ECN June 2021 by All Things Media

uickwire

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

VOLUME 41 NO. 06 • JUNE 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE: EV CHARGING

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

32 COMPETITION Win multi-store vouchers, courtesy of Ovia

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100 £ 50 £100 £

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SPECIAL FEATURE: TEST EQUIPMENT

SCOLMORE ENTERS THE CONSUMER UNIT MARKET A leading player in the UK wiring accessories market, Scolmore, is continually looking at ways to improve and develop its existing product offer, and to explore new areas for expansion. The result of its latest new product development programme completes the company’s offer in the wiring accessories category – bringing to market a comprehensive Consumer Unit and Circuit Protection range. Marketed under the name ‘Elucian by Click’, the official launch follows months of extensive research and consultation with contractors and installers to come up with a range of products that best suits their requirements and that are compliant with all the latest regulations. The introduction of the comprehensive new range means that wholesalers and installers now have access to a one-stop shop for everything wiring accessories related from one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable brands, and Scolmore has made a significant investment to ensure that stock levels of the new products are high to meet the anticipated demand. Designed with the installer in mind, Elucian is an extensive range of metal consumer units that will cover a broad range of installations and offers a number of features and benefits that will enhance the products’ convenience, flexibility and safety properties.

Turn to page 12 for the full story.

EDIAN

For ALL Your Wiring Accessories

* For all products sold under the brand name of Median a donation of 10% of the nett profit (plus VAT) will go to the Charity

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DATA TERMINATIONS MADE EASY Speed, Accuracy & Reliability

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS… Regulars

VOLUME 41 NO. 06 • JUNE 2021

SPECIAL FEATURES: Mental Health

4 Editorial

Help Inside the Hard Hat 24 campaign launched to support

Making the most of outdoor spaces

construction workforce

6 Advertisement Feature

26 Tackling the silent pandemic

A solution for every budget

7 Industry News Materials shortage – companies warned to plan ahead; Goalkeeper buys in to new builder app after home renovation; Creating inclusive workplaces with EIC; and more

10 Advertisement Feature We talked to AT&T on how the industry has been affected by COVID-19

Women in the Industry Why are there so few women in 29 electrical contracting?

EV Charging

12 Cover Story

The drive towards a green 34 mobility model has created a

Scolmore enters the consumer unit market

future-proof revenue opportunity for elecrical contractors

14 Advertisement Feature Beyond the 18th – meet Honeywell’s Metalclad CP domestic circuit protection unit

Doepke’s Chaz Andrews outlines 38 key point and selection possibilities when connecting RCDs in series for EV installations

15 Contract News Engie bolsters electric vehicle charging provision in Farnham; Kane awarded £29m MEP contract at Lewisham Gateway Phase 2; Contract signed to deliver all-electric property development; and more

Software trial unlocks potential for 40 thousands of EV chargers Getting EV chargers up to speed – 42 what the UK can learn from Norway

18 Training Recruitment in the electrical trade – why pay for your talent?

20 Key Issue

Test Equipment

Does our workforce have the right skills to reach net zero?

Is poor quality test and 46 measurement equipment

21 Project Focus

compromising safety?

Rapid system sets the scene for Cambridge Science Park

Four surprising myths about 48 electrical safety

22 Advertisement Feature

Testing improved network bandwidth 50 capability without re-cabling

Ledvance lights the way in healthcare UV-C solutions

32 Competition The chance to win a £250 multi-store voucher, courtesy of Ovia

Energy Management

44 Advertisement Feature Latest intelligent EV charge stations from ICS

‘Everything as a Grid’: the future of 52 low carbon energy

56 Company Showcase

Government boosts energy 54 efficiency spending to £1.3bn

Sponsored content from across the sector

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25/05/2021 16:32

EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

Circuit Protection & Switchgear

MAKING THE MOST OF OUTDOOR SPACES

ello and welcome to the June issue of ECN. As I’m writing this, the next set of lockdown restrictions have been eased, meaning that we can now eat and drink indoors in restaurants and pubs – and we can finally hug our family and friends! Things that we have taken for granted, but will appreciate so much more after this crazy pandemic is over. Now the countdown is on to even more restrictions lifting in June, and I’m keeping everything crossed that all goes to plan as per Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown. One thing that has changed as a result of the pandemic is the homeowner’s perception of external importance, as specialist areas are now seen more as an asset rather than a novelty. Toolstation has found that sales in the company’s outdoor building categories are up 500% between

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

Fire, Safety & Security

January to May compared to the same period last year. Avid DIYers have turned their hand to outdoor projects including gazebos, bars and the ‘shoffice’ – an office in a shed! Toolstation says that sales of sheds are up 466% January to May, compared to 2020. The company is anticipating that Brits will continue to invest in outdoor spaces as lockdown eases and we start to reconnect with friends and family this summer. Moving on to this issue, it’s another packed one, full of features and a special supplement too. We bring you the latest in Mental Health, Women in the Industry, EV Charging, Test Equipment and Energy Management. This month’s supplement focusses on Wiring Accessories, Switches and Sockets – keeping you up to date with the latest in the sector. And don’t forget to enter this month’s competition for a chance to win a £250 multi-store voucher courtesy of Ovia. 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

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

LED Lighting

July Issue Editorial deadline: June 16 Advertising deadline: June 24

ECN charity of choice

The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.

Editorial.indd 4

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We’re on a journey to become the trades’ most trusted destination for electrical and ironmongery products

Our promise to you Trusted to deliver what you need, when you need it Trusted to deliver quality service Trusted to deliver quality products Trusted to deliver stress-free shopping Whether you’re working on a large project, complete retrofit, or a smaller, urgent repair, we have over 28,000 products in stock to meet the different demands of each job, all with flexible delivery options that work around you. It’s why thousands of customers shop with ElectricalDirect and IronmongeryDirect every single day.

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26/05/2021 15:55

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A SOLUTION FOR EVERY BUDGET While no two projects are the same, the demand for reliable wiring devices remains non-negotiable, whatever the budget. MK Electric is known for delivering outstanding levels of quality, safety and product breadth across its entire portfolio, from the ever-popular Logic Plus to the latest MK Base range. Emma Segelov, EMEA Marketing Operations Manager, looks at how installers can work with the budget available without having to compromise.

MK’s Logic Plus When we look at the number of electrical devices we own, it is no surprise the demand for power and charging has noticeably increased across the build spectrum, from homes and offices to education facilities and beyond. The MK Logic Plus range provides an extensive selection of products, giving specifiers and installers a comprehensive wiring device solution for any building project. Continuing to innovate and extend this popular range, MK Electric recently unveiled its new USB-C Integrated Sockets to offer enhanced user experience, flexibility and safety in an easy-to-install product made right here in the UK. Incorporating MK’s Dynamic Device Recognition (DDR) technology means, whatever device is being charged, it recognises it as it would its own charger and draws current in the way that best suits its individual requirements for optimal charging. Offering superior protection features such as three-pin operated ‘Child Resistant Shutter System’, double pole switching, and total charging current and voltage outage safety modes, deliver safety to both the user and the USB socket.

Maximising a prudent budget The perfect partner to Logic Plus, MK Base, is a new range of white moulded wiring devices that come with the quality you expect of MK, but with prices you wouldn’t. You don’t have to compromise on performance or safety even when working to a more limited budget – each product undergoes 100% electrical and visual testing at the point of manufacture and is backed by MK’s 20-year guarantee.[1]

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A broad and practical range, MK Base features one and two gang sockets with integrated USB ports and trailing edge LED dimmers. It also features grid frontplates and Euro plates that are compatible with MK s Grid Plus and Euro range of modules, extending the range further to better meet the needs of a project.

Antimicrobial – the most widely tested ranges available Both Logic Plus and MK Base are made using urea formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties inherent in the compound of the product. The most widely tested wiring device ranges available, both have been tested by an independently accredited laboratory to the latest industry standard for antibacterial measurement for plastics, ISO 22196:2011. Designed to kill bacteria and viruses, and not just inhibit their growth, the ranges have been proven to have a kill rate of over 99.99% (Logic Plus) and 99% (MK Base) on the Phi-X174 virus[2], an internationally recognised standard in anti-viral testing and one of the smallest

known non-enveloped viruses, making it harder to detect and destroy. Both also have over 99% kill rates against MRSA, E. Coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Listeria and S.Aureus 6538p, which can be resistant to antibiotics. Backed by 30-year and 20-year guarantees[1] respectively, the Logic Plus and MK Base ranges are available nationwide. MK Electric, www.hwll.co/MKBase [1] [2]

Excludes electronic products Honeywell data on file

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25/05/2021 16:34

INDUSTRY NEWS MATERIALS SHORTAGE – COMPANIES WARNED TO PLAN AHEAD Increasingly long lead times for many products has prompted ECA and Select to alert their members to the extended delays and urge them to plan ahead and order early. The warning comes hot on the heels of a recent warning by BEAMA that demand was likely to outstrip supply for many months to come. The manufacturer’s trade association said a dramatic reduction in global steel production in the early days of the pandemic had led to severe shortages. It added that, since mid-2020, the call for the types of steel used in cable management products, along with other applications, has increased as businesses attempt to meet a growth in demand and complete unfinished projects. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of Select, says: “Shortage of materials is an issue that will affect all contractors, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead and take proactive measures now.” Select, select.org.uk

GOALKEEPER BUYS IN TO NEW BUILDER APP AFTER HOME RENOVATION

CEF LAUNCHES LATEST TRADE CATALOGUE WITH OVER £58,000 WORTH OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS CEF has launched the latest edition of its trade catalogue with a brand new ‘Buy to Win’ competition, offering customers the chance to win over £58,000 worth of prizes. The new catalogue is packed with almost 30,000 essential electrical products, all at everyday value prices and features 900 new products together with new ranges from top brands. Within the 1,700 product packed pages, this edition also features a brand new ‘Get Set for Summer’ supplement, showcasing electrical essentials for the summer season. Customers can also win an amazing trip to Dallas for two plus £10,000 worth of tools in the all new ‘Buy to Win’ competition. Two lucky runners up will also each win £10,000 worth of Super Rod and Klein tools – with hundreds of other daily, weekly and monthly prizes up for grabs. The new ‘Buy to Win’ competition runs through to 31 August. Full details including how to enter and the prizes available can be found in the new catalogue or at cef.co.uk/buytowin. CEF, cef.co.uk

ECA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS The ECA Industry Awards 2021 are now open to entries. These prestigious awards recognise the key achievements of the highest talent in electrotechnical and engineering services, providing a great opportunity for contractors and wider industry associates to showcase their exceptional work. This year’s awards will also combine Member projects and activities from 2019 and 2020 and the full list of award categories is as follows: • Large Contractor of the Year – over £30m Turnover, sponsored by Schneider Electric • Contractor of the Year – £15m to £30m Turnover, sponsored by Eaton • Contractor of the Year – £5m to £15m Turnover, sponsored by ABB • Contractor of the Year – £1m to £5m Turnover, sponsored by the JIB • Contractor of the Year – under £1m Turnover, sponsored by Edmundson Electrical • Excellence in Training & Development – over £15m Turnover, sponsored by JTL • Excellence in Training & Development – up to £15m Turnover, sponsored by Ideal Industries • Best Health & Safety Initiative, sponsored by Electrical Safety First • Best Fire & Security Project, sponsored by NSI • Best Client/Partnership, sponsored by Markel • Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sponsored by CHAS

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, has become a shareholder in a new app aimed at putting an end to payment disputes between tradespeople and their customers. Sam was one of the first users of the app, having been asked to beta-test it during the full refurbishment and extension of his family home in Altrincham. He was so impressed by the experience he has now become a shareholder in the company, which is aiming to transform relationships between trades and customers. Launched in April 2021 by a Lancashire-based tech start-up, the Kiistone app allows tradespeople and customers to agree job specifications and budgets ahead of work commencing. Payment is then taken and held independently, by the largest Escrow provider in Europe. Monies are then diverted to the tradesperson in stages, based on the successful completion of the works specified in agreement with the customer, thus providing greater control and accountability to both parties. As well as the Escrow solution, the app provides further functions to help tradespeople manage their projects, diary, cashflow, admin and communication. It also links to the Kiistone Community website, providing industry news, guidance and support for trade businesses and homeowners. Kiistone, kiistone.co.uk

In addition, the FSA will be presenting its two annual awards for contribution to the fire and security industries during this event. Entries for this year’s ECA Annual Awards close on Friday 23 July 2021 and are open to all ECA Registered Members. ECA, eca.co.uk

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June 2021 | 7

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INDUSTRY NEWS 454 HARD HATS REPRESENT THE NUMBER OF UK CONSTRUCTION SUICIDES EACH YEAR A total of 454 hard hats have been laid out at a building college to represent the number of construction workers who die from suicide each year, as new research finds that almost half (49%) of UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work. The exhibition was organised by IronmongeryDirect as part of its wider campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst the UK trades. The vast collection of hard hats was displayed at the Leeds College of Building to visualise the scale of the suicide problem within the construction industry. Shockingly, male builders are three times more likely to take their own lives than the average UK man, with almost nine tragedies a week. Mental health problems are unfortunately common amongst tradespeople. Nearly three in five (58%) deal with some form of issue, such as stress, anxiety or depression, at least once a week, resulting in over a quarter (28%) taking medication. Finances are the biggest cause of stress (38%), but tensions with customers (31%) and suppliers (29%), as well as high workloads (26%), also add to the strain. Sadly, more than one in four (29%) tradespeople say they do not feel comfortable talking to anyone about their mental health. As part of its campaign, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with the mental health charity, Mind, and donated £5,000 to support its crucial services. Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, says: “Unfortunately, mental health problems are common in the construction industry, but lots of people don’t feel able to talk about their feelings. This stigma needs to be addressed if the awful suicide statistics are to be lowered, so hopefully by raising awareness of the issue, things can start to gradually improve.” IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

83% OF BRITS ARE REDECORATING THEIR HOMES READY TO IMPRESS GUESTS With Brits now able to welcome people into their homes and gardens, new research from Checkatrade has found that a huge 83% of Brits are planning a home refresh over the next 12 months. The top renovations UK homeowners are planning to make in the future are: • Redecoration of living room/bedroom/bathroom – 30% • Garden revamp – 23% • Replacing flooring – 22% • A new kitchen – 19% • Replacing windows – 15% • New external doors – 13% • Building a shed – 10% • Knocking walls through/building walls – 8% • Installing a conservatory – 7% • Creating a home office – 6% The new study also reveals that eco upgrades are on the agenda, with one fifth (19%) of Brits keen to make environmentally friendly improvements like installing insulation or solar panels. Meanwhile, when it comes to home inspiration, most homeowners are influenced by TV shows (21%) and magazines (19%), while social media was also cited by many as a source of inspiration, including Pinterest (12%), Instagram (11%), and Facebook (9%). Checkatrade, checkatrade.com

CREATING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES WITH EIC The Electrical Industries Charity’s latest campaign is focussing on ‘its OK to be you’. Within the construction industry, 71% of LGBTQ+ workers felt they had to hide their sexuality on site and 51% felt their sexuality prohibited them from career progression. Tom, a generation and renewables employee, had to hide his sexuality when he joined a new project. Tom’s workplace was an enjoyable environment and him and his partner often attended work functions together. After three years Tom accepted a new role in a different plant. Tom brought his partner with him to work drinks and he began to receive derogatory comments. Tom asked colleagues to stop but unfortunately, the prejudice continued. Tom spoke to his line manager, but he labelled the discrimination ‘workplace banter’. Tom then contacted the Electrical Industries Charity. The Charity encouraged Tom to speak to his line manager again. Tom’s charity caseworker also advised him to speak to the HR department. Tom spoke to his line manager again and he was extremely apologetic. Tom’s charity caseworker was contacted by Tom’s manager and together they ensured Tom was well supported. The Electrical Industries Charity recommended welfare and diversity training for staff and encouraged the plant to hold wellbeing sessions. The plant also appointed a wellbeing champion. The Electrical Industries Charity supported Tom so he could always be who he is, no matter where he is. The Electrical Industries Charity can support you with free and confidential advice. Contact the welfare team on support@electricalcharity.org or 0800 652 1618.

Chris Mottram has joined Niglon as the company’s new Product Manager and will have oversight of new products introduced, as well as existing ranges. He started his career with Tenby Electrical – which was later acquired by Legrand – mixing hands-on experience in the design office with qualifications attained at college. Before joining Niglon, Chris had spent 10 years as a Product Development Manager of Wiring Devices for Scolmore International and was responsible for the design and development of new and existing products. The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) has welcomed Matt Sturgess to the position of CEO. He took up his position in April, replacing interim CEO, Paul Crisp. Matt started out professional life as an electronics graduate engineer, sponsored by a Thorn EMI business. Early on, he moved into sales and progressed into senior roles in different industries, with a passion for personal learning and development. More recently he has worked within the lighting industry, having operated as the Commercial Director of Sylvania Lighting and also held the position of Managing Director at Simmonsigns. Centiel UK has expanded its hardware sales team with the addition of Graham Murray as sales engineer. Graham will be responsible for external hardware sales, specialising in UPS system replacements. Before joining Centiel, Graham was a sales engineer at Kohler Uninterruptible Power UK for more than four years and prior to that, he worked at UPS Systems plc for several years as a Technical Sales Account Manager.

Electrical Industries Charity, electricalcharity.org

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25/05/2021 16:35

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27/05/2021 15:48

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

RECHARGE, REFRESH, RE-ENERGISE We talked to AT&T (GB) on how the industry has been affected by COVID-19, the immediate issues we are facing, and whether existing strategies can be returned to once normality resumes. Ian Wright, Purchasing Director

Adrian Storr, Managing Director “It’s been a tough time for us all. The downturn in trade we experienced when the first lockdown was announced meant that we had to get our thinking hats on quickly, introducing new methods of trading, such as the ‘out of hours’ collection service, while keeping customer safety a priority. “Despite the problems we faced with the lockdown, it was the sad loss of our Operations Director, Simon Pates, in November, that still gives me the most grief. What a loss, not just for AT&T, but for the industry as a whole. “Looking to the near future, with the knock-on effects of Brexit, the shortage of shipping containers available from China, the Suez Canal blockage and the resultant fluctuations in copper and steel prices, it seems likely that the most serious issue the industry will face over the coming months will be that of supplies. Product availability is one of the key elements of our customer service strategy, so we have a target to hold more than £3m of stock in our warehouses on an on-going basis. With the logistics issues we are all experiencing right now, this will require some serious focus over the next few months. “There will always be new challenges, but after several years of sales growth, the pandemic has made me even more determined than ever to recharge, refresh and re-energise our plans to invest and grow the business. These plans include the opening of a new warehouse and trade counter in Kent, which will be the first of several new sites we’re looking to open in London and the South East in the near future. “To further invest in this strategy, we have adopted three new senior members to our leadership team, Ian Wright, Jamie Ribbons and Wayne Coldwell. Ian is our new Purchasing Director, with Jamie and Wayne joining in the newly created positions of Senior Business Development Managers. All three are extremely experienced and talented people who bring with them a new spark of energy and ideas. Due to this I see them as being our ‘three-pin plug’, allowing us to tap in and fully take advantage of this next stage of post-lockdown growth and prosperity.”

John Williams, Sales Director “What I most enjoy about my work is the relationships I’ve built up over the years with both our customers and the fantastic teams working in-house. “As we have all experienced, phone calls and Zoom have become the chosen form of communication during this time. I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone in 3D and returning to normality! “With our new solid plan, positive outlook, and re-energised team, I am more excited than ever about the future.”

10 | June 2021

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“With my many years of industry experience, I was able to see immediately that the standards set by my predecessor, Steve Habgood, were extremely high, with obvious evidence of a well organised purchasing operation, backed up by a strong and highly trained team. Therefore, my decision to take up this new role at AT&T (GB) was an easy one. “Having said that, I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with the current worldwide product supply issues we are experiencing as we come out of lockdown. Initially, my key focus is on working through the supply issues one by one, doing everything possible to satisfy our customer requirements. “However, as we move forward in time, I can already see a few opportunities where we can improve on how we do things and therefore help move forward with Adrian’s target to recharge, refresh and re-energise.”

Jamie Ribbons, Senior Business Development Manager “I’ve been working in the electrical wholesale industry in London for 28 years and have recently become aware of AT&T (GB) as a serious competitor, mainly because of the reputation they have for delivering great customer satisfaction. “Now that I am here, I can see for myself that the logistics infrastructure is second to none. The high focus on warehouse stock held means I can confidently offer my London based customers same day delivery service on orders placed before 11am - a service few can compete with. “After this grim time, it is great to be feeling excited about the future again and I’m really looking forward to working with the impressive AT&T team and helping them hone what is already an impressive operation.”

Wayne Coldwell, Senior Business Development Manager “Like Jamie, I am really impressed with the AT&T (GB) focus on delivering exactly what their customers want, but what impresses me most is the positive culture that Adrian and John have built into the company’s DNA. “I have seen clear evidence that standing still is not an option and the only norm is that all employees are encouraged to constantly seek out new ways to improve and make decisions for the good of the customer, with no micro-management and no internal politics. “Adrian and John are already listening to my ideas and helping me develop them, so I am delighted to be seen as one of the ‘positive’ elements of Adrian’s ‘three-pin plug’ along with Jamie and Ian. As challenging as things are in a post-lockdown world, I’m feeling extremely confident about the future.” AT&T (GB), attgb.co.uk

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05/05/2021 15:35 05/05/2021 15:17:27

COVER STORY

ELUCIAN BY CLICK A leading player in the UK wiring accessories market, Scolmore, is continually looking at ways to improve and develop its existing product offer, and to explore new areas for expansion. The result of its latest new product development programme completes the company’s offer in the wiring accessories category – bringing to market a comprehensive Consumer Unit and Circuit Protection range.

arketed under the name ‘Elucian by Click’, the official launch follows months of extensive research and consultation with contractors and installers to come up with a range of products that best suits their requirements and that are compliant with all the latest regulations. The introduction of the comprehensive new range means that wholesalers and installers now have access to a one-stop shop for everything wiring accessories related from one of the industry’s most trusted and reliable brands, and Scolmore has made a significant investment to ensure that stock levels of the new products are high to meet the anticipated demand. Designed with the installer in mind, Elucian is an extensive range of metal consumer units that will cover a broad range of installations and offers a number of features and benefits that will enhance the products’ convenience, flexibility and safety properties. The consumer unit collection comprises a total of 58 individual lines which fall under five main product groups.

• 100A Mains Switch Consumer Unit – a range of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 20 way consumer units furnished with a 100A Mains Switch. This will allow the contractor to fully populate the board to the exact requirements of the installation.

12 | June 2021

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• Dual RCCB Consumer Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A Type A RCCB – a range of 4+4, 5+5, 6+6 and 8+8 way consumer units furnished with a 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A 30mA Type A RCCB. A Dual RCCB Consumer Unit allows for two separate banks of MCB’s to be protected separately from Earth leakage by each RCCB. • Dual RCCB/SPD Consumer Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A RCCB + 2 Pole SPD. The current Edition of BS 7671:2018 requires the installation to be protected against Transient Overvoltages. SPDs offer the required protection against overvoltages. The Elucian consumer unit has located the SPDs adjacent to the Main Switch for ease of installation. By taking the supply to these direct from the outgoing terminals of the Main Switch all devices within the Elucian consumer unit are isolated when the main switch is in the off position.

• RCD Incomer – Mini Board – RCD. Mini Boards offer a practical solution in workshops, garages, outhouses and sheds which require only a small number of circuits (three available ways). These units do not contain a 100A 2 Pole Mains Switch Isolator – isolation is handled by either the 2 Pole 63A or 80A 30mA Type A RCD supplied. Earth leakage on every circuit is dealt with by the one main RCD, meaning that a residual current fault on any circuit will cut the power to all other circuits.

Elucian RCBO

• Combination Unit – 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A RCCB – a range of 8, 10, 12 and 16 way consumer units furnished with a 100A Mains Switch + 2 x 80A RCCB. This unit allows for two separate banks of MCBs to be protected separately from Earth leakage by each RCCB but also contains additional incoming neutral terminals to allow connection for a separate bank of RCBOs or MCBs which commonly provide a total separation/ protection for circuits deemed to be critical such as alarm systems, fridge freezers and stairwell lighting.

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25/05/2021 16:37

COVER STORY

Scolmore has highlighted some of the key features that the company believes will make these units stand out in the marketplace and help installers make an informed choice:

Non-combustible enclosures Non-combustible and robust metal housings ensure compliance against the third amendment added to the BS 7671 Wiring regulations in 2015 requiring consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies in domestic premises to have a non-combustible enclosure.

Mains Switch Tail Clamp Each consumer and mini unit come supplied and pre-fitted with a Mains Switch Tail Clamp for added stress relief to ensure the Mains Tails terminations do not come loose and to help fix the Mains Switch Isolator more securely to prevent any rocking or movement. The Mains Switch Tail Clamp will accept a maximum of 25mm² double insulated tails.

Knockouts The units all come supplied with a wide range of 40mm, 32mm, 25mm and 20mm knockouts making each board universally adaptable for all installation and cable types. The knockout positions and sizes were configured as a direct result of feedback obtained during Scolmore’s extensive engagement with contractors across the UK to investigate the number and types of knockouts required in the most convenient locations for ease of install and best installation practice.

Rear knockouts The units also come supplied with rounded rectangular knockouts for easy removal and to provide ample cabling capacity for any installation type. Each knockout will be supplied with a 0.5m grommet strip to allow a smooth entry into the board, protecting cable from any potential sharp edges.

Earth and Neutral Bar configuration Each unit has its own specifically configured Earth and Neutral Bar to allow for best practice installation of each board type, neatness of connections and ease of circuit identification. • Backed off Neutral and Earth Bar Screws – for added convenience and to allow quick and easy termination. • Keyway Din Rail – a fast release Keyway Din Rail allows for ease of installation. • MCB style solid blanks for any unused ways. These are din rail mountable and can only be removed when the cover is removed, thus providing additional safety. Other types of blanks can easily fall out or become dislodged.

Elucian consumer units

Circuit protection range The Elucian Circuit Protection Range comprises Mains Isolator Switches, RCCBs, SPDs, MCBs, RCBOs and blank modules.

• Type 2, 2 Pole 40kA SPD available in 275Uc (V~). Surge Protection Devices are used to protect the circulatory aspects of the installation from an electrical surge, whether that be man-made or due to natural causes such as lightning strikes not direct to the installation. SPDs are used to protect electronic equipment connected to the installation such as computers, televisions, washing machines and LED lighting.

• 2 Pole 100A Mains Isolator Switch – the central switch controlling the supply of mains electricity from the meter to the consumer unit and subsequently throughout the rest of the property. A Mains Isolator Switch is switched on and off manually – it will not perform either action automatically or electronically. When the Mains Isolator Switch is turned to the off position, both the incoming Live and Neutral power will be isolated from the unit, isolating the consumer unit/property from the mains electrical supply. • Type A 2 Pole 30mA RCCBs (63A, 80A and 100A) – constantly monitor the balance of current in the line (Live) and neutral conductors. If an imbalance between the conductors of more than 30mA occurs the device will disconnect within 40mS. When an RCCB trips it is usually to prevent any electric shock or personal

injury as electricity is flowing through an unintended path to Earth. The RCCB will detect the imbalance and will then trip and turn off the circuit. If Earth leakage is detected, the RCCB will limit the magnitude and duration of the current to Earth.

• 1 Pole, True 6kA B Curve & C Curve MCB’s (6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A, 50A and 63A). The range of B Curve and C Curve Miniature Circuit Breakers are safety switches that turn themselves off automatically to protect electrical circuits from damage in the event of an overcurrent and/or short circuit. The new range means wholesalers and installers now have access to a one-stop shop for everything wiring related

• Compact Type A 1 Pole + Neutral True 6kA B Curve & C Curve 30mA RCBOs (6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A & 40A) complete with 450mm Neutral out tails. The Elucian RCBOs are compact single module devices that allow for additional space above to make it easier to install and terminate outgoing circuits. These devices are Type A rated offering a resilience when DC current is present. They are Single pole devices, isolating the Line (Live) conductor only. They only require a Neutral fly lead connection and accept Line (Live) and Neutral terminations direct into the device. BS 7671 is proposing a move towards the use of RCBOs for the preferred method of protection. This change should be accepted in March 2022. • A single way Din Rail Blank module – Din Rail Blank modules are installed in consumer units in place of vacant spaces, with future expansion in mind. Din Rail Blank modules provide complete protection against access to any potential live parts in applications where a consumer unit is not fully populated with an even amount of circuit protection. Scolmore, scolmore.com/products/elucian

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June 2021 | 13

25/05/2021 16:37

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

BEYOND THE 18TH — MEET HONEYWELL’S METALCLAD CP DOMESTIC CIRCUIT PROTECTION UNIT Honeywell’s Metalclad CP is a new cost-conscious circuit protection range that meets wiring regulations, offers configurable control of power and is easy to install. So, whether you are working on a larger social housing upgrade, a residential retrofit or a new build project, Ashley Clements-Smith, Senior Channel Lead from Honeywell, looks at how this latest addition to the Honeywell portfolio provides a versatile option that can be adapted to suit the property’s needs, whilst meeting, and exceeding, important IET 18th Edition wiring requirements.

Fully earthed and lockable Not always a standard feature on consumer units, Metalclad CP is fully earthed to provide end user safety. A lockable lift-up front cover further ensures that the unit cannot be tampered with, making it ideal for homes where safeguarding is a consideration.

Flexible configuration The Metalclad CP consumer unit comes either empty with a switch disconnector or fully populated with four Type-AC and two Type-A Double Pole Residual Current Devices (RCDs), Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), and Residual Current Breakers with Overload Protection (RCBOs) - the setup of which can be configured to suit the property’s requirements.

Type-A Residual Current Devices (RCDs) Newer Type-A RCDs have been included in the latest Metalclad CP and can detect DC fault currents where older Type-AC RCDs are less likely to. Although the use of these Type-A devices is not mandatory, they are becoming increasingly specified by consultants and contractors and are recommended in the 18th Edition to provide better protection when a property uses LED lighting, heating controls and appliances such as washing machines, induction hobs, dishwashers and fridges.

Type-A RCDs are also mandatory for circuit protection for sites with electric vehicle charging stations.

Arc Fault Detection Devices Options (AFDDs) AFDDs are an intelligent device designed to monitor the power system and detect dangerous arcs caused by issues like problematic connections in faulty equipment, insulation defects in cables, damaged cables or loose terminal connections. If undetected, these could lead to fires in electrical equipment or the fixed wiring. Metalclad CP has the option to include two AFDDs so that if an unsafe arc is detected, the AFDDs disconnect the circuit. They are programmed to tell the differences between safe and dangerous arcs, so that normal ones, such as those caused by switching cycles, do not trip the AFDD.

(SPD) is designed to absorb this voltage to protect properties and their electrical equipment. Although not mandatory, it is a recommendation in the 18th Edition depending on the probability of lightning strikes in an area.

Easy to install With multiple extra-large knock outs and four point fixing holes to cope with uneven surfaces, Metalclad CP has also been designed to make fitting it quick and simple, whatever the installation. Honeywell Metalclad Consumer Protection products are available exclusively at Edmundson Electrical stores. Honeywell, hwll.co/Metalclad

Surge Protection Devices SPDs are also offered as an optional extra in the Honeywell Metalclad consumer unit. When lightning strikes, voltage can be induced onto the local power line, causing a sudden rush of voltage entering properties. A Surge Protection Device

14 | June 2021

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27/05/2021 15:23

CONTRACT NEWS HIGHBAY LAMPS OFFER QUICK AND EASY PAYBACK SOLUTION Signify has introduced its new Philips TrueForce LED highbay universal lamps that are easy to install, save energy with low initial investment and are particularly suitable for industrial use, in warehouses, and retail areas. Ipsen, a global supplier of heat treatment systems with production sites in Europe, America and Asia, has installed TrueForce LED highbay lamps at its production facility in Kleve, Germany. “We’ve chosen Signify’s LED products because the TrueForce LED lamps are much more energy efficient than the conventional lamps we had. TrueForce LED lamps easily fit into our existing system, thereby providing an easy way of enhancing the light quality without having to change the light fixtures or sacrifice the light effect. The fact that the ignitor as well as the conventional ballast can both still be used, is a major plus,” says Georg Segers, Production Manager, Ipsen International GmbH. Philips TrueForce LED lamps provide an easy LED solution to replace HID lamps, highbay lamps, SOX lamps as well as SON-T lamps. Benefits of LED are improved energy efficiency and long lifetime, while keeping initial investment low. Signify, signify.com

ENGIE BOLSTERS ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PROVISION IN FARNHAM

KANE AWARDED £29M MEP CONTRACT AT LEWISHAM GATEWAY PHASE 2 Kane has secured a £29m design and build contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver the MEP installation at Lewisham Gateway Phase 2. The 26-month contract consists of the design and construction of 649 residential units contained within four blocks ranging in height from 11 to 30 stories. The dwellings will facilitate 530 residential apartments with the remaining 119 being utilised for co-living. The project also incorporates retail units including food and beverage fitted to shell and core, a shell finished space for a cinema, the construction and fit out of a co-living facility, co-working building with a Category A fit out, gym space fitted to shell and core and a below ground energy centre. Kane will deliver efficient offsite construction solutions by incorporating prefabricated utility pods, in each residential unit. Additionally, the energy centre will be prefabricated off site, along with corridor service modules containing all landlord low temperature hot water, boosted cold water and sprinkler pipework, and electrical containment. All specialist systems, inclusive of commercial sprinkler system, residential sprinkler systems, dry and wet risers, smoke and environmental ventilation systems, BMS, access control, fire alarm, CCTV, PV systems and electric vehicle car charging systems will be designed, supplied, and installed as part of Kane’s scope of works.

ENGIE and Waverley Borough Council have completed the installation of a series of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Farnham, bolstering the Council’s efforts to improve charging infrastructure across the district. This latest installation, powered by ENGIE’s GeniePoint network, sees three brand new EV charge points go live at Farnham’s Riverside Car Park 3 – a key location for those accessing Farnham Leisure Centre, Brightwell Tennis Club, and a range of local businesses. The new chargers comprise of one rapid charger (EV Box QC50) and two fast (Alfen) charge points, offering EV drivers flexible charging options. The scheme is part of Waverly Borough Council’s efforts to help Farnham become more environmentally friendly and improve its sustainability credentials. It follows on from the successful rollout of EV charging provisions in public car parks in Cranleigh, Godalming and Haslemere. Richard Homewood, Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services at Waverley Borough Council, says: “We hope that by increasing publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points we can encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles in our towns, working towards improving both general air quality for residents and overall environmental credentials. This is just the first phase of our plan to help improve sustainability in Farnham, and we hope to be able roll out even greater provision for EV drivers in the town in the future.” The GeniePoint Network chargers will provide 100% renewable energy and will offer the latest in EV charging technology. Drivers can access and pay for GeniePoint chargers by RFID card or via the GeniePoint app. ENGIE, engie.co.uk

Kane, kanegroup.co.uk

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SPIE TAKES CHARGE OF SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR FOR MERSEYTRAVEL SPIE UK has been awarded a new contract for the supply and installation of replacement high voltage switchgear by Merseytravel. SPIE UK will be supplying, installing and replacing high voltage switchgear, low loss transformers, and high voltage, low voltage, and control cabling at the Promenade Ventilation Station, which provides ventilation and power to the Kingsway Road tunnel, which runs under the River Mersey between Liverpool and Wallasey. Four 1500kVA Wilson e3 Low Loss Transformers will be installed in order to ensure the new system is highly energy efficient.

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The new high voltage switchgear delivers on the dual benefits of being extremely energy and cost efficient. Systems being supplied and installed by SPIE UK are forecast to save an estimated 437 tons of CO2 over the course of their lifetime, based on a 60% load factor, in comparison to the systems that they are replacing.

In accordance with this high level of energy efficiency, the new high voltage switchgear will also help Merseytravel achieve significant cost savings. Based on the same 60% load criteria set out above the saving is estimated at £10,223 annually, delivering a much-improved total cost of ownership. SPIE UK, spieuk.com

June 2021 | 15

25/05/2021 16:40

CONTRACT NEWS ENERGY EXPERT WINS MAJOR CONNECTION CONTRACT WITH TELFORD HOMES UK Power Networks Services has successfully won a contract with Telford Homes, one of London’s largest residential developers, to connect its new development in Beckton to the local electricity network. This is an exciting project for UK Power Networks Services, building on the experience of working with clients to deliver critical energy infrastructure. Telford Homes’ Gallions Point development will deliver 267 new homes to the East London area and UK Power Networks Services will draw on the expertise and experience of its teams who work on the electricity networks at nearby Canary Wharf, London City Airport and on the DLR. Client delivery manager, Antony White, who leads the company’s ICP business says: “UK Power Networks Services supports the UK’s leading companies achieve their path to net zero. A critical element of net zero is the electrification of heat and housing. Getting the right connection at the right price is a key part of this journey.” The energy infrastructure company will deliver work including cable laying, diversion and reinforcement of circuits or substations, overhead power line installation, substation installation, service terminations and low voltage and 11kV connections to the main electricity network. UK Power Networks Services, ukpowernetworksservices.co.uk

ESP’S CCTV SYSTEM RIGHT ON CUE FOR PROFESSIONAL SNOOKER PLAYER Mark Joyce made his debut appearance at the Crucible at the start of this year’s World Snooker Championship, facing defending champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Although he didn’t make it through, he will continue to make the most of his own personal, purpose-designed training facility to help improve his performance. It is here that he constantly records and plays back his training sessions using the high specification CCTV system that was supplied by ESP. Working from photographs, required dimensions and specific requirements that Mark had supplied, ESP’s system designer, Matt Tighe, created a number of 3D drawings of how the system would look and how it would operate to capture the details that Mark required. Products from ESP’s Rekor IP CCTV range were chosen to provide Mark with the optimum solution. A total of four cameras were installed, with one acting as a security measure to cover the facility as a whole, and the other three positioned at various locations within the room so that all angles of the snooker table are covered. The IP CCTV kit utilised consists of a 1TB hard drive, with capacity to provide a continuous recording time of seven days; 4 x 20m pre-made leads for wiring the cameras; 2 x 2MP 3.6mm IP rated Dome Cameras; and 2 x 5MP 2.8mm Wide Angle View Mini Dome Cameras. ESP, espuk.com

16 | June 2021

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CONTRACT SIGNED TO DELIVER ALL-ELECTRIC PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Vattenfall’s independent distribution network operator has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by Parabola to provide and operate the electrical infrastructure at the Edinburgh Park site, to help the city of Edinburgh to achieve its ambition of becoming a net zero city by 2030. Vattenfall IDNO’s distribution network will enable every property at Edinburgh Park Southern Phase to connect to the local grid. This will include nearly 1800 residential units, one million square feet of commercial office space, as well as restaurants, health centre, bicycle hub, nursery and EV charging points, all of which will be added to the electrical network as the project is built. An independent connection provider will be contracted to build the substations and associated infrastructure to approved design and technical standards. Once installed, Vattenfall IDNO will take ownership of the new electrical network and will continue to provide the operations and maintenance of the development. Stewart Dawson, Managing Director of Vattenfall Networks, says: “Edinburgh Park Southern Phase masterplan provides a fantastic example of decarbonisation in action; where energy companies, developers, architects and investors are coming together to deliver our low-carbon future. “This site puts Edinburgh firmly among the leaders in the race to become the UKs first net zero city and provides the blueprint for changing the way we heat and power our homes, offices and buildings. We are delighted that Parabola have invited us to work with them on this exciting new zero carbon development and recognise our expertise in delivering climate smarter living.” Vattenfall IDNO, idno.vattenfall.co.uk

SES ENGINEERING SERVICES SECURES LATEST BLUE LIGHT SECTOR PROJECT SES Engineering Services (SES) has announced the award of its latest blue light sector contract win to deliver MEP services on a new £20m operational support building near Hull. Partnering for a seventh time in recent years with main contractor, Willmott Dixon, SES has been appointed to provide a full range of MEP services on the state-of-the-art three-storey building for Humberside Police. This latest facility will create high quality office accommodation for more than 500 force employees, in a number of specialist units. There has been a particular focus on the services necessary to support the services within the building,

including complex fire detection and suppression systems to safeguard specialist installations, in the event of a fire. The building’s energy strategy has adopted a lean-clean-green approach. This means minimising energy demand through a high-performance envelope, utilising air-source heat pumps for space heating and hot water generation in conjunction with mechanical ventilation thermal heat recovery and a photovoltaic array. The photovoltaic array alone is predicted to offset 18 tonnes of CO2 annually, whilst demonstrating the building’s commitment to energy efficiency and carbon reduction. SES Engineering Services, ses-ltd.co.uk

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25/05/2021 16:40

STAY CURRENT with the new Elucian range of consumer units

Bus Bar with pre-fitted cover

Untitled-5 ECN June ad1- Elucian.indd 1

Accessories Pack

Metal Consumer Units

Mains Switch Tail Clamp

Variable Sized & Rear Knockout

05/05/2021 15:36 05/05/2021 15:03:16

TRAINING

RECRUITMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL TRADE — WHY PAY FOR YOUR TALENT? Mick Fitzgerald, Director at Options Skills, discusses the benefits of recruiting trainees and the value they can bring to your business to help you meet your business goals.

he past year has bought about financial challenges for every business. Many business owners have had to put the hopes of growing their business on hold whilst the financial situation settles, with the cost of recruitment feeling out of reach for many as work picks up again. On average, the cost-per-hire in the UK is £3,000. The cost of using a recruitment agency can be higher than this, with the fee often being around 20-30% of the final salary of the new employee. With COVID-19 tightening the budget for many electrical businesses, the engineering sector saw a 74.2% drop in recruitment in 2020. Those who have traditionally relied on apprentices or recruitment agencies to source their junior team members are slowing down the process of expanding their teams, leaving existing employees overworked. However, recruiting through an agency, apprenticeship scheme or advertising through online job forums isn’t the only way you can expand your team and find junior team members. You could recruit a trainee.

Recruiting an electrical trainee Electrical trainees are often people who have wanted to pursue a new career path, and they are looking for experience in the electrical trade to build their portfolio. Many training providers will be happy to match you with the perfect trainee for your business, exactly as a recruitment agency or apprenticeship scheme would, but without the associated fees.

How do you know it’s time to recruit a trainee? If you’re looking to expand your electrical business or have retirement in your sights, it may be a good time to take on a team member to allow you spend less time ‘on the tools’, and more time working on the business rather than in it. As well as saving costs on recruitment, recruiting a trainee has a variety of benefits for you and your business, helping you to: • Find the right cultural fit Finding the right person who fits in with the culture of your business can be challenging, especially when it comes to ensuring a potential team member has the right soft skills to succeed.

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Training – Option Skills.indd 18

On average, the cost-per-hire in the UK is £3,000

Trainees will often have a whole host of soft skills, not just the technical skills required to complete the job, with many training providers including soft skills as part of the curriculum.

can grow your reach and delight more clients with your services. Expanding your business can allow you to increase your income and continue to invest in growth to build the story of your business.

• Find someone committed to growth By investing in electrical training, trainees display a clear commitment to their professional growth and route to a successful career. This means they will prove to be a reliable and dedicated member of your team, eager to learn and grow with your business.

• Leave a legacy Recruiting a trainee allows you to leave a legacy through training the next generation of tradespeople and become a mentor. As an experienced electrician, you know your trade inside and out, giving you the ability to teach it thoroughly and provide trainees with the crucial ‘on the job’ skills they won’t learn through training courses.

• Spend less time ‘on the tools’ As a seasoned and highly experienced electrician, you may feel reluctant to spend too much time on menial tasks. By recruiting an electrical trainee, you can focus on putting the tools down and managing others and growing your business instead. • Build your business A trainee can help you to expand your business. By having a bigger team, you

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Why pay for your talent? Expanding your team by employing trainees is a great way to save money and cut costs on recruitment. It also helps you to build the story of your business and leave a legacy through teaching the next generation of tradespeople. Options Skills, opskills.co/growyourbusiness

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25/05/2021 16:41

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

Compact - fits through a 30mm diameter hole.

The fastest and simplest connector of its type.

One piece plug moulding simply snaps shut with cord grip.

Plugs can be supplied prewired with cable in bespoke lengths. Rapid Quickwire™ connections

Dramatic time saving on site.

Easy disconnection for maintenance and testing.

Visit www.quickwire.co.uk or your wholesaler for info 01183 840025 Untitled-5 1

info@quickwire.co.uk

www.quickwire.co.uk

flex

connectors

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KEY ISSUE

DOES OUR WORKFORCE HAVE THE RIGHT SKILLS TO REACH NET ZERO? Evidence shows we have little time to mitigate the ongoing impacts of global warming. ECA is focused on supporting the electrical and wider engineering service sector’s delivery of ‘active’ technologies and skills to help attain the UK’s net zero Carbon 2050 target, says Luke Osborne, ECA Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor.

ctive technologies include the full range of equipment and systems that provide ‘low to no carbon’ energy solutions. They include solar and wind energy, heat pumps, EV charging, energy storage, and other smart, monitoring and wireless systems. They are distinct from ‘passive’ energy solutions, such as insulation. To this end, ECA recently partnered with TESP, BESA, the Renewable Energy Association and Solar Energy UK (formerly the Solar Trade Association) to produce the Skills4Climate industry report, examining ways to ensure our sector has the required skills base. The report gives voice to the views and experiences of nearly 150 electrotechnical businesses, ranging from microbusinesses to those with over 500 employees, and the results are already helping to map the way forward for our sector.

Powerful consensus There was overwhelming survey support for a ‘low to no carbon’ UK economic recovery following the pandemic, but the survey also showed a quarter (25%) of respondents would struggle to find workers with the necessary ‘green’ skills to help deliver it. Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Employment and

20 | June 2021

Key Issue – ECA.indd 20

Skills, said of the Skills4Climate report, “Despite a powerful consensus in favour of transition to a low carbon economy, skills policy and delivery in this area remains sub-optimal, with insufficient engineering services sector input and buy-in.” Renewable energy, heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, smart systems and energy storage all require specialist design and installation skills, and almost half of respondents (48%) added there is ‘insufficient training’ to enable installers to deliver all these low carbon technologies. Yet with a suitably skilled workforce, many more engineering services businesses can pivot successfully into these technologies, as is already happening in the growing arena of EV charging. Other low carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, are being lined up. Survey respondents pointed to too many disjointed training offerings and standalone short courses, causing confusion, mismatched standards and undermining sector confidence in what to do next. To make significant progress in low carbon skills, government, industry and education providers need to work together to deliver a joined-up nationwide training programme. Andrew adds, “A more inclusive and strategic approach is required to encourage more engineering services employers to upskill their current workforce to deliver a low carbon revolution, and to recruit and train the next cohort of school leavers for secure and meaningful careers for the future.”

Actuate UK: driving change

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the industry”

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ECA is a member body of the recently formed engineering services alliance, Actuate UK, which is now considering the Skills4Carbon report. Supporting the Actuate UK launch event in February, David Pinder, Chair of the CLC Green Construction Board told launch attendees, “I’m pleased to see Actuate UK concentrating not just on net zero carbon, but also on skills development. I believe that delivering on net zero will rely more on developing essential green skills than on further developing the technology, and progress must include both new and re-skilling.” So, it seems everyone agrees that low carbon installation needs a suitably trained and competent workforce, with practically useful and properly scoped training for new sector entrants, notably in the form of apprenticeships, and optimised upskilling activity for the larger cohorts of existing installers. Arguably, despite the many challenges facing electrical and other engineering services, business and society in general, there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the electrotechnical industry, nor a time that requires such urgency to develop the necessary skills to help decarbonise the UK. ECA, eca.co.uk

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25/05/2021 16:41

PROJECT FOCUS

RAPID SYSTEM SETS THE SCENE FOR CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE PARK The Cambridge Science Park is home to over 100 companies

A versatile lighting control system from CP Electronics’ RAPID range has been installed at Buildings I & II at the Cambridge Science Park.

system was installed to allow for scene setting, which ensures that each area provides the desired level of illumination. The open plan office spaces benefited from daylight harvesting, a key benefit of the RAPID system, which saves the maximum amount of energy by reducing the light output gradually in lighter areas near windows and increasing in darker areas, thus retaining comfort levels for occupants. The lighting needs of the atrium were slightly different to those of the offices, as full manual control and the ability to set light levels was required. The RAPID system was ideal for the atrium as a fully addressable and networkable system, with a simple graphical user interface that allows switching between scenes via an easy-to-use control panel. With the installation of presence detectors in the atrium linked to RAPID scene setting plates at the reception desk, the user can easily control the level of lighting output. RAPID can be configured to control rooms and areas with lighting control modules networked together from an area controller on each floor. An entire multi-floor building network can be created with the area controllers on each floor linked together with a backbone network cable. The perimeter spotlights on all floors are included in a global group which includes the front and rear atriums, so any active PIR in the building holds these areas on a five-minute delay. Should a fire alarm be triggered, a special alarm interface will bring all of the lights on at 100%. The key feature requirement for the lighting in the toilets was to ensure energy wastage is kept to a minimum. For this, presence detectors were fitted with a 20-minute timeout. This was easily incorporated into the RAPID system.

ounded in 1970 by Trinity College Cambridge, the Cambridge Science Park is home to over 100 companies employing 7000 people developing life-enhancing products and services. Enjoying a prominent position at the entrance to the Park, and offering over 200,000 square feet of ‘Cat A’ office and R&D space, Buildings I & II are the last two buildings to be constructed for TusPark as part of its investment in the Cambridge Science Park. The project consisted of providing lighting controls for the two buildings including the toilets, atrium and the multi-storey car park. The concept for the offices was for a DALI fully addressable system which included open plan offices with presence detection and daylight harvesting. The toilets required presence detection to ensure energy saving, whilst the atrium required full lighting control that could be manually controlled. Finally, the car park needed a fully monitored system including emergency test and monitoring system. CP Electronics Rapid Lighting Control System was chosen as it provided a tried and tested solution. Working closely with M&E consultant, Venables Associates, CP Electronics provided a full lighting control scheme, using lighting drawings supplied, which was submitted as a full technical submittal and subsequently received full approval. CP Electronics also collaborated with electrical contractor Hilton Cannon Electrical with whom it had previously worked successfully with on several other projects on the Science Park. With lighting playing such a major role in the offices, CP Electronics’ RAPID

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Project Focus – CP Electronics.indd 21

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With the challenge of one system meeting the requirements of multiple environments, the RAPID system could once again meet the client’s needs by offering testing and monitoring of emergency luminaires using DALI EMPRO, integrated with the front-end PC software meaning that the multi-storey car park now has a fully monitored system. For extra safety, external lighting and exit points have both day and night control via photocell located on the roof, where manual on/off control via retractable switches are located. The flexibility of CP Electronics’ RAPID system has ensured the desired level of illumination throughout the facility, coupled with simple operation for users. RAPID also offers full future-proofing as it can be reconfigured to changing requirements throughout the building’s lifecycle. CP Electronics, cpelectronics.co.uk

The project consisted of providing lighting controls for the two buildings

June 2021 | 21

25/05/2021 16:42

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

LEDVANCE LIGHTS THE WAY IN HEALTHCARE UV-C SOLUTIONS Ultraviolet lighting solutions provide extremely effective disinfection for air, surfaces, objects and water, without chemicals or toxic compounds, benefitting medical facilities in this time of heightened sanitation measures.

EDVANCE is showcasing a range of UV-C products that are designed to provide peace of mind in hospitals and healthcare facilities such as care homes, through disinfecting light solutions. The LEDVANCE T8 UV-C and the Linear Housing UV-C Sensor can be installed in wards, offices, waiting rooms, break rooms and other hospital spaces to make employees and patients feel safer. These products benefit fully from LEDVANCE’s track record of innovation in UV-C lighting, and are backed by the company’s experts who can advise on projects and installations. Commenting on the range, Nelo Neves, Managing Director of LEDVANCE UK, says, “The pandemic has brought the importance of healthcare hygiene to the forefront of everyone’s minds. The pressure on key workers at the ‘frontline’ of the fight against COVID-19 is already immense. Simple yet highly effective sanitisation solutions, such as UV-C lighting fixtures, can really ease the burden, ensuring hospital spaces and equipment are fully disinfected in minutes. LEDVANCE is in a key position to

support with this. The LEDVANCE factory in Smolensk, Russia, has been massproducing UV-C lamps since 2012 and we hold more than 50 patents in low pressure discharge technology.” For easy installation in a wide range of spaces, the LEDVANCE T8 UV-C lamps are available in three lengths: 440mm (15 watts/25 watts), 900mm (30 watts/55 watts) and 1,200mm (36 watts/75 watts). They are CCG and ECG compatible and can be mounted on a standard G13 base. These T8 lamps last up to 20% longer than competitors’ comparable products (10,800h/ L70B50) and conform to the most stringent quality and safety standards (including ISO 9001/14001 and CB certification). Without appropriate safety measures, UV-C radiation can be dangerous to humans, and require the installation of detection sensors to ensure protection against exposure. The LEDVANCE IR Sensor Safety Kit gives a 30 second delay at start-up and switches off the lamp as soon as people are detected. The Linear Housing UV-C Sensor comes with an integrated longlasting ECG (electronic control gear to regulate dimming), which is compatible with LEDVANCE T8 UV-C. It has a detection range of up to 150sqm (depending on the height of the installation). An anti-UV

coating covers the lamp holder, screws and plastic parts. The Linear Housing UV-C Sensor is available in two lengths: 440mm (18 watts) and 900mm (33 watts).

About UV-C light “The pandemic has brought the importance of healthcare hygiene to the forefront of everyone’s minds”

The range of UV-C products from LEDVANCE are ideal disinfecting light solutions for hospitals and healthcare facilities. The LEDVANCE T8 UV-C and the Linear Housing UV-C Sensor can be installed in any space to make employees and patients feel safer

22 | June 2021

Advertorial – Ledvance.indd 22

Ultraviolet radiation, UV for short, is divided into four ranges according to its wavelength. Light with a wavelength between 100 and 280 nanometres is classified as UV-C light. As it does not occur naturally on Earth, UV-C light is able to kill bacteria, viruses and fungal spores by damaging their DNA. Compared to other methods of disinfection, UV-C light has a number of advantages. For instance, it does not require chemicals or toxic compounds, and pathogens are unable to form resistance to its radiation. Though the pathogens are rendered harmless in a matter of seconds, the treatment’s short duration does not change the properties of a product or leave residue and discolouration on surfaces.

UV-C installations must be supervised by professionals UV-C sources are dangerous (risk class RG3 according to standard NF EN 62471). The UV radiation they emit expose risks to skin (burns) but also to the cornea and retina. UV-C radiation has no immediate effects. As a result, the user may be unknowingly exposed to irradiation for an extended period of time. Harmful effects usually appear within 24 hours of exposure. The severity is determined by the intensity of irradiation, the duration of exposure and the cumulative exposure. The installation and use of UV-C products must therefore be reserved for professionals who have received specific training on the risks of UV-C radiation as well as on the safety measures required by law in order to adequately protect humans, animals, plants and the environment from harmful effects. During the installation, adequate shields and safeguards must be in place. These include presence detection sensors and timers. LEDVANCE lighting solutions come in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging with all relevant product information immediately visible on the outside of the box. LEDVANCE, www.ledvance.co.uk

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25/05/2021 16:43

FULL RANGE, FULL BENEFITS. OUR NEW PRODUCT PORTFOLIO.

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LEDVANCE.CO.UK Untitled-3 1

26/05/2021 09:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

HELP INSIDE THE HARD HAT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has launched its hard hitting and poignant ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of mental wellbeing issues in the industry and, more importantly, how the workforce can reach out for help.

his is a campaign to get construction talking and it addresses the perception that construction workers are often seen as being ‘hard’ on the outside; always ready with a quip or keeping up with the alpha male image on site or at work. But research shows that simply isn’t true and the charity deals first-hand with the results of not addressing issues ‘inside the hard hat’. The vibrant posters and hoardings deliver four thought provoking quotes;

“He was our big mouth – he’d always have an answer for everything, except for why he should still be here.” “He was the last off site every day, then one night he left us way too early.” “He was such a polite lad; it didn’t make sense when he left without saying goodbye.” “He was the joker. The one who made everyone on site cry with laughter and then one morning, we just cried.”

All of the campaign resources are available to download free of charge from the charity’s website so that everyone can get involved with helping inside the hard hat. There are a variety of poster sizes to choose from and companies can add their logo to show they are proudly supporting the campaign.

wellbeing and encouraging people to start a conversation by checking that their work mates are OK. This one simple action could make all the difference to someone and could even save a life.” Bill adds, “For the first time ever we’re also encouraging the industry to share our messaging, not just within the boundaries of a site but on external hoardings too. COVID-19 has brought the mental health agenda to the fore and so the timing is right to share our important message with a wider audience and create a sense of community with the general public; the same public that uses the schools, hospitals, roads etc, that our construction workforce work hard to deliver in often very difficult circumstances.” The charity provides a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline which provides a range of free and confidential wellbeing support services and this is complemented by its free Construction Industry Helpline App which offers expert guidance on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. It also offers a variety of free construction focussed training ranging from hour long interactive wellbeing sessions through to the MHFA England approved Mental Health First Aider course. Companies can get involved by downloading their free posters and displaying them both within their sites and offices and also on site hoarding to make a really big impact. The charity is then urging everyone to take photos of their posters in situ and post them on social media to raise as much awareness as possible. Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, lighthouseclub.org

He was such a polite lad, it didn’t make sens e when he left witho ut saying goodbye.

He was the joker . The one who made everyone on-site cry with laughter and then one morning, we just cried.

He was the last off-site everyda y, then one night, he left us way too early.

He was our big mo uth - he’d always have an answer for ever ything, except for why he should still be here.

For those companies that want to ‘go large’ with their support, artwork suitable for hoardings and site buildings can also be provided free of charge. The Help Inside the Hard Hat campaign was created by London agency And Rising which stepped forward to support the charity after hearing about mental health issues in the industry. Darius Rodrigues, Creative at And Rising says, “We were staggered by the statistic that every single working day, a construction worker takes their own life and this really pulled at the team’s heart strings. We wanted to do everything that we could, to not only help the Lighthouse Club raise awareness and address the enormity of the issue, but also to showcase all the fantastic work that is being done by the charity to support construction workers in crisis.” The campaign is also being supported by the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme which is despatching free posters to all registered sites and also including free posters with all of the charity’s Construction Industry Helpline Packs. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, says, “We want to deliver a message of hope and reassure our construction community that ‘we’ve got their back’ and that we are working tirelessly to ensure that no construction worker or their family is alone in a crisis. We really want the industry to get behind this campaign so that our workforce knows about all of the resources we have available to help inside the hard hat. If construction workers don’t know we are here then we can’t help them. This is all about removing the stigma of talking openly about emotional

Our industry can be physically and mentally tough. Together with our partners and donors, the Lightho Construction use Industry Charity working night are and day to ensure worker or family no feels alone in a crisis. So if you or a workmate need support, we are always here to help. Registered Charity No. UK 1149488 Company No. | 08244118 | Copyright Registered Charity No. ROI 20200334. Lighthouse Constructio n Industry Charity 2021.

Registered Charity No. UK 1149488 Company No. | 08244118 | Copyright Registered Charity No. ROI 20200334. Lighthouse Constructio n Industry Charity 2021.

24 | June 2021

Mental Health – Lighthouse.indd 24

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25/05/2021 16:45

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26/05/2021 09:51

SPECIAL FEATURE

MENTAL HEALTH

TACKLING THE SILENT PANDEMIC ECA Health and Safety Manager and Mental First Aid ‘Train the Trainer’, Paul Williams, examines the ‘silent pandemic’ of poor mental health, and how engineering services businesses are stepping up their support.

ith the rising incidence of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s worth remembering that mental health issues, which can range from stress to anxiety and severe depression, can affect managers and other employees alike, and the impacts can very quickly affect families. A survey of construction and engineering services business owners in late 2019 revealed that a staggering nine out of 10 managers reported some degree of mental health challenge due to business pressures, and within the survey respondents, four said they had attempted suicide. Construction and facilities management combined account for some £220bn of UK GDP and support and enable up to £600bn of GDP within the wider economy. Engineering services is undoubtedly a major part of the UK construction industry, comprising on average around 40% of the cost of construction. In the face of this considerable challenge, many large engineering services businesses have increased their mental health support. A further, more recent, COVID-19 Impact survey commissioned by ECA showed nine out of 10 large electrical and other engineering services businesses (89%) now train teams of staff as Mental Health First Aiders. These findings were part of a wider benchmarking survey of larger ECA Members on the impact of COVID-19, completed by 24 of the largest engineering services firms in the UK, with a combined turnover of several billion pounds. Almost half of those responding to this survey went on to mention ‘communication’, or ‘workplace stigma and perceptions’ as challenges to managing mental health. Around a third of respondents referred to the difficulty of measuring outcomes, both in terms of improved mental health and quantifying the return on investment in mental health support measures.

26 | June 2021

Mental Health – ECA.indd 26

Putting words into action According to Mark Lawrence, CEO of engineering services business TClarke, one of the respondents to the survey: “We have embraced well-being and mental health awareness. We still have a predominantly male working population and death and ill-heath due to mental stress in construction overall is far too high. “As a result, we have teamed up with a business called Green-Hearts Mindfulness and Meditation to roll out courses, seminars and training. Among other things these show that there’s someone here to talk to. And there’s been some interesting journeys: some people have shared their stories with us, helping other people to open up as well. “It’s been something new and different for us, but it’s well worth the investment.” Philip Hamblett, contract manager at N Smith Electrical, was one of the first to take the Mental Health First Aider course delivered by ECA. Over the last year, 20 of the firm’s employees were furloughed and on their return to work, Philip spoke to each employee individually. He says, “A lot of younger staff communicate by text rather than speaking with people. This is not good if they have an issue concerning them as they do not discuss it. By meeting them separately, it gave me the chance to check they were OK and also the chance to discuss any concerns about the pandemic, be it working on site and ensuring site safety; or discussing the loss of a friend or loved one.”

Safety and mental health In late 2019, Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR presented at a well-attended Access Industry Forum conference, launching the ‘Safety Steps’ suite of industry guidance on Work at Height. Perhaps surprisingly the day’s discussion turned, repeatedly, to mental health and its negative impact on site safety behaviours.

“It was as if mental health was elbowing its way to the surface and saying, ‘you’re really missing what’s going on,’” says Paul. He adds, “and it’s not just about what happens on site – some 20% of work absence in the sector is attributed to poor mental wellbeing. Lockdowns and business uncertainty mean we now need to deal with an additional ‘silent pandemic’ that’s affecting many owners, managers and other workers.”

More work to be done For many, the coronavirus crisis has worsened isolation, affected working hours, sleep and exercise patterns, and increased job uncertainty. Against this backdrop, it’s encouraging to see contractors reporting significant and increasing engagement with employee mental health. Perhaps the main progress to date is to recognise that this is a widespread, not exceptional, issue, that can and should be more openly talked about. The way forward – now and in the future – cannot be to simply tell someone to ‘man up’. There are now plenty of sources of not just support and advice and helping to address mental health issues – including not doing the things that can make it worse – can provide massive benefits for employees and business alike. ECA, eca.co.uk

ECA runs a series of Mental Health First Aider courses, led by Health and Safety Manager Paul Williams. Visit www.eca. co.uk to find out more. The Electrical Industries Charity is running a series of virtual mental health and wellbeing courses, to help raise awareness of the most prevalent issues affecting construction industry professionals. For more information and to book your place, visit www.electricalcharity.org/training. For further mental health advice and resources for the construction industry, visit www.matesinmind.org.

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25/05/2021 16:47

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WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHY ARE THERE SO FEW WOMEN IN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING? Brett Smyth, general manager of Ideal Industries EMEA, asks why there are still so few female electricians and what can be done to attract more women into the sector. He also interviews Amy Barratt-Singh, an electrician the company is sponsoring, who has established a successful career after retraining as an electrician just four years ago.

he days when schools segregated the girls into one classroom to learn cookery and needlework and the boys into another to do woodwork and metal craft may be long gone but, when it comes to electrical contracting, it would appear that gender stereotyping is alive and kicking. No doubt, education environments and family assumptions about the careers that boys and girls will follow play a part, but are there also unpalatable truths that we need to face up to as an industry? Has the electrical sector overlooked the diversity and inclusion agenda and failed to embrace the opportunity to recruit more women? Or, worse, is there a reluctance to disturb the status quo? Whatever the reasons for the scarcity of female electricians working ‘on the tools’, the perception for many would-be female electricians is that the industry is a hostile environment for women. Anecdotally, the evidence of women fighting against stereotypes to fulfil their ambitions in the sector demonstrates the scale of the challenge. For example, Amy Barratt-Singh, the electrician Ideal Industries is sponsoring through her excellent You Tube channel, told Brett that during her first job on site, there were no welfare facilities and she felt too intimidated to ask for them to be provided. As you’ll read in the interview that forms part of this article, Amy is a skilled and ambitious electrician who is much more likely to speak up for herself these days, but her experience highlights the issue facing both would-be female electricians and the employers that might recruit them. It is not just stereotyping and educational opportunity that need to be resolved, but an ingrained culture that assumes all electricians are male.

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Women in the Industry – Ideal.indd 29

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The good news is that things are beginning to change. There has been a 366% increase in young women beginning apprenticeships in construction or engineering over the past five years. But things are only changing slowly. Only 11.5% of female tradespeople across all site trades are women, and just 3% of electricians are female. At a time when we need to boost the number of skilled electricians to enable the roll out of electrical vehicle infrastructure, renewables technologies and smart buildings, these statistics are indicative of

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the scale of the challenge the electrical industry faces. If we need more electricians but most of the sector’s new recruits are being drawn from just half of the population – the male half – we’re missing a trick. And, unfortunately, it is a chicken and egg conundrum: with so few women working as electricians, the next generation of potential female professionals has to be prepared to work in a male dominated environment. As a result, the industry remains lacking in female role models and the slow pace of change remains frustratingly slow.

It would appear that gender stereotyping is alive and kicking

June 2021 | 29

25/05/2021 16:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY putting women on their website and in their marketing materials, so that the idea of women working as electricians becomes a normal, accepted career choice. Brett: Why did you start your YouTube channel? Amy: I started the YouTube channel and my Instagram to encourage other women to work as electricians and in the trades. I’m really proud to be inspiring others and it’s so rewarding when I’m contacted by women who just need a role model to help them believe in themselves and follow their dream. I didn’t set out to be the poster girl for women in electrics but, if my profile helps to encourage others, I’m delighted to be part of positive change.

The perception for many would-be female electricians is that the industry is a hostile environment for women

That’s why, when Ideal Industries came across Amy Barratt-Singh, a woman who retrained as an electrician – at her own expense – just four years ago, the company was so impressed with her that it offered her both samples of its products and an offer a sponsorship. Why? Because she is exactly the type of electrician the industry needs to inspire both women and men - including those already working in the sector and the next generation of professionals. Having been discouraged from following her dream as a young school leaver, she returned to education aged 28 to retrain while continuing to work as she learned. Now, just four years later, she has recently been promoted to contracts manager by her employer, Synergy Smart Homes, managing a team of four electricians. It’s not just the way that Amy is acing her own career that is so impressive, however; it’s also the way she’s working hard to inspire and encourage others. Active on both Instagram and YouTube, she is helping to show other women how rewarding a career on site can be in both electrical and other trades, as well as encouraging school leavers into vocational training. Brett caught up with her to find out more about her story so far. Brett: What made you want to become an electrician? Amy: My grandad was a plumber and, as a kid, I loved helping him do jobs and developed an enjoyment for learning practical skills. My two brothers grew up to be electricians but, as a girl, I was never encouraged in that direction at school or at home. I suppose I didn’t really consider it as an option so I ended up working in education. It was only when I went travelling for a year that I was able to step back and think about what I wanted from a career. Travelling also gave me the confidence to go for it, and I definitely needed that because I had to pay my own way as a mature student and deal with being the only woman on my course.

30 | June 2021

Women in the Industry – Ideal.indd 30

Brett: What would your advice be to other women who want to work in the electrical sector? Amy: I would definitely tell them to go for it! I love my job and have already progressed beyond where I anticipated in my career, but I can see more potential for career development ahead. I’d advise women to be confident and committed to their goals, though. I wish I’d been tougher in my first job as an electrician because I did encounter some prejudice, and I was so taken aback by how hostile some of my colleagues were to having a woman on the team that I didn’t respond in the way that would have earned me more respect and acceptance a lot sooner. The other advice I would give anyone, male or female, is to invest in your career development for the long term. Work hard, get as much experience as you can by working in different environments and with different people that you can learn from. And, of course, if an opportunity comes your way, whether it’s sponsorship from a company like Ideal, a chance to learn a new skill or a promotion, grab it with both hands!

Brett: Were your friends and family supportive of your choice? Amy: There was a real male/female split in the response to my decision to retrain as an electrician. My mum was really encouraging and my female friends were very supportive because they knew I really wanted it. Brett: What did you find most challenging about training as an electrician? Amy: Getting people to take me seriously was quite challenging at first and, because I had bills to pay, despite being in college 25 hours a week, I was working as many hours as I could to pay for my course and my living expenses too. That commitment is what helped me to gain the respect of my peers though, so it was definitely worth it. Brett: And the most rewarding? Amy: The most rewarding part has been doing a job that I love. I’ve worked really hard from the outset and built on my initial decision to invest in myself with retraining by investing in tools and a van to supercharge my career. Brett: How important has the Ideal Industries sponsorship been to you? Amy: It’s great to have a globallyrecognised electrical brand support me and acknowledge what I’m doing to encourage others. I’ve used a few of the products and love them, especially the FT-45 Feed Thru modular plug system for data terminations, which I’ll be using a lot of now I’m working for a smart homes specialist. I’m excited to see where the relationship with Ideal will go and it’s great to know that the company is getting behind the need to encourage more women in the sector.

Let’s pick up the pace

It seems that the industry is making progress in attracting more women

With role models like Amy inspiring a new generation of potential electricians, it seems that the industry is making progress in attracting more women. Ideal Industries is keen to play a part in driving positive change too so that it can nurture talent and encourage a more diverse profession. Ideal Industries, idealindustriesemea.com

Brett: What else do you think electrical supply chain companies can do to encourage more women into the sector? Amy: The best way to encourage more women into the industry is to show women and girls images of people like them doing the job. That’s why I am so active on social media. Companies can help by

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25/05/2021 16:49

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via’s EVO range of energy-saving LED bulkheads has been designed with the installer in mind, offering convenience and speed of installation as their key attributes. The range currently comprises the standard EVO bulkhead, EVO ORB, EVO Slim and EVO Deco XL. They all benefit from a fast-fit twist and lock installation mechanism and they feature a tri-colour CCT switch integrated onto the LED board, making it easy to switch from 3000k, 4000k and 6000k. The standard IP65-rated EVO bulkhead is available in black and white and in 12W and 16W versions and a popular feature with contractors is the benefit of four 20mm conduit knockouts. This enables surface conduit work directly into the luminaire. The IP65-rated EVO ORB bulkhead is a stylish model with larger dimensions – 320mm diameter and 113mm depth – and is available in 12W and 16W versions. The IP65-rated EVO Slim has a depth of just 57mm, making it ideal where a subtle solution may be sought, or where space is tight. EVO DECO XL is a 20W, IP54-rated bulkhead with a 470mm diameter and 96mm depth. Typical applications will be larger, more open areas to avoid the need for a greater number of smaller fittings to meet the required light levels. All EVO models are available in Standard, Microwave, Emergency and Microwave Emergency. Microwave sensors are activated by movement, unlike PIR sensors which detect heat. Another unique feature of the sensor is the ability to provide a step dim function where it steps the light output to 10% or 30% when no presence is detected after a pre-determined time. Competitor products would

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require dimmable control gear to provide such an option. This is commonly known in the industry as corridor function, which aims to provide a low level of light for statutory reasons and ramps up to full brightness once movement is detected. All EVO Emergency bulkheads benefit from the latest technology by incorporating Lithium ion batteries. Lithium batteries benefit from having longer operational lifetimes, are much smaller in physical size and have an extremely low self-discharge and power consumption under use. This enables Ovia to offer all EVO models with a five-year warranty as standard.

For your chance to win a multi-store voucher worth £250, simply answer the following questions correctly: 1. How many 20mm knockouts does the EVO have?

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April Competition The winner of the April competition – two family National Trust memberships, courtesy Timeguard – were Denise Sheard and Stacey Suter.

Closing date All entries must be returned by 30 June 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 August 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 June’s competition are:

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

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To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe Competition.indd 32

25/05/2021 16:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING supported by

EV charging is the future. So it pays to work with the experts.

innogyevcharging.com

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EV Charging – Innogy eMobility.indd 33

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June 2021 | 33

25/05/2021 16:50

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

OPPORTUNITY NOx The drive towards a green mobility model has created a future-proof revenue opportunity for electrical contractors.

he cars we drive and the fuels we use are changing – rapidly. With an eye on climate change, the UK Government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. While the news has been challenged by old school motorists, it’s a positive development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry – and electrical contractors eager to break into a profitable and rapidly-expanding new market. Green mobility is the future of transport and the number of EVs on our roads is rising sharply. But it’s accepted that the UK’s charging infrastructure needs to expand significantly and that ‘range anxiety’ is still a real and uncomfortable emotion for EV motorists.

The latest statistics, compiled by Zap-Map – a continually-updated, UK-wide map of charging points – show that the UK urgently needs more chargers to cope with increasing demand. As of May 2021, there were 510,000 electric vehicles registered in the UK. And despite the pandemic, there were an astounding 175,000 EV registrations in 2020. This represented a 66% increase on 2019 data, a figure that is even more impressive when you consider the overall new car market declined by 29.4% last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). But while there are more than half a million EVs on our roads, there were just under 24,000 charging devices in May.

When it comes to EV charging, it pays to work with the experts.

EV Charging – Innogy eMobility.indd 34 Innogy_Half_Page_DPS_ECN_Spread Ad_488x166.indd 2-3

25/05/2021 16:50

EV CHARGING

SPECIAL FEATURE

Incentives are driving the EV revolution

Installer in the field

“UK motorists are rapidly embracing the switch to EVs and why wouldn’t they, given the grants available, tax benefits, operational, maintenance and fuel savings to be had?” explains Karl Anders, Managing Director of innogy. “But to keep up with the pace of change, the UK urgently requires more chargers in the ground so drivers and businesses can keep moving and the momentum of the EV switch doesn’t flounder.” The need to significantly grow the UK’s charging infrastructure presents a new and valuable business opportunity for the electrical contracting industry. Crucially, entering the EV market as a charging point reseller gives forward-thinking electrical businesses an opportunity to offer an exciting new product and service that is future-proof. innogy, a division of European electric utility powerhouse E.ON, is supporting the increasing number of electrical contractors that have already spotted the long-term potential within the EV arena. Karl says: “The Government has made funds available to accelerate the large-scale rollout of the EV charging infrastructure and that’s driving the installation market.

“With sales of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles set to end this decade, more businesses are moving towards electric fleets and encouraging their staff to drive an EV. And then you have property landlords that are looking to make their customer experience better and more sustainable. “These are just two potential customer groups that will require a lot of EV charging points now and into the future. “Some electrical contractors may have customers that are seriously looking at EVs already. Becoming a reseller of high-quality technology gives the contractor another profitable service they can offer at exactly the right time.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Vehicle charging using an innogy charger

EV CHARGING

Market access via a reputable partner innogy was one of the first companies to pioneer eMobility technology. Since 2008, it has been masterminding large-scale charging installations in the UK and across Europe through a network of reliable partners. innogy is the trusted eMobility partner for organisations that include DHL, Vodafone, Aldi, Ford, Porsche, Renault and VW. The company is unique in the charging point market. As well as providing state-of-the-art EV charging hardware, it has also developed its own eOperate software that allows charging point owners to run their network at optimum performance. “The beauty of the reseller opportunity is that an installer won’t just put a charger in the ground and move to the next job,” Karl points out. “There are ongoing monthly revenue opportunities through charging software technology and network management. “It’s a future-proof model and the fact that our products are flexible and adaptable means they can be matched to a reseller’s level of competence or experience in the EV field.”

Training electrical contractors for EV Once a company has been identified as a viable charging point reseller and installer, innogy provides the training to equip the electrical contractor for success in the EV field. And this comprehensive training package is free. “Once we’ve checked the electrical contractor meets the requirements of becoming an EV reseller and will be able to deliver the volume of sales that our business is familiar with, it’s a streamline process to train them for business

installations,” explains innogy Technical Manager, Luke Williams. “The first step for a prospective reseller and installer is to undertake our AC or DC training. This is currently taking place on MS Teams but as restrictions ease, we will resume face-to-face training. “The training allows them to understand the products we offer, the installation requirements, how to configure them and how to successfully commission them. “All partners must also complete a City & Guilds Electric Vehicle Charging course which is mainly theory based but builds on the installation expertise and insight we provide. “Gaining the City & Guilds qualification is crucial because it allows the installer to claim installation grants from the Government’s OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) scheme.” And that’s the beauty of the current EV revolution.

Grants to support a smooth EV transition Not only is the Government incentivising consumers and fleet operators to switch to ultra-low emission vehicles via grants and tax benefits, it’s also supporting the businesses that are providing the early market products and skills to expand the UK’s EV infrastructure. OZEV, previously known as the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and connected to both the UK Department of Transport and the UK Department of Trade, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has ring-fenced £900 million to position the UK at the global forefront of ultra-low emission vehicle development, manufacture and use. Once an innogy-trained reseller has received their certificate of qualification and letter of accreditation, they can register as an OZEV-authorised installer and apply for Government grants via the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) or Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme (EVHS). “Once a business has chosen an OZEV installer to install their charging point, the installer can apply for a Government grant on the customer’s behalf,” says Karl. “The installer can then invoice the customer for the price of the installation – minus the grant amount. “The scheme, which offers up to £350 per socket (and up to 40 sockets per company) towards the upfront purchase or installation fee, rewards EV customers for their commitment to a green mobility future. And it ensures installer business remains buoyant because the Government is offsetting some of the customer’s initial costs. It’s a win-win situation for all parties.”

As well as training, innogy can provide its resellers with expert guidance on how to manage the daily operating requirements of the charging point, encompassing the optimisation of charging hours and tariffs – on commercial premises. Recognising that electrical contractors joining the EV market may need a little extra support when they first enter the installation field, innogy operates an ‘open door’ policy around its training. It also grants its accredited resellers access to a reseller partner portal that contains a raft of support and marketing material. Luke says: “For the first couple of installs, I always make myself available to give guidance during the process – if our new partner feels its required. We don’t just leave the installer to fend for themselves. “We recognise the importance of having a competent network of resellers representing the innogy brand, that can deliver at volume and maintain the very highest standards of customer service. “I’m always available to oversee any stages of the customer delivery and fitment process or to answer any questions the reseller may have.”

Capitalising on a new mobility trend The rapid development of the EV market is showing no signs of abating and has created a perfect storm for ambitious electrical contractors. Climate change awareness is driving societal change, Government incentives and policy are supporting the shift to green mobility, and today’s hardware and software solutions are formidable. But even more crucially, the EV revolution provides a genuine opportunity for the electrical industry to diversify, capitalise on a new mobility trend and embrace a fresh revenue stream with longevity. Innogy, innogyevcharging.com

When it comes to EV charging, it pays to work with the experts. 36 | June 2021

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Training is taking place on MS Teams

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

EV CHARGING: SELECTIVITY BETWEEN RCDS Chaz Andrews, Doepke Technical Manager, outlines key points and selection possibilities when connecting RCDs in series for EV installations.

V charging circuits requiring two or more RCDs in series should provide for selectivity between RCDs under residual current fault conditions. The site survey, physical layout, design, positioning of the circuits, types of cable and location of the RCDs within the circuits will determine if this is actually possible.

722 Amendment 1 – design rules The IET Code of Practice EV Charging Equipment Installations 4th Edition (CoP) gives detailed design requirements. Effective and safe design solutions for a specific installation relies on the correct interpretation of the rules, for example, 722.531.3.101 Amendment 1 referring to 30 mA RCDs says: ‘...each charging point… shall be protected by…’ It does not state that the RCD must be in the charge point (see Note 3 of the Amendment). In domestic installation with a single Mode 3 charge point, if the design requires a 30mA RCD upstream (see CoP clause 5.6.2), an additional RCD in the chargepoint adds to the operational complexity. However, this does not apply to V2G or V2H installations if the vehicle is providing storage – see CoP section 10. A supply

cable with the potential to be fed from either end may require two RCDs, based on vehicle to grid/grid to vehicle operating mode, possible location of the fault and the installation rules requiring RCD protection. Consider the rules carefully, before making a decision on the final design of the installation.

Different types of RCD in series 722.531.3.101 Amendment 1 Note 1 refers to Regulation 531.3.3, detailing the requirements for selecting types of RCD, based on the nature of the residual currents. In Figure 1, the upstream RCD will be subjected to the combined residual currents. In this example, iFDC would exceed 6mA up to 12mA, before one of the chargepoint’s outputs is switched off. To meet BS 7671 531.3.3 a Type B RCD is required upstream of two or more chargepoints, as the combined DC leakage current can exceed the safe limit specified in the regulations for the use of Type A/F RCDs – see Figure 2. Figure 2 details the requirements for the upstream RCD, based on BS7671 722.531.3.101 Note 1 and Regulation 531.3.3 – the charging mode, chargepoint design, type of RCD and number of chargepoints connected to the feeder circuits containing upstream RCDs.

Figure 2 – RCD Selection 722.531.3.101 Note 1 and Regulation 531.3.3

Figure 1 – Type B RCD upstream of two charge points

Check the EV manufacturer’s chargepoint specification for specific RCD requirements and any additional equipment requirements to meet BS7671. For smaller installations containing multiple chargepoints, it may be cost effective to consider a design using individual feeder circuits with separate RCDs for each charge point. For more complex installations with existing RCD protection on the main incoming supply, consider the design carefully, e.g., RCDs, type and sensitivity already installed, selectivity, possibilities for separate supply etc. Refer to the revised Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installations 4th Edition; equipment that fails to meet the regulations, will not provide the expected level of protection. Doepke, doepke.co.uk

Selectivity In addition to the RCD type, selectivity must be considered when installing RCDs in series, specifically with regard to the continuity of supply to other RCD protected services – see CoP Fig 8.1 for chargepoints located inside and 8.2 for chargepoints located outside, with the upstream RCD providing fault protection, see BS7671 411.3.2. The product standard BS EN 61008-1 Table 1 specifies a minimum non actuating time of 50 ms* for Selective RCCBs. This is represented graphically in Figure 3, comparing 30mA general delay and 300mA selective delay RCCB characteristics. The 10ms difference (50-40) is required to achieve full selectivity. Using 100mA, 100mA ‘S’ or 300mA upstream of 30mA may only achieve partial selectivity under certain residual current fault conditions.

Conclusion

* Note: BS7671 Appendix 3 Table 3A, minimum tripping time for selective RCDs at 5I∆n (40ms), would not provide discrimination with the maximum tripping time allowed for a 30mA RCD at 5I∆n.

Figure 3 – EN610081 disconnection times for 30mA and 300mA ‘S’ RCCB to achieve full selectivity

When it comes to EV charging, it pays to work with the experts. 38 | June 2021

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26/05/2021 09:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

SOFTWARE TRIAL UNLOCKS POTENTIAL FOR THOUSANDS OF EV CHARGERS An innovation trial by network operator UK Power Networks has shown for the first time that more than 500 electric vehicle chargers could be connected around a single electricity substation, using state-of-the-art technology rather than building new cables and substations.

he trial used an AI computer simulation to successfully test Active Response software on a London substation, to automatically move electrical capacity around the network to safely accommodate more low carbon technologies like electric vehicles or heat pumps. The trial is a key part of UK Power Networks’ ongoing work at the forefront of ‘smart grid’ development, and helping to enable net zero. The company, which is ranked number one in the global Smart Grid Index, forecasts up to 4.5 million electric vehicles in London, the South East and East of England by 2030. Just one rapid EV charger can use as much electricity capacity as a block of flats, so proactively ‘creating space’ for new chargers is a key step in enabling the UK’s move to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The simulation was based on a substation in Tooting in south London. Active Response processed vast amounts of data and used switches to automatically reconfigure power flows around the network, and efficiently distributed

electrical load across the available infrastructure. One of the simulations tested a ‘peak demand’ scenario in the evening when people are at home cooking, using electric heating and charging electric cars. The system identified a way to unlock 1000kW of capacity - equivalent to 142 fast chargers - and there was scope for more from other cables. Experts at UK Power Networks believe the software solution could release capacity for 568 additional EV chargers in Tooting alone. There are 195 primary substations like this across London and 1,313 across the South East and East of England that share similarities – so the software has potential to enable thousands more fast chargers to be connected in other areas. The project team is now preparing to trial the system on the live electricity network. Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, says: “To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we need to facilitate millions of electric vehicles and heat pumps and work even faster to connect more renewables. These results are exciting because they show that intelligent innovation can have a multiplier effect and make this future a reality.”

Project partners include CGI and Ricardo Energy & Environment. Symon Brown, account director at CGI, says: “CGI are proud to be a partner on Active Response. As a team, we have come a long way in informing how a rapidly changing energy network will operate in the future. We have had some impressive results, and as the transition to net zero will be enabled through projects like this, it is evident that Active Response is an important step along the way.” Sarah Carter, UK business area manager at Ricardo Energy & Environment, says: “We are very pleased to continue to support the UK electricity supply industry in delivering cutting edge innovation projects such as the Active Response project. They are learning from commissioning state-of-the-art software that processes network data to determine optimal running arrangements and gives distribution network operators and other stakeholders valuable insights into the offline trials before the project moves into the online trial stage, as new controllable power electronic devices and switches are installed on the live network.” UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk

When it comes to EV charging, it pays to work with the experts. 40 | June 2021

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

GETTING EV CHARGING UP TO SPEED — WHAT THE UK CAN LEARN FROM NORWAY Effie Vraka, Head of UK Operations, Easee International, talks about what the UK can learn from Norway’s success in promoting and enabling the use of EVs to help meet net zero targets.

One way to address the urgent need for more accessible chargers is to fit them at homes and workplaces

s part of the government’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, the Prime Minister recently confirmed that “the UK will end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, 10 years earlier than planned.” This is an ambitious target – especially as it will require both a scaling up of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and a rapid roll out of fast-charging capability across the country. But the good news is we know it is possible. We only need to look at Norway to see that rapid growth in the adoption of EVs can be achieved. According to Statistica, nearly half of new domestic vehicles sold in Norway in 2020 were battery powered EVs (BEVs), compared to less than 7% in the UK. Norway is also ahead of the UK in terms of its EV charging infrastructure and on target for banning the sales of diesel and petrol cars – which is currently set at 2025. So, if Norway is already where the UK wants to be in five years’ time, the obvious question arises: what can the UK learn from the Norwegian experience?

The primary reason that more UK citizens aren’t switching to EVs is the lack of charging infrastructure

Create the incentive

Choose the right solution

To be fair, Norway did start with some natural advantages. The country has a population of just 5.5 million, and a plentiful supply of affordable clean electricity from hydro-electric power. But the government also encouraged the uptake of BEVs with very generous incentive schemes. The UK is itself on the road to creating plentiful clean electricity through the rapid expansion of offshore wind – and this is a big step in the right direction. The UK should therefore also consider similar incentives to those offered by the Norwegian government, including exemption from road tax, import tax, purchase tax and VAT. Norway also offered free municipal parking for EV drivers – something that might appeal to UK drivers, where parking can be very expensive.

Finding the right solution is key to speeding up the EV charging infrastructure roll out. Easee, despite being just three years old, already accounts for one in every two EV chargers in Norway, largely because its products are designed for maximum convenience. Each charger takes around eight minutes to install – less than the time it takes to assemble an Ikea bookshelf. When (like the UK) you’re looking to install 700 chargers a day, that’s a lot of time saved. The unique design of the Easee charger also makes it really simple for customers to add or remove charging points. The charger is mounted on a back plate which can be fitted with a blank cover – so an electrician can come and fit three backplates for example, and just one actual charger. If the customer buys another EV they can simply clip another charger onto a pre-fitted back plate and they’re good to go. This modular system is particularly useful for apartment blocks and workplaces, where demand can vary, and is likely to grow. Easee chargers also have an intelligent system that enables them to optimise the use of available current between several EVs – so they can in effect be ‘daisy chained’ onto one power supply. This avoids the need to dig up the road each time a new charger is added – and could greatly increase the speed of rollout across the UK.

Provide the infrastructure A recent study by Kwik Fit found that the primary reason that more UK citizens aren’t switching to EVs is the lack of charging infrastructure. But addressing that issue is no small problem. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK needs to reach 2.3 million charge points in time for the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars. That would require installing 700 chargers a day for the next nine years – over 16 times the current rate. One way to address the urgent need for more accessible chargers is to fit them at homes and workplaces, where cars are often standing idle for hours at a time. In Norway, home EV charging really took off five years ago, and the same is happening in Germany right now. Thanks to government incentives, German citizens effectively get a charger for free when they switch to driving an EV. This scheme is proving so successful that Easee, as one of the main suppliers there, is having to scale up to meet demand.

Be open minded Final advice from Norway on how the UK can increase uptake of EVs is ‘be open minded’. As more people in the UK begin to adopt EVs, the number of advocates for the technology will grow, and the momentum will increase. With the right incentives and a ‘work smarter not harder’ approach, anything is possible. Easee, easee-international.com

When it comes to EV charging, it pays to work with the experts. 42 | June 2021

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

LATEST INTELLIGENT EV CHARGE STATIONS FROM ICS Intelligent Charging Systems (iCS) has announced the launch of its latest 32 amp single and three phase, fast EV charging stations.

afety and future proof functionality have forged the technical specification, whilst the modern sleek design incorporating a fine gloss piano black finish adds to the premium feel of the eagerly awaited latest offerings from iCS. The connected versions are all OZEV (formerly OLEV) approved for both the home (EVHS) and workplace (WCS) government grant schemes, allowing owners to save £350 off the installation cost of each charger.

Operating the latest chargers is straight forward

Installer and user friendly The range is designed to assist the installer at every stage. The fully compliant, built-in electrical safety features include residual current detection, over/under current, over/under voltage and open PEN detection plus isolation in case of fault. This negates the need for additional costly on-site protection in many applications. A first fix base plate and cover option allow for the electrical cabling to be fully installed, then any of the five charge stations in the range to be added once required. The company says that this cost-effective provision for EV charging will certainly appeal to housing developers, as well as owners of larger commercial sites which would benefit from providing the infrastructure now – adding the charging hardware only when required, and without creating ongoing disruption.

44 | June 2021

Advertorial – ICS.indd 44

Once cabling has been completed, configuring the connected chargers is more straight forward than ever. Once powered, the iCS charger produces its own Wi-Fi hotspot, which can be connected to via any smartphone by simply scanning the QR code displayed on the charger’s full colour LCD screen. Once connected, the configurator can be accessed using the smartphones web browser with the provided username and password.

Connection methods Connecting the chargers to the iCS server is straight forward too – with smart connection technology, up to three connection methods can be used with the charger selecting the best method available, switching between Wi-Fi, cabled ethernet or cellular (via sim), ensuring communication is not lost.

Managing the load A common concern for EV charger installations is the potential for overloading circuits or the main fuse if other equipment on site is used concurrently. The iCS charger range overcomes this with the load management hub, enabling up to four chargers to be used and their charging output to be controlled so as never to use more than the site’s safe capacity. For larger installations, the chargers are also compatible with iCS2.0 smart charging, with no limit to the number of chargers connected.

Full control Operating the latest chargers is simple with flexible options for connected or offline installations. The user can choose from simply pressing a button on the charge station to initiate a session, offer an RFID card to the charger, scan an on-screen QR code or control through an app installed on a smartphone. To have the facility of app control, iCS offers two options. A subscription-based backend platform, iCS2.0, which is mainly for commercial use as this allows pay for use charging through the ‘charge assist’ app, or its latest free to use software and app, iCS2.0Lite. The free app and software allows for control of starting and stopping charge sessions, detailed usage information, and scheduled charging to take advantage of the ever more popular timed EV electricity tariffs.

Safety and future proof functionality have forged the technical specification

Choice of models iCS provides the choice of single or three phase, socket or tethered as ‘connected’ versions plus a single phase non-connected option to ensure a solution for most applications. Mounting posts are also available for even further flexibility. iCS, intelligentchargingsystems.co.uk

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The Intelligent Choice For EV Charging Suitable for workplace, destination and home charging 7kW and 22kW versions available 3G/4G sim, ethernet and WiFi ready RFID authentication Automatic minor fault recovery with configurable manual reset for RCD & earth fault Independent backplate design for easy first fix iCS2.0 smart charging software compatible

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29/04/2021 11:51

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

IS POOR QUALITY TEST AND MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT COMPROMISING SAFETY? Safety should never be sacrificed for speed, and ensuring that test and measurement protocols are followed diligently using the correct instruments not only delivers more quality and consistency, but also ensures high safety standards, says Ideal Industries.

600A AC/DC Clamp Meter TightSight

46 | June 2021

Test Equipment – Ideal.indd 46

lectrical contractors are under constant pressure to complete projects quickly, which is why so much product innovation in the electrical sector focuses on enhancing speed and ease of installation, while maintaining quality and consistency. “The problem is that effective testing and measurement on site depends both on electricians’ best practice habits and the reliability of the test and measurement equipment in their kit,” explains Brett Smyth, general manager EMEA of Ideal Industries, specialist in electrical accessories, tools and safety products. “Often there is a huge disparity between the best, branded test and measurement equipment, which is robust, accurate and performs consistently well, and the more affordable alternatives, which are less reliable and accurate and, therefore, may not provide the safety and consistency required.” As the emphasis on safety for both the installation team and the occupier has – quite rightly – continued to increase, the solution the market needs is a high quality range of test and measurement equipment that combines reliable safety and consistency with affordability. Ideal Industries has used the company’s global scale and know-how to homogenise its test and measurement range, enabling the electrical trade to take a significant step up in quality, while taking a step down in price as compared to the market leading test and measurement brand.

Quality, innovation and affordability “Our customers trust us to offer them the best possible quality and innovation at an attractive price point,” explains Brett. “With our new test and measurement range, that’s exactly what we’re offering. “For electricians, that means access to more durability, reliability and safety features for less, enabling them to save money without compromising on advanced technology or quality assurance. Meanwhile for wholesalers, it means an opportunity to upsell and still provide an option that is more attractively priced than the market leader.” Ideal Industries chose the features and benefits that end users identified as part of extensive research as the most beneficial for safety and productivity. Brett continues: “We have created a cohesive range with common features and functions to make it easier for electricians to switch easily from one piece of equipment to another. For example, across many of the testers, non-contact voltage, high voltage and continuity indicators have a common display functionality and are located at the top of the unit.”

Design touches The new range from Ideal Industries includes Clamp Meters, Fork (split jaw) Meters, Digital Multimeters (DMMs), Voltage Meters, Non-Contact Voltage Testers and Infrared Thermometers. It is segmented into tools for commercial, domestic and apprentice use, enabling wholesalers to recommend the right product for their customers’ specific requirements. “The vibrant yellow coloured casing makes it easy to identify the testers on site,” says Brett. “The over moulded casing means several of the testers are robust enough to withstand drops and knocks with up to two metres of drop protection. Several of the products have IP ratings that provides certain levels of dust and water protection.” Probe holders on the back of testers allow for two-hand testing and category ratings provide electricians with peace of mind that the tester is fit for the job and will pass scrutiny if their equipment is audited. User research was integral to Ideal Industries’ product development process, which is why a back light torch function that can be switched on independently

from the testers has been included. The innovative, patented bottom display, which was previously only available on Ideal Industries’ TightSight Clamp Meters, has now also been incorporated into the Fork Meter thanks to user feedback too, aiding visibility for users when working in confined and poorly lit locations. Other key features of the range include a LEAD warning on the DMMs, notifying the user if the test lead has been inserted into the wrong port. Meanwhile, the FUSE notification feature alerts the user to a blown fuse, while allowing them to continue with measurements unaffected by the fuse. “Testing and measurement are important safety elements of any electrical installation,” Brett adds. “Electricians need to know that they are investing in equipment that will not only do the job, but will be easy to use and last for years.”

Safety should never be sacrificed for speed

Ideal Industries, idealindustriesemea.com

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25/05/2021 16:57

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27/05/2021 12:15

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

FOUR SURPRISING MYTHS ABOUT ELECTRICAL SAFETY Over time, interpretations of certain safety standards can stray from the original intent, creating some myths about how best to meet safety requirements, writes Sean Silvey, Fluke Corporation. Myth #1: ‘Inconvenient’ is the same as ‘infeasible’ when it comes to de-energising equipment for maintenance There’s no doubt that it is almost always inconvenient to shut down power unexpectedly to work on a piece of equipment. But that doesn’t mean it’s infeasible. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), national equivalents such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK and the DGUV (German Statutory Accident Insurance) as well as other local authorities, permit working on an energised circuit only under certain conditions, including when it’s ‘infeasible’ to shut down power due to increased hazard. However, there is a tendency to allow employees to work on live circuits just because it’s ‘inconvenient’ to shut down power. This adds unnecessary risk that often leads to accidents. In situations where it actually is infeasible to shut down the power, only electricians and technicians qualified to work on energised systems should perform the work. They should take all precautions, including wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and using tools certified according to applicable safety standards for the conditions they encounter.

Myth #2: The more PPE the better

The best way for a facility to ensure that employees fully understand and follow all the relevant electrical safety regulations is to develop and maintain a solid safety culture

Whether to wear PPE, and how much to wear, are not personal decisions. A component can fail at any time. Perfectly good breakers can fail suddenly during troubleshooting. If an arc flash occurs while simply opening a cabinet, wearing the correct PPE can mean the difference between surviving or not. Electricians and technicians must follow the detailed PPE requirements in the European Standard EN 50110 ‘Operation of electrical installations’, which defines electrical safety in the workplace. However, requiring workers to wear PPE rated for a much higher hazard level than the environment calls for will not necessarily make them safer. “More PPE is not necessarily better,” says Kevin Taulbee, Electrical Engineer and Safety Trainer at Power Studies. “Having the right PPE is what counts. Performing proper job hazard analysis is important for equipping workers with the correct PPE. Too many people just go out and purchase arc flash moon suits and thick, high voltage linemen gloves for their in-house maintenance and electrical workers. Class 2 electrical gloves aren’t necessary if they never get into anything over 480 volts and they offer much less dexterity. As a result, an electrician may be more likely to drop a tool or lead when working in an energised panel.” In addition to choosing the correct PPE, it is possible to choose handheld test tools that have been designed to make it easier to push buttons and turn dials when wearing heavy gloves. It is also possible to reduce the amount of PPE required in some instances by equipping workers with non-contact infrared (IR) tools such as thermal imaging cameras, IR thermometers, and wireless monitoring sensors. These tools allow workers to capture data from outside the arc flash zone. Alleviating the need to work inside an arc flash boundary, particularly when switching or troubleshooting, will increase the overall level of safety for workers.

Myth #3: All test leads and fuses are created equal Often technicians regard test leads and fuses as basic commodity components without giving quality much thought. Regardless of the quality of the multimeter, it’s only as safe as the test leads used with it and the fuses

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electricalcontractingnews.com

inside. These components provide critical protection against power surges and voltage spikes that can cause serious injury to the user. The primary job for test leads is to connect the digital multimeter to the equipment being tested, but they also provide a first line of defence against electrocution. Test leads that are poorly made, worn, or aren’t rated for the job at hand, can produce inaccurate readings and may pose a serious shock hazard if touched to the wrong wire. Today’s safety standards require digital multimeters to include special high-energy fuses that are designed to keep the energy generated by an electrical short, within the fuse enclosure. This protects the user from electric shock and burns. When it’s time to replace fuses, always choose the high energy fuses approved by the meter’s manufacturer. Cheaper generic replacement fuses increase the risk of serious injury.

Myth #4: The only way to accurately measure live voltage is with test lead contact In the past, attaching test lead probes or alligator clips directly to electrical conductors was the best way to get accurate results. However, this requires metal-to-metal contact, which increases the risk of arc flash and potential harm to both the person doing the measuring and the equipment being measured. Recently a new technology was introduced that detects and measures voltage without metal-to-metal contact. This technology isolates the measurement tool from the voltage source under test. To measure voltage, electricians and technicians just slide a single conducting wire into the open fork of the handheld test tool. Since they aren’t exposed to contact points with live voltage, the risk of electrical shock and arc flash is reduced. The myths listed above represent just a small sampling of the safety issues to be considered when working on energised equipment. The best way for a facility to ensure that employees fully understand and follow all the relevant electrical safety regulations is to develop and maintain a solid safety culture based on the needs and environment of that specific facility. Fluke Corporation, fluke.com

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25/05/2021 16:58

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05/05/2021 15:34 05/05/2021 15:10:27

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

TESTING IMPROVED NETWORK BANDWIDTH CAPABILITY WITHOUT RE-CABLING Many applications are faced with the challenge that old cabling is becoming a bottleneck as new high bandwidth applications become available, writes Dan Barrera, Global Product Manager for TREND Networks. So how can you test what bandwidth the cable can support? And whether switch upgrades will increase the bandwidth enough for your customer?

istorically, when faced with the dilemma of old cabling and high bandwidth, network owners had to decide whether the cost and disruption of removing the old cable and replacing it was worth the benefit of deploying a new high-speed network. However, a new alternative is available today that allows network owners to obtain an increase in bandwidth of five times, or more, without having to re-cable using Multigig switches.

What is Multigig? There are 111 billion metres of Cat5e/Cat6 cabling installed globally that is limited to 1Gb/s bandwidth speeds due to the current switches deployed. You can increase network speeds without re-cabling by upgrading to Multi-Gigabit switches delivering 2.5, 5 or 10Gb/s speeds, if the existing cable can support it. This technology goes by two names, NBASE-T and Multigig. Both started as competing standards which eventually merged into a cross-compatible specification (Multigig will be used from here on). Multigig takes advantage of the headroom in Category 5e and 6 cabling to squeeze additional bandwidth out of the system by creating two new data rates that fall between the existing 1Gb and 10Gb rates. The new 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T data rates are achieved by replacing existing switches and devices with Multigig compatible equipment. Upgrading to Multigig switches can provide a simple and cost-effective way to significantly upgrade network bandwidth in existing networks without re-cabling. And while most users in a typical office environment may be satisfied with a gigabit connection to the network, applications like wireless access points are prime targets for such an upgrade.

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But before spending the time and money to upgrade a network, how is one supposed to know whether migrating to Multigig will be a success or a failure?

Use a tester before you migrate There are two supported methods of testing existing cabling’s ability to support Multigig. First, you can use a traditional cable certifier with specific test settings for 2.5Gb or 5Gb. If the test passes, the cable should support the new applications. The only downside to the certifier solution is that many integration, installation, and IT contractors do not own cable certifiers. A certifier is a significant investment for businesses which may only get limited use from the tester. The second option is to use an Ethernet Bandwidth Tester. This is a device that sends Ethernet frames through cabling or the network to determine the maximum data rate that can be achieved without dropping frames. Some of these testers are only capable of testing cabling, whereas others can test active network links (through switches) in addition to cabling. When deploying Multigig it’s important to use a tester that operates on both to provide the most flexibility. Testing only the cabling is helpful in determining whether installed cabling will support Multigig. Then, the ability to test on active networks allows for stress-testing the complete network and troubleshooting a wide variety of problems. For instance, certain Ethernet Bandwidth Testers can also determine how much data a cable or network link can support using a Maximum Throughput

function. This identifies a sustainable data rate using a binary chop process that allows for automated testing in less time than other methods. This is the same process used by the internet speed-test apps. Notice on those apps that in the first second the speed meter fluctuates wildly as the system oscillates between very fast and very slow until it stabilises on a speed that can be sustained with a tolerable error-rate. A Maximum Throughput test is doing this same thing on the network or cabling. It’s a fast and effective method of demonstrating network performance. The end result is that the Maximum Throughput test tells the user definitively whether the link will support Multigig, and with how much margin. Businesses can then make an informed decision on whether to upgrade to Multigig switches, or if another solution is needed. And that’s all down to the right tests, conducted with the right test equipment.

A seamless migration can be assured for your customers if the existing infrastructure is tested for compliance

Simple and cost-effective It is truly difficult to plan cabling installations that are ‘future proof’. The best one can do is choose the highest rated cabling available. But where bandwidth is increasing and re-cabling is not feasible, Multigig is often a viable option. So, whether you use cable certification or Ethernet bandwidth testing, a seamless migration from 1Gb to 2.5Gb or 5Gb can be assured for your customers if the existing infrastructure is tested for compliance before beginning the path to an upgrade. TREND Networks, trend-networks.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

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27/05/2021 15:13

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28/05/2021 11:10

SPECIAL FEATURE

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

‘EVERYTHING AS A GRID’: THE FUTURE OF LOW CARBON ENERGY The energy transition is in full swing. By 2035, over 50% of power generation will be renewable, steering away from the long-established centralised electricity supply model says Giuseppe Sgrò, Energy Storage and Emerging Technologies Executive, Eaton.

ith more households, businesses and communities able to generate and sell energy as we use it, we are seeing – and will continue to see – a rise in distributed energy resources. The way in which electricity is regulated and optimised for residences, commercial buildings and industrial environments is evolving as a result of this energy transition. The need for an ‘Everything as a Grid’ environment is driven by two fundamental factors challenging the energy status quo: growing demand for electricity and the realisation that a centralised supply is no longer the only option. The way in which buildings, transportation and the data economy are powered is causing a significant surge in electricity demand. In fact, analysts predict a 50% rise in the share of energy supplied to buildings by 2050, while electrification of the transport sector is projected to raise global electricity demand by 27% over the next decade. Meanwhile, data and computing demand is expected to increase fourfold. Applying an ‘Everything as a Grid’ approach to the energy transition will pave the way for a low carbon future. When renewable resources, behind-the-meter assets and smart electric vehicle infrastructure are combined, we can build a more sustainable and durable infrastructure while ensuring overall energy costs are reduced.

Decentralisation is the route to decarbonisation In addition to large-scale renewable energy assets, various small-scale installations are being added to the energy mix. We’re moving away from the old model of centralised electrical supply: the grid is no longer separated into power generation and consumption points. Instead, some entities that consume energy are increasingly able to produce energy of their own, and the grid is responding to this by encouraging small scale producers to sell electricity back to the grid when they have excess. From the grid’s point of view, whether the electricity derives from a solar panel or comes from a battery system isn’t of great importance – and this is the real opportunity we are beginning to see.

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According to BloombergNEF’s 2019 New Energy Outlook, with the introduction of behind-the-meter assets such as electric vehicle charging stations and on-site static battery systems, the installed base of storage worldwide will rise 13 times over the next decade. Some of it may be deployed to provide backup power with reserve energy produced during off-peak hours for later use, while some might be used to charge electric vehicles. However, a large portion of the energy stored is likely to remain unused. This demonstrates the opportunity at hand for decentralisation to provide a framework for distributed storage to support the grid on a national scale.

‘Everything as a Grid’ in the spotlight The energy transition is transforming the electrical power value chain. As a result, the newly developing decentralised and bidirectional grid is creating more flexibility – enabling market participants to act as both a consumer and producer. This is creating an ‘Everything as a Grid’ environment. For instance, in households, behind-the-meter assets can be used as a means to store solar energy generated during the day in order to charge electric cars at night, whereas in commercial buildings,

they can ensure crucial up-time by supplying energy if the grid were to fail. The creation of this flexible infrastructure is about technologies that allow for the incorporation of renewables and allow current and new electrical loads such as data centres, buildings, factories and electric vehicles to support local and national grids. The transition to a renewable energy-powered grid is no longer a far-off future. In fact, it’s close on the horizon but if we are to achieve a net zero future, we need to reconsider and reform our infrastructure. The only way the UK can meet rising electricity demand, guarantee a stable but sustainable power supply and simultaneously reduce its dependence on fossil fuels is to relieve pressure on the grid by decentralising our energy supply. The path to a low carbon future is far from simple but one key step will be taking a more collaborative approach to energy consumption and production. Everyone and every building has a role to play. By moving away from the old model of centralised electrical supply and creating a more dynamic grid with the potential for many different entities to produce, consume and sell energy, we can create the flexibility needed for a resilient, sustainable low carbon system.

Applying an ‘Everything as a Grid’ approach to the energy transition will pave the way for a low carbon future

Eaton, eaton.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

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25/05/2021 16:59

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26/05/2021 09:57

SPECIAL FEATURE

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

GOVERNMENT BOOSTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY SPENDING TO £1.3BN £300m of extra funding is to be invested to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the nation’s homes through energy efficiency and low carbon heating schemes.

The scheme will include green home improvements such as deep insulation, heat pumps and solar panels

he funding will focus on delivering energy saving upgrades and low carbon heating to homes through local authorities in England, meaning tens of thousands more low-income households will be able to be upgraded. Following a review, the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme launched last year closed to new applications on 31 March. The scheme was designed to provide a short-term economic boost while tackling our contribution to climate change. Applications made before the end of March deadline will be honoured and any vouchers already issued may be extended upon request. This announcement takes the total government funding for energy efficiency and low carbon heating in 2021/22 to over £1.3bn, with the remainder of the funding having been pledged through the decarbonisation fund. This is up from the £1bn announced in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and exceeds the Government’s manifesto commitment in these early years of the parliament.

The funding will focus on delivering energy saving upgrades and low carbon heating

Home upgrades can help households save over £300 a year on their energy bills. This announcement is part of the Government’s manifesto commitment to pledge over £9bn to increase the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals to work to build back greener, which will support around 58,000 jobs. Business and Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, says, “Upgrading the country’s homes with energy efficiency measures means we can cut emissions and save people money on their energy bills. This funding boost will mean even more households across England are able to access these vital grants through their local authority. “This latest announcement takes our total energy efficiency spending to over £1.3bn in the next financial year, giving installers the certainty they need to plan ahead, create new jobs and train the next generation of tradespeople.” The original £500m Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme is already helping around 50,000 households in England with an annual income of under £30,000 save hundreds of pounds each year on their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

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Through the extended scheme, tens of thousands more households on incomes of less than £30,000 will not have to make any financial contribution to energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Delivered through the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Demonstrator, this will include green home improvements such as deep insulation, heat pumps and solar panels, helping cut over 70,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year. Through the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution and the Energy White Paper, the Government has set how it plans to decarbonise the nation’s buildings, including its aim to deploy 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, and to get as many homes as possible to Energy Performance Certificate Band C by 2035. The Government says that decarbonising the country’s roughly 30 million buildings is essential if the UK is to meet its commitments to eliminating its contribution to climate change by 2050. UK Government, gov.uk

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25/05/2021 17:00

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27/05/2021 15:44

COMPANY SHOWCASE

ECN June 2021

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Government boosts energy efficiency spending to £1.3bn

Testing improved network bandwidth capability without re-cabling

Four surprising myths about electrical safety

Is poor quality test and measurement equipment compromising safety?

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