ECN April 2021 by All Things Media

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VOLUME 41 NO. 04 • APRIL 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

44 COMPETITION Win National Trust memberships for two families, courtesy of Timeguard

SPECIAL FEATURE: FIRE, SECURITY & SAFETY

ESP REVAMPS SANGAMO HEATING AND TIMER CONTROLS RANGE ESP has made a significant investment in recent months to develop its Sangamo range of heating and timer controls. The wraps are now off to give contractors a look at the comprehensive new range. The existing Sangamo range of Choice Thermostats and Choice Controllers, well-known in the industry, has been totally revamped and has been relaunched as the Sangamo Plus range of heating and timer controls. The new range showcases brand new products, as well as enhancements and improvements to existing products and introduces key features that are designed to boost the products’ energy-saving properties. At the same time, the whole range has been redesigned to create a sleek appearance and a uniform, ‘family look’ across all products. The range will also benefit from new packaging designs that have been introduced across the entire collection.

Turn to page 10 for the full story.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS… Regulars

VOLUME 41 NO. 04 • APRIL 2021

SPECIAL FEATURES: Cabling & Cable Management

4 Editorial Cheaper and longer lasting appliances from this summer

6 Industry News CICV Forum calls for a Scottish Minister for Construction; EDA training awards go virtual; Huawei Women Developers program drives technological innovation; and more

8 Advertisement Feature

introduction to the CEDIA 18 An Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook benefits of custom cable 20 The assemblies, according to EC Electronics

Ambitious ABB – ECN talks to ABB about its plans for the smart buildings/ smart homes sector

10 Cover Story Sangamo Plus from ESP – heating and timer controls for all applications

flexibility into shallow floor 22 Putting voids at Victoria House complex supplies Plymouth 24 Marshall-Tufflex Lighthouse Labs writes on how steel 26 Zip-Clip shortages create availability issues

12 Contract News Contract awarded for Bristol’s Redcliffe Bridge renovation; SES to deliver £23m of works to South London hospital; Alliance Electrical wins smoke detector contract; and more

14 Training How is an electrical wholesaler’s technical product knowledge built?

16 Project Focus Signify installs UV-C disinfection lighting to safeguard Harlequins players off the pitch

change in the cable 28 Engineering management market

Exterior Lighting offers a few 32 Knightsbridge pointers on getting the best results for your customers

30 Key Issue

bulkheads chosen for 36 Ovia’s housing association refit

Report calls for the enforcement of direct employment

44 Competition The chance to win one of two National Trust memberships, courtesy of Timeguard

solution for The North 38 Thorn’s School is a winner industrial lighting: 40 Outdoor key considerations

56 Company Showcase

illuminating world of industrial 42 The lighting… and how it’s getting

Sponsored content from across the sector

seriously smart and connected!

Fire, Safety & Security your fire protection solutions 46 All under one roof fire safety technologies 48 Specifying for the future, today calls on industry to drive up 50 Niglon testing and certification standards alarm series utilised in 52 Advanced luxury development explores the tends in 54 Legrand smart security and the opportunity

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EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

HVAC

CHEAPER AND LONGER LASTING APPLIANCES FROM THIS SUMMER

ello and welcome to the April issue of ECN. The UK Government has announced that fridges, washing machines and televisions will soon be cheaper to run, easier to repair and will last longer, thanks to plans for new energy efficiency legislation. Ministers are set to introduce tough new rules for electrical products to tackle the short lifespan deliberately built into an appliance by manufacturers, which leads to unnecessary and costly replacements for the consumer. From this summer, manufacturers will be legally obliged to make spare parts for products available to consumers for the first time, so that electrical appliances can be fixed easily. The move is expected to extend the lifespan of products by up to 10 years – reducing electrical waste and carbon emissions. Pacifica Group, a domestic energy and appliance services provider, believes that this is

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positive news for the appliance repair industry and will lead to the need to train and recruit more people. However, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, says, “This well-intentioned green policy must consider the unintended consequences on consumer safety. Consumers should not go about repairing their own electrical appliances without the knowledge to do so safely. Poor repair work can lead to an increased risk of fire or electric shock.” She says that the government should give serious thought to who can carry out these repairs. This issue is full of features to bring you up to speed on the latest in the Cabling & Cable Management, Exterior Lighting and Fire, Safety & Security sectors. Don’t miss the opportunity to enter this month’s competition, as two lucky winners will win National Trust memberships for two adults and up to 10 children, courtesy of Timeguard – the perfect prize to celebrate the end of lockdown! I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!

Carly Wills, Editor

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

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: BEATRICE LEE T: 01634 673163 E: beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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May Issue Editorial deadline: April 19 Advertising deadline: April 27

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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.

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INDUSTRY NEWS CICV FORUM CALLS FOR A SCOTTISH MINISTER FOR CONSTRUCTION The construction industry in Scotland, acting through the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, has come together to issue its first-ever manifesto, detailing the crucial steps which need to be taken to secure a viable and sustainable future for the sector. First among the proposals is a plea for a dedicated Government Minister for the construction industry, which would recognise its importance both to the recovery and to a net zero carbon future. As well as a Minister for Construction, the manifesto includes proposals for: a Chief Construction Adviser who would support the Minister and focus on delivery aligned with whole asset performance; the development of an effective public sector maintenance and improvement programme; investment in affordable homes; and development of the skills arena. Hew Edgar, Chair of the Forum’s Future Planning sub-group, says: “This manifesto is a declaration of intent, emerging from the environment of collaboration and co-operation which the CICV Forum has fostered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the industry speaking with one voice, with an aim to benefit the future health, wealth and wellbeing of the country.” CICV Forum, cicvforum.co.uk

NAPIT SUPPORTS SPARKS LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2021

EDA TRAINING AWARDS GO VIRTUAL For the first time on screen, the EDA’s Annual Learner Achievement Awards trophies were presented to 10 outstanding individuals from wholesaler and manufacturer businesses recently. Around 70 guests – family members, friends, and business colleagues – joined the virtual ceremony alongside the Association’s Board of Management, celebrating outstanding performances in the Electrical Distributors’ Association’s Product Knowledge Modules or in an apprenticeship. Margaret Fitzsimons, EDA CEO, says, “The EDA wasn’t going to let the pandemic stop us celebrating these fantastic achievements. Now in its seventh year, this is the first time (and hopefully the last) that we’ve held it virtually. We hope that next year we’ll be back at our usual location high above the London skyline at The Shard.”

The SPARKS Learner of the Year 2021 search has begun and NAPIT is supporting with its technical expertise. Members of NAPIT’s Technical Team will be head judges for the competition and have assisted in the creation of the assessments for the learners, as well as donating prizes to all contestants and finalists. All participants will be given free NAPIT student membership and the finalists will receive digital copies of NAPIT’s EICR Codebreakers and On-site Solutions publications. The winner of the competition will receive all of the above, plus the very latest publication from NAPIT, the Guide to Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations. The competition is split in to three rounds ending with the winner of each regional heat completing a live practical test in May. NAPIT’s Chief Technical Officer, Frank Bertie says, “We are very much looking forward to this year’s competition, last year we saw a lot of potential and new talent. This year it will be good to raise the bar even further and see what students have to offer. It’s a great way for learners to test their skills and work with products they may not use on a daily basis.” NAPIT, napit.org.uk

EDA, eda.org.uk

FINGERPRINT DRUG TEST USED TO SUPPORT NOTTINGHAM CITYFIBRE PROJECT McCann, a Nottingham-based civil and electrical engineering construction company, is starting to use innovative fingerprint drug testing as part of its broader Health and Safety activities. The company is starting to test new employees as part of the company’s induction process. Employees must pass the Intelligent Fingerprinting drug test before starting working on the major £60m Nottingham CityFibre contract, where McCann is supporting the delivery of the infrastructure to turn Nottingham into a Gigabit City with access to fibre. The Intelligent Fingerprinting test enables the entire drug testing process to be handled in-house with results available within minutes – avoiding time away from site for testing. Candidates are simply asked to press each fingertip onto a small drug test cartridge to enable the rapid collection of a sweat sample. The cartridge is then placed in the portable DSR-Plus reader that analyses the cartridge and provides a positive or negative screening result for each drug in the test. McCann is screening for recent use of opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine or cannabis that could affect an employee and make them unfit for duty. The system is easy to use with virtual training for McCann’s team completed within an hour. McCann, mccann-ltd.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS HUAWEI WOMEN DEVELOPERS PROGRAM DRIVES TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION Huawei has officially launched its Huawei Women Developers (HWD) program, which aims to empower women developers to create applications and tools that can change the world. The program is intended to encourage more women to join in technological innovation by providing participants with more opportunities and platforms for career development and skill training. Any woman developer from around the world can register to join the program on the Huawei Developers official website. Huawei Senior Vice President, Chen Lifang, says: “We believe that women will lead technological innovation. We hope that the Huawei Women Developers program will help women better leverage their talents and unique value, and give them opportunities to demonstrate their leadership abilities. This will help make our world a better place.” The Huawei Women Developers program is the newest initiative that Huawei has taken as part of its commitment to promoting gender equality. The program will provide participants with training on technological innovation and career development paths, along with opportunities to meet with experts in cutting-edge technologies from various fields, and to participate in hands-on scenario-based experiments and drills. Huawei, huawei.com

SELF-HEALING POWER SYSTEMS TO BOOST NETWORK RELIABILITY

YORK BECOMES LEW’S 14TH BRANCH York has become the home of LEW Electrical Distributors’ 14th branch – its seventh branch in Yorkshire. Headed up by Phill Middleton and assisted by Andy Green, LEW York has a wealth of experience and expertise in the wider York area. This new branch has already created new jobs, in the warehouse and on the sales counter, so this is a really exciting time. This new branch is “well complemented by other Yorkshire branches nearby such as Leeds, Hull and Wakefield”, according to LEW. “The whole team is really excited by the opening of our York branch. We are looking forward to establishing and growing our award-winning service in the area. Key relationships have already been developed with suppliers and customers in the area, so we are confident, along with the LEW difference that we offer, that this new branch will become a key branch in the LEW portfolio”, says Josh Johnson, Group Manager.

Thousands of homes and businesses across the South East and East of England will have better power supplies thanks to the latest self-healing power systems. UK Power Networks is rolling out Primary Outage Restoration Tool (PORT) software, developed with GE Digital, which reconnects supplies faster via healthy alternative circuits following an Extra High Voltage (EHV) fault. The new software builds on the success of Adaptive Power Restoration System (APRS), which has already delivered 25% faster reconnections on first-generation template automation on the high voltage 11,000 and 6,600-volt system, by extending benefits to the extra high voltage 33,000 and 132,000-volt networks. PORT is the first electricity automation scheme to use the APRS system to reroute electricity supplies via the 11,000-volt network after a fault on the EHV electricity network. PORT has been deployed at around 210 primary substations in the South East serving two million customers and there are plans to roll it out across 460 sites across the East of England, covering another 3.63 million customers. Since it was deployed in the South East in 2020, more than 72,000 homes and businesses have benefited from quicker reconnections in under three minutes. UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk

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ESP has made two new appointments within the sales team. Carl Darnell-Green has taken up the role of business development manager covering the London Region. A well-known face in the Scolmore Group, Carl joins from his previous role with group company Unicrimp. Darren Wiggs has been appointed area sales manager for the South East region. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, having spent 30 years with one of the industry’s leading electrical wholesalers. The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced that George Lee will be taking over the role of Executive Officer, following the retirement of Roger Borer who has been in post for the last four years. George is an experienced trade association executive having previously been CEO at the Highways Term Maintenance Association and the Road Safety Markings Association. Interior finishing product manufacturer, BeadMaster, has strengthened its UK team with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager. With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the construction industry, Des Pritchard has the knowledge and passion needed to ensure the brand continues to thrive. Des’ role will see him generate new business with distributors and develop current relationships with electrical and plastering companies, main contractors, sub-contractors and housebuilders.

LEW Electrical Distributors, lewelectrical.co.uk

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MOVERS & SHAKERS…

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

AMBITIOUS ABB ECN spoke with Dr Thorsten Müller, Head of Global Product Group Building and Home Automation Solutions at ABB, to discover what the company’s plans are in the smart building/smart home sector.

e began by looking at the home – a sector that has obviously had its relationship with the commercial world changed by COVID-19 and the rise of working from home. Thorsten argues that, “Working from home will vary a lot around the world, but it is obvious that many more companies will be supporting their workers at home. Perhaps the ‘office’ will become a place for meetings and creativity and people’s homes the space to work on other tasks that don’t require interaction.” Regardless of the degree that this change happens to, ABB believes that workers will spend more time at home. This could trigger increased spend from users themselves and from companies looking to provide the equipment their workers need. This is not the only consequence of people being at home more, Thorsten explains. “Being at home has definitely increased people’s interest in the smart home. People want to make their homes more efficient and pleasant to be in. It is a definite growing trend. With a KNX backbone and our Free@Home as well as Free@Home Flex, we can offer a broad range of options.

People want to make their homes more efficient and pleasant to be in

Our current focus is delivering control of blinds, lights, heating, air conditioning, door communication and security.” Other improvements in the company’s offering include compatibility with DALI lighting and the launch of ABB-secure@home. This alarm system protects against burglary and theft as well as damage from other sources of danger such as fire or water. Free@Home Flex is a simplified system designed to deliver smart home control of a single room. However, users will be able to build upon this, room-by-room, to encompass their full whole house when the system is updated in the near future. Thorsten also underlined the company’s improvements to the ABB-free@home Next app, which gives homeowners control of their smart home solutions from a mobile device. The latest version provides greater speed and a more intuitive interface. The app also enables users to configure the system with options such as daily routines, timers, scenes and filters for each room, all with just one click. The company has also launched a weather station solution for MDU projects and a home appliance connection that interfaces with products from Bosch, Gaggenau, Neff and Miele, as well as ‘Hey Google’.

The commercial world ABB supplies many different products into the commercial build environment. Estimates suggest that up to 60% of CO2 emissions come from buildings, so ABB is keen to make buildings more efficient. Thorsten explains that ABB’s approach here is to offer a holistic approach to intelligent workspaces. The company is doing so by releasing products such as intelligent and automatic lighting, security systems, air-conditioning, heating and movement detection. ABB is leveraging the HVAC control expertise brought in last year with the purchase of Ireland-based global operator Cylon. The company also seeks to offer increasing amounts of remote control and system assessment to off-site managers to make it simple to manage multiple buildings. Dovetailed into ABB’s existing

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control options, the company now offers new build and retrofit solutions to deal with every aspect of a building’s control and efficiency. By integrating the company’s systems HVAC, lighting, room and shading control, a building can intelligently adjust to factors such as weather conditions and occupancy levels. Relatively small updates to HVAC in particular can offer big improvements in efficiency, particularly in larger buildings. As Thorsten sees it, beside energy efficiency there are three areas the company wants to deliver in for the commercial built environment: safety and security, health and well-being, and process efficiency. One recent development in these areas is the company’s increased focus on the humble emergency lighting fitting. “Because of their location, emergency exit fittings are perfectly placed to increase what they offer. For example, one potential use is to count people, not just for safety reasons, but also for efficiency reasons. Our current portfolio of smart exit fittings also have abilities such as self-testing and reporting, cutting the number of people required to keep everything working.” As for health and well-being, particularly after the global experience with COVID-19, better, more efficient air filtering and circulation are a priority for many businesses. And for process efficiency, Thorsten underlines that the people inside a building are always the most valuable and expensive factor that any company must deal with. Making them more efficient can deliver some real low hanging fruit in terms of cutting costs and driving efficiency.

Opportunities Thorsten has some thoughts on what areas might offer some opportunities in the next phase of the market. “We see EV charging at home and at work as a big opportunity. Legislation to make rental properties more efficient and hit given targets will also have an impact. And the home office has big potential to expand opportunity out to the whole home as well.” ABB, global.abb

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23/03/2021 12:23

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22/03/2021 12:44

COVER STORY

SANGAMO PLUS — HEATING AND TIMER CONTROLS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS The Sangamo Choice Plus collections offer a wide range of heating and timer controls for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. The brand’s reputation for quality and reliability is unrivalled and ESP believes this new comprehensive offer will make it easier for contractors to select the right solutions for the project in hand and will provide wholesalers with a greater choice of products that will encourage upselling.

ith energy efficiency top of the agenda for the economy, businesses and householders, a key aim of the revamp is to introduce features that will assist with efficiency and performance and that will ultimately drive down energy usage and costs. The new-look Sangamo offer can be broken down into three main product categories, with a total of 15 products making up the comprehensive range: • Choice+ Thermostats • Choice+ Programmers • Powersaver+ Controllers

Choice+ Thermostats

A total of 15 products make up the comprehensive range

The Choice+ Thermostats range of products – designed for controlling heating systems via an electronic sensor – now totals seven products. The Choice+ room thermostat regulates and maintains a desirable temperature through the home by calling for heat as the temperature varies through the day. For example, if the temperature drops below the set temperature the thermostat calls for heat from the boiler, heating the radiators until the set point is reached. Choice+ thermostats include a TPI (Time Proportional and Integral) control feature to ensure a maintained temperature by analysis of the heating and cooling periods. In addition, Choice+ programmable thermostats include Optimum Start and Delayed Stop for additional efficiency, heating and cooling for the time programmed. These features combine to offer the best in heating comfort and energy efficiency when compared to traditional on/off thermostats.

Powersaver+ Controllers

For installer convenience, Choice+ wireless thermostats are an option if a hardwired connection is not available in the intended location. The Choice+ Thermostats range comprises: • Electronic room thermostat • Tamper proof electronic room thermostat • Electronic frost thermostat • Electronic room thermostat with digital display • Wireless electronic room thermostat with digital display • Seven-day programmable room thermostat • Wireless programmable thermostat with digital display

Choice+ Programmers

The whole range has been redesigned to create a sleek appearance

The Choice+ Programmers are designed for heating and hot water controlled independently across separate channels via a programmed schedule. For certain properties, thermostats are not required and a simple programmer to activate the heating or hot water is all that is needed. A Choice+ Programmer allows the occupant to specify when a call for heat is made in order to match their lifestyle requirements and ensuring energy efficiency. There is a choice of one to three channel programmers in order to suit the system application, from single channel control suitable for combi boilers, to double control for independent heating and hot water and, finally, a three channel option for when two heating zones are required. In addition, each Choice+ Programmer has a selectable Service Interval function, which assists with compliance to the Gas Safety Regulations requiring landlords to carry out annual gas safety checks on appliances in rental properties. To ensure a user and installer friendly experience, the Choice+ Programmers incorporate a large display screen with clear graphics and pre-set schedule for convenience. The Choice+ Programmers range comprises: • One channel programmer with digital display and service interval function • Two channel programmer with digital display and service interval function • Three channel programmer with digital display and service interval function

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The Powersaver+ Controllers are primarily used to control immersion heaters. In a typical UK household, nearly 20% of a home’s energy cost is spent on heating hot water. Leaving an immersion heater on all the time can be a significant waste of energy that can drive this figure up to 25%, or even higher. The automatic control of a Powersaver+ Controller can save on fuel expenditure and energy wastage. Amongst a wide range of applications, the Powersaver+ Controller models are also suitable for combi boilers, panel heaters, lighting – including LEDs – and towel rails. The range includes a double pole switched fused option to incorporate an extra isolation feature which separates the live and neutral wires, adding additional safety for high loads. The Powersaver+ Controllers range comprises: • Two-hour electronic boost timer • Two-hour electronic boost timer and fused spur • Seven-day time switch with boost • 24-hour fused spur time switch with boost • Seven-day fused spur time switch with boost

Housing and packaging As part of the relaunch, the entire collection of products has undergone a complete housing redesign to produce a range that is consistent in look and features a bold, contemporary appearance to appeal to the end user. Brand new packaging has also been designed to create a uniform look with striking blue and white colours that will stand out on the wholesaler’s shelves and will make it easy to identify products with the range.

Brochure and video A dedicated brochure has been produced to provide full details of the entire range and will act as a valuable resource for wholesalers and installers alike. This can be downloaded from the ESP website and is also available on the Scolmore Group App within the catalogues section. The video can be watched using the link here – https://youtu.be/A3CAIcpbyjo. ESP, espuk.com

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23/03/2021 12:24

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CONTRACT NEWS NATIONAL GRID FRAMEWORK POSITION SECURED Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has secured a place on the National Grid’s RIIO-2 electricity construction Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) framework. The initial term of the framework is five years, with a further option for a two-year extension. The framework is effective from April 2021 and will involve the construction, refurbishment and decommissioning of both overhead line (OHL) and underground cable systems operating between 33kV to 400kV across National Grid’s transmission network. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is one of three companies to have been appointed for the overhead line works and one of four companies to have been appointed for the underground works. It is estimated that over the lifetime of the framework approximately £1bn to £1.5bn will be invested in delivering these works. Simon Smith, managing director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, says, “We are extremely pleased to have secured a position on this framework. We are looking forward to continuing to build on our long-term relationship with National Grid, working collaboratively with them to deliver a clean and efficient electricity transmission network and supporting the UK’s transition to greener energy to achieve net zero by 2050.” Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, morgansindall.com

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BRISTOL’S REDCLIFFE BRIDGE RENOVATION Cleveland Bridge UK has been awarded a substantial refurbishment contract to undertake renovations of Bristol’s Redcliffe Bridge. The iconic bridge is part of the floating harbour in Bristol, linking Redcliffe Way to the city centre. It was constructed in 1942, and in 1996 underwent a major electrical and control system refit, bringing the installation up to the current industry standards. Cleveland Bridge has been named as principal contractor for the latest refurbishment work on the floating harbour bridge, delivering the project throughout 2021 with the support of design house, Jacobs. The scope of work includes refurbishment of the internal steelwork and bridge parapet, water proofing of the bridge deck, and mechanical and electrical modifications, including the removal of the existing gates and machinery and replacing them with rising arm barriers. In line with current coronavirus restrictions and its COVID-safe measures, Cleveland Bridge UK will be supporting young people from the Bristol area by providing training opportunities through local schools and will also employ at least one young person on site. Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge, says: “Securing this contract is testament to the expertise of our bridge rehabilitation team, but also to our standards of excellence and common sense of purpose. This includes the delivery of complex and specialist projects as well as reflecting our dedication to supporting the communities in which we work to leave a skills and employment legacy.” Cleveland Bridge UK, clevelandbridge.com

SES TO DELIVER £23M OF WORKS TO SOUTH LONDON HOSPITAL

MONTES DEL PLATA SAYS YES TO ELLIS’ EMPEROR CLEATS Cable cleats and straps designed, developed and manufactured in North Yorkshire are currently being installed in the industrial headquarters of one of the world’s largest eucalyptus cellulose pulp producers – Uruguay-based Montes del Plata (MdP). Ellis Patents’ Emperor cable cleats and FlexiStrap cable straps were specified for the job by local electrical design consultancy, Eprisma; and were selected due to their proven capability to safely secure large power cable bundles; in particular on vertical runs. They are being installed in MdP’s main industrial plant in Colonia, Uruguay. MdP manages 155,000 hectares of industrial forest in 13 areas across Uruguay, from which it produces and exports eucalyptus cellulose pulp every year. The company is seen as one of Uruguay’s most innovative industrial operators and has been lauded for its focus on electrical safety and technical development. “MdP is a huge business and its operation in Uruguay is on a scale that not many come close to matching,” says Kelly Brown, Ellis Patents’ Head of Sales. “To have secured this first order is a notable achievement, and the great working relationships developed with both MdP and Eprisma during the process does point to what we hope will be a long and important working relationship in this key export market for Ellis Patents.” Ellis Patents, ellispatents.co.uk

Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0

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SES Engineering Services (SES) is set to save 8,000 labour hours by using offsite to deliver £23m of works at the Springfield Hospital redevelopment in Tooting, South London. Working alongside main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, SES will provide all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for a state-of-the-art mental health centre set across two new buildings. This will include ventilation and heating systems, VRF cooling and domestic services, as well as specialist electrical systems including nurse call alarms, security, a large image data package and car charging points. Targeted towards a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, the new three-storey non-forensic building will include the main hospital reception, various wards, outpatient departments and training facilities, while the neighbouring forensic building will include four secure wards and a facility management workshop. SES will use its offsite manufacturing facility, Prism, to deliver a significant part of the works for the BIM level two project, including 150 corridor and riser modules – saving a total of 8,000 labour hours on site. The new hospital project is part of a wider regeneration project for the former Springfield University Hospital site that will also include the development of more than 800 new homes, a 32-acre park and a new primary school, all of which is set to be delivered by 2024. SES Engineering Services, ses-ltd.co.uk

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23/03/2021 12:25

CONTRACT NEWS SIEMENS TECH ENSURES SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY OF THE CIRCLE The Circle at Zurich Airport is a new 30,000m2 building complex that features shops, restaurants, services, hotels and a conference centre under one roof. Siemens installed over 30,000 components for the building and energy technology of the large complex, making an active contribution to its sustainable design. The company’s technology ensures the daily 25,000 visitors to The Circle experience a safe and energy-efficient environment. Siemens supplied the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components to ensure an optimised and healthy room climate throughout the complex, which consists of six individual buildings. The company also installed field devices that are smart, fully automated and optimised for energy efficiency, supporting the building automation system. Siemens also designed, engineered and installed an end-to-end solution for the reliable supply of electricity. Power to the complex is supplied through approximately 1,000 metres of busbars from the main low-voltage supply systems. Integrated measuring devices make the power flows transparent, enabling operators to identify areas of potential savings. A total of 600 air circuit breakers and moulded case circuit breakers are used in the main

low-voltage distribution system and in the busbar tap-off units. The circuit breakers feature selective tripping, which contributes to a reliable energy supply and infrastructure. Voice alarm systems ensure safety and security in the public areas, including retail spaces, parking garages

and evacuation routes, as well as the Hyatt hotels and the University Hospital Zurich Health Center. Siemens Smart Infrastructure, siemens.com/smart-infrastructure

ALLIANCE ELECTRICAL WINS SMOKE DETECTOR CONTRACT

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON CLEAN ENERGY GENERATION PLANTS Electrical engineering firm, Smith Brothers Contracting, has commenced design work for two new gas peaking plants in Lancashire. Construction work is well underway on a 10.3MW plant in Great Harwood, as well as a 6MW site in Burnley, and once complete, they will export electrical power to Distribution Network Operator (DNO), Electricity North West. The developments will also provide additional support for the grid and intermittent renewable energy sources – such as wind and solar. Smith Brothers is responsible for the private side of the assignments, overseeing all Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) relating to the design and build of the generation plant, the supporting infrastructure, and final installation, testing and connection. Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers says, “We are pleased to be continuing our working relationship with Quinbrook and delighted to be a part of two significant developments. These further strengthen our position of being synonymous with high-quality, ECP and clean energy storage projects in the UK.” Smith Brothers, smithbrothersltd.co.uk

LEREN BEFORE THE STORM Luceco has recently supplied LED lighting for a cutting-edge IT company, Storm Technologies based in Watford. Storm selected Leren from Luceco due to its stylish appearance and technical performance. With its sleek modern design, integral sensors with Dali dimmable drivers, the Leren fitted the brief. Offering both upward and downward light distribution providing an enhanced overall lit environment, particularly where there are high or open ceiling voids to illuminate, Leren was suspended on three metre drops in order to meet the lighting requirements of Storm. Supplied complete with adjustable wire suspensions, Leren benefits from through-wiring, including electrical connectors as standard, to assist with both standalone and continuous run installations. Accessories available include ceiling mount electrical connection rose and blanking modules in 600, 900, 1,200 and 1,500mm lengths. The installation was carried out by Clark Electrical & General. Clark Electrical has provided maintenance and facilities management services to Storm Technologies for many years. Available as fixed output, DALI dimmable, emergency back-up variants, PIR and LiteIP, Leren offers excellent photometric performance and over 100,000 hours of maintenance free, operational life with an efficacy of 120Llm/cW, and three lumen outputs: 4,000, 5,200 and 7,500lm.

Local contractor and renewable technologies company, Alliance Electrical Services, will soon begin a programme of work to install smoke detectors, in partnership with Angus Council. With a long-standing reputation for delivering public sector contracts in North East Scotland, Alliance Electrical was delighted to be awarded the contract, worth more than £300,000, by Angus Council. Beginning with a programme of work to fit smoke detectors in more than 600 homes in Arbroath, the installations are scheduled to begin as soon as COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential work are lifted. New fire and smoke alarm regulations introduced by the Scottish government mean that every home must be fitted with a smoke alarm in the living room and in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings. As well as this, all alarms are required to be interlinked so that they can be heard throughout the property. Alliance Electrical Managing Director, Errol Lawrie, says, “The team at Alliance Electrical have gained a good reputation for their quality work over the last two decades, and we have successfully delivered similar contracts for a range of councils and housing associations in the East Coast of Scotland. “The new fire and smoke alarms regulations need to be implemented in every home across Scotland, so we are seeing an increasing number of landlords, housing associations, and councils preparing to meet the deadline.” Alliance Electrical Services, alliance-electrical.co.uk

Luceco, luceco.com

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Contract News.indd 13

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April 2021 | 13

23/03/2021 12:25

TRAINING

HOW IS AN ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER’S TECHNICAL PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE BUILT? Tracy Hewett, Education and Training Consultant at the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA), the trade association for UK electrical wholesalers, talks about the professional knowledge being acquired on the other side of the trade counter.

s a contractor you rely on the knowledge of electrical wholesalers to help you choose the right products for the job. But have you ever thought about how that knowledge is acquired? For many wholesalers it may take years of on-the-job training, but is there a way to acquire that knowledge more quickly? Is there a training course for electrical wholesalers? You may be surprised to learn that indeed there is – 12 training courses in fact. It’s called the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) Product Knowledge Programme and it is both City & Guilds and CPD Accredited. The programme is the wholesaler’s product knowledge foundation course upon which they constantly build with training from their key manufacturer suppliers. It is this knowledge that sets the electrical wholesaler apart from a DIY outlet or a website. As you know, well-trained team members are motivated, confident, self-reliant, problem-solvers and worth their weight in gold to any business.

Speaking your language There are many reasons why you choose your wholesaler supplier: friendliness, good credit terms, product range, returns policy or just the opportunity to have a chat and a good cuppa, but none of that matters if they are clueless about your requirements, uninformed about the products they sell and they don’t speak the same technical language as you. Trade counter staff are the essential link between you and the manufacturer and need to know about the latest products to enable them to offer you the very highest levels of advice, support and problem-solving, otherwise you’re likely to take your business elsewhere. That’s why so many of the EDA’s wholesaler members invest in these EDA training modules. The

Rigour

training is comprehensive – each course requires 40 hours of study before an end assessment that is graded pass, credit or distinction (or sometimes fail). In the past two years over 1,800 modules have been completed with several wholesaling staff achieving all 12. The modules are mix-and-match, and businesses choose the order and combination of study based on which products they sell the most. They include: • Introduction to the Principles of Electricity • Lighting Introduction • Lighting Systems and Controls • Cables and Cable Management • Wiring Devices and Controls • Distribution, Switchgear and Protection • Fire, Safety and Security Systems • Heating and Ventilation • Renewables • IT and Data Infrastructure • Industrial Controls • Customer Services

Pooling knowledge Electrical manufacturers know their products. So it was to the manufacturers that the EDA turned when designing the modules. The EDA’s manufacturer members volunteered their time to work with senior wholesalers, subjectspecialist authors and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to write these award-winning training courses. The whole process took two years from inception to completion, ensuring the materials were correct and current. The current Product Knowledge programme launched in 2018, and in 2020/21 went through an audit and revision process reflecting the latest technical, legislative and product changes (including changes brought about by Brexit). Each course has its own textbook, which the learner keeps and refers to, ensuring that they always have expert knowledge on hand to support their customers.

The modules are a City & Guilds Accredited programme, with a pass, credit or distinction assessment. The assessment comprises three testing methodologies: multiple choice, short answer and essay-style questions. Each element has to be passed, so learners really need to know their stuff. Questions are marked by industry specialists at the IET and then quality assured by City & Guilds.

“Electrical manufacturers know their products. So it was to the manufacturers that the EDA turned when designing the modules”

Apprentices on both sides of the trade counter As we all know, apprenticeship training is a well-established entry route for electricians, but did you know that the same is true for electrotechnical wholesaling? The EDA was instrumental in leading a Trailblazer group of senior wholesalers in the creation of a new apprenticeship standard. Trade Supplier Level 2 launched in 2018 and has become the gold-standard training option for those wanting a solid grounding in running a merchant business. The apprenticeship provides the sector skills required to work within the industry and the knowledge and understanding of the electrotechnical wholesaling environment. Frequently, these trade supplier apprentices study the EDA modules alongside their apprenticeship. This shows great commitment and also ensures that they qualify with excellent B2B expertise backed-up by sound product know-how.

On your next visit So next time you are at a wholesaler trade counter, and that wholesaler is an EDA Member, why not ask them if they have done the EDA Product Knowledge Modules? You may be extra lucky and be in the branch of one of the EDA’s Learner Achievement Award winners – marking them out as a high-flying apprentice or with a record of module distinctions. Check out this year’s winners on the EDA website. If they are EDA training and apprenticeship alumni, please test out their knowledge and skills and then be super-impressed with their customer support and service. EDA, eda.org.uk

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25/03/2021 15:32

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19/03/2021 14:42

PROJECT FOCUS

SIGNIFY INSTALLS UV-C DISINFECTION LIGHTING TO SAFEGUARD HARLEQUINS PLAYERS OFF THE PITCH Signify is supporting a safe future for stadium sports by installing UV-C disinfection lighting at The Stoop, home of English Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union Club, The Harlequins. The installation is the first at a UK professional sports club and a world first in rugby.

ignify’s UV-C partner, Powercor, has installed 11 UV-C disinfection upper air units in the Honours Bar. This area is normally reserved for season ticket members, but currently serves as the home team players’ dressing room. Players will be the first to benefit from the new safety measures, with members also able to enjoy a safer and more hygienic atmosphere when The Stoop can once again open its doors to the public. “Signify is a highly trusted partner and a leader in their field,” says Laurie Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, Harlequins. “We are proud to be the first professional sports team in the UK to use UV-C disinfection lighting technology, and we expect to see it widely utilised in future across the sports and events industry.” Mike Lancaster, Harlequins’ Head of Medical, adds, “Signify’s UV-C disinfection lighting adds an additional layer of protection to the stringent testing and operational processes we have in place

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Project Focus – Signify.indd 16

to protect the squad. From a medical perspective, I am very satisfied with the way the technology has been tested in depth and fully proven.”

UV-C disinfection UV-C is a well-established method of disinfection, used to prevent the spread of diseases by disinfecting air, water and surfaces. UV-C breaks down the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, rendering them harmless. In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as nine seconds. Powercor installed 11 units suspended by brackets 800mm from the ceiling, with potential for more to be installed in other parts of the club at a later date. This high position, in combination with the luminaires’ design, allows the system to disinfect air as it circulates the room, even when there are people present. Natural convection moves the disinfected air back into the lower part of the room.

Additionally, shielding and optics in the luminaire’s design prevent accidental exposure to UV-C radiation. “Harlequins have a long history at the pinnacle of English rugby. Top athletes work hard to keep their health at an absolute peak, which extends to managing the risks we all now face in crowded public places. We’re very proud to support the club’s objective to offer players and supporters the very best protection,” says Andy Gowen, Director Public and Sports Lighting at Signify in the UK&I. “As a long-term partner of Signify, we are very pleased to extend our professional expertise to UV-C disinfection lighting, which will become increasingly important to our customers in the years ahead,” says Richard Grace, Managing Director, Powercor. “We are proud to play our part in getting the Quins safely to the pitch and creating hygienic spaces for supporters to enjoy the legendary atmosphere of The Stoop once it is considered safe to re-open.” Signify, signify.com

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25/03/2021 15:32

RCBO Mini 2-Pole SWITCHED LINE & NEUTRAL

18th Edition Solutions CIRCUIT PROTECTION TEL: 01563 533 554 SALES@CPELECTRIC.CO.UK

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www.cpelectric.co.uk

27/04/2020 14:51

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

PROJECT SUCCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE EDUCATION Steven Rissi, CEDIA Senior Director of Technical Education gives an introduction to the CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook.

abling and infrastructure is arguably the most important part of an integration project, yet it frequently receives the least amount of attention. Who wants to talk to a client about the total run length of twisted pair cable when you can demonstrate the realism and immersion created by a stunning 120” HDR image from a laser projector and dynamic sound from the 11 speakers and multiple subwoofers in a 7.1.4 immersive audio system? However, the reality is that these amazing technologies will only perform optimally and reliably when supported by a well specified, correctly installed, and properly terminated infrastructure. The infrastructure is the foundation of every communication, control, and entertainment system, and requires a strong level of knowledge and skills that are specific to the successful completion of the tasks related to its deployment. Unfortunately, many businesses follow the practice of training new staff members by having them spend time with more senior staff members. While on the job training is extremely important in a skills-based role such as this, the outcomes will vary widely depending on many factors, and often bad practices are perpetuated and handed on year after year. By empowering technicians with supplemental education that is based on global industry standards, employers will improve their workforce and subsequently their profitability through increased efficiencies, better reliability, higher quality, and thus create outstanding client experiences! The CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook has been developed by subject matter experts with extensive experience performing this work and is designed to support new technicians in gaining the knowledge and practicing the necessary skills to begin a successful career in the integration industry. Also, because this book was written by installation technicians, for installation technicians, it contains extensive explanations of the various communications and general-purpose cabling and terminations, along with recommendations to improve efficiency and tips about pitfalls to avoid. In addition to supporting those new to the industry, the book provides a wide scope of information related to all aspects of installing premises wiring in a building

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Cabling & Cable Management – Cedia.indd 18

and can provide even experienced technicians with a better understanding of the standards and best practices that should be followed to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability. The book has also been developed to meet the needs of a global audience. While there are many code variations between regions, this text provides a strong baseline of recommendations that can be universally applied, while providing suggestions for further education on locally specific topics. It has also been reviewed by industry experts from across the globe to support inclusion of a wide scope of applicable verbiage and regional terms to help improve the context of explanations and reinforce understanding. Learners using this text will explore critical domains of knowledge, including construction methods and materials, cable basics and premises wiring, tools and fasteners, termination and testing, and more. Throughout the document, key aspects related to the physical installation of cabling will be covered, such as bend radius, pull tension, hole size, and maximum run length. The textbook is also filled with full colour illustrations to enhance comprehension and act as a reference for termination procedures and recommended practices.

Cabling and infrastructure is arguably the most important part of an integration project

Therefore, for anyone interested in furthering their career, the CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook will provide a solid foundation and pathway for professional development. And for those responsible to their clients for ensuring successful deployment of the infrastructure, this manual will provide a roadmap for the continued success and growth of the business. CEDIA, cedia.net/books

The book provides a wide scope of information related to all aspects of installing premises wiring in a building

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25/03/2021 15:33

certification NOW MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER We’ve updated the programme, so now your CEDIA Certification means that you’re absolutely at the top of your field in the integration industry. It’s a mark that tells the world you’re the best at what you do. Learn more about the new CIT (Cabling and Infrastructure Technician) and IST (Integrated Systems Technician) certifications at cedia.net/certification.

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22/03/2021 12:45

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

THE BENEFITS OF CUSTOM CABLE ASSEMBLIES Phil Simmonds, Group MD of electronics manufacturing services provider, EC Electronics, looks at some of the advantages of custom cable assemblies.

cable assembly is a group of cables of varying constructions, sizes, lengths and colours – arranged into a single unit. Pre-terminated cable assemblies are widely used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to make installations quicker and easier when mass producing kit. Whilst standard cables may work in many instances when dealing with specific or complex applications, off-the-shelf cables often fall short. In the case of critical applications such as military bases, large-scale industrial production lines or medical equipment, improper set up when using an out-of-the-box cable assembly could prove disastrous. Even seemingly simple electronics applications, such as a home theatre system, will require a custom cable assembly to ensure they function well and deliver, while at the same time being compact and user-friendly. As such, custom cable assemblies explicitly created for the task at hand are a valuable solution for OEMs across a range of different sectors, such as automotive, utilities, aerospace, security and telecommunications. From simple cable assemblies including external cabling and internal wiring to pre-formed looms, wiring harnesses and ribbon cables, various types of constructions can be customised.

Suitable materials The better the materials, the better the end product will be. Opting for a custom cable assembly gives you greater control of the materials used for the construction. For instance, the insulations, shield and jacketing material can all be specified to suit the application, and the cable harness manufacturer will be able to source the best materials for the product. Having control over the material sources and manufacturing process is especially important when products are to be used in critical applications such as the medical industry.

Accuracy Finding a ready-made cable assembly to fit your exact project requirements can prove difficult, if not impossible. But custom cables are manufactured as per the specifications in the design. As an example, the cables could be colour coded or labelled – reducing the chance of elements being installed incorrectly and guaranteeing a perfect fit from production through to implementation.

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Opting for a custom cable assembly gives you greater control of the materials used for the construction

The length of each cable can also be manufactured exactly as per the requirement of the project to ensure the setup is clean and eliminating the need to hide additional cables and wires.

Quantity “Thanks to the stringent manufacturing process, custom cables often offer higher performance when compared to their standard counterparts”

With custom cable assemblies, the manufacturer can order the exact amount of cables required for the needs of the application. The precise count for the conductor, stranding and size can also be optimised during the design phase. By only using the correct quantities, you will avoid wastage and won’t have any excessive cables left after the assembly is completed.

Quality assurance When being used in critical applications, cables can’t afford to fail prematurely. Custom assemblies will undergo much more rigorous testing than off-the-shelf products to ensure uniform functionality and quality. To certify the cable is tested for the given requirements before assembly, applicable test data including tolerances, electrical parameters, temperature performance and resistance to chemical exposure can all be supplied by the cable manufacturer. The cable manufacturer should also test the product in the environment it will be used in to guarantee a particular combination of components will stand up to the elements. Prototypes can be used to test the components in real-life situations to ensure the assembly meets the design requirements. If any attributes need to be tweaked, this can then be done before the production stage.

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Higher performance Thanks to the stringent manufacturing process, custom cables often offer higher performance when compared to their standard counterparts. Custom cable assemblies are designed around your exact product requirements and manufactured to work with your equipment and environment – which means they are also extensively tested with those requirements in mind to ensure a successful finished product that will function and last as expected. What’s more, custom cables can be manufactured to incorporate multiple functions – including power, signal, video and cable shielding – into one cable. These custom solutions are built for unmatched performance and take up minimal space, making them ideal for specialised applications such as surveillance systems in the security industry.

Save time and money Initially, you might think it’s cheaper and faster to pick an off-the-shelf cable and simply connect it to your equipment. However, in most cases, these cables won’t work for any but the most straightforward applications. Attempting to retrofit standard cables takes time and money that could have been saved by working with a custom cable manufacturer to create the perfect setup. Although custom solutions might be more expensive upfront, better performance and longevity will save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to replace the assembly as often. Many cable manufacturers will also offer additional services such as design support and laser marking, which could serve as a significant cost-saving factor. EC Electronics, ecelectronics.com

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25/03/2021 15:34

CABLE MANAGEMENT

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t 0121 711 1990 | f 0121 711 1344 | sales@niglon.co.uk 25/03/2021 15:19

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

PUTTING FLEXIBILITY INTO SHALLOW FLOOR VOIDS AT VICTORIA HOUSE COMPLEX Powertrack has become a common and advantageous alternative to hardwired electrical distribution networks in a wide variety of commercial environments. It offers a plug and play solution that is faster to install, more flexible and more adaptable.

or buildings where there is limited or inconsistent floor void depth, a conventional powertrack system is not always viable because there is insufficient space for the tap-offs to connect to the top of the track. Hub systems, such as a 32A Power Hub (designed and manufactured by CMD’s UK factory in Rotherham) overcome this issue by delivering a low-profile solution with tap-offs that connect to the sides of the hub unit. It was the ideal response for the refurbishment of Grade II listed Victoria House in London, a nine-storey neoclassical building originally constructed in the 1920s. Acquired by co-working company, LABS, the landmark building is currently being refurbished by TSK with interior fit-out undertaken by Run Interiors. The project will see the ground floor converted for leisure and retail purposes and levels one to nine upgraded as contemporary offices that preserve the character and heritage of the building, while offering spacious, open-plan layouts and 21st century connectivity.

Under-floor solution LABS is known for the high quality of its interior fit out and the contemporary look and feel of its office environments; a strong brand differentiator which the company was keen to replicate at Victoria House, which will feature high calibre engineered timber floors, exposed high level services and a spacious, open plan layout. The spaciousness of the 300,000 sq ft accommodation is not reflected in the floor void, however, in some locations, is as little as 50mm. The refurbishment project includes retention of the existing floor and a plug and play powertrack system was preferred for speed of installation, cost, future flexibility and ease of maintenance. It was clear, however, that conventional powertrack would not be viable. Mark Bacon from the project’s M&E Consultancy, Scotch Partners, explains: “We were originally looking at CMD’s Betatrak powertrack system for the project but it became clear that it would not fit in some locations, despite scabbling of the slab in some areas to maximise the available void. “The CMD team worked with us to develop an alternative power distribution design based on a 32A Power Hub system, which enables four tap-offs to be located

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on the side of shallow Hub units. These Hub units will be used to create an underfloor distribution network, enabling us to utilise familiar technology in a different format.” The four tap-offs on each Hub unit ensure that each workstation location has plenty of power capacity to cope with the electrical load of multiple devices on each desk, along with sufficient redundant capacity to allow for potential additional load requirements in the future. Each tap-off connects to a flexible metal conduit, which deliver power locally to the required locations across the floorplate via grommets in the floor. Although a conventional powertrack would have been viable for some areas of the building, it quickly became apparent that the Power Hub system would offer additional benefits for the project. The interior design includes sealing the floor void with engineered timber flooring, which means that maintenance of the underfloor power distribution network, or any future modifications, will have to be carried out via the grommets. Mark continues: “The grommets are flush to the floor and lock away the under-floor services neatly, but also provide access to the Hub units in the void. This means that the electrical distribution network will be easy to maintain or upgrade as occupiers’ needs change.”

Levels one to nine of Victoria House will be upgraded to contemporary offices

Fast track installation The Power Hub and Rotasoc power systems have helped to fast track the installation at Victoria House, with the Cat A and CAT B fit outs already completed for levels four and five, currently underway for levels two, three and six, and soon to begin on levels seven to nine. In total, 828 32A Hub units have been installed so far, with 1100 tap-offs, and a rolling release is scheduled for completion next year. CMD, cmd-ltd.com

3D illustration of a Power Hub

Under-desk power system Once the electrical supply comes up through the grommets, it will feed Rotasoc units, manufactured by CMD and located under each workstation, before connecting to desktop power modules. The Rotasoc units utilise 32A busbar technology to create robust sockets that rotate a full 3600 without losing contact. The Rotasoc units form part of a modular under-desk power distribution system that can provide power, data and circuit protection in a customisable plug and play format for each desk. “The combination of the 32A busbar Hub system and modular Rotasoc under-desk system have given us the design flexibility to create a scheme that brings the distribution network direct to the desk, while working with the existing fabric of the building and ensuring a legacy of ease of maintenance and modifications”, says Mark.

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25/03/2021 15:35

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25/03/2021 15:25

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

MARSHALL-TUFFLEX SUPPLIES PLYMOUTH LIGHTHOUSE LABS When a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Laboratory was approved in Plymouth in November 2020, the government required a quick turnaround to set up the testing facility in order to meet demand and tackle the virus. After its proven success in supplying the Nightingale Hospitals, Totus Engineering specified Marshall-Tufflex PowerPoles and Odyssey Bio trunking to complete the fit out.

The build has now been completed and the site was handed over to the NHS to begin operations on 27 January 2021

n March 2020, the government launched facilities specifically dedicated to COVID-19 testing to support the UK’s fight against coronavirus. Known as Lighthouse Laboratories, or Lighthouse Labs, this network of ‘mega’ testing laboratories was set up to rapidly process thousands of samples per day. The Lighthouse Lab in Plymouth was approved in November 2020 and when fully operational, it will have the capacity to process up to 40,000 COVID-19 tests a day. Due to the urgent nature of the build, the Department of Health appointed Kier and Totus Engineering due to their previous performances on Nightingale Hospitals. The clients’ brief was for the laboratories to be operational within 11 weeks from start of works. Therefore, the entire supply chain needed to adhere to a tight schedule of deliveries to ensure all necessary installation was completed. Bob Corne, Contract Manager at Totus Engineering, recognised MarshallTufflex’s award-winning success in delivering its bio-trunking to 10 emergency NHS Nightingale Hospitals nationwide, transforming its manufacturing and delivery procedures to meet demand for flexible and urgent deliveries – many within the same day. Bob says, “The Lighthouse Lab in Plymouth required a cable management solution that would safely house power and data points, and we needed this incredibly quickly to meet the build programme. “I knew from Marshall-Tufflex’s outstanding work on the NHS Nightingale Hospitals that the team would be able to meet the deadlines required for this project, as well as provide a robust, anti-microbial solution to help inhibit the spread of bacteria.”

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Cabling & Cable Management – Marshall Tufflex.indd 24

Bob specified 46 double sided PowerPoles and 510m of Marshall-Tufflex’s Odyssey Bio PVC-U trunking. The trunking uses a silver ion solution that disrupts key cell functions of bacteria and prevents them from reproducing – meaning 99.9% of harmful bacteria will not survive on the surface: a key requirement for the build. Within 10 days of the order being placed, Area Sales Manager, Nick Parkyn, ensured the product was delivered to site so the team at Totus Engineering could begin the installation as quickly as possible. Thanks to the ease of installation and Marshall-Tufflex’s ability to meet the schedule, the build has now been completed and the site was handed over to the NHS to begin operations on 27 January 2021 – well within schedule. “The NHS has worked tirelessly over the past year to face the challenges presented by coronavirus,” said Nick. “In these unprecedented times, we want to support the fight against the virus and ensure we provide a robust, anti-microbial product as soon as contractors need it, to get mass testing and track and trace systems up and running as soon as possible. “We worked closely with Bob Corne to ensure the requirements for both product and delivery were met, and we are thrilled to see the works were completed on time. I’m extremely proud of the team at Marshall-Tufflex and the key suppliers involved with meeting demand for this project.”

Bob said, “Nick and the team at Marshall-Tufflex provided excellent support for their part in the project, ensuring all products were delivered to site to meet the schedule. The Powerpoles and Bio Trunking are the perfect products for the scheme, and the Bio Trunking will aid in preventing the spread of bacteria to help protect lab workers as they undertake this critical role in the fight against the pandemic.” Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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25/03/2021 15:37

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Untitled-2 1

23/03/2021 10:19

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

STEEL SHORTAGES CREATE AVAILABILITY ISSUES Steel is in short supply – the closure of mills due to the outbreak of COVID-19 last March and April, followed by subsequent increased demand has now created a global shortage, writes Zip-Clip. Add to this a shortage of shipping containers now leaving the Far East and the industry today is experiencing even further headaches.

n our industry, the structural grades of steel needed to manufacture cable management systems and support solutions are just not available in sufficient quantities to satisfy demand. Prices are increasing and contractors who have secured work at pre-increase pricing are now faced with some difficult negotiations – what are the alternatives? The most obvious course of action is to reduce the volume of steel required – this may mean looking at solutions that you previously may not have considered, but why not? Historically, cable management and support systems have been installed in the same way for decades. It’s a system that works but one which often results in over-engineered containment with far too many brackets holding up very little cable and a lot of fresh air. However, by utilising the standards and working on manufacturers’ loading information it is possible to significantly reduce the volume of steel required. IEC61537, The Cable Tray and Ladder Standard, provides the manufacturer with information on the fixing centres and testing methods for containment under load. This results in each manufacturer

CO2 reduction The use of wire rope also has a dramatic impact in reducing the volume of CO2 produced, as can be seen from the example below: A typical retail store uses approximately 1,200 suspension drops at 2m (i.e. 2,400m in total). M8 rod would weigh 748.80kg and produce 1,344kg of CO2 to manufacture the 2,400m required. A Zip-Clip wire rope system would weigh 37.86kg and produce 96kg of CO2 to manufacture the 2,400m. Saving on weight: 710kg 1,245kg Saving on CO2: Therefore a 92.6% reduction of CO2 emission can be realised by utilising a Zip-Clip wire rope suspension system. Data provided by the Worldwide Lifecycle Inventory Methodology Report 1999/2000

26 | April 2021

Cabling & Cable Management – Zip Clip.indd 26

having load graphs which show what weight their products can carry at varying fixing centres. For example, a cable basket 300mm wide × 60mm deep can carry 58kg/m at 1,500mm centres. It would be difficult to load the volume of cable on to the basket to get anywhere near that load. Power cables are frequently installed on tray and ladder systems in such a way that it is normal to see 75% of the tray or ladder empty on long runs, with the bending radius of the cable being accommodated on a large bend section. Potentially the long straight runs could easily be reduced in size, thereby reducing the volume of steel significantly. The difference in weight between ladder sizes is around 10-15%. Cable tray has traditionally been used for small power, communications, control systems cabling and fire alarms, but cable basket could easily replace tray and with it provide a material saving of over 50%. Tray is around 65% material content, while basket is around 15%. What do you need to consider when looking to reduce material usage and project costs? There are a number of options to consider that will help reduce the volume of material – let us take a look at the options for consideration. 1. Do I need cable ladder or will tray or basket do the job? 2. Do I need cable tray or will basket do the job? 3. Do I need trunking and conduit or will basket do the job? Many contractors use basket widely, not just for data and comms but also to install armoured cables. Don’t forget basket can be cut to suit the bending radius of the cable. 4. Do I need multiple runs or will multi-compartment do the job? Containment with dividers will greatly reduce the volume of containment needed, as well as reducing the volume of support brackets. Significant prime cost savings can be achieved by this method. 5. Do I need to install a bracket every 1,200mm or can I increase the spacing? Working on the cable load and by using the manufacturers load chart you will be able to confirm what centres brackets can be installed at. Going from 1,200mm to 1,500mm over a 100m run saves 16 brackets.

“Cable basket could easily replace tray and with it provide a material saving of over 50%”

electricalcontractingnews.com

6. Can I replace the threaded rod on the trapeze brackets with wire rope? Wire rope systems, such as those offered by Zip-Clip, can replace threaded rod, saving significantly on weight and time. The benefits of wire rope are many: ease of availability, ease of transportation, ease of storage, ease of install, 5:1 safety factor, to name but a few. Two-millimetre wire performs at the same level as 10mm rod! However, consider this, one 40ft container will hold 1,446,000m of 2mm wire rope. To transport the same amount of threaded rod would require 32 of the same 40ft containers. You can actually carry 200 × 1m drops of wire rope and clips to site in a rucksack! The current steel situation may mean that you are forced to do things differently out of necessity, however, it may also provide you with the perfect opportunity and impetus to reduce the volume of material utilised, reduce waste, reduce your prime costs, tick the environmental box with a big green tick, reduce storage and transport costs, and reduce co-ordination issues. Wire rope suspension and bracing specialist Zip-Clip understands the difficulties being faced at the present time, but it is during these difficult times that working with quality, accountable manufacturers will pay dividends. Zip-Clip, zip-clip.com

@ElecConNews

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25/03/2021 15:36

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ELECTRICAL CONTACTING NEWS - FEB 2017 - 224 X 159.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

16/02/2017 14:45 23/03/2021 12:21

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

ENGINEERING CHANGE IN THE CABLE MANAGEMENT MARKET Technological development over the last few years has though been rapid, and according to Ellis Patents’ managing director, Danny Macfarlane, one key change this has led to is that standard product ranges now form the backbone of a far more flexible product offering. He talks to ECN.

“W

hen I first joined Ellis Patents in 2003, we very much had standard product ranges, which specifiers selected from according to their project requirements,” says Danny. “We still have these ranges today, and the likes of our Emperor and Vulcan+ cable cleats remain our bestsellers, but alongside them we have a slew of new, innovative products that have been developed as a result of a major shift in the way the market operates; which in itself has been enabled by technological development.” In the last few years alone Ellis Patents has designed, developed and manufactured a completely new product for a major Siemens offshore wind project; solved installation headaches with bespoke solutions for Balfour Beatty; and consigned a major health and safety issue for National Rail to history with a product that went on to win a number of innovation awards. The Siemens job was the first of these projects, with the company going to Ellis Patents with a need for a new product during a live project situation. The challenge was to develop a way of feeding, and then restraining, seven 117mm diameter cables along a specified route within a fabricated structure that featured a significant number of twists and turns. The Cable Guide Clamp that was designed, developed and manufactured in response not only solved Siemen’s problem, it also secured an order that wouldn’t have been won had the company been relying solely on its standard product offering. And Ellis Patents didn’t stop with that one project, the Cable Guide Clamp has since been developed into a full range that regularly secures orders from around the world. “Our ability to deliver these innovative bespoke solutions, some of which were done in live project situations, is something we’re immensely proud of,” says Danny. “But without the technology we simply wouldn’t have been able to turn our ideas into fully functioning products in such pressurised, time-sensitive situations.

28 | April 2021

Cabling & Cable Management – Ellis Patents.indd 28

Installation innovation – a bespoke product developed by Ellis Patents is installed during the electrification of the Severn Tunnel

“Traditionally, creating a production ready prototype would have required the development of injection moulding tools, which involved significant investment in time and resource, and typically took six to eight weeks to manufacture. And once received only small changes to the tools were feasible, meaning any major alterations could add another six to eight weeks to the already lengthy process. “Now, thanks to 3D CAD and rapid prototyping 3D printing, we can take products from an idea in a brainstorm to a fully functional, production ready prototype in less than a fortnight – something we have done on a number of occasions. And it’s a combination of the growing availability of rapid product development technology and ever-growing levels of in-house engineering expertise amongst manufacturers that has led to such significant change in the market.”

Ellis Patents’ Cable Guide Clamp, which was developed in response to a complex installation issue during a live project situation

electricalcontractingnews.com

Siemens, for example, didn’t go to Ellis Patents with its complex installation issue because it saw the company as solely a manufacturer of standard products. It was because Ellis had the in-house expertise and technological capacity to solve its problem within the confines of an extremely tight time frame. And it’s this kind of expertise that is playing an ever more important role in the cable management market – in particular amongst those manufacturing cable cleats. “Projects are often far from straightforward and installation and maintenance issues regularly arise, so having the people and the in-house technology to be able to solve problems; firstly on paper and then with an adapted or wholly bespoke product; is now as important as that strong standard product range”, concludes Danny. Ellis Patents, ellispatents.co.uk

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

25/03/2021 15:37

Academy

Develop your knowledge on Cables and Cable Management systems Our Cables and Cable Management online course will equip you with comprehensive knowledge on good cable installation practice, helping you to design safe electrical installations. This course will provide you with a solid overview of Cables and Cable Management systems, enabling you to: – understand the design sequence for an electrical installation – choose the correct cables needed for each specific application – analyse the different classes, sizes and types of cable – identify the fire performance rating of cables.

Did you know that you can complement your knowledge on the IET Academy e-learning with the Guide Cables and Cable Management? See details at theiet.org/cables-guide

Buy the course at theiet.org/cables-academy The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

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Untitled-5 1

26/03/2021 11:55

KEY ISSUE

REPORT CALLS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF DIRECT EMPLOYMENT With the introduction of changes to IR35 due to come into force on 6 April 2021, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is urging clients and large contractors to enforce direct employment in their workforce and build back better by investing in the skills which are needed to meet the demands of the industry and deliver a safer, more productive environment for the future.

he JIB has recently released a compelling and authoritative report; ‘Direct Employment - A Study of Economic, Business and Social Outcomes’ based on the electrical contracting sector, which highlights the negative impact which the steady growth in non-direct, off-payroll working is having on the UK electrical contracting and construction industries. Authored by Howard Gospel, Emeritus Professor of Management at King’s College London, it is one of the most comprehensive studies which has ever been undertaken and draws on interviews with over 50 experts, industry materials, government reports, and peer-reviewed academic research. The report analyses the growth in non-direct, off-payroll working, the impact this has had on productivity, skills and safety, and the benefits which a directly employed workforce bring to the industry. In the report Foreword, Andy Mitchell, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, and Gail Cartmail, Unite Asst General Secretary and President of the Trade Union Congress, herald the report as a very timely one and, in commending the recommendations to the industry, jointly urge it to make sure that the report doesn’t sit on a virtual shelf but becomes a “catalyst to action in the work we are all embarked upon to create a more innovative, productive, sustainable, and attractive industry”.

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The report acknowledges that subcontracting and self-employment remain essential features of electrical contracting and other parts of the construction industry, but suggests that the balance has been allowed to tip too far away from direct employment. It indicates that if the industry’s and the government’s priorities for this and future decades are to be achieved – for example, in safety, quality, skills, efficiency and innovation – then a healthier, more sustainable balance needs to be restored. Professor Howard Gospel says: “The UK’s retreat from direct employment cannot be explained away as some sort of ‘natural’ phenomenon or the ‘inevitable’ consequence of increased market competition. It is the result of specific actions and decisions taken over many years by industry clients, contractors, and successive governments – not least in the key policy areas of procurement, tax, social security and employment law.” The report acknowledges that non-direct working offers firms some short-term conveniences, including the freedom to take on and remove workers at will. It also recognises that there are cost savings by not having to provide benefits such as paid holidays, sick pay and pensions. Whilst there may be advantages for individuals through higher take-home pay, these workers do not enjoy the benefits or the security which is offered by direct employment.

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Nevertheless, the report points towards the stark fact that, on balance, the negative effects of non-direct working predominate. This is a particular problem in the area of skills formation, where non-direct employment threatens the future of apprentice training, career progression and the industry’s capacity to take up new technologies and techniques. In addition, research evidence indicates the negative effects on health, safety and well-being, and the undermining of industry standards and regulations. From a broader societal point of view, non-direct working also reduces the tax receipts which fund public services. Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says: “Despite far higher levels of non-direct working in the UK than almost anywhere else in the world, and the well-documented negative effects on (among other things) construction productivity, skills and safety, the leadership and collective will to do something about this issue has long been lacking. This report therefore calls for a comprehensive and sustained campaign to reverse this trend, as a key part of current efforts to build a better, more productive, higher skilled and sustainable UK construction industry. “Clients and large contractors must therefore act now and demonstrate leadership by awarding contracts to firms which directly employ their workforce and by enforcing direct employment and greater transparency throughout their supply chains. We must also join together to campaign for public policy changes which remove artificial incentives towards false self-employment and false direct employment through the tax system. Only by doing this can we hope to provide a better future for those working in the industry, both now and in the future.” The recommendations made by Professor Gospel will be a key focus for the JIB over the coming months. The organisation also expects to work closely with the Construction Leadership Council, whose Industry Recovery Plan, published in 2020, acknowledges direct employment as an essential ‘enabler of apprenticeships, upskilling and competence’.

JIB, jib.org.uk

30 | April 2021

Key Issue – JIB.indd 30

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

25/03/2021 15:38

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING supported by

ECN IMAGE 224 x 224mm.indd 1

electricalcontractingnews.com

Exterior Lighting – ML Accessories.indd 31

26/03/2021 15:21:45

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

April 2021 | 31

26/03/2021 15:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LIGHTING UP TIME With summer round the corner, demand for exterior lighting is going to hot up. Scott Brewer, Head of Technical at Knightsbridge, offers a few pointers to get the best results for your customers.

BL5 brick light with louvre

here’s probably never been a summer more eagerly anticipated than this year’s. With lockdown easing and the public looking forward to greater freedoms, there’s no doubt that gardens, patios, terraces and back yards will see lots more socialising, family get-togethers and homeowners generally enjoying that outside space. The promise of warmer evenings and the chance to enjoy being outside is likely to prompt householders to reach for lighting catalogues or search the web for lighting solutions in a bid to upgrade or improve their existing installations. And the onus of providing new or upgraded lighting is likely to fall on the installer. So, what makes for a good outdoor lighting installation? Any installation should try to address one or more of the following – is the main function of the illumination to provide access, security, usability or aesthetics? Identifying the purpose helps pinpoint which product groups to go for. For example, access could be defined as helping direct people safely around a property, for example, paths or driveways. In this instance, spike lights, ground lights, even brick lights are good choices. Knightsbridge’s extensive range of this type of lighting now includes the new surface mount BL5 brick light, which is available in black or grey, and offers a choice of

warm white or cool white via its energy efficient LED light source. It also features an optional kit to convert the unit to recess mounting, making it the perfect addition to dwarf walls or low brickwork. Different lighting effects can be achieved, depending on which style of grille or louvre is chosen. Where the customer is looking for security, floodlights are the obvious port of call. Floodlights come in a huge variety of permutations – styles, materials, IP ratings, lamp type and outputs – and Knightsbridge tries to provide for every requirement, environment, budget and taste. LED floodlight casings come in aluminium or polycarbonate, in black and white, depending on model. All floodlights are IP rated to IP65, except for the FL8 LED PIR security spotlights in polycarbonate which are IP44. LED outputs range from 610lm to 17150lm, with colour options being RGB, 3500K standard or warm white, 4000K cool white, and 6000K daylight. The most recent introduction is the FLN range of floodlights, in black die-cast aluminium, which combines slim looks with operational versatility when partnered with either the microwave or PIR sensor accessories. As with all Knightsbridge products, the floodlights have been designed with installers in mind, featuring easy-fix brackets for wall mounting and internal terminal blocks to allow quick and easy direct wiring. With up to 5430 lumens on offer (with the FLN50 model), the range delivers effective security lighting from a discrete package. Creating the right ambience or lighting effect is probably uppermost in most consumers’ minds, whether it’s bathing areas in light or producing subtle wall wash effects or highlighting a building’s features. There’s certainly no lack of choice in the Knightsbridge range – both contemporary and traditional designs – from square, rectangular, round or cylindrical wall washers in black, white or steel finishes, through to bollards and aluminium carriage lanterns. Lamp choices are LED, GU10 or E27 depending on the fitting, covering a vast array of light outputs.

FLN floodlight

Knightsbridge’s latest wall light, the OWALL, provides options for both down- and up-lighting from a stylish and sleek cylindrical body that looks as good during the day as it does at night. Available in black, anthracite, brushed chrome or white, the OWALL can take any GU10 lamp and is dimmable dependent on lamp type, further increasing the range of lighting effects. And for those customers who are looking for something a bit different, there is always LED strip lighting. It is an area that is gaining popularity and comprises LEDs surface-mounted in PVC tape to provide a flexible lighting solution. A comprehensive choice of LED strips is available, offering single colour, CCT, RGB and RGBW options. There is no doubt that LED flex installations can achieve quite stunning lighting schemes, given the sheer range of colours, effects and possible designs. So, whatever summer brings there’s always plenty of lighting options from Knightsbridge to ensure your customers get the best outdoor lighting experience possible. Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

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25/03/2021 16:12:43 26/03/2021 11:18

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

OVIA’S EVO BULKHEADS CHOSEN FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATION REFIT Flexible installation, minimum disruption and value for money were the main criteria driving the specification of Ovia’s Inceptor Evo bulkheads for a leading Scottish housing association.

astle Rock Edinvar is one of Scotland’s leading housing associations and a Scottish charity. It owns and manages over 8,000 homes and works with over 8,000 customers across eight local authority areas. A programme to upgrade all of the low-rise properties in Edinburgh and its surrounding regions has benefited from the specification of Inceptor Evo bulkheads, from Scolmore Group company, Ovia, which are providing cost-efficient solutions to a range of lighting applications. A total of 66 Evo bulkheads have already been installed as part of an overall refit of the premises and they are now the lighting product of choice for all lighting requirements, due to the flexibility of installation, minimum disruption to the building fabric and the value for money they offer for the overall cost of the project.

the wall, terminate the conductor, re-attach the gear tray and re-screw the diffuser. Ovia has taken away the need for time-consuming and unnecessary screws and integrated the control gear and light source within the diffuser and added a flow connector. The installer, therefore, simply removes the diffuser, fits the base to the wall/ceiling, wires the conductor into the flow connector and secures the diffuser in place.

Comprehensive bulkhead range Adaptable and stylish “Ovia’s Inceptor Evo LED bulkheads were chosen for the range of features and benefits that they offer”

Alec Macindoe, Works Manager on the project, comments: “We found the Inceptor Evo to be an adaptable and stylish product, with great innovations and technology built in at a value for money price point. We measured it up against many competitors prior to specifying it across all our housing stock in and around Edinburgh and found it to be the equivalent or better than all those benchmarked. When the fitting needed specific alterations for bespoke issues, we also found Inceptor Evo to be simple to adapt and in a reduced time versus conventional routes.”

Integrated flow connector Ovia’s Inceptor Evo LED bulkheads were chosen for the range of features and benefits that they offer. As well as integrating the control gear and the light source within the diffuser, the bulkhead has the added benefit of a flow plug which allows for fast and simple connection and disconnection for testing and maintenance of the luminaire. Ovia believes the Inceptor Evo is the only bulkhead currently available to incorporate a flow connector. With other bulkhead products, the installer will need to first unscrew the diffuser and then the gear tray, fix the base to

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The IP65-rated Inceptor Evo is available in two formats, Circular and Eye-Lid, with each format offered in four different options – Standard, Emergency, Microwave Sensor, and Emergency and Microwave Sensor combined. This provides contractors and installers with a range of easy-to-install LED bulkheads, suitable for a variety of domestic and commercial applications including walkways, corridors, stairwells and communal areas, within public areas such as schools, offices, and shopping malls and urban spaces. Castle Rock housing association selected the microwave sensor model to satisfy its requirements. In addition, vandal-resistant metal housings with an IK10 rating are available in Circular, Eye-Lid and Grille formats to enhance the potential applications for the range.

Latest additions Ovia continues to develop its premium Inceptor lighting range and the Evo bulkhead range has been expanded to include the IP65 rated 12W and 16W Evo Orb (320mm diameter and 113mm depth), IP65 rated 16W Evo Slim (295mm diameter and 57mm depth), and the IP54 rated 20W Evo Deco X (470mm diameter and 96mm depth). Ovia, oviauk.com

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26/03/2021 11:20

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19/03/2021 14:39 19/03/2021 10:55:57

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THORN’S SOLUTION FOR THE NORTH SCHOOL IS A WINNER Thorn Lighting has provided the floodlighting for the new Muga all-weather pitch at The North School at Ashford in Kent.

he overriding factors in the brief for the lighting were performance, efficiency and reliability, coupled with the short lead time that was required, plus the service and support provided by Thorn’s team throughout the project. Thorn was also able to supply ‘bird spikes’ for the luminaires that act as a deterrent to birds whose excrement can damage the paint and create corrosion. The school has fantastic facilities for physical education and sport, now boasting an all-weather pitch, extensive fields, outdoor basketball courts, a climbing wall, an indoor gymnasium and sports hall, as well as a fitness studio. The new sports pitch has markings for football and hockey and forms an important part of the overall modernisation of the school’s facilities. Mounted on existing columns, Thorn’s Champion LED floodlights provide the

perfect solution, with excellent uniformity and lit effect providing a clear and concise playing surface for users. Champion floodlights are ideal for small sports stadia and general areas where the control of light pollution is critical. The adjustable stirrup delivers a number of possible mounting positions and ease of installation is enhanced by the availability of a reverse mounting stirrup accessory, which offers a number of possible mounting positions. The Champion luminaire gives an asymmetric distribution, whilst the tilted glass enclosure enables improved light output. Additionally, the optic also ensures a cut-off control for light output. The bird deterrent is a support covered with spikes, which is mounted on top of the floodlight to prevent birds landing. The new pitch is important for the development of sporting success in the facility and the enhancement of the school’s outstanding reputation for sport. It goes without saying that the lighting

Champion floodlights are ideal for small sports stadia and general areas where the control of light pollution is critical

solution provided by Thorn has proved incredibly popular, with high energy savings and low maintenance, superior uniformity and lit effect, plus no downtime due to lamps failing. Thorn Lighting, thornlighting.co.uk

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26/03/2021 11:21

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12/03/2021 16:46:22 22/03/2021 12:48

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

OUTDOOR INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING: KEY CONSIDERATIONS The purpose of outdoor lighting is to enhance both safety and security, with a key focus on durability and robustness. Whether you’re working on a building site installation that may contain machinery, motorised vehicles and contractors; or installing adequate lighting on a stairwell – outdoor lighting is essential for enabling quick and accurate work, safety and security and a good visual environment.

esigned to illuminate pathways, entrances and outbuildings, external security lights are generally installed to deter intruders with bright and far-reaching illumination in areas that are otherwise hidden in darkness. However, it is well known that common causes of complaints to local authorities often involve exterior security lights. Well designed, installed and maintained security lights can meet all UK requirements, but it’s important to be aware of the following: • Glare – the uncomfortable brightness of a light source due to excessive contrast between bright and dark areas in the field of view, glare can impact negatively on safety. There can also be issues with glare where CCTV cameras are installed – the glare can cause ‘flares’ or ‘hot spots’ that can obscure the image, sometimes completely. • Light pollution – security lights should provide the minimum level of illumination necessary to light a building, without causing a nuisance to wildlife, pedestrians and neighbours. • Movement detectors – if poorly aimed, these will not only detect people on the property, but also pedestrians on footpaths and animals, causing intermittent switching to create a nuisance and wasted energy. • Light overspill – don’t allow excessive bright light to spill over into neighbouring buildings and pavements, especially not into windows.

Emergency lighting Required for emergency situations when the main power supply is cut and normal electrical illumination fails, emergency lighting is designed to give a sufficiently high level of illumination to enable

occupants to evacuate premises safely. Used as a general term, emergency lighting can be sub-divided into escape route, open area and high-risk task areas. However, every building has its own specific requirements of emergency illumination, so before an installation, consider the: • Planning and design of the system. • Positioning of emergency lighting luminaires e.g., changes of direction or level and points of emphasis, such as call points, fire alarm panels etc. • Periodic testing and maintenance. Escape route lighting can also be known as corridor emergency lighting and provides the safest and fastest route to a fire exit – and in accordance with BS5266, all escape routes must achieve a minimum of one lux on the centre line of the route. Products with IP65 rating are ideal for outdoor use or in industrial applications.

Floodlighting Typically used to illuminate stadiums, building sites, car parks and industrial areas – to name but a few – floodlights are useful for a wide range of

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applications to provide a large amount of light as economically as possible. They are also ideal for security and for high visibility in high risk areas, such as traffic routes on industrial sites. Again, it’s vital to consider light pollution prior to installation, but for floodlighting industrial spaces, you should also: • Determine the extent of the task area – will a PIR floodlight be more suitable for emitting light only when required? • Assess the location of the floodlights – is illumination needed 24/7? Or would a floodlight equipped with a photocell light sensor avoid unnecessary energy consumption by automatically switching them off when not needed? • Consider the type of light distribution required and how much light is needed. • Choose the light source and maintenance characteristics that suit the application. Floodlights are the all-rounder of outdoor lighting, ideal for virtually all external applications that require directional illumination over a defined area. Red Arrow Electrical Distribution, redarrowtrading.com

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26/03/2021 11:22

WEATHER GUARD

Lighting that needn’t cost the Earth Still throwing away light fittings at end of LED life? You don’t need to with Weatherguard. It has unique, replaceable ‘plug in’ LED modules. To find out more visit our website or give us a call. It could save you the earth.

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LIGHTING

UP YOUR WORLD ETHICALLY

26/03/2021 10:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE ILLUMINATING WORLD OF EXTERIOR LIGHTING… AND HOW IT’S GETTING SERIOUSLY SMART AND CONNECTED!

Exterior lighting has evolved significantly over the last decade, but CFE Lighting’s Amanda Speight believes that pace of change is nothing compared with what we’ll see over the next five to 10 years.

he exterior lighting category is more expansive now than at any time in its history, comprising of any hardwired, voltage or solar powered lighting that is used for illuminating outdoor areas, from road lighting right the way through to the security lighting prevalent in most urban areas. There’s no doubting that there has been a real evolution in exterior lighting, particularly over the last decade, which has been largely driven by a switch to energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), driven by sustainability targets, emerging and evolving government standards and the need to reduce costs. Take public street lighting as an example: it’s an essential element of our environment, providing a sense of safety and social inclusion to residents, improving visibility for motorists and creating a more inviting environment for business and tourism after dark. And while it’s certainly not the case everywhere – one third of the world’s roads are still lit by technology dating back to the 1960s – in the UK we’ve seen local authorities working hard over the last decade to make the switch from traditional sodium lamps to LED lights, which as well as providing the same amount of lighting, have a much longer life-expectancy (between 20-25 years) and require significantly less energy, resulting in far lower energy costs. Furthermore, LED street lighting is more focused and less wasteful, delivering significant health and safety benefits through improving driver visibility while reducing obtrusive light and spillage onto residential properties. But Amanda believes the pace of change we have seen over the last decade is nothing compared to what we will see over the next 10 years, as exterior lighting becomes increasingly smart and connected. In truth, we’re already starting to see tantalising glimpses of what the future holds. Smart city lighting systems are starting to be introduced in various areas in the UK, with these systems used to not only provide a safe illuminated roadway but also to collect data through controls and sensors which can be used to better manage service efficiencies, assets and resources.

It means that the lighting network exists as a multi-purpose solution, shining light in the right areas, at the right times, whilst also collecting valuable data on areas ranging from air quality, temperature and wind speed through to people counting, crowd noise and population density. Surrey is one such area that will benefit from such a system, with Surrey County Council announcing last year that it intends to roll out intelligent street lighting in a project that will see 89,000 street lamps replaced or retrofitted with LEDs, saving a predicted 7,700 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Crucially, this network of street lighting is being made smarter through upgrades to the existing central management system (CMS) to create an intelligent solution that has the capacity to grow and adapt to the council’s ongoing needs. Through these upgrades, Surrey County Council will have access to data that enables it to better manage the county’s lighting in terms of safety, energy use and maintenance, as well as enabling potential efficiencies across a number of other areas including environmental monitoring, flood management, air quality and traffic control. So, what does all this mean for electrical contractors? Well, all of the evidence suggests that demand for multi-purpose exterior lighting systems will only increase as more and more users become aware of the huge financial, social and environmental benefits such systems are capable of delivering. The era of a lamp post being just a humble lamp post is over and, moving forwards, we can expect exterior lighting solutions to be adaptable and interoperable. Yes, the primary purpose of a street lighting systems will always be to illuminate chosen areas in a considered, flexible way, but they will become way more intelligent than ever before. Gone will be the days of operatives having to perform the time-consuming task of driving along streets to check for expired or broken lights, with intelligent systems instead relaying real-time data to controllers about how each individual light is performing. Control system operators will routinely be able to adapt the light that these systems emit according to changeable daylight levels, ensuring clear visibility all of the time.

Possibly the biggest difference we’ll see is the addition of an array of sensors in exterior lighting to create super intelligent, integrated networks. Motion sensors, which switch on lights when motorists or pedestrians pass by, will become much more commonplace, emulating the system in the city of Eeniend in the Netherlands which dims LEDs to 20% power when no one is around, only switching to full power when sensors detect movement. But the use of sensors won’t stop there: smart lighting infrastructure will be integrated with sensors to monitor data around a range of variables, from air quality, temperature, and noise through to radiation, precipitation and wind, providing researchers with useful, real-time data which can be used to make important decisions. The opportunities are boundless, and if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that exterior lighting is going to experience a lot of light bulb moments over the next decade. CFE Lighting, cfe-lighting.co.uk

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Moving forwards, we can expect exterior lighting solutions to be adaptable and interoperable

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26/03/2021 10:41:47 /electricalcontractingnews

26/03/2021 11:23

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25/03/2021 15:26

COMPETITION

GETTING BACK OUT THERE! This spring we’re on a countdown to getting out of lockdown, and this month’s competition looks ahead to when we can enjoy family days out again.

Courtesy of

imeguard is offering National Trust memberships as this month’s competition prizes for two families. That will include two adults and up to 10 kids and grandchildren – and the membership will last for a whole year, which is just as well because you’ll want to make the most of it as soon as the restrictions ease. Weeks on end at home will have given people plenty of time to reflect on the need to control their energy and reduce their bills and, with Timeguard’s new range of Wi-Fi accessories, you’ll be in pole position to provide them with affordable solutions. As ever, the Timeguard approach has been to look at the market, see what devices are available, and then apply lateral thinking to make them do more, and do it better! All are controlled with the industry favourite TuYa App. The Timeguard WiFi accessories range neatly bridges the gap between DIY and professional installation with:

February Competition The winner of the February competition – a Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Pro, courtesy of Timeguard – was Colin Waldron.

• Indoor camera • Doorbell with plug in chimes • Plug in timer adapter • Three-way trailing socket with USB ports • BC/B22 bayonet lamp holder adapter • Twin wired socket with USB port • 10A in-line smart switch

Closing date

For your chance to win one of the National Trust family memberships, simply answer the following questions correctly: 1. The Timeguard Wi-Fi accessories range includes hard-wired inline smart switches and sockets with USB ports. Is this true or false? a) True b) False

2. The National Trust family membership allows entry for two adults and how many children? a) 8 b) 10 c) 12

3. How long does a National Trust membership last? a) Three months b) Six months c) A year

All entries must be returned by 30 April 2021. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the June issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable.

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

The answers to April’s competition are:

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

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

YES, I would like to share my data with Timeguard

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

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

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

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25/03/2021 15:39

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY supported by

Fire, Safety & Security – ESP

Introducing MAGDUO Two-Wire Fire Systems, allows Detectors and Sounders on the same circuit

email: info@espuk.com

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visit: www.espuk.com

call: 01527 515150

11/03/2021 16:47:15

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April 2021 | 45

25/03/2021 15:39

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

ALL YOUR FIRE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF Neil Baldwin, managing director of ESP, looks at the range of fire protection solutions available from conventional to addressable, along with the latest two-wire fire alarm systems.

ire alarm systems are broadly divided into two main groupings – ‘conventional’ fire alarm systems and analogue addressable ‘intelligent’ systems – with each type best suited to different kinds of premises.

Conventional systems Conventional, or four-wire, fire alarm systems have been traditionally used in smaller properties such as shops and restaurants. They work by dividing the building into a number of detection zones, with the detectors and call points within each zone hardwired on dedicated two-core cable to the control panel. There may be multiple detectors on a single zone. A separate two-core, fire-protected cable for the alarm’s sounders is required as they are wired on different circuits. If a detector is activated, the control panel identifies the circuit that contains the triggered device and so indicates the zone from which the fire alarm has originated, but the area then has to be manually searched to pinpoint the individual device. Because the majority of conventional detectors are simple, two state devices they can only be in either a normal or fire condition. Although modern components and quality system design can play a part in reducing potential problems, it is not uncommon for conventional systems to generate unwanted alarms. As such, conventional systems are not suitable in large buildings which could potentially have over 50 zones in order to correctly protect the property to the prevailing industry standards. A conventional system would prove a costly and time-consuming exercise.

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MAGDUO installation

Intelligent systems Addressable or ‘intelligent’ fire alarm systems overcome these limitations and are designed for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems. They are more expensive and more complicated than conventional four-wire systems, having increased flexibility, intelligence, speed of identification, and scope of control. In addressable systems, different types of initiating devices are wired in one or more single loops around the premises, requiring less cabling than

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conventional systems, with each detector or call point having its own unique address. The fire control panel receives information and status reports from each device and indicates its exact location if there is a fault, contamination or activation via smoke or heat detection. As these control panels have become more sophisticated and more powerful, they are capable of handling an increasing number of loops per panel and it is possible to network numerous panels together to increase the capacity.

@ElecConNews

12/03/2021 10:03:56 /electricalcontractingnews

25/03/2021 15:40

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

Two-wire technology

A range of solutions

Two-wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. However, unlike standard conventional four-wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits, the new intelligent two-wire technology allows all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel – enabling it to use a single circuit per zone both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material cost. The MAGDUO Two-Wire fire alarm system from ESP is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system that will save them time and money on the installation process. The system is ‘two-wire’, meaning that all system devices can be installed on the same circuit, with the capacity for up to 32 devices per zone. This, however, is dependent on the Device Loading Unit (DLU). Full information is provided within the product technical specification details. MAGDUO will support two to eight zone applications. In total ESP’s MAGDUO range comprises some 25 separate products including:

ESP’s extensive fire protection product range is broadly divided into two categories. The MAGDUO two-wire fire alarm system is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system that will save them time and money on the installation process. The MAGfire range covers conventional, or four-wire, fire alarm systems which have been traditionally used in smaller properties such as shops and restaurants, as well as addressable systems which are suitable for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems.

• Two-zone, four-zone, and eight-zone fire panels (available in a grey or black finish) • Repeater panels – also offered in grey or black (four and eight zone panels able to support up to eight repeater panels) • FlexiPoint detector – programmable to seven different modes including smoke and heat detection. • Ceiling sounders (available in red or white) • Sounder and strobe low profile • Wall sounder (available in red or white) • Strobe IP55 • Sounder IP55 • Call point

Free design service A dedicated ESP design service allows contractors to access a free of charge design facility that will cover fire systems as well as CCTV systems. Available to any size of business, from local electricians to national contracting companies, the aim is to provide expertise in choosing the right products and solutions to create a scheme that meets all the requirements and objectives of the project in question, and that is compliant with all the relevant regulations and standards. From an initial enquiry to discuss the requirements, the next stage will be one of information and measurements gathering. For larger and more complex design schemes, a visit to site will be carried out for a detailed survey. With all the relevant information gathered, including drawings and specifications, a suitable design proposal for a fire system will be created and supplied to the client along with a quotation. Two-way interaction between customer and the ESP design team throughout the process will be of paramount importance to ensure the design scheme meets all the necessary requirements.

“A dedicated ESP design service allows contractors to access a free of charge design facility that will cover fire systems as well as CCTV systems”

A key benefit of this system is an alarm confirmation feature which offers the ability to select a confirmation period for individual detectors and therefore confirm if the smoke/heat detected is an actual fire – and not a false alarm. Another major plus is a special flexi-detector which adds further versatility and convenience to this type of alarm system. Offering different modes of fire detection including combined heat and smoke, these detectors are also available with an inbuilt sounder or inbuilt sounder strobe, which will assist with a compact install solution (as the detector and sounder is all-in-one, as opposed to separate units).

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SPECIAL FEATURE

There is much more to commissioning a fire protection system than simply turning it on and setting detector addresses. It involves going through a comprehensive step-by-step checklist to ensure full compliance with the correct British Standard and carrying out a range of tests to ensure reliable and trouble-free operation.

ESP fire protection products

Complete package With these latest developments, contractors can now take advantage of a full fire systems package from ESP, which gives them access to a free design service, a vast choice of products including the latest two-wire systems, the new commissioning service, plus technical support from a team of qualified and experienced operators. ESP, espuk.com

Fire commissioning service A new commissioning service launched last year adds another dimension to ESP’s fire protection offer. It is designed to ensure that all installed ESP systems operate correctly and are fully compliant with the latest BS5839-1 regulations. A qualified engineer will confirm that the system has reached the relevant British Standard and will issue a certificate on completion of the project prior to system handover. Dedicated ESP commissioning engineers are located throughout the UK to provide access to this new service to a wide-reaching audience.

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/electricalcontractingnews

MAGDUO installation example

12/03/2021 10:03:57 April 2021 |

25/03/2021 15:40

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

SPECIFYING FIRE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE FUTURE, TODAY James King, Connected Homes Director at FireAngel, explores how IoT and AI technologies are enabling social housing providers to obtain digital data that offers full transparency.

s the government’s legislative response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of the building industry and its practices following the Grenfell Tower fire, the Draft Building Safety Bill represents and proposes a significant change in approach, which places resident safety and building suitability at the centre of all design, construction and maintenance processes. In line with the learnings of the Hackitt Report, the draft Bill demonstrates the importance of building information that is transparent and accessible by all relevant individuals throughout the entire lifecycle of the building. It also expresses the importance for this ‘Golden thread’ of data to be continuously updated and reviewed to create a digital record that generates a visible audit trail of information, which can be actioned upon at any time to ensure the continued compliance and safety of the building. As the very principles of the Draft Building Safety Bill and the cultural changes they promote are founded upon this ability to obtain accurate intelligence, which can be constantly evaluated to drive a successful cultural step change in approach, social housing providers should use this as the starting point when evaluating their current fire safety policies. Having to adopt a completely alternative approach to their fire safety practices, one that places the ability to capture necessary building information at its very core, may initially present itself to many housing providers as a significant project that will require substantial expenditure and internal resources to successfully implement throughout their entire housing portfolio. However, by deciding to undertake this work in order to follow the values outlined within the draft Bill, social housing providers can also be presented with the opportunity to cost-effectively future

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Fire, Safety & Security – Fire Angel.indd 48

proof their complete housing stock, whilst simultaneously streamlining their approach to asset and audit management. By implementing systems that comply to a Category LD1 Specification and facilitate the wireless transmission of building information, social housing providers can achieve long term reductions in overheads, as the digital data supports the stratification of risk, identifying any changes in building or resident behaviour, as and when they occur. As a result, this enables resources and costs to be applied in the most proficient way. It also ensures each property/tenant receives the highest possible level of protection available, further supporting long term cost savings, as providers are successfully mitigating against any potential changes in legislation, because their properties are already compliant to the highest possible standard. Connected technologies, such as devices that are Smart RF compatible, are one of the most cost-efficient and effective methods currently available to social housing providers looking to upgrade their fire safety provisions, in line with the recommendations promoted throughout the Hackitt Report and Draft Building Safety Bill. Connected systems that utilise Smart RF technology can facilitate the wireless interlinking of up to 50 mains-powered and

The wireless interlinking of alarms achieves the highest level of protection available and supports remote real time monitoring

electricalcontractingnews.com

battery powered smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms onto a secure private network, simply by adding a Smart RF Radio Module into each alarm. This is particularly useful for projects where hardwiring isn’t feasible, as the network can be quickly extended wirelessly, whilst also offering the opportunity for additional safety products to be added to the system at a later date. The flexible nature of the technology also enables providers to tailor the fire safety provision to meet their unique requirements, offering further cost saving benefits. The wireless interlinking of these alarms not only achieves the highest level of protection available by adhering to a Category LD1 Specification, it also supports remote real time monitoring by communicating vital information from each device in every property. This can be achieved through the activation of a connected cloud-based gateway, which wirelessly sends data from every alarm to designated mobile or smart devices, instantly notifying relevant individuals if an alarm has sounded, sending optional real time updates regarding its status. The transmission of this data is continuously updated to deliver vital information regarding each alarm, including diagnostics, device history, replacement dates and network health. This provides all relevant individuals with a comprehensive overview of the potential fire risk each property currently presents, allowing any changes in risk to be immediately analysed and acted upon. As the Bill looks to achieve a new standard for building safety throughout the social housing sector, providers can take a proactive approach to the level of protection they provide residents through the provision of connected technologies that can facilitate the continuous communication of essential building data, in addition to successfully future proofing an entire housing portfolio for years to come. FireAngel, fireangel.co.uk

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12/03/2021 10:03:56 /electricalcontractingnews

26/03/2021 12:00

FIRE SYSTEM DESIGN SERVICE ESP offer a team of dedicated design engineers who are fully trained & qualified in all of the relevant British Standards such as BS 5839-1:2017, BS 5839-6:2019 & BS 5266.

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As part of the design service, ESP now offer zone plans which will be available as framed hard copies or sent electronically.

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Alongside ESP’s extensive range of fire protection systems, a new commissioning service has now been launched to ensure that an installed ESP system operates correctly in accordance with the recommendations of BS5839-1.

call: 01527 515150

25/03/2021 15:47 25/03/2021 15:39:01

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

NIGLON CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO DRIVE UP TESTING AND TRANSPARENCY STANDARDS We all know the horrendous consequences which could easily occur if an electrical item fails – and yet there are products for sale which have not been vigorously tested. One family-run supply firm is making it it’s mission to be as vocal as possible about the issue in a bid to drive up standards throughout the industry. Here, Niglon’s Commercial Director, Paul Dawson, explains why.

hen an electrical product fails, the very best-case scenario is that it needs replacing – which represents an outlay of cost and time for the end user. It’s mildly inconvenient for them and they may decide not to use the same brand again. At the opposite end of the scale, there is the potential for mass casualties. We all watched, horrified, as the Grenfell Tower disaster and subsequent investigation unfolded. While there were other issues at play which saw the situation at Grenfell end up being so catastrophic, the source of the fire was traced back to a faulty electrical item. Almost four years on – with enough time having passed for changes to have been implemented, but not enough for us all to have forgotten how terrible the event was – there are still untested items being supplied and fitted in the UK. It’s because of the very real risk of another disaster that the team at Niglon are so proactive about pushing for change in the industry. The team is sadly seeing a rise in the number of products on the market which have not been reliably tested by an independent third-party; and the company simply does not believe this should be allowed to continue. Not only is Niglon calling for comprehensive testing for all electrical supplies, the company also believes it should be commonplace for wholesalers to ask for proof of certification when they are purchasing a product for the first time from a supplier. Equally, Niglon believes proof of certification should routinely be requested when contractors are buying those same items from wholesalers.

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The company also wants to educate the general public – the end users who are living, working and socialising in the buildings where these electrical products end up – about why certification is so important. Because it’s only when end users realise that they could very well have untested (or poorly tested) products in their homes and workplaces that they can truly hold companies to account and drive-up industry standards. Of course, Niglon is practising what it preaches: recently when the company was looking to introduce new surge protection devices into its range, it had a choice between sourcing an untested lower-cost device or partnering with a European manufacturer who had more than seven decades of experience. The choice was easy – a cheaper product might represent slightly more profit within the supply chain, but it is always a case of safety before money. Niglon knew that the products from the European firm were certified – which the company feels is especially important for surge protection devices because of the limited ability to test them once they’re installed in a home or workplace; so, they were the only viable option in Niglon’s eyes. The company is also aiming to be as transparent as possible when it comes to proof of certification, in the hope that it can inspire others to follow in its footsteps. That’s why circuit protection devices in the Niglon catalogue and online are clearly marked as being accredited by SEMKO, VDE or TUV, and the company is always able to produce proof of this certification if asked by a customer. The Niglon team is hopeful that the more the issue is talked about, the wider the message will spread – and other suppliers, as well as wholesalers and contractors, will join the company in its mission to drive up standards within the industry. Given the huge risks that are talked about here, not just the damage which

could be done to properties, but also the very real threat to life where untested products are installed, it’s imperative we all act immediately. There’s no way of knowing when and if these products, which we know are in circulation now, will fail. Let’s not wait until something goes wrong, especially when there are two very achievable steps which would eliminate the risk: proper testing and more transparency. Individuals and businesses rely on contractors to install electrical devices in their properties and, in doing so, they are placing a great deal of trust in them that these products are safe. By being able to assure customers that all of their devices have been thoroughly tested, this generates increased trust (and a better reputation) for the contractors. The benefits to the industry and the end user are plain to see. That’s why Niglon is calling on the industry to act now: help educate end users about testing; help ensure asking for proof of certification becomes a routine question when sourcing a product; and help stop harm coming to anyone because of a faulty device.

Potential outcome from not using certified products

Niglon, niglon.co.uk

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

12/03/2021 10:03:57 /electricalcontractingnews

26/03/2021 11:59

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

LOCK, DON’T SHOCK!

Lockout devices designed to prevent accident or injury

Connect with us on:

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www.niglon.co.uk

t 0121 711 1990 | f 0121 711 1344 | sales@niglon.co.uk 25/03/2021 15:21

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

ADVANCED ALARM SERIES UTILISED IN LUXURY DEVELOPMENT Stothers M&E was awarded a £75m development of two tower blocks in Manchester. In order to ensure the residents were safe and protected from fire, Stothers worked with Aico to utilise its flagship 3000 Series throughout the development.

The Cornbrook Development

he Belfast-based national contractor provides building engineering services across the UK and Ireland, with regional offices in Glasgow and Warrington. The new homes for private rent will transform the area of Cornbrook in Trafford, Manchester – bringing a new lease of life to an underused site near the tram station. Comprising of one- and two-bedroom units (duplex and townhouse apartments), the development will also incorporate a library, gym, private gardens and resident lounge areas with the view to creating strong community bonds. In line with requirements, the project will see over 1,800 Aico Fire and CO alarms installed in the 363 apartments. The Cornbrook development will utilise Aico’s technologically advanced 3000 Series, including the pioneering Multi-Sensor Fire alarm, for complete coverage.

Artist impression of the project

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Aico Regional Specification Manager, Duncan Orr, worked closely with Stothers to ensure the correct fire alarm solution for each property and was on hand to provide technical support for dwellings with unusual layouts. Duncan comments, “It was a pleasure to work with Stothers on this prestigious project of 363 luxury apartments. Thanks to our unique Multi-Sensor technology, we were able to overcome the challenges presented by the open plan design of the apartments, thus ensuring a reliable, nuisance-free system for future occupants. “With a Category LD1 install required for the dwellings, Stothers M&E have

electricalcontractingnews.com

selected Aico due to the high level of customer support, technical advice and extensive product range,” says Neil Alexander, Electrical Contracts Manager for the project. “We pride ourselves with installing high quality equipment which is evident in an extremely low number of defects throughout the post-handover stage. With over 1800 Aico devices on this project, reliability is key.” The large development of luxury dwellings in Cornbrook is due to be completed August 2021. Aico, aico.co.uk

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12/03/2021 10:03:56 /electricalcontractingnews

25/03/2021 15:43

Ei1000G SmartLINK® Gateway

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www.aico.co.uk/smartlink-gateway | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk

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25/03/2021 15:29 25/03/2021 09:18:37

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

SECURING A SAFER FUTURE Richard Hopkins, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK and Ireland’s User Interface division, explores the trends in smart security and the opportunity they present.

emote working, lockdown and a lack of travel opportunities have meant that most people are spending more time in their houses than ever. As such, there has been a growing home improvement trend which has resulted in more people investing in their property. Smart home products are growing in popularity, particularly those that are for home security, and electrical contractors must be alert to the different options available. COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the living and working habits of many. People are spending more time than ever in their houses, resulting in many taking the time to update their homes. Indeed, Money.co.uk recently found that 65% of people have said spending more time at home has resulted in wanting to spend more on renovations. Implementing smart devices to create a connected home is forming part of this trend.

Staying secure

Money.co.uk recently found that 65% of people have said spending more time at home has resulted in wanting to spend more on renovations

Over recent years the home automation market has boomed, with more people discovering smart lighting and heating systems and installing them in their homes. The next trend which is making its way to the UK is smart security. Social distancing has also meant interacting with and granting visitors access remotely has become more of an attractive investment for many. While adding in the option to grant access to visitors without physical contact, through a smartphone, is an added bonus.

To aid in this upskilling process, electrical professionals should look to technology suppliers that offer training courses

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As the roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions is realised, contractors can also expect to see a continued rise in demand for home security. This will particularly be the case when homes are left unoccupied as workers return to offices and people take long overdue holidays. Where should contractors start looking to upsell smart security? Smart video doorbells and door entry systems – such as those from Legrand’s Bticino and Netatmo ranges – have represented a foot in the door for many. Compatible with smartphones and easily integrated into smart home scenes, they provide full video visibility of visitors at the door and the ability to interact with them – or even deter them in the case of intruders. For residences with a need for smart door entry functionality, a connected door entry system like the Bticino 100x or 300x brings together video playback with the ability to grant visitors access remotely, removing unnecessary contact with people outside of their household. As part of a home security suite, there are other smart devices that can be integrated for surveillance and intruder deterrence. Smart cameras for the interior and exterior of a property can intelligently detect differences in movement between a person and other sources, relaying video footage to smartphones. Indoor cameras can also be integrated with sirens and smart door and window accessories to

electricalcontractingnews.com

create an intelligent alarm system which can detect movements from an intruder, alerting occupants to their presence with a smartphone notification.

Time to upskill With smart home security expected to rise in popularity, it is crucial that electrical professionals have the right skills to install such products. Keeping up to date with the latest innovations in the sector will ensure the correct recommendations can be made to deliver a security package suited to the occupant’s needs. To aid in this upskilling process, electrical professionals should look to technology suppliers that offer training courses. Such courses are particularly helpful in a time where in-person training courses are unable to go ahead. Legrand, for example, has developed the Netatmo Pro online training programme which allows electrical installers and contractors to learn about the suite of Netatmo products. Taking advantage of training allows electrical installers and contractors to get ahead of the smart security demand boom. Electrical professionals need to be aware of the options, especially as people can start to look forward to booking more holidays and time away from home. Legrand, legrand.co.uk

@ElecConNews

12/03/2021 10:03:57 /electricalcontractingnews

25/03/2021 15:43

Find out how to deliver perfect smart home solutions for your customers The Guide to Smart Homes for Electrical Installers outlines the ways for installers to work with their customers to deliver perfect smart home solutions. It focuses on progressive technology solutions and provides electrical installers with best practice guidance to implement smart home solutions in line with current regulations. What you’ll learn from the Guide: – How to comply with BS 7671 and other regulations in this area. – What questions to ask your customers and how to best meet their requirements. – Room-by-room guidance with reusable checklists for smart home technology.

Buy your copy at: theiet.org/smarthomes-guide Complement your learning with our related online course, Smart Homes for Electrical Installers: theiet.org/smart-homes-course The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

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18/03/2021 13:59

26/03/2021 11:57

COMPANY SHOWCASE

ECN April 2021

Articles inside

Company Showcase

Legrand explores the tends in smart security and the opportunity they present

Advanced alarm series utilised in luxury development

Specifying fire safety technologies for the future, today

All your fire protection solutions under one roof

Niglon calls on industry to drive up testing and certification standards

The illuminating world of industrial lighting… and how it’s getting seriously smart and connected

Outdoor industrial lighting: key considerations

Zip-Clip writes on how steel shortages create availability issues

Thorn’s solution for The North School is a winner

Ovia’s bulkheads chosen for housing association refit

Knightsbridge offers a few pointers on getting the best results for your customers

Engineering change in the cable management market

Marshall-Tufflex supplies Plymouth Lighthouse Labs

Key Issue

Putting flexibility into shallow floor voids at Victoria House complex

Cover Story

An introduction to the CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook

Project Focus

The benefits of custom cable assemblies, according to EC Electronics

Advertisement Feature

Industry News

Contract News

Training