ECN September 2018 by All Things Media

VOLUME 38 NO. 09 • SEPTEMBER 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE: WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

WWW.ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.CO.UK

26 COMPETITION Win £400 of Ticketmaster vouchers, courtesy of Niglon

39 SPECIAL FEATURE: LIGHTING

BUSINESS SUPPLY DESIGNED FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Zoro talks to ECN about how it is offering a quick and simple way for tradespeople to buy supplies for their business. Zoro.co.uk is a brand-new online store that has its sights firmly set on revolutionising the way businesses buy everything they need. Launched only this January, it has already become a trusted supplier for over 60,000 customers around the UK, with the number growing weekly. Backed by American supply giant Grainger, this young start-up brings a quick and easy formula to the way tradespeople and businesses buy their supplies. With a team that includes several Google and Amazon veterans, Zoro.co.uk is fusing the very best aspects of online retail with unique functionalities designed to meet the demands of today’s businesses.

Turn to page 12 for full story.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 09 • SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTENTS… Regulars 4 Editorial The light fantastic.

7 Industry News Raising money for charity, understanding the 18th Edition and tackling electrical waste.

15 Contract News Increasing safety, restoring heritage buildings and illuminating warehouses.

18 Training CPR courses and a BSI Kitemark for commercial lighting.

Features 23 Project Focus Zumtobel Group explains how it provided a ‘one-stop’ lighting solution for both patients and staff at the Spire Nottingham Hospital.

26 Competition Win £400 of Ticketmaster vouchers courtesy of Niglon.

30 In profile Scolmore Group explores its past and its future.

83 Company Showcase Sponsored content from around the sector.

20 Key Issue

28 Cashless cashflow Cashflow management can make or break an SME, and done well, can be the key to company growth. myPOS looks at how to survive in a cashless future.

32 Smarter, better, faster

Holger Engelbrecht, product manager at reichelt, gives an outline of what you need to know about the halogen ban.

Could smart power distribution improve speed and efficiency during the installation process? Leandro Souza at Schneider Electric takes a look.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Lighting

35 Building Tech Live preview Connect with service providers, manufacturers, experts and associations all under one roof as part of UK Construction Week, says Building Tech Live.

38 Overload protection Steve York from Hager outlines the 18th Edition changes to overload protection, and highlights methods electrical professionals can employ to ensure they remain compliant.

Wholesalers & Distributors Dawson of Niglon discusses how 69 Paul the company is challenging the market

Miles of Carbon8 Lighting 40 Simon explains the benefits of its exclusive

to offer quality, choice and value. Comms Express looks at how smart 73 homes are influencing wholesalers to shift

distribution agreement with ATEX LED light fitting manufacturer Tormin.

towards a consumer-focused market.

Education is missing on the halogen ban, says Steve Stark at LEDVANCE.

electrical sector landscape 76 The continues to change at a rapid

the time to stop hiding LED’s 46 Now’s full potential under that bushel, says Michael Morrison of Light Efficient Design UK. on to growing consumer 48 Switch interest in outdoor lighting, says Shyel Stark at lighting specialist Luceco.

James Harding at Rexel takes a look at how far smart technology will take us, and how we can achieve connectivity on a larger scale.

smart lighting that’s easy 54 Harness to install and operate, say Ansell Lighting and Holders Components.

pace, posing new challenges for the wholesalers who serve it, says Darryl Brady of Stax Trade Centres. Sharer of Fulham explains 57 Russ how LED lighting systems can be key to metering and controlling power consumption. Woodward at Lutron EA Ltd talks 61 Sam to ECN about how to spot the right kind of training to stay in the know. cost savings to increased 65 From productivity, Goodlight explores the benefits retrofit LED lighting can offer when it comes to lighting office environments.

Telecoms & Enclosures lectrical enclosure specialist Rittal 78 Eoffers its essential tips for efficient enclosure temperature management in the food industry. Woodall of HellermannTyton 80 Helen explains how contractors can choose the right enclosure for the environment and specific job.

September 2018 | 3

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EDITORIAL

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

lectric lighting is one of the most pervasive parts of the modern human experience. From our homes to the streets, lighting is one of the cornerstones of contemporary society – which is why it’s such a dominating topic in the electrical industry. When changes come about in the lighting sector, it has wide reaching repercussions across the whole electrical industry – which is why it comes as something of a shock to hear of the relative lack of knowledge surrounding the upcoming EU halogen ban, as discussed by reichelt’s Holger Engelbrecht in this month’s Key Issue (page 20).

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

Kayleigh Hutchins, Editor

Coming into force on September 1, the ban will see the removal of non-directional halogen lamps in favour of more energy efficient LED lighting. It won’t be an instant change, with halogen bulbs all suddenly needing to be ripped out and replaced on the day – but once the traditional bulbs have blown, their time is up, and room will need to be made for LED replacements. This can only be a good thing for the environment, as LEDs haven proven to be more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts – but this is a big change, and preparation needs to start now in the industry. Raising awareness will be key – how can we get the message out there to customers and clients? What opportunities will this open up to the sector?

ECN takes a closer look at the benefits LED lighting can offer in our special feature on lighting this issue – one of our biggest editorial topics. We explore how to take advantage of the full potential of LEDs, the best way to pass this information on to clients, and the importance of getting the right training to stay ahead in a world that’s becoming increasingly smarter and tech-savvy. Don’t forget, I’m always eager to hear from the experts – our readers. Please send news, comment and article suggestions to kayleigh@ allthingsmedialtd.com, and keep ECN informed on what you want to read about as we move into the autumn and leave the summer heatwaves behind – finally!

EDITOR: KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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

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

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

DESIGNER: JON APPLETON E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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Pending first audit.

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INDUSTRY NEWS REXEL OPENS THE DOORS ON REVAMPED BRANCH IN BEDFORD Electrical professionals in Bedford are being invited to come on down to their new Rexel electrical distributor branch on Barkers Lane, following its recent re-opening to the trade. The recent launch event proved highly successful featuring free calibration, helping trade professionals to ensure their testing equipment is performing accurately, as well complimentary food and product demonstrations from key suppliers. The former Wilts branch has been revamped and rebranded under the Rexel brand name. The transformation will see Rexel grow its nationwide coverage to 250 locations, helping to position it as

one of the nation’s largest electrical distributor networks. Branch manager, Craig Whitworth, said, “We hope that installers will like what they find in their new Rexel branch, which has been designed specifically to cater to their professional needs. We have a wide range of products, which is growing all the time, and a commitment to services which ensure those products are in-branch when our customers demand them. We would welcome any local electricians to come and see what we have to offer.” All branches previously branded Newey & Eyre, WF Senate, Wilts and Parkers Merchanting have been brought under the Rexel umbrella.

SELECT PROVIDES 18TH EDITION GUIDANCE SELECT, the campaigning body for the electro-technical trade in Scotland, has been updating its members on key points from the newly launched 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. SELECT’s technical standards adviser, Bob Cairney, prepared the guide, which is available in an online format, to assist members in understanding the changes contained in these important regulations. The guide will also feature in the next issue of SELECT’s CableTalk magazine. Cairney said, “BS: 7671:2018 (The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) contains a number of significant changes which reflect industry best practice. “We have recently been out on the road to highlight the changes during our recent very successful Scotland-wide Toolbox Talks. These were held a few weeks ago and the presentations were well received by the members who attended”. A central theme of the regulations concerns improvements to the level of safety provided in new electrical installations and in particular with regard to fire safety. The 18th Edition introduces new devices called arc fault detection devices (AFDD) and these, where installed, can provide an additional level of electrical safety from faults which other protective devices cannot detect specifically arcing faults. These are expected to be widely adopted by the industry. There is also new guidance on types of Residual Current Device (RCD) and arrangement of devices to achieve selectivity between protective devices. Also of interest is informative guidance on energy efficiency. Darrell Mathews, managing director of SELECT, added, “These regulations incorporate the latest in technological developments across our sector and, while they do not come into force until January 1, 2019, we want SELECT members, as ever, to be in pole position.”

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S ANNUAL GOLF DAY SUPPORTS ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY Schneider Electric is supporting the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) at its 34th annual golf tournament. Open to Electrical consultants, panel builders, end-users, developers, builders and distributors, the tournament has become a summer highlight. Eleven regional events have taken place throughout the UK and Ireland during the summer. The tournament will culminate in the national final at Hawkstone Park on September 19 and 20, 2018. Stewart Gregory, VP of partner projects at Schneider Electric said, “The annual golf tournament is always a popular event, and it is great to be in a position to help those in the electrical industry through the fantastic works of the EIC. We look forward to the final event in September and to crowning our winner for 2018.” Tessa Ogle, CEO of the EIC added, “We are honoured to be a part of such a popular event, and are thankful to everyone who gets involved at the golf days to support us. EIC is a national charity and our on-going mission is to support our industry through challenging times. We do this by providing a direct line of financial relief and practical support services to individuals facing unexpected life challenges. We look forward to seeing the action in the final round this September.”

BREATHING BUILDINGS LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION BROCHURE To help ensure the provision of healthy air in schools, Breathing Buildings has launched a new sector-specific brochure titled Ventilation for Schools. The ventilation design, specification, installation and commissioning process of an educational facility can be complex and daunting. Ventilation for Schools aims to aid this process by outlining key considerations for ventilation in schools including individual spaces such as school halls, IT classrooms, classrooms with sloping roofs and landlocked rooms, while also providing details on suitable products for each area. “Education is a key sector for Breathing Buildings,” says Matthew Bray, commercial director at Breathing Buildings. “Many in the education sector are looking at ways to save energy and have identified low-energy ventilation systems as a way of doing this. Our new dedicated brochure points the way; it provides information on our full range of natural and hybrid ventilation products as well as guidance and inspiration for designers looking to specify ventilation for educational facilities.” The brochure is available to download on the Breathing Buildings website.

NEW NETWORK LAUNCHED FOR FEMALE ELECTRICIANS A new online network has been launched to allow women working ‘on the tools’ in the electrical industry to connect, share views and advice, and create a forum for discussion and ideas. Open Circuit – the name given to the network – has been established by the charity Women on the Tools, in partnership with industry bodies the Joint Industry Board (JIB), Certsure and ECA. Any working or training female electrician is eligible to join the group, which is on Facebook. The idea to create such a group was inspired by the Amber Light Society, a group of female electricians in New York who take an active role in supporting each other and the industry. In New York, 10% of the workforce in electrics is female compared to less than 2% in the UK. All organisations involved are now encouraging female electricians to join the group and calling on electrical contractors to promote the network to their female employees. Women on the Tools’ business development manager, Andrea Kelmanson said, “We believe that the ‘Open Circuit’ network has the capacity to reduce the isolation experienced by many individual tradeswomen, to become a forum for sharing information and ideas, to be a place for making and developing work contacts, as well as becoming a way of enabling the experience of women electricians to be accessed and heard.” Women are invited to join Open Circuit by visiting facebook. com/groups/opencircuit

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INDUSTRY NEWS MOSS ELECTRICAL TEES OFF FOR THE DREAM FACTORY Moss Electrical was joined by a host of electrical contractors and manufacturers at The London Club in July for their annual charity golf day. This year, Moss dedicated the day in honour of Avril Mills and her charity The Dream Factory. The Dream Factory is a registered charity set up to grant wishes and dreams to children and young people from the ages of three to 25 years with life limiting, life-threatening conditions or severe disabilities. A team from Moss Electrical, led by MD Robert Moss, hosted the annual Moss Golf Day and successfully raised their donation target of £20,000 for the chosen charity. Following the day of golf, guests were treated to an evening of food and wine, with the day concluding with

NICEIC & ELECSA RENEW SPONSORSHIP OF LUTON TOWN FC

an awards presentation, a live charity auction and speeches hosted by

special guest, former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp.

Certsure has renewed its deal to sponsor Luton Town FC for the 2018/19 season – the tenth year in a row it will be supporting the Division One side. Once again, the NICEIC and ELECSA logos will appear on the backs of the Hatter’s home and away kits. The new season will mark a decade of continued sponsorship between NICEIC and Luton Town FC – who will be competing in Division One following promotion from Division Two last season. Director of marketing, Mark Smith said: “We are delighted to once again support Luton Town FC. “We have enjoyed a great partnership with Luton over the last 10 years and it was great to see them promoted last year after performing so well. “We are committed to promoting our contractors and this promotion into Division One will ensure even greater coverage for the NICEIC and ELECSA brands. “We would like to wish the management and players the best and we are looking forward to another great season working together.” Promotion to division one means Luton will be performing in front of larger audiences with more TV coverage.

JIB GIVES QUALIFIED WELCOME TO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR DIRECT EMPLOYMENT A call to encourage direct employment throughout the construction supply chain has been given a qualified welcome by the JIB. In its 2018 strategy, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Skills Workstream has set a specific action to ‘encourage action to reduce the number of workers not in direct employment, especially false self-employment which is a clear barrier to employers investing in training. Industry needs to collaborate to encourage all public and private sector clients to consistently mandate direct hire practices in their supply chain.’ The CLC draws together business leaders from across the construction sector to drive industry improvement. Within its skills strategy is the objective to develop the quality and capacity of skills required to support the sector, including its productivity and modernisation aspirations. Promotion of direct employment is a cornerstone of the JIB’s work and the organisation works to improve employment standards for its members and their employees. Members of the JIB are committed to industry-recognised terms and conditions for their electrical workforce and also provide a comprehensive package of employee benefits via the JIB benefits scheme. “While the statement by the Construction Leadership Council Skills Workstream is welcome, it is simply warm words at this stage. What we need is evidence of action, for example the inclusion of direct employment in tender invitations and contracts. That will make a difference and every JIB member will welcome the opportunity to tender for electrical work on a level playing field,” said Steve Brawley, JIB chief executive. “The same point applies to false self-employment; main contractors and clients should not accept false self-employment on their projects. We will be very happy to work with any client or main contractor who takes this aspiration seriously and wants to make a difference.”

MOVERS & SHAKERS… Nuaire has recently appointed Wayne Glover as managing director. Glover joined Nuaire in 1993 as a product development engineer and through the next 24 years, progressed in management and director roles in engineering, sales and commerce, to the post of MD. Anolis has appointed Peer Oestergaard as sales director. Oestergaard will be managing and coordinating the Anolis sales teams globally and ensuring that the brand continues to proactively build its profile, visibility and reputation worldwide. Scolmore has announced the appointment of Martyn Walley to the newly created position of group technical manager. Walley comes to Scolmore following a fouryear term with Aico. Gira UK has made two new appointments. Sam PoundJones has been made specification manager, having previously worked as a system integrator, undertaking the installation of KNX systems within high-end residential and commercial properties. Steven Parr has also been appointed technical sales manager. Parr has worked for several systems integrators as a project manager over a 10-year period and most recently, as a senior project manager for Ideaworks.

HUDDERSFIELD MP & CEF TACKLE ELECTRICAL WASTE THROUGH EDUCATION On Friday 20 July, Barry Sheerman, MP for Huddersfield, visited electrical wholesaler CEF’s electrical waste site to find out how together they could increase awareness of the importance of recycling. The MP came to the site in Kirkheaton following a recent visit by local schoolchildren who came to learn about why recycling waste electrical equipment (WEEE) matters. Sheerman, who is also chairman of environmental charity Urban Mines, visited the Kirkheaton site with his environmental adviser James Horne. Sheerman commented, “We will only make real strides forward in reusing waste when we give it value. There is more gold in a tonne of electrical waste than a tonne of raw gold ore – it is long overdue that we start to see the waste from our cities and towns not as waste, but as a valuable resource. “There’s also an issue of geographical disparity that we must overcome. Some areas are innovative in their waste recycling, while others have a long way to go to catch up. “I absolutely feel that education holds the key to addressing both issues. By encouraging school children and students to visit sites like this one and see the process for themselves, the next generation will be aware not only of the significant environmental impact of their electrical waste, but of its potential value.” CEF offers its own recycling facility, run by Electrical Waste Recycling Group (EWRG). When a group of year

six pupils visited the site, CEF and EWRG discovered a significant gap in the public’s knowledge about why electrical recycling is so important. Jane Richardson, compliance manager, EWRG, commented, “The recent visit by year six children from Kirkheaton Primary School was a great opportunity to show the next generation the importance of recycling electrical items in a real environment. Both staff and pupils were given a new awareness of not only how recycling prevents waste, but how much of an impact to the planet a lack of recycling can make.” Following Barry Sheerman MP’s visit to the site, CEF and EWRG plan to work with local government to do more to raise awareness of the importance of electrical recycling to both the environment and the economy.

8 | September 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS MCCANN REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEET

SUPPORT FOR FUND RAISING EVENT TO HELP SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL Hughes Electrical has stepped in to support a special fund-raising event in aid of a school for children with special needs in Norwich. It has donated a number of items including an ASUS tablet, Sony sound bar, George Foreman Health Grill, electric knife, wine chiller and a Bluetooth speaker to be used as prizes at a golfing event. ‘Dominic’s Day’ was held at Barnham Broom on August 17 to raise funds for the Harford Manor School. It was organised by Dominic’s parents and sister, Marianne, Adrian and Jodie Stimpson in memory of their son and brother Dominic. Adrian Stimpson said, “Our son had 11 happy and fulfilling years at Harford Manor. We have now had seven such golf days which have raised over £27,000 for the school

allowing it to purchase some special equipment which the children are all able to benefit from. “We could not possibly raise this amount of money without the generous donations of local companies like Hughes Electrical.”

Andy Royston, manager of Hughes branch in Dereham, added, “The family has done such a great job over the years raising money for a very worthy cause. We are delighted to be able to support what they do and hope this year’s event is the most successful yet.”

Civil and electrical engineering firm McCann has made a commitment to protecting the environment with the introduction of a fleet of hybrid electric vehicles, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. McCann works on major infrastructure projects nationwide and within its fleet, it operates a number of company cars used by employees occupying roles at all levels of the business. The company operates a UKAS accredited ISO 14001 environmental management system and also complies with the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). As part of McCann’s environmental objectives and its commitment to FORS, fleet and plant manager Paul King has driven an initiative over the past 18 months to reduce the company’s impact on the environment by introducing hybrid electric vehicles to the company’s fleet of cars. This new initiative has resulted in 25% of the company’s 66 cars becoming electric hybrid - vastly reducing McCann’s carbon footprint as part of a longterm commitment which will see a further investment in electric hybrids over the coming years. As well as investing in the cars, the company is installing home charging points for employees, enabling them to charge the car at night and use it for work the following day.

EIC APPEALS FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ITS PRACTICAL PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) is looking for members of the industry to help keep dreams alive by providing practical support. Every year EIC makes dreams come true through its Practical Participation Programme (PPP) that harnesses specialist skills in terms of time, equipment and materials – providing practical help where it is needed most. PPP is part of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers a wide range of exclusive support services, complex case management and makes a significant contribution to improving the lives of apprentices, employees and their families, right through to retired colleagues. Through PPP, EIC offers practical support to people in need like the Rhodes family. Nine-year-old William Rhodes is suffering from a rare genetic blood condition – DiamondBlackfan Anaemia – and requires blood transfusions every three weeks. William’s number one wish was to have a football pitch in his garden. EIC fulfilled his dream by laying down an all-weather football pitch using artificial grass with floodlights in his garden, so William will be able to play football all year round. Practical assistance can go a long way to assisting in delivering large-scale solutions. To show your support, or for further information, contact Vicky Gray at vicky.gray@electricalcharity.org

TRADIFY LAUNCHES IN THE UK Tradify, a job management app for small business owners in the construction industry, has launched in the UK. Tradify is designed to simplify everyday administration tasks such as scheduling jobs, completing quotes, tracking materials and sending invoices. “If you are a builder, plumber or electrician running single or multiple job sites, Tradify takes the hassle out of organising materials and people – and gives you clear information on the profit and loss on a job,” explains Robert Mark, managing director of Tradify in the UK. “For small businesses, saying ‘yes’ to every job brings in money, but also problems, with days spent working while valuable evenings and weekends are spent catching up on paperwork. Tradify helps small business owners streamline these everyday tasks, freeing up time.” Tradify is designed to enable tradespeople to become more professional in their job management, increasing productivity and enhancing their company reputation with customers. Job details and sub-contractors can be set up and managed, with sub-contractors updated on job status, such as task deadlines and materials needed from the merchant or wholesaler, in real-time via the Tradify app.

ECA’S #PROJECT18 ROADSHOW A MAJOR SUCCESS Thousands of contractors and installers attended ECA’s #Project18 roadshow events during July, to learn about the changes introduced within the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671). Over a three-week period, around 2,000 people attended 14 events held across the country. In addition, these events had the added bonus of a CPD element delivered by one of ECA’s technical experts, supported by leading industry manufacturers. The roadshows also provided an excellent opportunity for ECA members to network with others within the industry. Most of the events were also supported by a small exhibition showcasing several promotions and products, including stands from roadshow partners Schneider, Eaton and Legrand. Steve Martin, ECA director of technical, commented, “The roadshows were a superb way for ECA members to easily learn about the changes contained within the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. It was also great to see ECA members networking with each other to build new business relationships.” ECA member representative Keith Basing, of Phoenix ME Ltd, added, “I have attended a few presentations on the 18th Edition, but this was the best one by far.” The new Wiring Regulations were published on July 2 2018, and will come into full effect on January 1 2019. ECA is providing members with a range of online tools, resources and discounted training to help get them up-to-speed.

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COVER STORY

SUPPLY AND DEMAND As the business needs of electrical contractors become ever more demanding, Zoro explains how its new website is offering tradespeople a solution to streamline their operation.

oro understands the pressures of today’s contractors, and believes that suppliers need to offer services that address these demands. We believe that Zoro. co.uk can fill this gap. MD Marcus Nelson explains, “Buying electrical and industrial supplies online can be a frustrating experience. At Zoro.co.uk, we aim to bring the recent innovations of consumer online retail to businesses and entrepreneurs.”

All your business supplies covered With over 175,000 items, Zoro.co.uk has an industry-leading range of tools, materials, electrical components and other business supplies in the UK. From power tools and personal protection equipment to office supplies and stationery, Zoro’s inventory caters primarily to the wide variety of needs of today’s businesses. Tea, coffee and sugar can even be bought at the same time as masonry drill bits. This wide range of products means professional tradespeople are able to purchase everything they need in one place at the click of a button, and have it on their door the next business day. Zoro deliveries are free as long as the total order amount exceeds at least £20. But the current assortment is just the start. Zoro.co.uk’s ambitious plans for the industry includes increasing its current product range to over half a million unique items by the end of 2019. There’s practically something new on the website every day.

• Zoro Trade Accounts Trade Accounts make buying your business’ supplies even easier by providing businesses with a credit-line and net 30day payment terms. Order everything you need, any time you want, and pay later. At the beginning of the following month, Zoro will automatically issue you with an account statement and invoice for the spend of the preceding month. Once the invoice arrives via email or post, you will have 30 days to make a payment. Opening a Zoro.co.uk Trade Account is free and easy to do online. • Unified Purchasing A feature introduced for small and large businesses alike, Unified Purchasing allows multiple log-in email addresses grouped under a business account. This multi-user feature allows you to set different roles for your team members and to make purchases individually, under one billing account. You can quickly report on who ordered what products, at what time and where to. This makes it fast and convenient for account administrators to oversee, control and manage spending across their team, giving you more control over cashflow.

“With over 175,000 items, Zoro. co.uk has an industryleading range of tools, materials and electrical components.”

• Faster checkout No need to search for your payment card ever again: a simple one-click checkout for Trade Account customers is available, to any delivery address in the UK. • Exclusive offers Trade Account holders will be the first to be informed about upcoming sales, promotions and enjoy offers tailored to their business.

Extensive industry knowledge Zoro.co.uk has comprehensive industry and expert knowledge of products, services and support which it is able to apply to its unique online experience. To see how Zoro.co.uk can help your business improve the way it buys supplies and equipment, use the discount code ECN918 to get 20% off your first order. Zoro, zoro.co.uk

• Generate quotations with ease Using the Zoro site to generate quotations couldn’t be easier: use the on-site search functionality or navigate through the easyto-use taxonomy to find exactly the product you were looking for. Adding a product to a quote is as easy as putting it in an e-commerce shopping basket. Quotes can then be printed or sent via email to clients or colleagues, saved and retrieved at a later time, edited or converted into an order with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Comprehensive range of business functionalities Zoro wants to establish itself in the market through innovation and bringing the convenience of online shopping to businesses. Right now, the company can make its customers’ purchasing easier through a suite of convenient businesscentric functionalities. Still under a year old, the ambitious start-up features a number of benefits to offer contractors.

12 | September 2018

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WHERE TECHNOLOGY AND CONSTRUCTION MEET

9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11 OCTOBER 2018 NEC BIRMINGHAM

buildingtechlive.co.uk #BuildingTech2018

@BuildTechLive

PART OF UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2018

2018 BIRMINGHAM

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EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:

CONTRACT NEWS WIRE BASKET FITS PACE AND LOOKS AT PRESTIGIOUS OFFICE REFURBISHMENT Marshall-Tufflex’s fast-coupling wire basket has ensured a quick installation at a prestigious South London office redevelopment. The multi-million-pound Edinburgh House Project, located in Kennington’s conservation area, has seen the complete refurbishment of a 1960s office block into a spacious, contemporary workspace complete with a south-facing central atrium, café, seating areas and a conference suite. Thousands of metres of MarshallTufflex 65mm fast-coupling wire basket has been installed at the three-storey site, along with 700 bespoke floor boxes and accessories. All wire basket and floor boxes are exposed, so

AICO ALARMS CONNECTED TO COUNCIL WARDEN CALL SYSTEMS FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY South Cambridgeshire District Council is upgrading its 1,400 sheltered housing properties with new warden call systems connected to Aico mains powered multi-sensor, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. As the council was already planning to replace the existing hardwired warden call systems, it took the opportunity to upgrade the smoke and CO alarms at the same time. Aico was able to offer a bespoke solution to wirelessly connect its alarms to the new warden call systems using its unique Ei414 fire/CO alarm interface. This solution provides maximum tenant safety and convenience, as Eddie Spicer, M&E surveyor for South Cambridgeshire District Council, explained, “The integration ensures that there is one system in each property, reducing costs and maintenance visits. We have two providers of call systems and one of them has expressed great interest in the system we are using as they have not seen it used on their equipment previously.” The Ei414 interface can also be used to interconnect Aico alarms to sprinkler and Part 1 Fire detection systems. The new smoke alarm systems are being installed by the council to Category LD2, with a heat alarm in the kitchen, a multi-sensor in all circulation spaces and entrance halls and CO alarms in properties that are not fully electric. Properties and tenants that need extended protection from risk will see their alarm systems extended to include additional rooms for added safety. South Cambridgeshire District Council is pleased with the outcome of this latest project, as Eddie commented, “The service provided by Aico is impeccable. The stock provision and minimal failure rate has ensured that this project is running smoothly and to time. We have also integrated an online monitoring trial into the project and the ongoing support from Aico has been really useful and has made the system work for us.”

needed to match the look of the high specification interior. Electrical contractor Andrew Aird of Sapphire Mechanical & Electrical Services, Forest Row, said, “Our specification was for a good value product from a market-leading manufacturer. Marshall-Tufflex’s products fitted the bill. In particular the floor boxes were unique, as we used a grey powder coated steel option that fitted the bespoke look on this project. Fitting went very smoothly. I was also really pleased with the wire basket’s connection system, which made it quick and easy to install.” Edinburgh House is due for completion this summer.

SMITH BROTHERS SECURES CONTRACT WITH CHP GIANT High-voltage power contractor Smith Brothers has secured an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) contract with sustainable energy specialist P3P Partners, marking the electrical engineering firm’s first foray into the fast-growing combined heat and power (CHP) market. Having been appointed by P3P as the ICP for a new CHP facility in North Yorkshire, Smith Brothers will be responsible for delivering an 11kV connection to the local distribution network, handling all contestable elements on behalf of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Northern Powergrid (NPg). The scheme of works will comprise the design, installation and commissioning of a 300m 11kV cable route from the Point of Connection (POC) to Point of Supply (POS) and the establishment of a new NPg substation enclosure – including all earthing and civils aspects, plus the development of a Ring Main Unit (RMU) and Metering Unit (MU). Due to landscape constraints, the team will be required to conduct specialist Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for a 120m section of the cable route. With construction work on the CHP site due to commence this summer and energisation set for October, plans for future project collaborations between P3P and Smith Brothers are already taking shape.

LED LIGHTING FOR STAPLETON TYRES BRINGS MAJOR ENERGY AND CO2 SAVINGS Ecolighting UK Ltd has recently won an £850,000 contract with Stapleton Tyres to install LED lighting into all its 11 warehouses around the country. Stapleton Tyres, part of the Japanese Itochu Corporation, is a wholesaler and distributor of car tyres, each year supplying five million tyres 24/7 with twice daily deliveries. The Kwik Fit tyres retailer is also part of the group. The full lighting project started following a successful trial with LED lighting at Stapleton Tyres’ Letchworth distribution centre – Ecolighting had lit it previously with the then energy efficient T5 fluorescent tubes back in 2013. This scheme was soon followed with the installation of LED lighting to Stapleton Tyres’ newly acquired Peterborough 200,000 sqft warehouse which Ecolighting completed ahead of schedule. With a start date of October, the scheme needed to be finished by early February, but it was actually completed at the end of November. For Stapleton Tyres, there were big benefits in switching to energy efficient LED lighting within the context of ESOS (the government energy saving opportunities survey) as the lighting provided huge reductions in energy and carbon footprint – some 1,174 tonnes of CO2 was saved on the company’s carbon footprint. The projected financial savings put forward by Ecolighting illustrate a very short return on investment, with payback averaging 1.75 years across all the distribution centres. In addition, by investing in the LED lighting schemes, Stapleton Tyres attracts an enhanced capital allowance (ECA) of 19% of the investment able to be reclaimed in the first year. Depending on the actual distribution centre building, Ecolighting has installed LED lighting in the warehouse aisles at mezzanine level, in the despatch areas, under the external canopies, in the car parks and in many distribution centres there was office lighting installed too.

QUELFIRE HELPS FIRESTOP SKIPTON MILL Quelfire have teamed up with RA Fire Protection to create a safe, compliant residential development in Skipton. Belle Vue Mills in Skipton, North Yorkshire, is a refurbishment project that will create 39 highquality apartments. The main contractor at Belle Vue Mills was Triton Construction. There were a number of challenges on this project arising from the fact that it was an original mill building requiring various penetrations for services through existing walls and floors. The walls themselves where thick stone construction, while the curved brick internal ceilings required angled penetrations that then had to be firestopped. Each of the service apertures in the building had to be correctly firestopped and Yorkshire based RA Fire Protection decided to partner with Quelfire. The company choose to do this because of the complexity of the work as well as the breadth of fire stopping systems offered by Quelfire. The main contractor had also recommended Quelfire because they had delivered a successful outcome for the M&E contractor during earlier phases at Belle Vue Mills. Once RA Fire Protection had submitted the drawings and gained approval, it was then a matter of methodically working through the installation schedule on-site. With the Quelfire team on hand throughout, and verification checks incorporated into the schedule to ensure all fire stops were completed, the developer was highly confident that the completed project would meet building control requirements.

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CONTRACT NEWS UNITRUNK SUPPLIES MAJOR SOCIAL HOUSING UPGRADE

VENTOLA PROJECTS RESTORES LEICESTER’S ATHENA TO ITS FORMER GLORY When damage was caused to the Athena Leicester’s exterior lighting canopy, LED lighting and electrical specialist, Ventola Projects, was brought on board to help with the issue. A full maintenance service was required to deal with the problem. Ventola assessed what was required to repair the issue, which was located above the entrance of the cultural quarter venue. The company then went about removing the entire front canopy, sending it off to be re-moulded. Ventola then re-installed the new canopy for Athena. Ventola helped with the maintenance of the canopy, and also assisted by diagnosing why the lighting output was poor during hours of darkness. Checking the existing lighting for any damage, Ventola advised on necessary repairs and checked on the current electrical supply for any faults. This resulted in Athena being completely aware of any electrical improvements that will need to be carried out in the future.

Now, Athena’s canopy has been completely restored thanks to the work carried out by Ventola Projects and the venue can now continue hosting a whole range of events. Ventola Project’s founder and managing director, Mick Ventola, explained why the company was eager to support Athena, “We were thrilled to help Athena with this project. As a business that is based in Leicester, we recognise that they

are one of the best event venues in the city and understand how important it is for their lighting to be of the highest possible quality. Once we repaired the damage that was caused by a vehicle, we gave our recommendations and advice on electrical improvements that may be needed in the future. We are glad that the Athena’s canopy has now been restored and hope to work closely with them in the future.”

Unitrunk’s multi-compartment trunking and Uniklip cable tray have been specified for the first three of 36 planned refurbishments of multioccupancy social housing properties in Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton Homes, which manages homes owned by Wolverhampton Council, plans to upgrade the electrical installation in the common areas of 36 multioccupancy buildings over the next five years, with new mains supply and upgrades to all power, lighting, TV aerial, telephone line and door entry system cabling. The projects will also include new fire stopping for all installations. A trial project at Harroby Court in the Chetton Green area of Wolverhampton was completed using Unitrunk multi-compartment trunking and Uniklip cable tray last year and two further properties in Chetton Green – Wobaston Court and Patshul Court – are now onsite, with completion anticipated on these schemes in September. All buildings will remain fully-occupied throughout the works. Unitrunk’s Uniklip cable tray will be used in the ground floor communal areas and as risers to take sub mains cabling through the building. The company’s three-compartment trunking will also be used as risers and will be installed on each floor. Dean Adock from the project’s electrical contractor, Dodd Group, commented, “These projects will raise the standard of the building services in the properties involved, with a clear focus on safety for residents. “The Unitrunk cable management solutions provide a robust specification that’s fast and simple to install and will ensure a neat and reliable installation for years to come.”

UPONOR PUTS ELIZABETH LINE DEPOT ON TRACK FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

OFFSHORE WIND CABLE CONTRACT SPARKS INVESTMENT IN PRYSMIAN WREXHAM FACILITY Cable installer and supplier Prysmian Group has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract to supply cables for what will become the world’s biggest offshore wind farm, Hornsea Project Two. The wind farm, currently being constructed by Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, will be located 89km off the Yorkshire Coast. When operational in 2022, it will be able to supply well over 1.3 million UK homes with green electricity. In total over 300km (around the same distance from London to Wrexham) of inter-array cables will be supplied by Prysmian Group, with 900km of cable cores manufactured in Wrexham, UK. As a result, Prysmian Group is upgrading its Wrexham facility to become the first UK facility to manufacture submarine array cable cores. Minister for Investment, Graham Stuart, said, “Prysmian’s investment is a clear display of confidence in the UK’s flourishing renewable sector, and will contribute to improving quality of life in the UK for generations to come. “An investment such as this epitomises exactly the type of work that Department for International Trade (DIT) is doing to deliver jobs and prosperity in communities up and down the country. Duncan Clark, programme director for Hornsea Projects One and Two at Ørsted, added, “We are delighted to be working with Prysmian Group, who have years of experience and a strong track record of innovating, including the development of high voltage submarine cable solutions. This inward investment is a clear signal of confidence in the continued growth of offshore wind in the UK.”

Uponor has provided an underfloor heating and cooling solution for the new Elizabeth Line train depot at Old Oak Common in West London as part of the energy efficient specification for the major rail sector scheme. Constructed for Bombardier Transportation UK by principal contractor Taylor Woodrow, the facility is scheduled to open in the summer and will accommodate up to 33 trains while routine maintenance and cleaning are carried out. It has already won a Green Apple environmental award, along with two UK Rail Awards and has also been named as highly commended in the NCE 100 Awards. The underfloor heating and cooling system designed and installed for the project by Uponor has played a central role in delivering the design strategy for reduced CO2 emissions and operational costs. The Uponor system will optimise the heating and cooling outputs from the facility’s geothermal heat pumps and leverage the thermal mass of the concrete structure to provide an energy efficient heating and cooling solution. Uponor worked with the project team from RIBA Stage 2, designing, specifying and installing the system as a turnkey project. A total of 2,000m of Uponor’s pre-insulated Eco-Flex pipe has been installed, which will take low temperature hot water from large, bespoke manifold headers to individual underfloor heating and cooling distribution circuits within the building. The system also includes 76,000m of 20mm and

25mm diameter Uponor PE-Xa pipework, which was cast into the fabric of the building during construction. This provides a permanent and virtually maintenance-free heating and cooling infrastructure across all areas. The installation will deliver water into the system within a temperature range of 15-20°C for cooling and a range of 30-45°C for heating, with a maximum energy load of just 600kW for cooling and 1150kW for heating. Thanks to a fully-integrated building management system, the temperature of the water in the system will automatically adjust to seasonal changes.

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TRAINING TRADE SKILLS 4U LAUNCHES ELECTRICAL TRAINING FOR BUSINESS DIVISION Trade Skills 4U group has launched its new corporate division, Trade Skills Business, offering electrical training programmes for business. This new division will focus on delivering quality practical and theoretical electrical training solutions to commercial businesses wanting a more bespoke service tailored to their individual needs. Trade Skills 4U has seen a growing demand for training courses nationwide, especially since the introduction of the City & Guilds 2382-18 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. The company will be talking to local and national businesses across the country with a view to gaining an understanding of their requirements to enable them to create training schedules specifically structured to their business needs. Carl Bennett, executive chairman, said, “We are celebrating a year of growth and expansion and we understand the importance of maintaining and delivering quality training to our customers, paving the way for our continued future growth. “We believe we are the perfect business partner to offer bespoke electrical training not only for our existing customers who we have built productive relationships with over the years, but also to new customers who are looking to work with a partner to deliver real business benefits. We are also proud to be one of the UK’s first training companies to achieve the IET Centres of Excellence.”

PRESTON’S COLLEGE & JTL ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT Lancashire further education provider, Preston’s College, has announced a long-term partnership with national apprenticeship, training and assessment specialist, JTL. The building services engineering partnership will focus on the delivery of apprenticeship provision, providing Lancashire employers with an effective solution for their training needs. Preston’s College is currently the largest apprenticeship provider in its local area, while JTL supports over 3,000 companies and 7,000 apprentices nationally every year across electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation, and engineering maintenance. The partnership will see the two organisations work together to provide apprentices with high-quality training, delivery and assessment, while continuing to use the college’s industry standard workspaces. Jon Graham, chief executive of JTL, said, “We are delighted to be forming this new strategic relationship with Preston’s College – an organisation we have been working with for many years. “By bringing the strengths of both organisations together, I am confident that we can provide a great learning environment for our apprentices and continue to improve local skills for the building services sector.” Dr Lis Smith, principal and chief executive at Preston’s College, added, “Our relationship with JTL will provide a simple and effective solution for Lancashire employers wishing to engage in training, development and assessment in the building services sector. “The construction sector has witnessed considerable growth over recent years, and with the continued momentum of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, the partnership will ensure we meet the workforce demands of the local economy. “Equally, partnering with one of the UK’s major training providers will ensure our apprentices continue to receive first class outcomes while developing their skills in high quality, technology rich learning spaces.”

ELLIS DEVELOPS CPD COURSE Cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has developed a CPD course to educate engineering professionals about the necessity for and correct specification of cable cleats. Cable cleats: a device for short circuit protection is a UK accredited, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course that has been adapted for international use and is offered both person-to-person and online as an e-CPD by Ellis through its e-learning portal. To date, Ellis has provided CPD certification to recipients from Aberdeen to Plymouth in the UK, and Australia to Canada in its export markets. Phil Goddard, Ellis’ specification manager, said, “As with our cable cleats, our CPD programme has a global reputation. The numbers who are receiving certification are growing rapidly, while at the same time we’re seeing a surge in the number of enquiries, both on and offline, for the course. Both Ellis’ traditional and e-CPDs have been designed to provide technical insight and guidance in terms of the use of cable cleats. Both are accredited through the UK CPD organisation and are available free of charge from the North Yorkshire-based company.

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC OPENS DOORS TO SPECIFIERS

WEBINAR CAPTURES HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW BSI KITEMARK FOR COMMERCIAL LIGHTING The recording of the live webinar of the British Standards Institute (BSI) Kitemark for Commercial Lighting is now available to watch online at the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) website. The webinar was recorded live on July 23 to supplement the launch event of the new BSI Kitemark on June 27 held at the LIA offices in Telford. The new scheme launched in partnership between the BSI and the LIA is designed to increase product safety and quality of the lighting products, at the same time help drive up standards and further reduce the risks of product recalls and returns. The webinar was presented by the BSI’s electrical certification team leader, Holly Rossington, and supported by the LIA’s CEO, Steve Davies. In the webinar, Holly and Steve explained the scheme, educating on the value of the Kitemark and how to get involved to avail its advantages for their business. The video is peppered with industry polls and concludes with a Q&A session, generated from the audience questions from the launch event, and those asked by the webinar attendees. The BSI Kitemark for Commercial Lighting was born out of lighting industry concerns relating to the reported increase of low quality products being placed on the UK and EU markets.

Schneider Electric has launched a series of free events for the UK’s mechanical and electrical specifier network. The sessions will help educate specifiers on the latest technologies, give them a chance to network with their peers and advance their professional development. Schneider Electric’s continuing professional development events will run at various times throughout the year. Every session will be based on an important industry topic, vetted by the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers. Once the attendees arrive, they will have time to network before listening to a connection session with a senior Schneider Electric spokesperson. Following this, specifiers will see a presentation on the company’s latest offerings, followed by hands-on workshops and training sessions on specific solutions. Events will be held at Schneider Electric’s Telford low voltage manufacturing plant and its medium voltage manufacturing site in Leeds. As part of their training, specifiers will have the opportunity to tour Schneider Electric’s factories and see first-hand how the company’s solutions are designed and manufactured.

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

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

KEY ISSUE

BE PREPARED Holger Engelbrecht, product manager at reichelt, gives an outline of what you need to know about the halogen ban.

ight bulbs: arguably one of the greatest inventions of all time. From lamps to spotlights to fairy lights, they are available in all shapes and sizes, and can be used for a myriad of purposes. However, they can be a big source of energy consumption. This is the main driver behind the EU ban on halogen light bulbs coming into force on September 1, in favour of the more energy efficient LED light bulbs instead. LED lights provide the perfect opportunity to reduce costs and save energy – 73% of UK homes have already fully switched and last year Sainsbury’s became the first British supermarket to switch to LED lights completely.

Cut energy bills Whilst LED lighting has historically been more expensive, technology advancements have now made LED bulbs much more affordable. The long-term cost savings vastly outweigh the upfront costs. In fact, they consume 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, drastically cutting electricity bills. Of the companies that are currently using LED lighting (49% use LEDs in all office areas), 18% of respondents believe they are saving as much as 21-30% since switching from conventional lighting.

Top tips for switching to LED:

What does the ban mean for businesses and industry trade professionals? Well, the ban doesn’t mean office managers have to rush to organise an electrician to immediately replace any bulbs. Traditional bulbs can still be used, but once they blow or break, that’s it. Retailers will continue to sell off remaining stock but once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you need anything new, you will have to choose an alternative. To avoid getting caught out, the transition should begin sooner rather than later, starting with priority areas that need effective and efficient lighting the most. For those in the industry, there is a responsibility to inform customers who may not know that they won’t be able to buy replacement halogen bulbs for much longer, or the options available to them.

The benefits of switching to LED Maintaining good lighting in the workplace or the home is extremely important and shouldn’t be underestimated. Sixty-four percent of employees in the UK say good lighting is very important, so much so that 89% of companies currently take action to ensure that lighting is suitable for their employees in the workplace. There’s good reason to fuss about light bulbs. Sitting in the wrong light at your desk can impact your health and wellbeing. There has been extensive research about the right type of white light affecting productivity and concentration levels, for example. There’s also the simple need from a health and safety perspective to be able to see what you are doing if working during early mornings or late evenings.

Energy efficiency “Energy efficiency is the most important factor for British people when buying any light.”

Energy efficiency is the most important factor for British people when buying any light, according to research from reichelt. Efficiency is of particular concern to over 35s in the UK, with 37% of over 55s saying it influences their choice of lighting. With an energy saving of up to 90% compared to filament bulbs, LED technology is the most efficient light source on the market. They boast an impressive lifespan of roughly 50,000 hours, versus filament bulbs at 1,000 hours and energy saving bulbs which last 6,000 to 15,000 hours. Their lengthy life cycle is of obvious appeal to consumers as they require less frequent replacements, reducing the need for upfront spending. Thanks to the ‘EU Energy Efficiency’ label launched on September 1 2013, customers can easily identify how much power each light bulb uses to be able to make informed choices.

• Check the bulb’s energy efficiency and switching cycles: look out for the ‘EU Energy Efficiency’ label to see how much power each light bulb uses. • For daytime light sources used frequently in places such as corridors, you should consider a high switching cycle LED, e.g. one with a value between 50,000 and 100,000 switching cycles. • Ensure the LED bulb emits more light flux than a comparable incandescent light bulb. • Consider where the light bulb is being used when deciding which colour light to buy. • For the office, you should choose a light bulb of 4,000 to 6,500K. • For a workshop, garage or outside space, LED products of 6,000 to 7,000K are recommended. • Neutral white indicates neutral light in a range of between 3,300 and 5,000K, which is normally used in office spaces or similar work areas. •T he more colours the spectrum has, the higher the overall colour rendering. If you choose a light bulb with warm light, you should ensure that the colour spectrum has a high proportion of red. In contrast, a cool light should have high blue content. • Switch early to start saving money faster. The ban on halogen lights provides a great opportunity for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. An LED bulb can easily compete with a halogen lamp in terms of luminosity and is less maintenance-intensive. Light quality is also more versatile, so there is no reason not to change. If the switch is made now, businesses and customers can start getting the best ROI sooner. reichelt, reichelt.com

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• High definition image quality • •High •Plug-play, High • High definition definition definition image image image quality quality quality supplied with 3 meter power cable definition image quality • ••Plug-play, •High Plug-play, • Plug-play, supplied supplied supplied with with with 3 3meter 3meter meter power power power cable cable cable Easy installation andwith operation • Plug-play, supplied 3 meter power cable • •Easy •P2P Easy • Easy installation installation installation and and operation operation operation Esee cloud and service, fast connection on remote installation and operation • ••P2P •Easy P2P • P2P Esee Esee Esee cloud cloud cloud service, service, service, fast fast fast connection connection connection ononremote onremote remote Supports Android/IOS/PC remote • P2P Esee cloud service, fast connection on remote • 8 channels • Supports • Supports • Supports Android/IOS/PC Android/IOS/PC Android/IOS/PC remote remote remote • 8• 8channels • 8channels channels • Supports Android/IOS/PC remote • 1080P/960P/720PWireless NVR • 8 channels • 1080P/960P/720PWireless NVR • 1080P/960P/720PWireless • 1080P/960P/720PWireless NVR NVR • Built-in WIFI module with high• performance and high stability 1080P/960P/720PWireless NVR • Built-in WIFI module with high performance and high stability • Built-in • Built-in WIFI WIFI module module with with high high performance performance and and high high stability stability • Automatic connection between NVR and IPC • Built-in WIFI module with high performance and high stability • Automatic connection between NVR and IPC • Automatic • Automatic connection connection between between NVR NVR and and IPC IPC • Supports video preview/recording/playback/backup • Automatic connection between NVR and IPC • Supports video preview/recording/playback/backup • Supports • Supports video video preview/recording/playback/backup preview/recording/playback/backup • Supports Android/IOS/PC remote - IP Pro App • Supports videoAndroid/IOS/PC preview/recording/playback/backup • Supports • Supports • Supports Android/IOS/PC Android/IOS/PC remote remote remote - IP - IP -Pro IPPro Pro App App App • Supports Android/IOS/PC remote - IP Pro App

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(T&C’s (T&C’s apply) (T&C’s apply) apply) WAR (T&C’s apply)

Parts can be ordered under the following codes: Parts Parts Parts can can be can be ordered be ordered ordered under under under the the following the following following codes: codes: codes: T/CCTV/KIT/1/AHD (includes 8 channel DVR AHD, Parts can be ordered under following codes: T/CCTV/KIT/1/AHD T/CCTV/KIT/1/AHD (includes (includes (includes 8 channel 8the channel 820m channel DVR DVR DVR AHD, AHD, 4T/CCTV/KIT/1/AHD x BLACK BULLET CAMERAS, leads +AHD, PSU) (includes 820m channel AHD, 4 xT/CCTV/KIT/1/AHD 4BLACK x4BLACK x BLACK BULLET BULLET BULLET CAMERAS, CAMERAS, CAMERAS, 20m 20m leads leads leads + DVR PSU) + PSU) + PSU) T/CCTV/KIT/2/AHD (includes 8 channel DVR AHD, 4T/CCTV/KIT/2/AHD x BLACK BULLET CAMERAS, 20m leads + PSU) T/CCTV/KIT/2/AHD T/CCTV/KIT/2/AHD (includes (includes (includes 8 channel 8 channel 820m channel DVR DVR DVR AHD, AHD, 4 x BLACK DOME CAMERAS, leads +AHD, PSU) (includes 8 channel DVR AHD, 4T/CCTV/KIT/2/AHD x4BLACK x4BLACK x BLACK DOME DOME DOME CAMERAS, CAMERAS, CAMERAS, 20m 20m 20m leads leads leads + PSU) + PSU) + PSU) 4 x BLACK DOME CAMERAS, 20m leads + PSU)

• Simple connection via The Cloud • •Simple •Supported Simple • Simple connection connection connection viavia The via The The Cloud Cloud CloudiPad, Android systems on IE browser, iPhone, • Simple connection via The Cloud • •Supported •8Supported •Channel Supported on onIE onIEbrowser, IEbrowser, browser, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPad, iPad, iPad, Android Android Android systems systems systems supports 1080P recording on all channels • Supported on IE browser, iPhone, iPad, Android systems • •8•Inputs/Outputs 8Channel • 8Channel Channel supports supports supports 1080P 1080P 1080P recording recording recording onall onall channels allchannels channels 8 AHD video inputs,on BNC & VGA Video output Channel supports 1080P recording on all channels • ••Inputs/Outputs •8 Inputs/Outputs • Inputs/Outputs 8 8 AHD 8 AHD AHD video video video inputs, inputs, inputs, BNC BNC BNC & & VGA & VGA VGA Video Video Video output output output HDMI Video Output, 4 Audio inputs, 1 audio output • Inputs/Outputs 8 AHD video inputs, BNC & VGA Video output • HDMI • HDMI • HDMI Video Video Video Output, Output, Output, 4 4Audio 4Audio Audio inputs, inputs, inputs, 1 1audio 1audio audio output output output • HDMI Video Output, 4 Audio inputs, 1 audio output • 1 x 8 Channel AHD DVR with 1TV hard drive • 1• 1x• 81x 8Channel x 8Channel Channel AHD AHD DVR with 1TV 1TV hard hard drive drive AHD with 1TV hard drive •DVR 4DVR xwith 1080p AHD cameras • 1 x 8 Channel AHD DVR with 1TV hard drive • 4• 4x•shotgun 1080p 4x 1080p x 1080p AHD AHD cameras cameras AHD cameras • 4 x 20m camera cables • 4shotgun xshotgun 1080p AHD cameras • 4• 4x• 20m 4x 20m x 20m shotgun camera camera cables cables camera cables • 1 x Power supply unit • 4 x 20m• 1shotgun camera cables 1x Power x Power supply supply unit unit • 1x• Power supply unit • 1 x Splitter lead • 1 x• Power supply unit 1• 1x••Splitter 1x1Splitter xxSplitter lead lead lead HDMI lead Splitter lead •••11•11xx•xHDMI 1xWi-Fi x HDMI lead lead HDMI lead dongle • 1 x HDMI lead • 1• 1x• Wi-Fi 1x Wi-Fi x Wi-Fi dongle dongle dongle • 1 x Wi-Fi dongle

Contact our Sales team now at: www.channelsafety.co.uk Contact Contact Contact our our our Sales Sales Sales team team team now now now at: at: at: www.channelsafety.co.uk www.channelsafety.co.uk www.channelsafety.co.uk Contact our Sales team now at: www.channelsafety.co.uk

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01/08/2018 12:03

Metrel A1532 EVSE Test Adaptor

Available from your local wholesaler. Further details available at: www.metrel.co.uk info@metrel.co.uk 01924 245000 ECN Half Page - Storm Full Detail (Outlined).pdf

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06/08/2018

14:29

24/08/2018 13:30

PROJECT FOCUS

Zumtobel Group supplied a wide variety of fittings to illuminate the 58bed flagship hospital

THE PERFECT PRESCRIPTION Zumtobel Group explains how it provided a ‘one-stop’ lighting solution for both patients and staff at the Spire Nottingham Hospital.

uminaires from Zumtobel Group companies Zumtobel Lighting and Thorn Lighting have made an important contribution to the sustainability credentials of the Spire Nottingham Hospital in Tollerton, Nottinghamshire. To help create a stateof-the-art environment for patients and staff alike, Zumtobel and Thorn have

supplied a huge variety of fittings to illuminate all areas of the 58-bed hospital, including the main entrance, offices and consulting rooms, operating theatres, corridors, bedrooms and nurse bases. The £60 million facility is owned by Spire Healthcare, a leading independent hospital group that offers high standards of care for insured, self-pay and NHS patients, and is the company’s flagship hospital. It is a new two-storey building with external singlestorey buildings, service yard, 300-bay car

park and access road, complete with roof plant deck and ground floor plantrooms. Designed and built with extensive input from consultants, staff and patients, the 58-bed new hospital has five theatres, an endoscopy suite, a 20-room outpatients department and oncology suite, as well as an advanced radiology department that comprises a 3T MRI, CT and X-ray. The prime site by Nottingham Airport will place Spire in an ideal position to service the Nottingham and wider East Midlands area.

September 2018 | 23

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PROJECT FOCUS with no shadows, providing a streamlined strip of uniform light. Additionally, the ensuites utilise Zumtobel Panos Infinity and Panos Evolution recessed LED downlights. Panos is small and simple yet at the same time very powerful and efficient, whilst Panos Infinity and Panos Evolution have also been used in the corridors and meeting rooms. Zumtobel Lightfields Evolution was chosen for the consulting rooms and Lightfields Evolution mini for the bedrooms to deliver a glare-free light that is ideal for these environments. In the operating theatres, Zumtobel Clean Advanced LED has been installed to protect against contamination of any sort, including airborne dust particles, bacteria and viruses. A continuous, precision-formed foam, non-ageing seal between the cover and luminaire housing, as well as between the luminaire and ceiling, ensures a perfectly tight joint. Trouble-free operation in rooms with positive and negative pressure containment systems is ensured, as is IP65 protection from below. Internal catch locks are used in order to prevent particles from accumulating on external fastener components. Cleanly mitred corners, precisely welded joints and precision workmanship further enhance high the degree of protection. For this project, the Clean Advanced have been customised with green and blue LED boards to support the hospital staff in their work and help to calm patients down.

Staying in control

Panos Infinity and Evolution were used to provide light in the corridors and store rooms

The right fit Zumtobel Caela pendants, featuring edge-lit LED technology, have been chosen for their flexibility and aesthetic qualities to illuminate the main entrance. The precisely processed diffuser material of Caela enables exact dispersion of the light emitted and the luminaires can also turn 355° and tilt 45°, so several luminaires can form a curve, a wave or architectural feature as desired. Zumtobel Slotlight Infinity has also been used in the main entrance and throughout the en-suites and circulation areas. It creates a continuous flow of illumination

“The luminaires achieve maximum energy savings with energy consumption reduced by 25%.”

Zumtobel’s LITECOM lighting management system is being used for the emergency and to optimise the lighting solution with regard to visual comfort and energy efficiency in bedrooms, corridors, the boardroom and main entrance. From control of individual rooms up to several floors or whole buildings, the functions and dimensions of the LITECOM system can be configured to suit the user. It can be controlled via conventional switches and Zumtobel control units, smartphones, tablets or other computers. This includes, among other things, dimming luminaires, saving lighting scenes, and controlling screens, windows and blinds.

Other functions, such as daylightbased lighting management, are covered by optional apps, allowing for future changes and additions. If glare protection is also integrated into the LITECOM system via scene call or manual, independent adjustment of the blinds and slat positioning, visual comfort will be enhanced, as there will be no glare even when the sun is low. The resulting luminaires achieve maximum energy savings with energy consumption reduced by 25% through the use of luminaires fitted with electronic control gear with a dimming function. Presence detectors and switch-on times that are stored in LITECOM’s central building calendar can yield additional potential savings of 20 to 40%. Even manual adjustment of lighting scenes to the respective activity will decrease electricity costs in many cases. Up to 75% of the energy consumed by lighting can be saved in functional buildings by making optimum use of daylight.

Well-rounded To complete the suite of products supplied by Zumtobel Group, Thorn Lighting provided Thorn Omega luminaires for the store rooms and kitchen. With its slim 12mm profile, the fitting incorporates a UV-stabilised opal acrylic diffuser to retain its clean look. The IP44-rated Omega provides excellent glare control (UGR<19/22) and is easily retrofitted, whilst maintenance is significantly reduced by the 50,000 hours’ life of the 4,000K LED lamps supplied with the fitting. Thorn Impact Force high performance, impact resistant IP65-rated luminaires were chosen for the plant areas and Thorn Leopard IP65, 4,000K LED bulkhead with has been installed in the roof plant. Energy efficient, robust and impact resistant EyeKon LED bulkheads from Thorn have been mounted on the exterior of the building. Zumtobel Lighting and Thorn Lighting have provided a complete solution for the Spire Nottingham Hospital and achieved all of the requirements in the brief for maximum energy efficiency, excellent aesthetics and quality of light, providing a ‘wow’ factor that will set this facility apart from its competitors. Zumtobel, zumtobel.com

The LITECOM lighting management system has been installed to ensure efficiency and visual comfort

24 | September 2018

Project Focus – Zumbotel.indd 24

22/08/2018 09:33

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making communal & studio kitchens safer

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

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23/08/2018 16:55

COMPETITION

WIN £400 OF TICKETMASTER VOUCHERS Courtesy of

high-end look, while metal-to-metal rockers with no visible plastic continue the luxury aesthetic. The range includes smart USB points that can detect USB devices and automatically adjust the charging current, along with flush neon red indicators. This refined and practical range not only looks good and provides superior functionality but it’s also easy to install with performance built in. Modular switches allow ease of reconfiguration on-site without the need for a full grid system, while concealed edge-to-edge gaskets prevent any moisture penetration during final fix.

atching that must-see live event on your TV screen is never as exciting as being there in the stadium to soak up the atmosphere. When it comes to quality, affordability and designer-led wiring accessories, Niglon believes you should accept no alternatives either. That’s why the company has launched the Premium Edge S range. Fabricated with a sleek, slim design featuring round corners, an integral moisture protection gasket and subtle fixing screws, the new Premium Edge S range adds to the broad choice of wiring accessories already available from Niglon. Grey inserts sit neatly against brushed chrome to complement contemporary décor and help create a

If you think there should never be any alternative to a quality experience, simply answer these questions for a chance to win vouchers for the hottest ticket in town, family attractions or sporting events.

July competition The winner of an Ethos 8400 multifunction tester, courtesy of CEF, is Peter Rice of Peter Rice Electrical.

Closing date 3. The new range’s smart USB units adjust: a) The charging current b) The charging speed c) The volume on the charging device

2. The new range boasts: a) Grey inserts b) White inserts c) Multi-coloured inserts

1. Niglon’s new wiring accessories range is called: a) Premium Edge A b) Premium Centre S c) Premium Edge S

All entries must be returned by September 30, 2018. The editor’s decision is final. The name of the winner will be published in the November issue of ECN. * Prize is not exchangeable.

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

Personal Details

The answers to September’s competition are:

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

1.............................................. 2. . .............................................. 3. ................................................. Which of the following areas are you interested in?

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

What is the main activity of your business? 1

Electrical contractor

Manufacturer

3 4 5

How many people read your copy of ECN? 1

2-3

4-6

Cable management

Cabling (including data cabling)

Circuit protection & switchgear

Commercial vehicles & EV infrastructure

Energy management

Wholesale/distribution

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

Fire detection & safety

Consultancy

HVAC

NICEIC

Insurance

Public utilities

1 2

ECA

Lighting

Facilities management

BESA

Security

Training/qualifications

SELECT

Smart buildings

Trade association

NAPIT

Software & apps

Other (please specify)

ELECSA

Telecoms/enclosures

IET

Other

How many full time employees work for your company? 1-5

6-10

21-50

Competition.indd 26

51+

11-20 .

(please specify).

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

Test & measurement

Tools & workwear

UPS & power distribution

Wholesalers & distributors

Wiring accessories

Job Title................................................................................................................................... Company Name...................................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................ Postcode................................................. Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................ E-mail.....................................................................................................................................

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

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

22/08/2018 09:34

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08/08/2018 16:09

FEATURE

CASHFLOW MANAGEMENT

CASHLESS CASHFLOW Cashflow management can make or break an SME, and done well, can be the key to company growth. myPOS, which offers a payment solution for easy and affordable card payments, looks at how to survive in a cashless future.

or electrical contractors, sole traders and SMEs, managing cashflow effectively can often be one of the biggest challenges threatening their financial prospects. Research by the Small Business Insights index recently showed just shy of 50% of SMEs are operating underwater on a regular basis, fueling the worry of many about their ability to fund long-term growth. This can sometimes prove fatal, as we saw last year as KPG M&E, a Hull-based electrical contractor that had been in the city for over 40 years, went bust due to a mismanagement of their cashflow circumstances. The phenomenon of increasingly cashless societies throughout Europe and the world is adding to this strain, with long delays for receipt of consumer payments and transaction costs hurting businesses. It’s not all bad news however, with the cultural increase in entrepreneurialism and the growth of the gig economy supporting innovation in payment tools and cashflow management technologies. So, in a cashless future, how will electrical contractors adapt and thrive?

Electric dilemmas

Could point of sales systems be the answer to cashflow problems?

For contractors, problems can very quickly pile up. With research from the Federation of Master Builders last year showing that nearly 25% of SMEs surveyed were having to wait over four months to be paid, the knock-on effects of such tardiness can play havoc with a contractor’s cashflow circumstances, particularly if they’re overexposed to a small number of clients. Also, many electrical contractors frequently rely on trade accounts with physical retailers to acquire tools and supplies, as more often than not jobs need to be completed before receiving payment from a customer. This means they’ll need to juggle cashflow around to secure the necessary resources to do so, which could mean that they need to delay paying suppliers.

“The pace of technological growth poses its own challenges.”

Previously, this could have meant opening up a credit line with a bank, particularly if it was a regular occurrence, which comes with its own costs and associated trade-offs. But with the rise of technology, new opportunities to overcome these problems now exist, which will only accelerate with the growth of the gig economy and entrepreneurialism culture that inhabits our present day.

Generation cashless However, the pace of technological growth poses its own challenges. Last year, debit card payments overtook cash transactions for the first time ever according to UK Finance, which also predicted that only 21% of transactions will be made in cash by 2026. As such, businesses are having to urgently adapt to the new order to survive and thrive. Legislation is also adding to their strain, with the recent EU Directive banning the levying of payment processing fees on consumers, which piles additional financial pressure on SMEs as Visa and MasterCard pass on the costs. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce, increasing bank branch closures, and continuing woes of the highstreet demonstrate changes in the way consumers shop and point to the challenge of higher expectations throughout the customer journey. Now, unnecessary friction in the service delivery process can threaten life-or-death

scenarios for businesses. To combat this, many have chosen to take advantage of opportunities opened up by the internet and shifts in the commercial landscape with new technologies available to them. Point of sales systems (POS) are a fundamental part of this shift, and have already become deal breakers for many SMEs.

Digital reconciliation With the shift to digital money accelerating, POS systems that cut out middlemen, such as banks, in the interests of speed, convenience and cost will be the ones to gain the most. Enabling businesses to be paid instantly and cheaply, electrical contractors will be able to circumvent cashflow problems by having easy, affordable and timely access to card payments, allowing them to manage their money more effectively. The latest POS systems also provide opportunities to deliver additional services on top of accepting payments. From a B2B perspective, the analytics gained through shrewd deployment of such tools can also help businesses plan for the lean times, or even free up time for more effective use. Additionally, if your business involves dealing with overseas suppliers, having a payments solution which allows instant receipt of payments allows a more streamlined approach that could allow contractors to take advantage of favourable exchange rates and opportunities. By adopting cashflow-savvy approaches and POS toolkits, contractors can hedge their bets against other less tech-wise competitors, orienting themselves saliently to grab large slices of their markets. In doing so, they will enhance their brands, future-proof their businesses, and harness the power of technology to fuel their growth to ever greater heights. So why wouldn’t you? myPOS, mypos.eu

28 | September 2018

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22/08/2018 09:35

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*MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) stats 1st October 2017 to 31st March 2018. **3 week registration is subject to full terms and conditions at elecsa.co.uk/3-weeks 18144-Electrical-Contr-Nws-159x224-Elecsa.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

08/08/2018 09:07 22/08/2018 09:51

COMPANY PROFILE

IN PROFILE Scolmore Group explores its origins, accomplishments and what the future has in-store.

in the West Midlands. It had a total of six product lines and just three employees. By 1993, the company had sold 18 million plugs in one year and remained a privately-owned, family-run business. By 2001, the company had relocated to a new, larger site.

colmore is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of solutions for the electrical industry. Its portfolio of products incorporates electrical accessories, lighting, home automation, fire protection, security, cable accessories, time switches and heating controls.

How big is the company?

What are the origins of Scolmore? The Scolmore Group was formed in 1989 by chairman Barry Mordue and his son Gary, the current managing director. Back then, the company supplied 13A UK three pin plug tops from a small warehouse in Tamworth

From humble beginnings, Scolmore now operates from a 150,000 sqft head office and distribution centre

Today, the company operates from its purpose-built 150,000 sqft head office and distribution centre in the Midlands, where it designs, develops and manufactures an ever-expanding product range for distribution throughout the UK and worldwide. The Scolmore Group of companies incorporates Scolmore United Kingdom; security specialists, ESP Ltd; cable accessories supplier, Unicrimp; Click Litehouse wiring accessories and lighting in Ireland. Earlier this year, the Group acquired the Glasgow-based, specialist supplier of time switches and heating controls, Sangamo. Established since 1921, Sangamo has built up an excellent reputation and an extensive product range which fits perfectly within the Scolmore portfolio. The acquisition expands the Group’s UK manufacturing capabilities, enabling the company to bring an even more comprehensive range of products and solutions to its customers.

Across the group companies, Scolmore currently employs around 215 people and has a significant number of trading accounts and distributors covering wholesale, OEM and export channels. A dedicated export team works to distribute wiring accessories into the Middle East and Africa, and there is worldwide distribution for the company’s patented IEC Lock. Click Litehouse was established in Dublin in 2008, with a dedicated sales, operations and warehouse team servicing the Irish market. ESP (Elite Security Products) Ltd was acquired by the group in 2011. The company operates as an independent, standalone business distributing security related products to the UK wholesale market. Unicrimp was established in 2013 as an independent company operating from the Scolmore head office. The company supplies a range of consumable and cable management products through the wholesale channel. Earlier this year, a brand-new operation was set up in Ireland. ESPi brings the extensive range of ESP fire protection and security products to the whole of Ireland, via a dedicated team and through the various channels that serve the requirements of the industry across the country.

30 | September 2018

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COMPANY PROFILE

What is the company’s ethos? Scolmore is proud to be a British-based, family-run business and has earned a reputation both here and abroad for quality, reliability, innovation and exemplary service. We have an excellent track record for listening to our customers and responding with solutions that will enhance their business performance. We can never be accused of being complacent – we value our customers too highly for that. We are committed to our policy of only supplying through the wholesale channel which is set up to supply and service the professional electrical contract market. This joint partnership guarantees our wholesale partners a range of high-quality, value-for-money products backed up by good local stocks, delivery service and the ability to offer detailed product support via trained staff and installer training, making sure the end-user gets the best possible products and solutions for the job. As a privately-owned family business, with a hands-on managing director, the company is able to make decisions quickly and react to market changes to deliver improved products and services.

What are Scolmore’s biggest achievements? Scolmore has a reputation for innovation – the result of a commitment to invest in new and improved products and the latest technologies. The company was the first to market in 2005 with fire-rated downlights, with the award-wining FlameGuard fire protected and acoustic rated products. We were also the first to introduce an integrated downlight that overcame the

“Scolmore is proud to be a British-based, family-run business and has earned a reputation both here and abroad for quality, reliability, innovation and exemplary service.”

issue of shallow ceiling voids, with our Inceptor integrated downlight with patented pre-wired Flexi driver. We were the forerunners of modular wiring accessories – providing contractors with the products and the means to create customised wiring solutions of any size, from single room solutions to the largest multi-million pound new-build hospitals. As a leading player in the electrical industry, Scolmore believes in helping future-proof the industry and we are proud to be the official partner for the NICEIC and ELECSA National Apprentice of the Year competition, which is now in its third year and going from strength to strength – demonstrating a commitment to help secure the future of the industry by educating and developing the next generation of electricians.

What are the most important lessons that Scolmore has learned in the course of its history? Having financial stability is crucial as it has allowed us to thrive when the sector was suffering from the fallout of the recession and has meant that we have been able to continue to invest in the business and our people to ensure that we are delivering the best results for customers. We understand the importance of investment in all areas of the business – supply chains, maintaining quality, protecting our brand, investing in people, understanding and anticipating changes in our market, and never forgetting that our customers have a choice. It’s also important to let our customers know that we are committed to helping them sell our products, and this is demonstrated through our proactive marketing effort, attendance and support for trade events, an on-going product development programme and helping them make the most of the training opportunities we offer. Listening to our customers remains a key focus for the business and we will always work to come up with new or improved products and solutions that meet their changing needs.

What’s in-store for the future of the company? 2018 has already seen the acquisition of specialist time switches and heating controls supplier, Sangamo. We have enjoyed steady growth despite the challenging trading conditions that have prevailed over the last 10 years, and we are in a strong position as we enter the final quarter of 2018. We will continue to look at opportunities to build the business through investment in our people and products, as well appropriate acquisitions.

Scolmore is determined to keep up with the smart revolution

What do you think are going to be the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the electrical contracting sector in 2019? Keeping ahead of changing buying patterns will be a big challenge. The traditional buying patterns of contractors appear to be shifting, as online and click and collect becomes much more widely accessible. An increasing number of electrical contractors now use mobile technology such as smartphones and tablets whilst on-site in order to do product research, check product availability, locate nearby stores and check product prices. In the light of the Grenfell tragedy, building regulations are becoming more and more stringent, with alternative building materials and products being developed with improved safety in mind. We are continually assessing our existing product range to ensure they meet and keep up-to-date with any change in legislation and guidelines, thus reassuring customers that when they deal with Scolmore they have the guarantee that the products they are using are tested to the most stringent levels and offer guaranteed safety. As technology continues to drive the industry, with the focus on smart homes and building automation, the challenge will be to keep up with the latest advancements. We will continue to invest in our Click Smart range which is bringing simple to install and operate smart solutions to our customers. Scolmore, scolmore.com

September 2018 | 31

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22/08/2018 09:35

FEATURE

CONNECTIVITY

SMARTER, BETTER, FASTER Could smart power distribution improve speed and efficiency during the installation process? Leandro Souza, marketing development manager for final distribution at Schneider Electric, takes a look.

‘T

Cost effectiveness and efficiency are more important than ever in the modern construction sector – how can smart distribution help?

ime is money’. We’ve all heard it, said it, or at least thought it. Well, when it comes to electrical installations, it is undeniable. The budget of any installation is largely made up by the amount of time that an electrician spends on the job. As a result, it is vital that electrical contractors implement solutions that can help to streamline the installation process, whilst keeping costs down. Speed and efficiency are vital in today’s challenging commercial environment. Continued political and economic uncertainty means that pressure is mounting on businesses of all shapes and sizes. Cutting costs and finding efficiencies has not just become the order of the day; many businesses see it as crucial for their survival. In the property, industrial and construction sectors, it is especially important that electrical installation projects are completed promptly and under budget. The longer it takes to complete the job, the longer it will be before the customer receives a return on their investment, particularly if the installation is part of a new-build or renovation initiative. The pressure felt by end-users is inevitably passed down the supply chain to their service providers. This of course has a knock-on effect for electricians. Increasingly, they are expected to complete installation projects faster in order to keep costs down, without compromising the quality of their work.

The product is the first LV distribution board to have a plug-on RCBO (residualcurrent circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) capability. RCBOs usually need to be wired by hand into the board, introducing added time and effort on behalf of the electrician, by creating the need for additional wiring, looming and connections. With Acti9 Isobar P, installers can simply plug their RCBO directly into the board, eliminating the need to cut, straighten or dress any excess wiring.

Increased value

To maintain their competitive edge, electrical contractors must leverage solutions that streamline the installation process. Their objective should be to make the process quicker and more cost effective for their customers. Yet, they should also consider using and recommending products and solutions that entice clients with added value and benefits for their business.

Smarter distribution Distribution boards provide electrical power to commercial and industrial equipment, and protection for equipment against electrical damage in the event of system faults. They are an essential part of a building’s power infrastructure and a common request for electricians across many sectors. However, they are also timeconsuming to install, driving up costs for the customer. In addition to the time needed to dress and connect the necessary wiring within the board, electricians must also check that all components are working as they should. These components can include numerous circuit breakers, RCBOs and asset management. Clearly, this process adds significantly to installation time as the electrician has to wire and connect all components before thoroughly testing the board to ensure it is working safely and properly. The Acti 9 Isobar P, the latest in Schneider Electric’s Acti 9 range of smart distribution, seeks to change this. It is engineered specifically to help electrical contractors perform installations as quickly, safely and effectively as possible.

“To maintain their competitive edge, electrical contractors must leverage solutions that streamline the installation process.”

As well as increasing installer protection and reducing time and costs, the Acti 9 Isobar P allows electricians to add additional value for their customers. The product facilitates all the benefits of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture, providing end-users with enhanced asset control and monitoring capabilities through connectivity and the Internet of things (IoT). The Acti 9 Isobar P works with the full range of Schneider Electric’s connected devices. To illustrate, the PowerTag wireless sensor fastens easily to the plugon RCBO, allowing the board to share load condition data with building and facility managers in real-time. Electricians can only benefit when they recommend connected products and services that support and enhance their customers’ drive for lower costs and greater efficiency. Happier customers open up the possibility of new business relationships with those clients. There is also the potential for new revenues from, for example, enabling the devices and in training customers on how to use them. In today’s competitive commercial environment, installers often need to go further to deliver the best service for their customers. Yet, without the right technologies, promising to deliver faster installations at lower prices can only lead to diminishing returns. The temptation of cutting corners or rushing work to meet deadlines in no way provides the service that will build lasting customer loyalty in the long term. Ultimately, to stay ahead of the competition, electrical installers must deliver installations faster without sacrificing quality. By implementing the right tools, installations will become quicker, cheaper yet more profitable. This will allow electricians to spend less time on-site and, instead, focus on growing their own business into a success. Schneider Electric, schneider-electric.co.uk

32 | September 2018

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Certiﬁcate No 338c/02

08/08/2018 16:10

BUILDING TECH LIVE

SHOW PREVIEW

POWER YOUR KNOWLEDGE AT BUILDING TECH LIVE With the electrical industry needing to get in-line with the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations by January 1 2019, those eager to get a head start now will be able to connect with service providers, manufacturers, experts and associations all under one roof as part of UK Construction Week, says Building Tech Live.

aking place at Birmingham’s NEC between October 9 – 11, there will be something for everyone at Building Tech Live, including access to the hottest debates, the latest educational content, an innovation trail, networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors and more than 10,000 innovative products.

Visitors will get practical experience of IoT in the Gooee IoT Arena

Essential education

The latest products

Electrical professionals will want to head straight to the Building Tech Live Theatre, supported by Voltimum and ECA, where they can upskill on the latest electrical regulations, best practice and thinking. Sessions will cover smart homes, cybersecurity, fire safety and prevention, and will showcase new examples of the sector’s use of augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Mustattend sessions include:

Visitors will have first-hand access to products incorporating the very latest technological advancements in IoT (Internet of Things), lighting, automation, security, communication technology and more. KORE Wireless will be on stand BT255 to demonstrate how transformative business performance can be achieved through the Internet of Things (IoT) and how visitors can keep up-to-date beyond the show with their Paving the Way to IoT podcast series. Risco will be talking about the new version of its two-way iWAVE DT/DT PET detectors. Compatible with the Agility 3 intrusion system, the wireless security system offers live video, app support and a web application. GEWISS will also be on hand to talk about its high-quality and energy efficient power solutions including Smart [3], the first LED lighting solution in the world with exceptionally high protection of IP69.

•W hat you need to know about the 18th Edition with Gary Parkins from ECA • I ncreased fire prevention through the use of AFDDs with Marc Gaunt from Eaton •V erifying on-site skills – ECS check with David Thomas from ECA •T he smart home for the smart electrician with Steve Martin from ECA •F ire safety, low fire hazard cables with Dan Colborne from Nexans •E mergency lighting and fire alarm standards update with David Hunnisett from ESP Ltd.

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SHOW PREVIEW

BUILDING TECH LIVE

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) will be showcasing its new online system, ECS Check, that allows main contractors and clients to verify the skills and qualifications of electrical personnel working on projects. This new initiative is intended to raise the profile of electrical contracting among the wider construction industry and procurement community. Other Building Tech Live exhibitors include Technology Management, SALTO Systems, Vivaldi SRL and Vaisala. With so much to see and do at the show, use your time wisely and arrange a time and date to meet exhibitors at the show via their profile page on the UKCW website. Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, says, “Building Tech Live is at the heart of our innovation theme this year. What these architectural, communications and connectivity, smart lighting and security technologies offer for commercial and residential fit-outs is mind-blowing. “This is such a forward-thinking sector, so Building Tech Live is an unmissable event for any electrotechnical expert who wants to be up-to-date on the latest technology and to see exactly how it all works together.”

The future of construction Running throughout Building Tech Live and beyond is UKCW’s 2018 theme: the ‘Future of Construction’. Exploring the latest innovative ideas, products and systems in the construction industry, an Innovation Trail will showcase companies including: Canon, GEWISS, Kore, Okappy and My Smart Box, whose smart electronic parcel boxes made it a 2018 honoree at the CES Innovation Awards. The Future of Construction Hub also provides an immersive opportunity to discover how digital construction, 3D printing, robotics, AI and AR, and modern methods of construction can deliver the new Government Construction Sector Deal.

Internet of Things One certainty is that the IoT will feature heavily in the future of construction, which is why it features heavily at Building Tech Live. Visitors will get a real, practical experience of IoT in the Gooee IoT Arena. The arena will showcase Gooee’s award-winning IoT ecosystem with its partnered companies, including Aurora, to provide an insight into their roles in co-creating IoT offerings to end-users. There will also be several keynote speakers and interactive sessions.

Unmissable speakers “Electrical professionals will want to head straight to the Building Tech Live Theatre, supported by Voltimum and ECA.”

The Smart Solutions Awards will be hosted by journalist and television presenter Steph McGovern

There will be something for everyone across the stages of the extensive seminar programme. The Digital Construction Hub will delve into digital project case studies and thought leadership on the adoption of BIM and the latest technologies. Talks include: Alex Giles from Action Sustainability on BIM maturity for all the supply chain; Dr David Greenberg from EAVE on IOT and innovation in construction; and Ivan Gasparetto from BIM Direct on project management in construction. New for 2018 is the Working at Height Stage, sponsored by AIF. Forty-minute CPD sessions will be delivered on the trends, developments and techniques in staying safe working tall, including: ‘Ladders and stepladders: are you up to standard?’ and an introduction to lighting protection. Hot issues affecting the whole construction industry will be tackled on the UKCW Stage. Topics including Brexit, the 2019 economic forecast, quality in construction post-Grenfell, and the digital future for construction will be explored and debated. Seats will be filled at two unmissable keynote speaker talks. Barbara Res, the project manager behind Trump Tower, will share insights into her experiences as a female in construction and working with Donald Trump. Advanced booking is essential for this session as seats are limited. Lord David Blunkett will discuss how technology and diversity can turn the skills gap into a thriving industry that delivers projects on time and to budget. Those seeking to learn more about energy policy post-Brexit, carbon reduction, new fuels, and the future can head over to Energy 2018 where the REA Theatre and the Sustainability Hub will showcase everything relating to renewables, innovation and power solutions within the built environment.

Invaluable CPD sessions CPD sessions of interest to all those involved in the electrical trade include: •R e-evaluating building regulation fundamentals with Richard Harral, technical director at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers •1 0 must-do things when bidding for large contracts with Nick Pearce, strategic director and Claire Carsberg, managing director at JPC •T he IoT security with Dr Gregory Epiphaniou and Professor Prashant Pillai from the University of Wolverhampton •T he direction of energy and sustainability standards within construction with Dr Gavin Dunn, chief executive at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.

Awards, role models and Rockaoke Visitors can celebrate the installers, manufacturers and wholesalers leading the way in the building technology market at the 2018 Voltimum Smart Solutions Awards, hosted by journalist and television presenter Steph McGovern. Following the shortlisting of 36 inspiring men and women, the Role Models initiative ‘role model of the year’ will also be announced live at UKCW. Other highlights across UKCW include the first BMF Young Merchants’ Conference at the BMF Pavilion; Regeneration Hub supported by EasyTrim; IEMA Conference on sustainability; and the Infrastructure Hub for regional, national and international projects. Finally, visitors can network in a more relaxed environment at the Beer Festival sponsored by Velux. Featuring street food, live bands, rockaoke and a selection of beers, gin and fizz, it’s the perfect wind down to a successful day. The Central Bar, located in Hall 9, will be sponsored by Elliott Group. Free visitor tickets for the show are also available now. Ticket holders have unlimited access to all nine UKCW shows. Discover renewable energy at Energy 2018, experience the IoT at Building Tech Live, see what is possible with wood and other surfaces at the Timber Expo and Surface and Materials Show, understand the latest systems at HVAC 2018, attend the Infrastructure Hub at the Civils Expo, take part in interactive demos at Plant and Machinery Live and get access to Grand Designs Live. Keep up-to-date with the latest information about exhibitors, product launches and speakers on the Building Tech Live website and on Twitter at @BuildTechLive or using the hashtag #BuildingTech2018.

Network, share expertise and gain knowledge at this year’s Building Tech Live

Building Tech Live, buildingtechlive.co.uk

36 | September 2018

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24/08/2018 16:09 11:41 21/08/2018

COLUMN

OVERLOAD PROTECTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Hager’s team of experts has been out meeting electrical contractors across the UK as part of the company’s ‘Regs Live’ campaign. One of the key areas of discussion as a result of the 18th Edition are the changes to overload protection. Here Steve York, residential market manager from Hager, sets out the background to the changes and highlights methods electrical professionals can employ on installations to ensure they remain compliant.

hat has changed in the 18th Edition regarding the overload protection of devices? The 18th Edition regulations state that devices such as RCCBs and switches provide no protection against overload, therefore they shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device (OCPD). In addition, a separate regulation states that overload protection of these devices shall not solely be based on diversity factors of downstream devices.

Why have the changes been made? Devices such as switches and RCCBs in distribution boards and consumer units may have historically had their rated current determined after having taken diversity into account, but without having considered overload protection of the devices.

“The easiest and most flexible solution for installers is to use a consumer unit which is 100 A rated, with 100 A RCCBs fitted as standard.”

Where RCCBs or switches do not have the correct overload protection, there is a risk of overheating which can affect the functional characteristics of devices and in extreme cases result in fire.

How can I achieve the protection required in the new regulations? There are a number of methods which can be implemented to achieve overload protection for RCCBs and switches. These include: • Method 1 – ensure that the sum of the rated current of the downstream MCBs does not exceed the rated current of the switch or RCCB. This method would need to consider the consequences of any spare ways and later additions. • Method 2 – ensure that the rated current of a switch or RCCB stated by the assembly manufacturer is not less than the rating of the upstream OCPD. In a

domestic installation this could be a 60A, 80A or 100A cut-out fuse. • Method 3 – select a consumer unit or distribution assembly that only utilises RCBOs on outgoing circuits. Consideration will still need to be given as to the rated current of the main switch.

When RCCBs or switches do not have the correct overload protection, there is a risk of overheating

What is Hager’s recommendation? Hager feels that the easiest and most flexible solution for installers is to use a consumer unit which is 100A rated, with 100A RCCBs fitted as standard. This enables the installer/designer to be confident that the consumer unit allows conformity to the overload protection requirements for RCCBs and switches regardless of the size of the upstream cutout fuse fitted or the configuration of the downstream MCBs. Hager, hager.co.uk/18thEdition

38 | September 2018

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING supported by

September 2018 | 39

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING

PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Carbon8 now offers a range of ATEXcertified fittings

Carbon8 Lighting has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with ATEX LED light fitting manufacturer Tormin. Here, sales director for Carbon8, Simon Miles, explains the benefits that the partnership has to offer the industry.

arbon8 will offer the full range of Tormin ATEX-certified LED light fittings, including high and low power high-bay, flood lights, batten/linear fittings and exit signage. A number of the fittings come with the added benefit of optional integrated emergency lighting battery backup.

Carbon8 has a reputation for designing and manufacturing high-performance industrial and commercial light fittings. With its Discus High Bay, launched in 2014, it produced a product that broke performance records and now sets the benchmark for LED high-bay lighting. It continues to bring new ideas and designs to the lighting market. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the design of its light fittings that help Carbon8 stand out out

from the crowd. With its Premier Care Warranty, Carbon8 brought a new level to warranty standards within the lighting industry. For the first time, a manufacturer offered, as standard, a warranty that actually paid out in the event of a fault or failure. Carbon8 took this stand to reintroduce trust in LED lighting, as so many companies have had issues after embracing early LED technology.

40 | September 2018

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LIGHTING

SPECIAL FEATURE

Experience and expertise Being focused on the design and manufacture of light fittings for the commercial and industrial market, Carbon8 already has plenty of experience with a wide variety of highly technical lighting designs and projects, including some with hazardous area lighting. Previously, Carbon8 has never been in a position to offer a range of ATEX-certified fittings to fulfil these areas fully, and this was a key driving factor behind the partnership with Tormin. Carbon8 will handle all aspects of pre- and post-sales support for the Tormin ATEX range, from project design, through to installation, commissioning and any ongoing maintenance. The company believes that the Tormin ATEX range complements its own range of high-performance industrial and commercial LED light fittings.

Finding the right fit The Carbon8 brand is synonymous with quality and class-leading performance. For some time, it had been looking for a partner in the hazardous lighting environment which shared its values and had a product range to match. It had been in discussions with a number of reputable manufacturers, but Tormin stood out. The fantastic range of high-quality, beautifully engineered ATEX light fittings perfectly complements Carbon8’s own range. In addition, Tormin’s continued research and development ensures that its products remain at the top-end of the market, an approach that aligns perfectly with that of Carbon8. Carbon8 gets involved in many lighting installations and projects with mixed hazardous and non-hazardous environments. Until now, the company has not had a complete product range to offer in both environments. With Tormin, Carbon8 now has a comprehensive range of ATEX-certified light fittings to cover hazardous areas, importantly including emergency lighting.

Bright future As with the selection of its other strategic partners, Carbon8 is looking to Tormin as its long-term partner, and the company’s desire to develop new products and continuously improve performance mirrors the ethos of Carbon8 perfectly Carbon8 will officially launch the Tormin range at UK Construction Week, which takes place at the NEC from October 9-11, where the ATEX fittings will be displayed alongside some of Carbon8’s latest LED lighting products. Ahead of the official launch in October, Carbon8 is already using Tormin products for a number of projects with varied requirements.

“Being able to offer a lowcost, wireless lighting control system in hazardous areas, that operates as part of a full lighting control system, offers major advantages.”

Staying in control Carbon8 has received a number of enquiries asking if it is possible to integrate its wireless lighting control system, LumiNET, to include ATEX-certified hazardous area lighting, alongside the control of standard lighting areas. LumiNET is a phenomenally powerful lighting control system that is infinitely scalable. Its ease of use and low installation cost has brought it to the attention of many customers who want to maximise energy savings with the potential of rolling out a single system across multiple sites, whether it be offices, warehouses or factories.

Being able to offer a low-cost, wireless lighting control system in hazardous areas, that operates as part of a full lighting control system, offers major advantages. LumiNET offers simple control, monitoring and reporting. The control of the lighting in a hazardous area would operate in exactly the same way as all other LumiNETcontrolled areas of lighting. Although simple to use, LumiNET is a very powerful lighting control system, offering fantastic reporting on consumption, activity and fault reporting, including testing and reporting on emergency fittings. Knowing that there is a desire for such a lighting control system, Carbon8 has been looking at ways it can integrate LumiNET control into a hazardous environment requiring ATEX-certified equipment. As always with Carbon8, the drive is to offer a solution that leads the market but at a palatable price, and it believes that it has come up with an innovative solution. Carbon8 is yet to reveal the details of this adaption of its LumiNET control system, but it has already successfully carried out tests and is expecting to release full details later in the year. The Tormin ATEX-certified range of LED light fittings are immediately available from Carbon8. For more details, contact Carbon8Lighting on +44 1256 300031 or email sales@carbon8lighting.co.uk where the Carbon8 sales team will be happy to help you with product details, pricing and lighting designs. Alternatively, you can find product information, videos and much more at carbon8lighting.co.uk.

A wireless, ATEXcertified lighting control system for hazardous areas will be on the cards for Carbon8

Carbon8Lighting, carbon8lighting.co.uk

September 2018 | 41

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22/08/2018 09:54

LIGHTING

SPECIAL FEATURE

EDUCATION GAP Education is missing on the halogen ban, says Steve Stark, trade sales director UK and Ireland, LEDVANCE.

ince LED lights cost much less to run than halogen equivalents, last longer and are widely available in all popular and many specialist styles, you would expect the halogen ban to be one EU directive that is welcomed with open arms throughout its member nations. Yet, with the next stage of the ErP Regulation (EC) 244/2009 coming into force on September 1, 2018, a consumer study

conducted across nine nations highlights an alarming level of ignorance about the new regulations for these lighting products. In fact, nearly two thirds of UK consumers have not heard of the ‘halogen lamp ban’.

What is being banned? Since autumn 2009, energy-inefficient lamps have gradually disappeared from the market in accordance with a European directive. Halogen lamps use a high level of electricity so are a primary target for

the new regulations. In September 2016, directional halogen lamps (also known as GU10 or spotlight bulbs) were banned, but a stay of execution was given on non-directional halogen lamps, like the standard pear or candle bulb-shaped lamps, to give manufacturers time to offer suitable alternatives. For retailers and producers, this second stage of the ban comes into force from September 1, 2018. After that date the relevant products may no longer be put into circulation in the UK or anywhere else in

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING the EU. The ban mainly covers the popular classic halogen light bulbs that are typically made of glass, emit light all round, have an E27 or E14 screw base, and are operated without a transformer. Some non-directional halogen lamps with G4 and GY6.35 plug-in bases are also affected. There will be a certain delay before consumers feel the effects of the ban, however, because retailers are allowed to sell their residual stocks. Consumers therefore have sufficient time to upgrade their lighting to modern LED lamps.

Awareness study

Research suggests that there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the halogen ban

With the first stage of the ban fully in force, and the second phase imminent, manufacturer LEDVANCE and international market research institute, Research Now conducted an international consumer study at the end of 2017 in a total of nine countries throughout the world – Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, USA, Canada, Brazil and China. The online survey was based on a representative cross-section of the ‘online population’ in age groups from 18 to 60, with different levels of education and income. The results show that there is a considerable need for more information about the ban and its effects. There is a significant lack of knowledge about the imminent ban on halogen lamps. Sixty-four percent of UK consumers are unaware that, among others, the popular halogen light bulb can no longer be put into circulation anywhere in the EU from September 2018. A further 10% have heard about the ban but are unclear about the consequences. Nearly four fifths (79%) of those who were unaware of the ban are in the 50 to 60 age group. Even more surprising is that just over half of the

Education needs to start from the very point of sale

respondents (54%) who had not heard about the next stage of the ban considered their knowledge of lighting systems to be good or at least adequate. By contrast, awareness in the 18 to 39 age group, and among those with high incomes and high levels of education, is particularly high. Although elsewhere the picture is more positive, there is room for improvement everywhere. At the top of the table is Italy, with 58% of Italian respondents being aware of the imminent ban. Germany ranked mid-table with 49% in terms of awareness of the halogen directive, and the British came in last with only 35%, just behind Sweden with 39%.

Things to look for when buying LED lamps The education process needs to be in place most of all at the point of sale. There are energy-efficient and cost-effective LED alternatives to most popular halogen lamps on the market, such as those from LEDVANCE, which look remarkably like their halogen predecessors. Customers and installers need guidance to choose the correct product to replace the lamp they currently use. LED retrofit lamps equipped with the latest filament technology are a good example as they can be used as direct replacements for old halogen light bulbs. The replacement products are available as all-glass versions, dimmable versions, and

either clear or frosted. To help consumers and installers make the correct choice, they need a simple checklist to help them. For example, the basic points they need to check, which is provided on the packaging by manufacturers, will include: •T he LED designation •T he wattage information, which includes both the old wattage of the incandescent lamp and the new wattage of the LED lamp, providing an indirect indication of potential energy savings •T he shape: either classic glass bulb or spotlight •T he base: E27 or E14 screw base or plugin base (e.g. G4 or G6.35) •T he light distribution: either all-round (for the classic bulb shape) or directional (for spotlights) •T he lifetime, given in hours and years. which is considerably longer than that of the halogen ‘predecessors’ •T he light colour, ranging from warm white to cold white.

Consumer message Consumers need to be educated on the benefits of the higher priced LED lamps they are being asked to buy, especially on the longer-term cost savings that they will see. LED lights are the most efficient, longlasting and controllable source of light on the market today – it makes no sense to use anything else in the home. LEDVANCE, ledvance.co.uk

44 | September 2018

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22/08/2018 09:44

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING

MAXIMISING OUTPUT Now’s the time to stop hiding LED’s full potential under that bushel, says Michael Morrison of lighting specialist Light Efficient Design UK.

he message is getting through to contractors that retrofit LED lamping can save customers money over complete LED systems, especially in industrial and commercial environments where expenditure, maintenance and minimal architectural disruption are all priorities. But let’s not overlook those allimportant light output ratios. Why? For one, simply using bog standard 100W LED ‘corn’ lamps to replace every possible type of HID installation will inevitably prove disappointing on delivered lumen output per watt. This means not only are energy savings compromised, overall light quality is diminished too. More than 60% light loss can be experienced from the existing fitting housings when fitted with standard corn lamps. It is therefore worth remembering LED retrofit lamps are not all the same and a typical corn lamp might not be the correct retrofit choice. Importantly, they also can’t all be used safely in enclosed fittings, so this should be carefully checked out.

Measuring efficiency Light output ratio is a measure of how efficiently the light is used and how much actually leaves the fitting. The term ‘useful lumens’ recognises this and the illustration above shows what can happen when the wrong lamp is used to retrofit a low-bay, high-bay or floodlight. Clearly using corn lamps to retrofit all fixture types is not always the sensible choice. High-bay, post-top, lowbay and floodlight reflectors are designed for an HID lamp and not a LED corn lamp. It no longer has to be this way. There is an increasing choice of designs from specialist manufacturers, such as Light Efficient Design, which are purpose-made for retrofitting into low-bay, floodlights, and high-bay fittings. The unique lamp shape can deliver up to three times the illuminance when compared to a standard corn lamp.

Therefore don’t make do with ‘onesize-fits-all’ LED corn lamps when there are far more efficient and cost-effective options available. Not all LED lamps are equal in terms of price, life, thermal management and light output. Loads of LEDs pointing in completely the wrong direction will mean that most of the light will never leave the fitting.

Right: what might happen when the wrong lamp is used to retrofit a low-bay, high-bay or floodlight

Seeing the light Here are a couple of recent examples where contractors and users have ‘seen the light’. At Plympton swimming pool in Plymouth, the existing mercury lamps lighting the 25m community pool were recently successfully replaced by 21 Light Efficient Design retrofit LED lamps. There were two main reasons for making the changes: firstly, to improve the quality of lighting in the pool and increase the visibility for lifeguards. Secondly, to reduce the investment needed to maintain the lighting system. While ‘corn’ LED lamps were considered, the LED 8090A floodlight solutions were chosen due to their unique one-sided design which allows a very high light output ratio. This ensures clean, bright light (>80 CRI) while saving up to 70% in energy costs and emissions. Light output was also a major consideration for the lamp posts lining Minehead seafront in Somerset. Taunton Council had for some time been looking for a more efficient lighting solution offering enhanced light quality and energy savings. However, the replacement of the complete fittings in each lamp post was cost prohibitive. As these were clear of corrosion, the council decided a retrofit LED re-lamping approach was the most viable solution. A total of 67 Light Efficient Design LED 8045M 50W retrofit lamps subsequently replaced the 80W lamps previously used in the lampposts. In this case the existing lampholders were also

replaced with E40 base fittings to suit the new LED retrofit solutions. The overall decision was based on lamp compatibility, light output, energy performance and an industry leading five-year warranty. Finally, there’s also a tendency for contractors to specify unnecessarily high wattage LED lamps when lower wattage solutions can do equally well or better, saving lumens and money for the customer and offering potentially higher margins for themselves. But this can only be achieved by selecting retrofit LED products already optimised for use with the existing HID light fittings to maximise the light output ratio. Light Efficient Design, led-llc.com

Checklist when specifying lighting: • Actual light output ratio is king – check the lumens and lumen per watt data •N o one-size corn lamp can efficiently address all eventualities •T hink about the wattage: don’t risk throwing lumens and money away afety first – what about thermal •S feedback cooling and use with enclosed fittings?

46 | September 2018

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Real projects. Real energy savings. Case Study: Ark Byron Academy School CP Electronics halves project time of Ark Byron Primary Academy’s new school

The construction timeline of a North London School has been reduced from 6 months to 3 months due to a successful partnership work by CP Electronics, Rawﬁeld M & E, Ridings Consulting Engineers and Eco Modular Buildings. This project required extensive application of the Vitesse Plus and Vitesse Modular product ranges which provide quick and easy installation that can be done oﬀ-site. The Ark Byron collaborative project shows how the education sector can cut costs during refurbishments and new builds with limited impact on pupils’ education.

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22/08/2018 23/08/2018 16:17 15:26

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Switch on to growing consumer interest in outdoor lighting, says Shyel Stark, product manager at lighting specialist Luceco.

s summer stretches on and the sun stays out, your customers may begin to talk to you about outdoor lighting and how to make the most out of their gardens and patios. For electrical contractors, the summer nights create an opportunity to upsell lighting solutions outside of the home and into garden spaces, allowing them to take on the role of a lighting advisor. Helping to guide homeowners who are seeking out hints, tips and lighting-related recommendations may see more work being given to contractors, instead of hiring an additional, and often expensive, landscaper.

Understanding outdoor lighting can open up numerous opportunities to contractors

“The summer nights create an opportunity to upsell lighting solutions outside of the home and into garden spaces.”

Understanding the outside

Solar, so good

Investing time in gaining an understanding about outdoor lighting options and current trends could see contractors increase project spend and referrals. Here are some key products and tips that can help transform an outdoor space for your customers.

Gone are the days when the only available solar lights were ones that would only last a few weeks before fading away into darkness. With the advances in technology and Luceco’s ongoing product development, functional solar lighting like the Luceco Solar Guardian range are fast becoming a top seller. Many electrical contractors are now offering a solution to outdoor lighting requests by purchasing solar as an upsell at the end of their installations, to help home and building owners light areas that would have previously required a lot of effort to run cable around and maintain weather protection seals. As summer draws closer and homeowners start to focus on outdoor living spaces, the warmer nights bring with them the perfect opportunity for electrical contractors to recommend more sophisticated yet affordable outdoor lighting solutions to their customers.

•L uceco’s exterior decorative garden spike light has an adjustable head for uplighting and spot lighting, and can help to direct users through garden pathways, as well as creating a different atmosphere at night time. •T his fixed stainless steel wall light is stylish and unobtrusive in the garden. Always point lights away from the general line of sight and use solutions such as glare cowls and louvres on spotlights. •R ather than picking several elements to illuminate at night, try choosing one feature, for example a tree or pathway to guide people in the garden. •T he Solar guardian wall lantern can be fitted in areas without mains electricity to ensure that lighting can be installed where needed rather than where the electricity supply is.

Luceco, luceco.com

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16/08/2018 10:45

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28/08/2018 11:22

LIGHTING

SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTS, INTERNET, ACTION! James Harding, category manager at electrical distributor Rexel, takes a look at how far smart technology will take us, and how we can achieve connectivity on a larger scale.

hen you explore the possibilities that could be realised by the Internet of Things (IoT), a vision of a technological utopia can be conjured. Cities so smart you need never worry about traffic jams ever again. Homes so

connected you’ll never again run out of washing powder. But how close are we to this technical revolution? The future of the connected world seems bright and our lives are set to become easier and more efficient. When it comes to the IoT, smart cities and smart lighting, we are rapidly moving into a world where digital connectivity will positively enhance our environment at home, in the workplace and whilst we’re on the move.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING Smart lighting will be key to a more connected future

Where are we now?

The possibilities…

Already we are witnessing this changing world. Our population is growing, we are becoming more focused and reliant on technology, and our use of energy is firmly under a spotlight. The next generation of smart technology promises even more possibilities, and there are clear examples of where connected environments are showcasing how our world may look in the not so distant future. Look to The Edge, a building in Amsterdam designed and built for its primary tenant Deloitte. Possibly the most connected building in the world, not only does it have a 98.4 BREEAM sustainability score, The Edge provides a working space that moulds itself to the individual’s needs – all 25,000 of them. Complete with its own app, some of the building’s capabilities include creating bespoke workplaces dependent on the day ahead of each worker. Currently, most individuals are exposed to a lesser level of the burgeoning IoT. Consider your drive to work. Should you require access to the motorway, you will find some traffic lights will delay your access via a slip road – this is part of the connected world. Across the country we have seen the introduction of smart motorways, systems implemented on busy carriageways to support the flow of traffic. Sensors send information into a central system, which in turn communicates with road signs to determine if the speed of traffic needs to be slowed, if additional lanes are required, or if lanes are needed to be closed due to incidents. This network also connects road signs in the locality to advise people to take alternative routes. We are also seeing the adoption of smart technology in the home. Lighting, home technology and heating are now more often connected to a central system allowing remote control. This enables not only a home space that is comfortable, but also enhances security and energy efficiency.

These early steps provide some indication on where the future of our smart cities, smart homes and connected environment could go. But how far will it go and how will we reach the point of connectivity on a larger scale? Smart lighting will certainly be key in both the commercial and home environment, creating benefits such as cost and energy savings, as well as supporting better overall wellbeing. With the commercial sector, the creation of more connected, green buildings will help industry better optimise their use of space and maximise energy savings, in addition to savings made by using LEDs in place of traditional lighting. All of which will be made possible by utilising insight from smart systems. These connected buildings will also enable employees more direct control of their working environment, for example to adapt lighting colour temperature, which has been shown to benefit engagement as well as wellbeing. This smart technology effectively creates a ‘living’ building that adapts to changes in real time. For home owners, smart lighting can offer additional security when they’re not home by remotely controlling lights and helps create a safe return in darker hours. Research also shows our sleep cycle is dominated by our exposure to light and dark, so the introduction of smart lighting can be used to ensure our environment is compatible with a good night’s sleep. This is done by reducing blue light in the evening (which interferes with melatonin, that gets you to sleep), and switching to an orange or red toned lighting once the sun sets. Similarly, smart lighting can be used to gradually increase the level of light to help people wake up more naturally. This approach could be used for homes but also in hotels or even hospitals.

Will we see these changes soon? When it comes to the home environment, electrical contractors will already have seen smart lighting solutions available. At Rexel we are already focusing our efforts on the components and parts that our customers will require for smart lighting installations, but we are at the mercy of the evolution of the IoT. We must wait for a universal set of standards and protocols that allows all products to be connected and controlled from a single device. In the meantime, we at Rexel are keeping close to all developments in the smart lighting revolution. Essentially we’re ready to go, knowing there is an imminent new world of smart lighting possibilities and future development of LED technology, that will enable the next steps for our smart cities and will open the door to changing work spaces, reactive homes and more energy efficiency in our everyday lives. Rexel, rexel.co.uk

“The next generation of smart technology promises even more possibilities, and there are clear examples of where connected environments are showcasing how our world may look in the not so distant future.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING

EASY AS PIE Harness smart lighting that’s easy to install and operate, say Ansell Lighting and Holders Components.

ecent research from PwC highlights that almost half of those owning or renting accommodation in Britain seek a ‘trusted installer’ to advise them on how they can turn the places they live into smart homes. This presents a great opportunity for installers to recommend technologies which are affordable, reliable and future-proof. Ansell Lighting has teamed up with Holders Components to introduce a Bluetooth-connected lighting system called OCTO. The Casambi-powered system allows installers to choose from numerous smart lighting fixtures, which are effortless to install and even easier to operate. Consumers benefit from complete wireless control of the luminaires via an intuitive app or smart accessories. In parallel with the launch of OCTO, Ansell Lighting will also introduce an education programme to improve installers’ understanding of how smart lighting works and to offer practical guidance on set-up of the system for endusers and commissioning of the lighting via the OCTO app. Richard Kemp, head of innovation at Ansell Lighting, says, “There is a knowledge gap within the industry surrounding connected lighting, which is to be expected with any new technology. We are planning to address this by launching an OCTO training programme, which will include developing educational guides and hosting a large number of live demonstrations and interactive workshops across the country. “Our vision is to build a community of certified OCTO installers that will in turn have the confidence and expertise to help educate customers about the wide range of smart lighting solutions and features that they can benefit from using.”

Smart lighting gets smarter Casambi’s system is based on Bluetooth Low Energy, the only low-power radio communication technology that’s built into every modern smartphone, smart watch, laptop and tablet. It provides professionallevel smart lighting control from almost any mobile device. Utilising Casambi technology, OCTO delivers the complete smart lighting package. Ideal for residential, retail or commercial environments, light fittings that are controlled by the Casambi technology can communicate directly with a smart device, and with each other. They operate flawlessly because they form a self-organising and self-healing mesh network where each luminaire can relay information to and from others – so if any individual luminaire fails, or is removed or reconfigured, the lighting controls keep working.

OCTO offering The OCTO app allows users to use mobile devices like smartphones to switch lighting fixtures on or off, while adjustments to brightness and colour temperature can be made to compatible smart lamps. Users can control lighting in a group, sub-groups or individual luminaires. Scenes can be set whereby users take photos of a space, and mark the positions of the luminaires. Then they simply tap the one they want to control to create lighting scenes and schedules for different occasions and needs. With the calendar and timer functionality, scenes and animations can be turned on and off based on a convenient time and date to suit a user’s needs. Network security can be another important consideration, and different sharing settings can be set for each network with different administrator passwords. Motion sensors can easily be commissioned, and these can assist in energy saving by only illuminating an area when they detect movement.

Install ease The OCTO system requires no new wiring and no network hardware (other than the light fittings themselves). Because Casambi doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, there’s no need for a gateway, such as a router or bridge. Even if there’s no Wi-Fi network nearby at all, Casambi will work fine. As for commissioning, it’s simple enough to be done by users themselves through the OCTO app powered by Casambi. But it’s still sophisticated enough for more complex installations: facilities managers can easily set themselves up as administrators and limit which functions are made available to general users.

The demand for smart homes presents an opportunity for installers

Project diversity Casambi-powered OCTO provides professional-level control and can deal with a limitless number of luminaires. Users are installing it in everything from private residences to large-scale office and retail projects. It’s ideal for locations with sensors that monitor things like motion and daylight to maximise savings in electricity use. Because it’s totally wireless, OCTO is a particularly attractive choice for retrofit applications, sensitive buildings and temporary installations such as museum exhibitions, retail displays and even pop-up shops. Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com Holders, holderscomponents.com Casambi, casambi.com

54 | September 2018

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LIGHTING

Power over Ethernet has been demonstrated to be a viable option for LED lighting

SPECIAL FEATURE

BALANCE OF POWER With increasing demands for energy efficiency, Russ Sharer of lighting sub-systems and component manufacturer Fulham, explains how LED lighting systems can be key to metering and controlling power consumption.

ontractors and building managers are under increasing pressure to cut costs while making the most of green building technologies. This pressure is not only the result of a global movement to promote environmentally friendly building, but also in response to the rising cost of energy. Electricity continues to be the biggest expense for most commercial buildings and any reduction in power consumption can result in huge monetary savings.

“Lighting and HVAC make up about 71% of the energy consumed in commercial buildings.”

Taken together, surveys have shown that lighting and HVAC make up about 71% of the energy consumed in commercial buildings. Retrofitting existing lighting with LED luminaires is an easy way to immediately reduce energy costs, since LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. That’s one reason why more and more buildings are being retrofitted with LED lighting systems. There also are new regulatory incentives for green building, such as those promoted by the UK Green Building Council. In California, for example, Title 24 is a new legislation that requires all new construction and remodeling projects to

include components that conform to energy savings standards. Some businesses have even found a way to make retrofits more attractive to owners by matching their fees to the amount of energy they save. Of course, you can’t control what you don’t measure, so to ensure that energy conservation efforts are working, you need some form of power metering. Any plan to cut energy consumption has to include: • A means to monitor energy usage to identify where to focus for potential power savings • How to implement the right power controls to optimise energy use.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

A centralised power metering dashboard can give you details about power usage and quality

LIGHTING

This raises additional questions, such as what is the best way to identify the biggest sources of energy use? How do you track energy consumption – by the device, by the circuit, by the system? How do you control energy consumption once you have identified problem areas? If you are looking for the best strategy to meter and control power, the best place to start is with LED lighting systems.

LED lighting offers an ecosystem for power metering Just as LED lighting offers a good starting point for saving energy, installing intelligent LED lighting systems also lays the foundation for power metering, since increasingly clever LED drivers in luminaires or retrofits incorporate power metering functionality into their device. LED drivers have evolved over the years to incorporate intelligence to control LED luminaires. Since the LEDs themselves are microcontrollers, they have embedded intelligence that can be programmed to customise lighting. For example, when retrofitting LEDs from different manufacturers, you may need to adjust for colour temperature or brightness to match LED fixtures. You also can programme LEDs to manage and report energy consumption and heat generation. Once you have intelligent controls built into the luminaire, the next logical step is to extend that functionality to other types of controls, such as power metering. Metering power in individual LED luminaires is a matter of programming the LED drivers. Each LED driver can be metered at

the device or circuit level to measure power usage. Of course, checking individual lights to assess power consumption isn’t practical, so you need to add communications to driver intelligence to provide central access to metering data. Some LED lighting vendors are experimenting with Power over Ethernet (PoE) to both power and control LED lighting. PoE could be the ideal approach for new construction where one cable can be laid for lighting power and computer communications. However, replacing existing wiring with Category 5 cable for LED lighting retrofits is impractical, which is why LED light makers are adopting wireless standards, such as Bluetooth mesh, to create a connected lighting ecosystem. Once you have intelligent LED drivers interconnected into a single infrastructure, you can consolidate power metering data into a building-wide dashboard. Using power metering at specific luminaires can reveal where there may be power spikes or other problems, and gaining a buildingwide view of power uses provides an accurate picture of energy consumption.

“LED drivers have evolved over the years to incorporate intelligence to control LED luminaires.”

Why do you really need power metering? Building metering capability into smart LED fixtures to measure power is interesting, but how is it useful? There are two primary reasons for power metering: • Real-time power monitoring – this provides a snapshot of power use at any specific moment, which can be useful for assessing the quality of power. For example, rather than running at 230V, as specified by many countries including the UK, the power may fluctuate higher than 240V or lower than 220V. This kind of power fluctuation can shorten the life of equipment, cause critical systems to fail, or indicate a larger problem. • Measuring power over time – measuring overall use of power over a period of time is more useful for applications such as assessing performance or billing utility services back to tenants. If a landlord is renting office space, for example, power metering can help provide an accurate assessment of electricity costs to be shared by building residents. Power metering can also be used to isolate specific power problems. In India, for example, energy theft is a big problem, but with power metering you can monitor for variations in power use and identify specific streetlights that are being tapped to steal power.

From metering to control By creating a connected LED lighting ecosystem, you gain more than simple power metering; you get two-way communication that gives you remote control as well. Adding a central management console allows you to issue commands to specific luminaires or building areas using metering data to adjust power, turn lights on and off, and perform other functions. For example, using a central power management system you can automate for the actions to be taken when a demand response event occurs; if a specific power consumption threshold is met then power can be reduced to save money or reduce stress on the power grid. A common problem with LED drivers is that there is no true dimming standard. Some lights will power to zero when they are dimmed to ‘off’ while others will power down to 10% or less, which means they are still using power. Power metering with central control allows you to identify and tame these energy vampires. Once sensors are installed in intelligent LED luminaires, the power metering ecosystem can be used for other types of building controls. For example, the same power monitoring and management controls can be used to detect building environmental conditions to control HVAC systems. This can be extremely useful, since heating and cooling is the second largest power hog in any commercial building. Ultimately, a smart lighting control system can evolve into a building management ecosystem, using the same power metering sensors in LED lighting to monitor for smoke, poor air quality, specific sounds, and other conditions. When you consider various power metering options, smart LED luminaires are really ideal for creating a building-wide monitoring and control system. LED drivers can be programmed to measure and control power usage in lights and are extensible to other building systems. Lights are the most prevalent electrical device in any building, including power sockets, and light fixtures are installed at regularly spaced, fixed intervals, so you can put sensors virtually anywhere. Not every light needs to be equipped with power metering and control capability. You can create a blended environment of ‘dumb’ and intelligent LED drivers and still monitor and control power for building region or circuit. We anticipate that, as power metering and building controls are going to become more of a concern, and more buildings will be equipped with intelligent LED drivers as part of a connecting building management ecosystem. Fulham, fulham.com

58 | September 2018

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10/08/2018 14:37

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22/08/2018 09:53

LIGHTING

SPECIAL FEATURE

BRIGHT IDEAS Lighting is an ever-evolving sector as the world becomes smarter

The landscape of the world of lighting is evolving, so how can contractors stay ahead of the changes? Sam Woodward, customer education leader at lighting control specialist Lutron EA Ltd, talks to ECN about how to spot the right kind of training to stay in the know.

ot since the invention of electric light and dimming has the world of lighting and controls been in such an exciting state of technological change as it is today. We are in the midst of three revolutions: firstly, traditional lamps are being phased out in favour of solidstate lighting (LEDs) to improve efficiency. Secondly, the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming control system networking. Finally, there’s a revolution in user

interfaces: the light switch on the wall has been joined by tablets and smart devices and voice control via Alexa, Google Home and Siri. These revolutions mean that lighting and controls no longer function in the ways they once did. The traditional incandescent, wired lamps have been replaced by digitally-controlled LED fixtures and wireless systems. Lighting design and control is now a highly scientific process, for which a wide-ranging education in both electrical, lighting and networking topics is required in order to achieve light that dims smoothly, to give occupants the

best experience with lighting that doesn’t flicker, and to install controls that are reliable. More expertise is now required than ever before.

Keeping up To stay abreast of all these radical technology changes, and to gain commercial advantage by being able to offer high-quality system performance, continued education for designers and installers is vital. The good news is that training and learning materials are now available in a wide variety of formats.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING There’s nothing worse than sitting through ‘death by powerpoint’, so it’s worth probing a little deeper in order to be certain that you’re getting training with a high quotient of hands-on: learning by doing.

Laying foundations

Investing in training for staff encourages continued education in your team

If you’re considering training for yourself or for your staff, then do investigate the various training programmes offered by your suppliers, and also by industry associations. Providing training to your staff demonstrates a commitment from you to them – a very overt message that you see them as having a valuable future with your company, and that you value the skill and continued education of your team. The costs of providing training are small when compared with the costs associated with recurring recruitment (due to staff turnover). Prioritising training is widely reported as a key factor in successful staff retention. Your time, invested in traditional classroom training with hands-on access to the latest tools and equipment, is never wasted – as long as the training received is of a high quality. Therefore, before signing up for any training, it’s worth checking that it will deliver exactly what you need. A good training provider will be very happy for you to ask probing questions about their training syllabus, or the delivery methods and course assessments, as it shows that you’re fully engaged, rather than just turning up or sending employees to tick an attendance box.

the company you are considering also provide non-product-specific training for trade associations or at industry events? If they do, then it’s a good indication that their own product training is also likely to be of high quality too. The opportunity to experience peer-reviewed classes such as those delivered at trade events are a useful guide to courses being useful from an engineering point of view, rather than an extended sales-pitch.

For many people, for whom their last formal education may have been many years ago, courses covering the fundamentals are also a useful way of ensuring that there are no gaps in foundational knowledge. Does your supplier provide these types of courses too? Some manufactures will provide this training free-of-charge, to ensure that delegates applying for more advanced courses will be able to make the most efficient use of subsequent course time. If your suppliers don’t offer exactly what you need, then start a dialogue with them. The best manufacturers are always looking for ways to ease your pain-points or to give deeper insight into technologies that at first might seem confusing, by creating updated courses that have up-to-date curriculums and learning objectives. As the technologies in our industry continue to evolve, it is vital to stay upto-date with training. However, be wary of signing up to courses that may not be right for you. The training available in this industry varies in price, expertise and usefulness, and those who wish to learn should do their due diligence and ensure that the training they attend is a good return on investment, benefitting both you and your team. Lutron, lutron.com

Hands-on training and learning by doing will often provide the best results

Would recommend Ask for reviews from previous attendees: can they enthusiastically confirm that the training was useful and engaging? Do the trainers have first-hand practical experience of the subject matter which they are presenting? Do the trainers from

62 | September 2018

Lighting – Lutron.indd 62

28/08/2018 09:29

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10/08/2018 14:35

LIGHTING

The right lighting in an office setting makes all the difference

SPECIAL FEATURE

MAKE IT WORK From cost savings to increased productivity, Goodlight explores the benefits retrofit LED lighting can offer when it comes to lighting office environments.

ffice lighting technology is continually improving to provide efficiency, safety and comfort benefits. In addition to the intangible advantages of a well-lit environment, there can be solid financial advantages to replacing old lights with newer technologies. In particular, retrofit-capable LED lighting enables building managers to implement replacement programmes that can be funded partly, if not entirely, from the cost savings achieved.

Health and safety “Health and safety compliance is a frequent trigger for a lighting review.”

Health and safety compliance is a frequent trigger for a lighting review. Too much or too little light causes eye strain and discomfort. It can be hard to identify and avoid hazards in areas that are underlit or have poor light quality. Bad lighting affects the quality of work and overall productivity. The flicker often generated by fluorescent light sources can induce headaches and migraines and other symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome.

Too much light brings further issues. Glare can cause discomfort, annoyance, irritability or distraction, and can also result in visual fatigue. Where the local work area is darker than the surroundings, staff may be distracted by the contrast. Some of the technologies used in older lighting installations have health or safety issues of their own. In particular, tungsten-halogen lamps and high-intensity discharge lamps carry the risk of optical or ultraviolet radiation, which can be harmful if too much enters the eye and affects unprotected skin.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

LIGHTING In addition, LEDs provide qualitatively better lighting. For example, LED technology provides very directional light that can be focused where it is needed. LEDs are flicker-free, combatting the common problem with fluorescent lighting. High performance LED lighting is very consistent, providing a nice even spread of light, without colour shifting or contrast imbalances. Good quality LED lighting is well suited to building automation and control, as lifetime and performance is unaffected by frequent turning on and off. Furthermore, LED lighting for offices can be produced to a UGR19 (Unified Glare Rating) or below, which is recommended for use with VDU screens. All this makes a very strong case for moving to LED technology. Fortunately, this can be achieved without throwing away the existing infrastructure – and past investment. LED lamps and luminaires can be readily retrofitted within the current lighting hardware.

Reap the rewards

Retrofit LED lighting can provide a measurable return on investment

The maintenance challenge Sometimes outdated lighting is replaced on an ad-hoc basis when it has failed. During maintenance or following failure, different lamp types or colour temperatures may be used within the same area. Indeed, some fittings are left without a working lamp at all. Workers can find it difficult or impossible to see properly, and the inconsistencies contribute to uneven light patterns across the entire area. Fluorescent lighting does not respond well to frequent on/off cycles. When attaching occupancy sensors in busy areas, the lighting will degrade quicker than normal, exhibiting the familiar blackened ends.

The benefits of LED lighting While the price of improving the lighting regime can be offset against significant costs to the organisation in the form of lost working time, increased absenteeism, reduced staff efficiency and productivity, these costs can be hard to measure and quantify. Retrofit LED lighting provides a much more direct and measurable return on investment. Providing more lighting lumens per watt than most other forms of lighting, the most obvious benefit of upgrading to LEDs is the improvement in energy efficiency. This has an immediate impact on the monthly electricity spend, with a corresponding reduction in carbon footprint.

The result is an immediate improvement in energy and other costs. Ballasts and control gear, which can account for 20% of the energy consumed by some lighting, are eliminated. Retrofit LED lamps from reputable manufacturers come with lengthy guarantees so that faulty products are covered for free replacement over two, three and five-year terms. In addition, retrofitting is the least business-disruptive way to upgrade existing lighting. Work can be scheduled around downtimes, evenings and weekends, so that operation can continue as normal.

Savings to meet standards Most importantly, retrofit LED lighting systems help the building meet the latest standards and regulations including those focused on improving the energy performance of buildings. Part L (2013) of the UK Building Regulations came into force in April 2014, covering lighting performance for residential (L1) and commercial buildings (L2), typically those using light sources with a minimum efficacy level of 55 lumens per circuit watt, with fixed internal lighting delivering an average of 45 Lm/W over the whole area. Lamps below 5W do not need to be included in the count towards Part L compliance. Further, it is mandated that lighting controls should be adopted to avoid unnecessary lighting at times when either enough natural light is sufficient or areas are unoccupied. With today’s LEDs capable of easily reaching 85-100 Lm/W for most commercial light sources, and up to 140 Lm/W for more industrial types of fixtures,

“Retrofitting is the least businessdisruptive way to upgrade existing lighting.”

moving to this technology already meets a major requirement of Part L compliance. Adoption of LEDs also makes it easier for building managers to fulfil requirements to incorporate lighting controls. Smart lighting goes beyond simply fitting PIR sensors to detect occupancy. Integrated controls built-into LED luminaires can detect daylight and dim down the lighting when not required, or can be preprogrammed to save energy and controlled according to user behavioural patterns. These smart luminaires can also be grouped together so that banks of units can be controlled to the same parameters. A pre-set level of lighting can be maintained across the whole area if required. Systems like the new Goodlight architectural lighting range of modular LED luminaires can be attached to intelligent controls that learn how the areas in an office are used, and adjust the lighting accordingly.

Quantifying the benefits Evaluation of Goodlight retrofit LED lamps and luminaires has demonstrated energy savings up to 85%. In addition to this, maintenance savings of up to 100% can be made. Typical return on investment calculations show full payback within three to 36 months. A new compliant installation can be funded essentially from the energy savings. A number of programmes including the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme offer businesses tangible incentives such as tax breaks to help fund their lighting upgrades. Alongside these, commercial schemes such as BrightPlan LED leasing allow new lighting to be leased, so that the operational savings achieved from the installation can be used to fund its cost directly. Capital budgets can be applied to other projects and tax advantages to the company realised. With industry support like this, there really is no time like the present for retrofitting LEDs. Goodlight, goodlight.co.uk

66 | September 2018

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28/08/2018 09:31

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09/08/2018 10:08

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10/08/2018 14:34

WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

SPECIAL FEATURE

RAISING THE STANDARDS Paul Dawson, commercial director at Niglon, discusses how the company’s launch of more than 700 new wiring accessories is challenging the market to offer quality, choice and value.

t’s tough out there in the world of electrical contracting; margins are tight but clients – be they end-users or main contractors – are looking for high quality and compliance at a competitive cost. It’s a hard circle to square and it has led to a polarised marketplace for electrical accessories. On the one hand, there are the luxury brands where margins are protected because money is no object. For many electrical accessories suppliers, however,

the strategy has been to join the race to the bottom; fuelling price-led competition with products that are increasingly homogenous, of questionable quality and totally commoditised in the minds of the customer. For the wholesaler, this has left little wriggle room to add value by offering a good product at an attractive price because those differentiated products have simply not been coming to market. At Niglon, building on a fifty-year heritage of investing in design innovation and market-led product development,

we decided that the time was right to introduce a comprehensive portfolio of high specification mid-range products at a price that offers value while providing confidence in quality of design and manufacture. There has been a significant lack of design investment in the sector, leading to a lack of choice, so we decided to do something about it, with the launch of our seven new wiring accessory ranges back in April 2017 and with the addition of a further range in January 2018 now totalling over 700 individual product lines.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS To meet the demands of the most discerning clients, Niglon’s Premium Edge and the Ultima Screwless range are also amongst the new product launches. Available in brushed and polished chrome finishes, the ultra-slim, 4mm profile provides a contemporary aesthetic, with stainless steel fabrication.

Getting versatile

More choice The new wiring accessories launched by Niglon last year have brought together a commitment to offering the contractor breadth of choice for a wide range of installation environments, aesthetic tastes and budgets, with a high standard of design and rigorous quality standards. The result for contractors is premium performance and aesthetics at a competitive price point. Meanwhile, wholesalers and electrical distributors benefit from opportunities to upsell, add value to customer relationships by recommending an ideal product for the contractor’s requirements and, above all, from the ability to offer a high-quality and design-led product at a very attractive price. The first of two new white moulded wiring accessory ranges to be added to the Niglon portfolio, Profile is a 4mm, low-profile plate, with covers to hide the screws and a sleek, contemporary design. The Profile range is manufactured with anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, making it ideal for health and education sector projects, alongside general residential and commercial use. Arctic Edge offers an alternative choice of moulded accessories from Niglon. Developed to the highest standards of design and manufacture, Arctic Edge provides one of the most competitively priced wiring accessory ranges on the market and boasts a 20-year warranty.

Maintaining quality while keeping electrical products cost effective – that’s the challenge facing suppliers

For a versatile modular approach, the new portfolio from Niglon also includes two ranges developed to enable bespoke configurations. With over 40 modules, the Euro Media range allows integration of TV, data and USB charging points, with a cohesive look that can be clipped into unfurnished faceplates, quickly and easily, providing a perfect match with Niglon’s Profile and Premium Edge ranges. The new Niglon Matrix 20 20AX grid switch range also offers flexibility with a modular approach. Interchangeable printed switch rocker covers provide easy on-site configuration, while a range of faceplates to match Niglon’s Profile, Premium Edge and Metallic ranges provide seamless coordination. For more demanding surroundings, such as workshops, garages and light industrial units, Niglon has launched the Metallic Edge range of metal-clad switches and sockets, developed to aid easier, more flexible installation. Design innovations within this range include modular light switches for on-site changing of modules, multiple knock outs and flush, compact neon indicators. Finally, for even tougher environments, Niglon has introduced the Hurricane range of weather-resistant switches and sockets. Available in IP66 and IP55 options, Hurricane wiring accessories provide protection against dust and water ingress, making this range ideal for outdoor use. All the new Niglon products were independently tested and certified by Intertek prior to launch and are offered with a full warranty, ensuring that wholesalers and electrical distributors can provide contractors with high-quality functionality and aesthetics while protecting margins across the supply chain.

Dedicated to distributors Niglon has only ever sold through the wholesaler channel and that commitment to selling exclusively through wholesalers, independents and buying groups remains part of the company’s strategy and philosophy. Consequently, Niglon supports the electrical wholesale sector wherever possible. Wiring accessories product display boards are available for our stockist partners and with all products now listed on Luckins to ensure wholesalers have real time, accurate information on pricing and product specs, Niglon has a transparent pricing policy, and a national sales team to support the wholesale trade.

Products should offer choice for a wide range of installations, with a high standard of quality

Niglon, niglon.co.uk

70 | September 2018

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24/08/2018 12:03

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WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

How big an opportunity does smart tech offer wholesalers?

SPECIAL FEATURE

MAKING A SMART SHIFT Cabling, server racks and network accessories provider, Comms Express, looks at how smart homes are influencing wholesalers to shift towards a consumer-focused market.

mart home technology has the capacity to drive significant consumer interest in IoT technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to such an extent that electrical wholesalers are now starting to shift their product stacks to accommodate B2C technology where they would traditionally only consider B2B solutions.

We often find that, when it comes to IoT, Europe tends to follow the trends of the USA. With this in mind, a quick look at the data on wholesale unit sales in the US from 2014 to 2017 shows a sharp increase in the wholesale of smart home devices, from 20.7 million in 2014 to 35.9 million in 2017. There is a strong chance that a similar rise will be seen around the world and that wholesalers will have

an opportunity to turn their attention towards smart home products and related services. Every indicator we can draw upon at this stage suggests that this growth looks increasingly likely to become a reality. Smart home devices are set to replicate the speed of adoption that home computers have had since the millennium, where ownership has doubled from 44% to 88% of households in the UK.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

Smart hubs 38% of UK households are planning to buy a smart hub in the next six months. Smart hubs are essentially just an evolution of the existing phone-based voice assistants which are now making their way into homes through dedicated devices. Predictably, the major players in the smart hub space are the same names we are already familiar with. Apple, Microsoft and Google are currently dominating the market and are all vying to establish a lead over the others as the hub of choice. This is significant to wholesalers as it is likely that before long, an established leader will emerge to become the smart hub/operating system of choice.

Technology companies Wholesalers who will gain the most from the shift to smart tech be those that pick the right partners

Smart home technology would only need to replicate a small portion of this success to drive a significant prospect for wholesalers. But just how big an opportunity could smart homes be for wholesalers, and how will this change how the technology industry operates?

How big is this opportunity? Research by Which? shows that 24% of UK households own a smart device, with 38% planning to buy a smart hub in the next six months. Other research from Money Supermarket suggests that 51% of Brits are expected to own a smart device by the end of 2018. The UK alone has over 25 million households and so that figure of 51% represents a significant opportunity for technology providers. Using these figures and assuming a conservative gross profit of £10 per household per year, that would value the market at £127 million. This is before you take into account subscriptions and support products. Expanding this to a worldwide market opportunity, Statista research tells us that IoT-connected smart devices have increased from 15.4 billion in 2015 to 20.3 billion in 2017. Its research also estimates that by 2025 there will be 75.4 billion IoTconnected devices. With such significant revenues available due to surging interest in smart homes and IoT technology, it is little wonder that increasing numbers of technical companies are moving to take advantage. Wholesalers, value-added resellers and even software companies are increasingly moving away from strict B2B models to accommodate the changing tides. In contrast, many businesses are purchasing SaaS, IaaS and other technology subscriptions across the board, with the traditional models of the IT channel changing to accommodate these new models.

Consumer demand Consumer demand is increasing as the technology becomes more accessible and the market leaders capture imaginations. With the busy lives we lead today, automating some of the more boring elements of consumers’ lives is a driving force in everyday people going direct to wholesalers to satisfy growing demand for electrical products. 35% of the British public say they want a self-cleaning oven, 21% a self-cleaning loo and 18% a smart gardener. All of this suggests that whilst entertainment is important in the UK, the real demand for IoT in the home is going to be realised as soon as technology companies start replacing more of our chores with smart technology. The reasons why demand hasn’t grown at an even faster pace are mainly down to security. The industry hasn’t done enough to reassure people that their data will be safe with smart devices. Whilst a reported 59% of Brits do not feel deterred from buying smart devices despite the threat of cyber-attacks, 74% of millennials feel they would buy more if they were convinced the threats would not be a problem for them.

Who will win? There are likely to be three sets of winners in the battle for smart home supremacy: •T he manufacturer who monopolises the smart home hub market – the current leaders are Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, but their market penetration is still relatively low to date •T he controller of the ‘go-to’ operating system that integrates our smart home devices, much like Windows dominates the home PC market •T echnology companies who take advantage of the opportunity.

“24% of UK households own a smart device, with 38% planning to buy a smart hub in the next six months.”

The choice of technology partners for wholesalers will be a significant determining factor in whether or not they succeed in moving towards supplying the predominantly B2C world of smart home technology. Many will have established partnerships and if they simply stick to these, they will be at the mercy of their existing partners’ own success. So, these are huge decisions that are going to be made by CTOs of every major wholesaler or value-added seller who is making the shift.

Making the shift The wholesalers who will gain the most from this shift – from strict B2B models to incorporating smart home (B2C) technology – will be those that pick the right partners and sell the right technology. The relationships between wholesalers and their technology partners will be crucial in establishing which tech finds its way to the mass market. Using some very conservative figures, we valued the opportunity at a minimum of £127 million per year, although the Statista research suggested this could be much higher. These figures are much more likely to be become a reality if companies can make our everyday lives easier and reassure us that our data is safe. Whilst business spending on IoT technology is anticipated to increase from $964 billion in 2017 to $1,431 billion in 2020, the consumer market is anticipated to grow much faster and eventually overtake it. Consumer spending was $726 billion in 2017 and is expected to surpass business spending to hit $1,496 billion in 2020. Comms Express is already putting strategies in place to get in front of this trend and seize this opening market. Is your business doing the same? Comms Express, comms-express.com

74 | September 2018

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0121 711 1990 sales@niglon.co.uk | www.niglon.co.uk Untitled-4 1

28/08/2018 10:25

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

EMBRACING CHANGE The landscape of the electrical sector continues to change at a rapid pace, and that is posing new challenges for the wholesalers who serve it, says Darryl Brady of Stax Trade Centres. Here he looks at some of the ways in which wholesalers are addressing those obstacles.

76 | September 2018

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23/08/2018 15:23

WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS

n common with many other areas of industry, the electrical contracting sector has faced a continual tide of change over recent times. Although the underlying nature of the work itself remains constant, there are now many new and different influences at play, and one area where this is especially apparent is the way in which contractors purchase their raw materials from wholesalers. These new influences impose fresh challenges on the wholesalers, and this is prompting them to change the way they do business.

Fast and flexible Today’s wholesalers must certainly be far more flexible than in previous times. It’s essential that they can offer a very wide range of electrical lines and supply whatever the customer requires at any time. Customers, especially the small one-person businesses, really appreciate the ability to source everything they need from a single supplier, so in our own case that means being able to offer them some 4,000 electrical products including lighting and batteries. Equally, the wholesaler must also be able to satisfy the larger customers when they are looking to purchase everything they need for a bigger project such as a major apartment or commercial premises project. This demands that the wholesaler can respond quickly and reliably when they’re asked to supply a large volume of electrical components. This is often an area where price-matching and discounts can apply, so the wholesaler needs to keep a sharp eye on the market, remain flexible and ensure they are competitive.

Delivering benefits The way in which customers actually receive electrical products from the wholesaler has undergone significant changes over recent times too. If we look back some 10 years ago, very few wholesalers provided a delivery service as standard. However, demand from the market means that both delivery-tosite and click-and-collect services are now an increasingly common part of the landscape. In our own case, recent times have seen delivered purchases become an increasingly important part of our business, and we are also trialling a ‘click and collect’ service from our Edinburgh branch. Wholesalers need to be aware that where price was once the most important factor in the purchasing decision, availability, ease of purchase and delivery options are now almost as important for a tradesperson as price alone. A contractor working on a job can often encounter an unexpected need for cabling, sockets or switches, and when considering the cost of purchasing these items, they will often factor in the cost involved in losing time on the job while they source the products they need, so it’s important to be able to react rapidly and have stock on the floor and ready to go.

“Today’s wholesalers must certainly be far more flexible than in previous times. It’s essential that they can offer a very wide range of electrical lines and supply whatever the customer requires at any time.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

Future-proof product ranges

Legal lighting

Although the type of electrical goods which wholesalers stock has always changed, the pace of that change is now far more rapid than it’s ever been. As an example, USB sockets and Wi-Fi sockets have moved from being a comparative rarity some five years ago, to the stage where they are now almost an everyday requirement. The wholesaler not only has to recognise these developments as they appear on the horizon, but they also have to judge the rate at which any new product is likely to be adopted by the market. That task is now far more demanding than it has been before, but it’s one where a longestablished wholesaler can benefit from their experience. When new product trends appear, some wholesalers can be far too keen to dive in immediately in an attempt to profit from an emerging market opportunity, when they would do better to analyse that opportunity and be sure that they fully understand it. The recent rise of the smart home concept is an excellent example of this process in action. There’s now a growing demand from both new-build and refurbishment projects to include internet-enabled security cameras, Wi-Fi compatible doorbells and other such ‘smart’ items, all of which offer opportunities to make additional money for electricians and contractors. While some wholesalers might have been keen to rush into this market, we preferred to take a little time to define our purchasing strategy for this emerging technology. It was only when the technology which forms the heart of these systems – such as the Google Home and Amazon Alexa smart speakers – had been launched that we felt sufficiently confident to develop our own array of compatible smart-home related products. These are now proving to be very popular product lines for us. In contrast, it would be interesting to know what percentage of the very first smarthome products purchased from other outlets in the early days are still in use and haven’t already been superseded.

The many rules and regulations which govern today’s world also have a major impact on the electrical wholesaler. For example, after September 1 it will become illegal to import the eco-halogen lightbulbs into the UK, and customers will need to move towards using LED bulbs instead. Some years ago, the very high price of LED lamps led to difficulties in stocking the required quantities and gave the product a poor image, but the situation has now changed. Wholesalers must communicate these points effectively to their customers if they are to avoid the confusion that might otherwise arise from this development, as many customers will be unaware of the government’s energysaving strategy which has prompted the ban on imports. The wholesaler must point out that the cost of LED bulbs is now considerably less than it has been, and that the life expectancy of a bulb more than outweighs the initial cost to the point where the end customer will see a payback on their investment within a very short time. In addition, the customer can now choose from a far greater range of LED wattages, colour temperatures and even colour-changing products than the old incandescent, eco-halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs could ever provide.

Online or in-store? The dominance of the internet and online trading have also posed challenges for the wholesaler. Keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies is a major task, but absolutely vital for the wholesaler. However, those who are truly switched-on will also recognise the many benefits of retaining real stores as part of their business. While standard electrical components are easy to order online, other lines such as smarthome products really benefit from having a presence in a real-world store where customers can literally get their hands on them. The customer can try the products for themselves and ask for any assistance or information they might need, and this is especially important for new technology products.

Keep the customer satisfied There are many other elements at play in today’s market which the wholesaler must also take into consideration. For example, they must recognise the clear distinction that exists between tradespeople who want to buy value-for-money own-brand or tertiary brands at the best prices, and others who want to purchase specific brands whose products they know. Each group has its own preferences and this can lead to situations where, with the latter group, the time savings made from being able to install the big brand products they know is sometimes as important as price. Warranties and after-service represent another important area, as no tradesperson wants to be recalled to a job because a product has failed. The cost implications of a recall can be significant, so there is often a desire to buy high quality ‘fit and forget’ products. Wholesalers can go a long way to reduce the need for warranties and afterservice by ensuring that they offer products that are in-line with current regulations, fit for purpose and either the best product for the job, or the best value for money compliant alternative. By paying close attention to all the points above, and constantly searching for pro-active manufacturers who have something genuinely new to offer, wholesalers can ensure that their customers remain engaged, interested and, most important of all, sure to return to that wholesaler time after time. Stax, staxtradecentres.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TELECOMS & ENCLOSURES

KEEPING IT COOL Electrical enclosure specialist Rittal offers its esssential tips for efficient enclosure temperature management in the food industry.

ood processing is a sector that demands very high levels of efficiency to meet daily production targets. Productivity is a growing issue for food production worldwide. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs expects the global population to be in excess of 11 billion by 2100. That’s more than twice what it was in 1990 and so, preparing for tomorrow, there needs to be an even keener focus on productivity to make sure there’s enough food for everyone to thrive. It’s one reason why breakdowns of critical control and automation equipment in food production are such a cause for concern. Not only are valuable resources redirected away from more strategic, long-term activities, such as developing new processes, but production lines can also be stopped. The cost of the breakdown increases dramatically if this is the case, as it includes not only the cost of repairing or replacing damaged components, but also the cost of lost manufacturing time. Stopping one line on which even the humblest of food products is made can cost businesses tens of thousands of pounds for every hour that it doesn’t restart.

Protection of critical equipment

Is your solution the right one for your environment?

Enclosures protect sensitive electronic and electrical items from the atmosphere in which they’re installed, providing an environment that allows them to function as required and prolonging their service life. Maintaining an internal temperature within required parameters is of fundamental importance. This often requires an active cooling solution because heat is trapped inside enclosures designed to protect against the ingress of solid objects and water to a level appropriate for many manufacturing facilities. This can be a problem in particular for enclosures that are suitable for washdown environments, which protect equipment to an ingress protection category of IP69K. As the temperature rises due to the summer months or random heat waves throughout the year, internal temperature parameters can be breached. In turn, the life expectancy of the equipment within the enclosures is reduced and the probability of an unexpected system failure increases drastically. Care needs to be taken when selecting climate control equipment to ensure it’s suitably robust to handle the rigours of the environment in which it’s situated. Below are some key aspects to consider when reviewing your climate control solutions.

The type of product being processed and/ or the location of the equipment on-site are likely to have a heavy influence on the suitability of your climate control system.

Enclosures play a key role in protecting electrical components from the environment around them

1) Let’s consider the ambient temperature of your facility. If it remains lower, throughout the entire year, than the desired temperature inside the enclosure, then fan-and-filter units and air-to-air heat exchangers can be very effective. They use ambient air to remove heat energy from the enclosure and dissipate it into the local environment. If the ambient temperature rises above the required internal temperature, then units with active cooling circuits must be used. Wall/roof-mounted cooling units use refrigerant as an intermediate medium to remove the excess heat from enclosures, transferring it to the surrounding ambient air, and maintain the desired conditions. Air-to-water

Enclosure Cooling Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution ENCLOSURES

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TELECOMS & ENCLOSURES heat exchangers, as the name suggests, transfer unwanted heat to water, transporting it away from the enclosure to a centralised cooling plant, possibly outdoors, where it may be more easily dissipated. Air-to-water heat exchangers have the further advantage that they are a more hygienic solution than cooling units. They don’t require a supply of ambient air and therefore have no louvres. They can have a very simple housing that has no dirt traps and is very easy to clean. Already in 2018, we have seen unexpected jumps in average temperatures across the country, and this will only increase as we move further into the summer months. Peaks in temperature put cooling equipment under the most strain, therefore reviewing existing equipment sooner rather than later can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. 2) Dusty or acidic contamination (e.g. flour or yeast/vinegar extracts) can interfere with switchgear and cause short circuits or a reduction in service life. Applying filter mats to fan and filter units will help, but if the environment is extremely contaminated, you might be better off installing an air-to-air heat exchanger, cooling unit or air-to water heat exchanger, which all have sealed internal air-paths and thus ensure contaminated air isn’t drawn into the enclosure.

“With a spotlight on carbon footprints, it’s vital that the energy consumed by manufacturing processes is reduced where possible.”

Maintenance regime Establishing a regular inspection and cleaning routine for cooling equipment is very good practice. For example, vacuum cleaning units with filter mats to remove any dust and debris, which may starve the fan and the cooling circuit of air. This will result in the unit working harder for longer and a reduced cooling capacity. Cooling systems must also be kept clean to maintain the highest levels of hygiene. Some will be cleaned daily with pressure washers and jet steam cleaners, in which case use a solution that meets the ingress protection rating demanded by your site and install additional cowls or covers as needed.

IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Increasing energy efficiency = reduced costs It’s important, from both an environmental and a cost saving standpoint, for the producers of foods and beverages to adopt energy efficient technologies. With a spotlight on carbon footprints and energy prices rising globally, it’s vital that the energy consumed by manufacturing processes is reduced where possible. The Rittal Blue e+ cooling unit, for example, incorporates heat pipe technology and, as such, delivers cooling in a similar manner to an air-to-air heat exchanger, using fans alone, when the ambient temperature is sufficiently low. As the ambient temperature rises and the heat pipe can’t satisfy demand, speed-controlled components provide additional mechanical cooling, but only as much as is needed. If the ambient temperature exceeds the temperature required in the panel, active cooling alone is supplied, but, again, no more than is necessary.

Many food production facilities work around the clock and throughout the whole year. Heat pipe and inverter technology allow the Blue e+ to uniquely capitalise on the daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations in your factories to deliver typical energy savings of 75%. The best course of action in all instances is to undertake a survey of your existing cooling equipment, taking into account the points discussed above. Rittal offers a free RiAssure cooling inspection, for which one of our trained representatives will visit your site and provide you with honest, clear advice on your existing equipment and its suitability within the chosen environment/process.We will then provide you with a short report which includes feedback on the next best steps forward for your installation, whether it is implementing a maintenance contract to prolong the life of existing equipment or the replacement of units that are either undersized or inefficient to improve performance and increase the energy efficiency of your site.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Food production facilities must meet demanding production targets, and can’t afford breakdowns of equipment

Rittal, rittal.co.uk

SOFTWARE & SERVICES

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TELECOMS & ENCLOSURES

ENCLOSURE ENCOUNTERS Helen Woodall, product manager at HellermannTyton, explains how contractors can choose the right enclosure for the environment and specific job.

or many installers, an enclosure is just a box in which electrical components are housed. There is a lot more to it than this. It’s important to be aware that these components are expensive to repair or replace if exposed to damage or weathering. Moreover, this can cause excess downtime and a reduced service life. It’s imperative to be aware that spending time and money selecting the right enclosure for every application is always a worthwhile exercise. To help choose the right enclosure for an application, varying factors need to be thought of: what will it be used for? What type of environment is it being used in? What degree of ingress protection is needed? Are any standards applicable?

Why ratings matter IP and IK ratings are incredibly important to look at when choosing the right protection level for your enclosure. IP rating stands for ingress protection and this is relative to the seal that is around the lid of the enclosure. In simple terms, the higher the number the IP rating, the more protected the inside of the enclosure is from water, dust, pests, etc. For example, IP65, the number 6 represents the protection against solid bodies and the 5 stands for the protection against liquid. Therefore, IP65 would be fully protected against dust and protected against water jets from all directions. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the enclosure is able to be submerged in water and is definitely not waterproof. The test itself only measures a short burst of a jet of water, so no overwhelming judgements can be made. On the other hand, the IK rating is the protection against mechanical impacts. For example, an IK10-rated enclosure has an impact energy of 20 joules (the equivalent to impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface), before any physical damage is done to the enclosure. The same goes for the IK rating as the IP rating: the higher the IK rating, the higher the level of protection.

Steel or plastic The materials that go into enclosures can be split into two main groups: steel and plastic enclosures. It has often been said that while steel enclosures have their benefits in terms of IP ratings and fire resistance, they are not always suitable for environments where moisture is present. Mild steel enclosures can be highly prone to corrosion caused by rainwater erosion, particularly in coastal areas where rainwater and sea spray contain salt. Over a period of time, it can cause a steel enclosure to corrode. Enclosures sited close to roads must withstand long winter months, and exposure to road salt will also have an effect on the longevity of the enclosure. A corroded enclosure will compromise the IP rating and needs to be quickly replaced to protect the electrical components. Therefore, it’s more cost effective to invest in a stainless steel or non-metallic enclosure such as GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer). This means that for some indoor installations where the atmosphere is normal humidity, stainless steel is a suitable option – particularly with food processing, which experiences frequent wash downs with water and detergents. It doesn’t cause any damage to the components inside when cleaned with strong products. Mild steel enclosures have a powdered coating as their only form of protection and can lead to rust. GRP is incapable of rusting and is ideal to place outside, it has a high IP rating and IK rating. Both of HellermannTyton’s wall mounted GRP enclosures also have a built-in rain lip to further help protect from any water ingress.

Heat effects Electrical components can be sensitive to humidity and temperature. For outdoor installations or in inside installations exposed to warm temperatures, such as server rooms, it is necessary to consider these factors where an enclosure is used. Temperature cycles such as these can lead to condensation forming inside the enclosure, which can cause electrical faults or failures. To combat these issues, a suitable heater and temperature controller

“Spending time and money selecting the right enclosure for every application is always a worthwhile exercise.”

will need to be installed. Heat dissipation is a consideration when sizing an enclosure, as a larger enclosure will allow heat to dissipate more easily. Fans and fitters reduce the IP rating and allow the ingress of dust into the enclosure. To alleviate this, a push ventilation system will be necessary to pressurise the enclosure – thus focusing dust out.

A variety of different factors need to be considered when selecting the right enclosure

Enclosure legislation The 17th Edition amendment 3 regulations 421.1.201 stipulate that only noncombustible materials can be used for consumer units in UK domestic installations. In this situation, noncombustible is defined as a metal enclosure. If the installation is to be installed in an area that has a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable dusts, liquids or vapours, ATEX regulations must be adhered to. Therefore, the basics of enclosure selection must include IP and IK ratings. Similarly, health and safety should also be considered. Installers have a duty to ensure that enclosures meet safety requirements and prevent unauthorised entry. The specifiers and installers have to be competent enough to carry out the work. The role of electrical enclosures is even more important in today’s interconnected and automated world. As contractors, it is your responsibility to recommend the correct materials for a job, therefore it’s even more relevant for there to be the most appropriate enclosures used for each individual job. HellermannTyton, hellermanntyton.co.uk

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