to provide the means to make multiple connections from one box, via a plug and play operation. As well as adding to the speed of installation, it will also assist when any future maintenance testing is required. When it came to control of the lighting throughout the visitor centre, Scolmore’s Click Smart system provided an ideal solution, offering both simple and flexible installation and easy programming. Total control of the lighting is achievable via the Click Smart RF touch control panel, as well as on a mobile phone or tablet via the Click Smart app. Having control of the lighting contributes to significant energy saving, with energy only consumed when needed. Installation was simple and flexible. No additional cables or wall cutting were required to install the system as the receivers can be installed behind light fittings or into suitable installation boxes and the transmitters are powered by battery, so there was no need for any wiring or additional power supply. The Click Smart controls make it easier to switch and dim wirelessly from preferred locations without the use of switch drops. Each of the pods that houses the various product collections has a dimmer receiver installed, which means the individual pods can be lit up or dimmed as required, for example when a particular range is being showcased during a presentation. Scolmore looked to the very latest additions to its wiring accessories ranges to provide the switches and sockets that are seen throughout the Visitor Centre. From the GridPro collection, two 24-gang plates have been fitted – one at either end of the Visitor Centre – bringing together all the lighting control components. GridPro was launched last year to bring to market an extensive range

Two 24-gang plates have been fitted – one at either end of the visitor centre

Scolmore opted for the Ovia Inceptor Omni LED downlight

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of interchangeable mounting plates and modules, available in the most comprehensive choice of finishes, to offer the ultimate in flexible, modular grid solutions. The rest of the switches and sockets fitted are from the Deco Plus collection of premium decorative metal wiring accessories range, also launched last year. As is befitting a working environment, USB sockets have been included as part of the install to ensure laptops, tablets and mobiles are kept charged when the Visitor Centre is being used. For the security part of the project, products from ESP’s CCTV and emergency lighting ranges have been selected. A number of CCTV dome cameras have been fitted into the ceiling. The white 1080p HD cameras feature a 3.6mm fixed lens and built-in 10m infrared LED illumination. The cameras are linked to the Scolmore network and remote viewing and monitoring is achieved via ESP’s own CMS software, Completing the line-up of products for installation are wall mounted, 3W LED maintained emergency exit signs from ESP’s Duceri collection. All Duceri products have been independently tested by established photometric data test house, LUX-TSI, and comply with the latest industry standards and regulations. With the restyling and modification of the visitor centre complete, the results are now being enjoyed. Scolmore Group, scolmore.com

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23/09/2020 10:49

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25/09/2020 10:41

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

LIGHTING THE WAY TO SMARTER HOMES Studies show that 57% of Brits have invested in smart tech for the home. In fact 8% have two or more smart technology items, showing the growing trend to make the home a smarter, more efficient place to live. Rob Aitken, Controls Director at Wandsworth Electrical, takes a look at the advances in smart home technology, including lighting, and the substantial savings to be made.

he lighting industry has changed dramatically over the years, evolving into so much more than its original aesthetic function. From smart lighting for scene setting to smart home security systems, the landscape is constantly changing for the better. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps, a better quality and more energy-efficient cousin of the CFL, marked a substantial shift in the industry. There’s still a place for incandescent lighting, but solid-state LED lights are more efficient long term. According to research from Arrow, the LED market continues to grow at an exceptional rate, especially in Southeast Asia, India, and Europe, where 2018 annual growth was nearly 10%. The small size of the components, their versatility and the increased brightness of the light have made them stand out. However, one of the biggest drivers for shifting to LED lighting for many has been the savings in electrical power, making LED instrumental in various technological advancements.

Smart lighting solutions From smooth dimming to stylish lighting scenes, the market offers a whole range of smart lighting systems to maximise a building’s potential. Developers, business owners and homeowners can now control their lighting from the palm of their hand. There are many benefits to upgrading lighting controls to include smart technology. The main ones are: • Stylish design • Improved functionality • Effortless convenience • Enhanced security • Improved energy efficiency • Reduced energy consumption • Lessens environmental impact

Below are examples of smart lighting solutions: • Smart touch (switchdim) – Control the lighting system from a rocker, toggle switch or bell push. • All/part on, all off – Historically, this would turn all of the lights in the property out with a single switch. More modern systems though can turn all lights off with one switch when you leave, and then turn them back on to exactly how they were when you left, using the same switch. • Scene library – Set the scene for the time of day, from gentle light in the morning to vibrant scenes in the evening. • Daylight harvesting – Smart home technology allows you to prioritise natural light and optimise energy efficiency whilst keeping the required level of illuminance. • Smart home security – Record seven days of real-life lighting activity and then replay at the touch of a switch, to deter intruders away from your home. • Colourful lighting – With some systems offering over 16 million different lighting shades, there’s one to match any interior design. • Open ecosystem – With smart technology evolving at a rapid rate you can now integrate smart lighting systems with other home automation units. • Smart controls – Lighting can be updated in real-time from a mobile phone or smart device.

“There has been speculation for years that laser technology would be the next player in the market, but this is yet to become reality.”

Substantial savings with smart lighting According to a study by Dynata, 66% of Europeans find themselves bothered by time-consuming household tasks, including turning down the heating and switching off lights. Automatic controls take the human element out of energy saving, resulting in greater efficiencies.

Smart Lighting – Wandsworth.indd 54

• Time control – Lights only come on within specific hours or for a specific duration. • Occupancy control (absence or presence detection) – Lights only come on when someone is present and will turn off when no-one is detected. • Daylight control – Lights only come on when there is not sufficient natural light.

Smart security for every home In addition to timed lighting controls throughout the week to improve security when you’re away from home, you can also link smart lighting to other systems. For example, the setting of an alarm can automatically turn all lighting off and prevent it from coming on, even due to a timed event. This prevents the timed lighting coming on when no-one is around, ensures the alarm is set and will provide additional energy savings.

What’s next for LED technology? There has been speculation for years that laser technology would be the next player in the market, but this is yet to become reality. You can pump more than 2,000 times as much electricity into a laser diode than an LED one. In theory, that means per square centimetre a laser diode can produce 2,000 times as much light. For now, there’s likely to be a boost in LED displays made up of colour-tuned LEDs, which is exciting both in terms of technique and production.

The market offers a whole range of smart lighting systems to maximise a building’s potential

54 | October 2020

Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR) put consumers in control of their lighting use. For example, PIR’s can be used to turn lights to full in toilet areas during waking (or drinking) hours and reduce to 30% during sleeping hours. An override switch brings it to 100% if required during sleeping hours. This automated smart technology solution saves energy while simultaneously making for a better user environment. The energy savings speak for themselves. A report from the LIA states that you can save up to 25% via manual dimming, 50% if you use PIR’s, 60% if you use daylight harvesting and up to 75% if you add both daylight harvesting and PIR’s. Saving energy on lighting through controls can result in savings of up to 40% of the entire building’s energy usage. Energy saving strategies can be categorised as:

Wandsworth Electrical, wandsworthelectrical.com

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22/09/2020 10:59

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22/09/2020 10:45

uickwire New pluggable T-Connector for flexible cable Designed to dramatically speed up lighting installation time The new plug-in T-Connector consists of a plug and socket: The plug accepts flexible cable and the socket consists of two Quickwire solid core twin and earth, loop in loop out connections. It offers the same dramatic time-savings and ease of use as all of our Quickwire junction boxes.

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SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART HOMES BRING NEW OPPORTUNITIES Bob Cairney, Technical Standards Adviser at Select, looks at the future of the smart home.

recent ‘How to become a smart home electrician’ seminars recently organised by Select and BEMCO (in partnership and with support from Lutron), smart home technology may just be one such opportunity – particularly with industry predictions for growth in sales of such smart tech products predicted to rise significantly by 2025. There are growing numbers of tech savvy homeowners who are investing in these products and many want help to decide on the technology and products

ollowing the easing of lockdown restrictions, associated with the COVID-19 crisis, hopefully we can all begin to look forward to a sustained recovery and a return to some sort of normal business activity. There will however be many businesses who are looking for alternative work opportunities to support depleted income streams. Judging by the interest attracted in

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Smart Lighting – Select.indd 57

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suitable for them. This could be driven by the increasing range of products now in the market or it may be that the homeowner has specific requirements that need specialist skills and knowledge. Whatever the reason, if homeowners want help to select suitable smart tech products, then they will also want someone to install the tech for them and in Select’s opinion, electricians and electrical contractors are best placed to do this as they already possess most of the technical knowledge and skills required.

October 2020 | 57

22/09/2020 11:00

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

What do I need to do to become a smart home electrician?

Bob Cairney, Technical Standards Adviser, Select

What is a smart home? A smart home is simply one that is equipped with a smart electrical installation where the smart connected equipment installed can be controlled remotely using an app on a smartphone or tablet computer. This provides many benefits for a homeowner by making it more convenient to control and monitor their home and can include voice control technology. This enables them to schedule specific events, adjust home comfort settings to meet their needs and can provide control and monitor when away from home to give them peace of mind. Smart homes are often created to enhance audio or visual installations associated with smart TV or home cinema or to enhance the control of heating and/or lighting to reduce energy consumption or to improve home security, or a combination of all of the above.

Opportunities? Of course, although promoting smart home technology as a new opportunity, smart homes themselves are not new. What is new, however, is that with the growth in wireless technology, increased use of smartphones and the ever-increasing range of affordable smart tech products, this type of installation can now be easily and cost-effectively installed in all types of home. Early smart homes relied on cabling installations, using data cables (Cat 5 UTP) and coaxial, to connect smart connected equipment. It was therefore not such an easy job to retrofit the technology into existing homes and, also, the range and costs associated with the smart tech products available at the time were not as they are now. However, this has all changed, opening up a potentially huge market. It should also be mentioned that in new housing developments, the use of smart home technology appears to be very under-used at the moment, but where properly considered and specified – given the relatively low cost of the technology in comparison to the overall construction costs of a new house – it could be something that would interest potential buyers and could boost sales. So perhaps this is an area worthy of further exploration with those responsible for specification of new housing developments.

58 | October 2020

Smart Lighting – Select.indd 58

“A smart home is simply one that is equipped with a smart electrical installation where the smart connected equipment installed can be controlled remotely using an app on a smartphone or tablet computer.”

From the electrician’s point of view, smart home tech is relatively simple to install and connect, as it makes use of the home Wi-Fi system and a smartphone or tablet computer to control the smart devices either directly or via a hub. The first step to becoming a smart home electrician should therefore be to understand and develop your knowledge of smart tech products and what they can do, particularly those that you intend to install. Once you have obtained this knowledge, start to engage with potential customers and spread the word on smart tech and let them know what you can do for them. However, a word of caution – it may be best to start small, perhaps by installing a few smart tech products in your own home, which will help you to gain valuable experience before undertaking small projects for paying customers! In other words, learn to walk before you try to run! If you feel that you need training or back up support, it would also be advisable to check with manufacturers of the products to see if they provide help with this. If using established known brands, most will be able to provide free product training either directly through their technical support team or perhaps through a local trade supplier.

Smart lamps and smart lighting Providing smart lighting solutions such as installation of smart lamps and smart lights or upgrading existing lighting circuits with smart control devices may be the easiest route into becoming a smart home electrician. Replacing existing lamps with smart lamps, for instance, is particularly easy and features include dimming control, automatic switching and the ability to choose a wide range of lamp colours (which is useful for creating mood settings). Smart lamps are also energy efficient and will help customers to reduce their overall home energy consumption. The tech associated with the products is simple and easy to set up and operate using Bluetooth and an app which needs to be downloaded onto a smartphone. However, some smart lamps can also be connected to other smart home tech products to take advantage of voice control technology, for example, Amazon Echo with Alexa voice control, Apple Home Kit with Siri voice control or Google Home with Google assistant etc. Where such voice control smart products are to be used, make sure the smart lamps are compatible with the voice control technology. Where installing specific smart lighting products, such as a floor standing lights or table lights, the supply and means of control is simply facilitated by connection to a local BS 1363 socket-outlet using a smart plug or connection unit which comes with the smart light; and is again easy to set up and operate, connecting using Bluetooth and an app. The above options however may offer limited opportunities and can present issues in themselves – i.e. the number of

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devices that can be connected to a home Wi-Fi network could become a source of problems with drop off affecting the lighting where the Wi-Fi is unmanaged (which will be the case with most homeowners). So perhaps a better option would be to install or upgrade all or parts of existing lighting circuits to provide a smart lighting control system. This has the advantage that the work does require the services of a skilled electrician as connections are necessary between the lighting circuit and the smart devices being installed. Smart lighting systems are created by connecting the smart lighting devices to an interface (hub) that uses radio frequency to connect them all together with the home Wi-Fi system, or connection can be made via a smart product which can give voice control. This approach to smart lighting is usually more cost-effective for the homeowner, as the normal lights and lamps can be used, and also such systems benefit from the wealth of experience and knowledge gained by lighting control companies over many years, which results in a professional grade of installation and user experience. These provide a huge range of options for the homeowner, making dimming and automatic control possible, including presence and absence detection as well as options to locate remote switching devices conveniently for customer’s requirements and providing a huge range of options for scene setting.

Do not be afraid of the technology Be aware that it will not always be plain sailing when installing smart home technology and you will encounter problems at some stage of becoming a smart home electrician including: • Issues with dimming LED lamps – so when installing smart dimming make sure that the devices are compatible with the lamps. • Issues with poor Wi-Fi coverage in certain areas of a home – so extend the Wi-Fi or install a repeater device to extend control from the smart product Wi-Fi interface. • Remember there are always solutions to such problems and reliable technical back-up from product manufacturers can be hugely beneficial to guide you through these when you encounter them. • Also include spending time with your new customers to explain how devices operate and how to adjust settings on completion of work! Whatever route you decide to take to get involved with smart home technology, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and do not be afraid of the smart home technology. However, do your homework and identify reliable products and suppliers – this could be an exciting opportunity for some. Select, select.org.uk

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22/09/2020 11:00

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23/09/2020 15:10

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

SHINING A LIGHT ON SMART LIGHTING OPTIONS As homeowners have adjusted to spending more time at home during 2020, many will be more aware of the improvements they can make to their property and how they use it or, more importantly, want to use it. David Williams, Category Manager for Lighting at Screwfix, discusses the opportunity this presents for electrical contractors.

Philips Hue iris wireless table lamp

mart lighting solutions offer a customisable, effort free fix for illuminating a property, providing a spark of life at little cost. What’s more, with many ranges offering colour changing products, the ambience of a room can also be simply changed to suit or boost the mood of the occupants. With rising energy costs and the ever-growing move towards a more ‘hands free’ lifestyle, smart lighting can adapt any property to be controlled by a smart phone or AI device such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. With all new smart technology and LEDs, the lights can save money on energy bills by only having them illuminated when truly needed. If a light is accidentally left on, it can be resolved from anywhere with a simple touch of a button. To allow electricians to offer their customers more choice, Screwfix has a broad smart lighting and accessories range with many products from leading brands. To save time and to help electricians to get their jobs done, products are available for home delivery or through click and collect from a local Screwfix store. Here are some of the simplest smart solutions that electricians can offer homeowners:

Philips hue white wireless light bulb starter kit

Hive smart LED GLS colour changing bulb With a wattage of 9.5W, equivalent to 60W, this colour-changing light bulb is easy to install, by simply replacing an existing light bulb. By pairing it with the Hive Hub and app, users can set schedules and dimming levels to suit their preferences and needs. With a range of colour settings available, the Hive smart LED colour changing bulb provides up to 25,000 hours life. Hive Hub required.

This trade rated (an independent endorsement having been independently tried and tested by Screwfix customers) wireless light bulb starter kit from Philips produces a beautiful warm white light that can be brightened and dimmed to suit any occasion. With an average lifespan of 25,000 hours, these simple and smart light bulbs are controlled via smartphone or tablets and produce 10kWh/1000h.

Philips LED recessed smart lighting downlight and wireless dimming switch

Philips Hue iris wireless table lamp This innovative wireless table lamp allows homeowners to create the ideal mood with over 16 million possible colours of light. The Philips wireless table lamp can be controlled from anywhere in the home using the Philips Hue app for iOS and Android devices. Ideal for shelves, sideboards and desks, users can create light settings based on their favourite picture or liven a room with a slowly changing dynamic light scene. With up to 20,000 hours of life, this table lamp is also dimmable and uses Wi-Fi technology for connectivity. Philips Hub required.

Hive smart LED GLS colour changing bulb

Hive smart LED GLS cool to warm light bulb Smart LED light bulbs have never been so easy to install and replay and this trade rated option from Hive is no different. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, iOS, Android and others, this cool to warm light bulb provides up to 25,000 hours of life at 9 watts. The light’s dimmable functionality allows the user to have a varied spectrum of white light to set the mood in the home. Hive Hub required.

60 | October 2020

Smart Lighting – Screwfix.indd 60

electricalcontractingnews.com

This Philips downlight is ideal for use in the living room, bedroom, and dining areas. It is a recessed smart downlight with polycarbonate construction and a wireless dimming switch, which allows users to set light schedules for easy home automation. Homeowners can enjoy warm to cool light with control via Android and iOS devices. With an IP20 rating, the Philips LED smart downlight is dimmable and offers up to 15,000 hours of life. Philips Bridge required.

Philips Hue smart motion sensor Connecting to the Philips Hue Bridge, this smart motion sensor is battery-powered and completely wireless so it can be placed anywhere in the home. Easy to configure via the Philips Hue app, it can connect up to 50 Philips Hue lights. With an integrated daylight sensor to help save energy by only turning on lights when needed, users can turn lights on and off automatically when motion is detected, triggering the connected smart lights. Screwfix, screwfix.com

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22/09/2020 11:01

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25/09/2020 09:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

A NEW DAWN FOR BUILDING SAFETY As the construction industry emerges from a difficult period where the safety of buildings has been questioned in the light of tragedies, Tamlite Lighting’s Managing Director, John Allden, explains why the government’s draft Building Safety Bill will bring benefits all-round.

ver the last few years, the safety of buildings, and the people occupying them, has reached an ever-higher profile in the public consciousness. Whilst there had been a long-held feeling throughout the construction industry that something needed to be done to guarantee greater consistency in the design and construction quality of buildings, particularly when it came to high-rise residential blocks, the tragedy that unfolded at Grenfell Tower in June 2017 brought things into a terrible focus. The events of that day exposed serious failings and the design, construction and maintenance of buildings were put under a bright spotlight. The reports from investigations that followed made for sober reading. In particular, Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations concluded that major reform was needed and that residents’ safety needed to be a much greater priority through the entire life cycle of a building. Her report set out more than 50 recommendations for the government regarding the delivery of a more robust regulatory system. And many of these have now been reflected in the government’s recently announced draft Building Safety Bill.

Golden thread of accountability

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62 | October 2020

Smart Lighting – Tamlite.indd 62

The draft bill – which will sit alongside the existing Fire Safety Bill and current fire safety consultation in order to strengthen the current Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – easily represents the most sweeping legislative change to building safety in the last 40 years. One of the biggest concerns being addressed is the need for greater accountability at every stage of the construction process, establishing a chain of custody and holding those in

charge throughout the various stages of the building’s existence accountable for any mistakes. In addition, a new regulator for building safety will enforce the new rules and take action against anybody deemed to have broken them. In short, not only do construction firms and their partners need to do everything they can to make new builds as safe as possible – they also need to be seen to be doing so. For far too long, ‘spec-breaking’ or value engineering has been a common practice. Whatever the type of building, whatever the kind of scheme, budgets have always been under pressure, with builders and designers always on the lookout to bring down costs. With over five decades of experience to draw on, Tamlite is acutely aware of the impact spec breaking has on the specification of lighting systems. Regrettably, lighting has often been an area that has fallen victim to spec-breaking and needless ‘economy’. It is arguable that the issue has become more acute in the LED era, with a fresh wave of low-price – but not always high-quality – luminaires hitting the market.

The safety of buildings’ occupants must come first

Restoring confidence With a clear message that the safety of buildings’ occupants must come first, once implemented, the Building Safety Bill looks set to bring much-needed change to the construction sector and provide precisely the kind of transparent reassurance that has been sought for many years. Critically, for building occupiers, it will provide long-term reassurance about the quality targets for, and development history of, a given building. As a leading lighting manufacturer, Tamlite sees it as vital that it shows leadership in raising awareness of the scope and importance of the draft Building Safety Bill. The company believes it will have a much-needed positive impact on the specification process. This is particularly relevant given that the new Bill would provide the government with powers to better regulate materials and products and ensure they are safe for use. To ensure the Bill reaches its full potential it is essential that the company works with colleagues across the building sector to maintain building safety and offer the highest levels of accountability. We also have an important part to play in educating the market: steering customers away from lower-quality products, towards solutions that can deliver quality, consistency and peace of mind is a key role of our specification team. More than ever, making the case for the long-term benefits of higher-end solutions is going to be critical – we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done.

electricalcontractingnews.com

No compromises Finally, we must turn our attention to the installation, ongoing testing and maintenance of emergency lighting. To industry outsiders, it would be easy to assume that emergency lighting is a priority in the development and maintenance of all buildings. Now required to be installed and tested in line with British Standard BS 5266:1 2016, emergency lighting should provide adequate lighting levels and directional indication in the event of a mains failure, allowing occupants to move around and/or exit the building without accident or injury. Unfortunately, our experience indicates that, all too frequently, it is still an issue that is being tackled in the later stages of a project; and sometimes by those with inadequate knowledge of the technical and legal requirements. This must change. It is an area where responsible manufacturers are working hard to inform and educate the market. There must be no compromises here. This is where electrical contractors can really effect change. We often explain to our end user customers that contractors are arguably the best-placed ‘cog in the wheel’ to provide the specialist insight they need to ensure regulatory compliance. It is also the contractors who can best convey the benefits of investing in high-quality and durable systems to clients. There is no doubt that it will take some years for the public in general to feel confident about the safety of buildings. We all have a part to play in building a culture of responsibility, and legislation such as the Draft Building Safety Bill can provide the way forward to a brighter, safer future. Tamlite Lighting, tamlite.co.uk

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23/09/2020 10:50

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