ECN March 2023

6 Industr y News

Electrical

12 Cover Story

V-TAC

14 Contract News

JS Wright secures £1.5m+ council housing contract; Trilux LED lighting scores top marks with fossil-free school; Ivor King goes green with support from HSBC; and more

20 Training

Tips for aspiring apprentices

22 Key Issue

EV charging trends for 2023 and the future of electrification

24 Project Focus

Evacuation alert system helps protect residents in Merseyside social housing

VOLUME 43 NO. 03 • MARCH 2023

27 Interview

Carly wills speaks to Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN, about life at the company and the great work BGEN is doing for the sustainability and future of the sector

30 Advertisement Feature

Ventilation systems for mould and damp within homes

32 Competition

Win a £200 Amazon voucher, courtesy of Click Scolmore

64 Company Showcase

Sponsored content from across the sector

Hello and welcome to the March issue of ECN.

Last month, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, created four new government departments, which includes a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – headed up by Grant Shapps. The new department is responsible for securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation. The government says that the move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of the war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero.

ECA has said that it broadly welcomes the creation of the new department and trusts that it will rapidly engage with the government’s own net zero carbon commitments and the recent recommendations of the Skidmore review.

Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR said that “the new department must focus on boosting UK low carbon energy from renewables and nuclear, and the skills base that will ensure safe and reliable delivery.”

ECA also said that the role of electrotechnical contractors and engineering services businesses is becoming ever more prominent as Britain expands its use of renewable energy sources and electrifies its transport and heating infrastructure.

In this issue I speak to BGEN’s CEO, Robin Whitehead, about life at the company and the great work BGEN is doing for the sustainability and future of the sector. Turn to page 27 to read the full interview.

This month’s features include Smart Lighting & Lighting Control; Test Equipment; and Wholesalers & Distributors, keeping you up to date with what’s going on in these areas of the sector. Plus, we have all of our usual features, along with the chance to win a £200 Amazon voucher from Scolmore, so make sure to enter this month’s competition!

I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: BEATRICE LEE

E: beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

Carly Wills, Editor

Editorial deadline: 16 March Advertising deadline: 23 March

STUDIO: MARK WELLER

T: 01634 673163

E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER

T: 01634 673163

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ACCOUNTS

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choice

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.

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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. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS OFFER BEST CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A new guide published by the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has highlighted the fact that electrical apprenticeships can offer some of the best career prospects for young people.

ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, Andrew Eldred, says, “This endorsement from the Department for Education and IfATE confirms what we in the industry already knew. An electrical apprenticeship isn’t just a popular choice. It also offers some of the best opportunities for an exciting and rewarding career – not least in delivering the UK’s net zero future.”

The ECA, along with industry partners TESP and NET, is encouraging anyone considering an electrotechnical career to visit the electrical careers website and learn about the training opportunities available for young people.

As well as providing a route to a lucrative career and skills for life, the electrotechnical sector is at the heart of the net zero transition. ECA members and the wider industry are overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities to make low carbon living a reality.

ECA, eca.co.uk

ANNOUNCING RECOLIGHT’S REMANUFACTURING CONFERENCE

Recolight’s one-day conference will focus on the remanufacture of lighting equipment, and will take place in London on 27 April 2023 from 10:30-16:00.

“Remanufacturing is set to be a fast-growing area of the lighting industry as customers increasingly ask for the option of upgraded products,” says conference Chair, Ray Molony. “We’re seeing in the tech industry the rapid de-stigmatisation of reconditioned products, and attitudes are rapidly changing.”

Aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, the presentations will give delegates vital insights to help drive their businesses forward, and ensure they stay at the forefront of the sustainable lighting revolution.

This CPD-approved event will give participants the tools, insights, and contacts to make a success of luminaire reconditioning and reuse. They’ll learn how to sell the concept of reconditioned lights, develop best practice policies, comply with the applicable standards, set up a testing regime for reused luminaires, and remanufacture fittings at scale. Recolight, recolight.co.uk

HOW MUCH SELF-EMPLOYED ELECTRICIANS EARNED IN 2022

Self-employed electricians earned record weekly earnings last year, according to Hudson Contract. Their average pay during 2022 was £1,105, which was 2.1% higher than 2021. The highest-earning month for electrical subcontractors was November 2022, when they were paid £1,199 per week in the run up to the end of the calendar year. January 2022 was the lowest at £985, in keeping with the seasonal slow start to the new year.

Managing Director, Ian Anfield, says, “Our figures show the consistently strong earning potential for people who are prepared to put in the time and effort to pick up the skills needed to succeed in the electrical trade.”

Hudson Contract, hudsoncontract.co.uk

DEVONDALE LAUNCHES ITS FIRST RENEWABLES HUB

Devondale says it is delighted to have launched the company’s first renewables hub at its Glastonbury branch.

The new hub provides a range of solar panels, mounting kits, grid hybrid inverters, battery storage solutions and accessories from leading brands, including Solax and K2 Systems, which are suitable for installation on domestic and commercial properties. A renewables specialist is available to assist customers with designing solutions and provide product training.

In addition to increasing the size of the branch by installing the hub, Devondale’s Glastonbury depot has established a new trade counter, employed additional staff members, and invested in a vehicle to deliver its renewables product range to customers throughout the south-west.

Samm Patey, Branch Manager at Devondale in Glastonbury, comments, “The hub is something brand new for Devondale and shows how committed the company is to supplying cutting-edge products that minimise its effect on the environment, and allow for the harnessing of renewable energy.”

Devondale, devondale.net

ABB E-MOBILITY DELIVERS MILLIONTH EV CHARGER

ABB E-mobility has announced the delivery of its one millionth electric vehicle charger, the latest milestone in the company’s ongoing mission to enable an emission-free future through smart and reliable EV charging solutions.

The launch of ABB E-mobility’s new $30 million, 16,000m2 production facility in Valdarno, Italy, assisted in doubling the company’s production capacity over the last two years. The manufacturing site set a new benchmark for the sector, producing one DC fast charger every 20 minutes, thanks to its seven production lines.

In addition to its Valdarno facility, ABB E-mobility has continued its expansion globally. The company recently announced the commencement of manufacturing at its new production facility in the United States – set to produce up to 10,000 chargers annually for public charging, school busses and fleets.

ABB E-mobility CEO, Frank Mühlon, says, “From the production of the EU’s first 50kW charger in 2010, to the launch of the Terra 360, which is capable of delivering 100km of range in less than three minutes, ABB E-mobility has long sought to develop the innovations necessary to create an emission-free mobility future.

“While our continual investment in research and development shows our ongoing commitment to enhance the field of e-mobility, it is the global delivery of these solutions at scale which is integral to the realisation of our goals.”

ABB E-mobility, e-mobility.abb.com

LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY LAUNCHES E-LEARNING PROGRAMME

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is launching its new e-learning programme to help spread some extra love and support within the construction industry.

The charity’s Wellbeing Academy already offers online tutor-led masterclasses, seminars and onsite training, and this latest addition is aimed at equipping workers with the soft skills they need to navigate today’s challenges and uncertain times.

The free self-paced e-learning modules form the foundations of the Wellbeing Academy, and courses include Bang on Budget, Banter vs Bullying, Managing Stress, Resolving Conflict, Understanding Anxiety and Work Life Balance.

Each of the e-learning modules are delivered at two levels – foundation level one, which provides learners with an introduction to each subject, the key topic areas and an understanding of the language used in the next level, and foundation level two, which presents scenarios where learners need to demonstrate their understanding of the subject, apply the skills learned, and use logical reasoning to engage and master a variety of problems –much like in real life.

Sarah Bolton, Director of Charitable Services for the charity, says, “We are constantly augmenting our charitable services to ensure that we meet the needs of our workforce. The very nature of our industry means that fitting a set training schedule around work and home life commitments doesn’t work for everyone and our self-paced e-learning addresses that problem.

“We also know that to support a positive wellbeing culture, we need to develop our workforce’s soft skills to help them negotiate the challenges of everyday life and working in what can be a very stressful environment. Our self-paced e-learning modules do exactly that and they are relevant to every person in our industry.”

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, lighthouseclub.org

NICEIC LAUNCHES ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS TRAINING

NICEIC is expanding its training portfolio, adding an all-new course focused on electrical energy storage systems.

“This is an important new introduction” says NICEIC’s Technical Training Manager, Nik Mitchell. “As the nation grapples with soaring energy prices and the race to reach net zero, consumers are looking for ways to utilise energy more efficiently.”

Available to book now, the one-day classroom-based course explores the fundamentals of small-scale electrical energy storage systems and their role in creating an ‘energy hub’ to allow users to better manage their energy usage.

Delivered by experts, the course will consider both installations with and without installed generation, such as solar PV.

Nik continues, “More and more electrical businesses will be called upon to facilitate the installation of low carbon technologies. Ensuring your organisation is equipped with the knowledge needed will allow your business to thrive today and tomorrow.”

NICEIC, niceic.com

BCIA RELEASES TWO NEW TECHNICAL GUIDES

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released two new technical guides to add to its portfolio of online guides available to download.

The first guide covers the various building assessment schemes, including BREEAM, LEED, NABERS, RESET, WELL Building Standard, and WiredScore. Building assessment schemes set performance standards for the built environment, including new builds and refurbishment schemes, by assessing a project’s environmental impact through the design, specification, construction and operation phases of a building.

The second guide provides an overview of the UK and European regulations for non-domestic buildings. Non-domestic buildings account for 11% of the total annual energy consumption and carbon emissions throughout the UK and Europe.

BCIA President, Graeme Rees, comments, “With an ever-increasing focus on sustainability and net zero, anyone working in the built environment should be familiar with building assessment schemes and up to date sustainability goals. These new technical guides are an excellent resource – providing an easy reference overview on these subjects.” BCIA, bcia.co.uk

THE TRAITS THAT CUSTOMERS MOST VALUE IN TRADESPEOPLE

New research has revealed the qualities that customers most value in UK tradespeople, with professionalism topping the list.

ElectricalDirect has partnered with My Local Toolbox to analyse over 10,000 online trade reviews and identify the most commonly referenced positive attributes. Professionalism is praised the most often, with more than two in five (42%) customer comments complimenting tradespeople for this trait.

NG BAILEY OPENS APPLICATIONS TO APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

NG Bailey has launched the application process for its apprenticeship programme as the company gears up for further growth.

The company will be offering apprenticeships across a number of different disciplines, with opportunities available in electrical, mechanical and technical specialisms. The scheme also includes a number of business-based roles, offering multiple opportunities for people to shape their careers in the construction industry.

As part of the programme, NG Bailey will also be launching its new IT services apprenticeship scheme for the first time, which will aim to train the next generation of talent to support the UK’s transition to the latest digital connectivity.

Rob Smith, Group HR Director, says, “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining the business as it embarks on a journey of growth and continues to deliver major projects for clients across building construction, infrastructure and services. We are looking forward to creating even more opportunities for people to embark on a fulfilling career path in the industry and see their careers flourish in the years to come.”

NG Bailey, ngbailey.com

However, when it comes to electricians in particular, customers really appreciate workers arriving on time, and punctuality is talked about even more than the quality of the work.

Across all trades, customers rank electricians as number one for

perceived value, third best at returning messages and in the top five for arriving on time.

The traits that Brits most value in electricians are:

• Professionalism

• Arriving on time

• Great work

• Being friendly

• Efficiency

• Helpfulness

• Tidiness

• Reliability

• Cleanliness

• Being reasonably priced

ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

Schneider Electric has appointed David Williams to the newly created role of Vice President of Transactional Business in the UK and Ireland. In his new role, David will lead Schneider Electric’s home and distribution, and power products businesses, supporting the holistic needs of customers and channel partners and driving exceptional customer experience across the zone.

Connor Corbett has been appointed Niglon’s new north-east representative. Connor will be looking after current wholesalers in the region, as well as sharing information about the company’s offering, consisting of more than 4,500 products, with new customers.

Signify has appointed Nico van der Merwe as Chief Executive Officer for Signify UK and Ireland. Nico joins Signify from Schneider Electric, where he spent 15 years in various roles, most recently as Vice President for Home and Distribution, UK and Ireland.

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V-TAC NOW OFFERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION TO SOLAR POWER INSTALLATIONS

V-TAC has recently introduced the new Renewables Range, offering high-quality solar equipment to promote the adoption of clean energy and meet the increasing global energy demand.

With V-TAC, you can find all solar solutions under one roof. The range includes a complete set of solar solutions, such as panels, inverters and batteries, designed to be built into a seamless solar system. Other installation accessories, monitoring systems and design services to ensure clients get the most out of their solar system installations are also available. Interested parties can also now express their interest in being one of V-TAC’s Preferred Installers.

Solar panels: V-TAC’s monocrystalline solar panels are noted for their maximum power output and efficiency under low light, shading and degradation conditions. V-TAC panels come with a 25-year Linear Output Warranty, ensuring long-lasting power output. 410w panels in All Black, Black Frames and Silver frames. Higher wattages such as 450W, 545W in silver frame for commercial applications are also available. Fully MCS accredited.

Solar inverters: V-TAC’s range of solar inverters, including single and three-phase options, cater to a variety of load requirements for off-grid, on-grid and hybrid setups. Benefits include G98 regulation, MIP up to 25%, Zero Export Function, AFCI, Anti-Islanding Protection, and more. Wi-Fi enabled and ready to go.

3.6Kw-6Kw Single Phase on Grid/Hybrid available, Three Phase Options subject to type test.

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energy at your disposal, when you need it! LiFeO4 batteries provide greater safety due to higher thermal stability over other Lithium cells. Rack and Wall mount options to suit. IEC Approved V-TAC offers a comprehensive range of installation accessories, monitoring systems, and design services to ensure clients get the most efficient and safest setup for their homes and businesses. They provide competitive technical support and have products listed on leading solar design software for ease of planning and procurement.

V-TAC, vtacenergy.com

Become a V-TAC preferred installer and enjoy these benefits:

• Passing multiple leads and inquiries to V-TAC’s preferred installer network. V-TAC receives multiple enquiries from customers directly on daily basis, and the company’s Preferred Installers will be the first ones to benefit. V-TAC will send the leads to you depending on your geographical location.

• You will also be officially listed on V-TAC’s website as a preferred installer, visible to hundreds of end users visiting the site. Additionally, you can take advantage of joint marketing support on social media and leading renewables publications.

• Free training and demo installations at V-TAC’s Slough centre, including free use of the company’s demo site for showcasing the monitoring app and a chance for you and your customers to view the solar system live in action before choosing the products. V-TAC also offers training on the new products and sneak previews of the latest cutting end innovations.

• Accessible technical support and commissioning support can help you provide high-quality services and ensure that solar products are installed and functioning correctly, leading to increased efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Design support: V-TAC products are listed in leading solar design software such as PVSol, Open Solar, Helioscope, PVsyst and Easy PV. This can ensure that the system is designed

correctly and can operate efficiently and as planned. If you don’t have access to the software, V-TAC’s in house design team can support you with designs for free.

• What would V-TAC need from you? Site address, type of roof and battery storage requirements. Using Google Earth, V-TAC will recommend the most efficient design, including the orientation of panels, siting of inverter/battery and future-proofing your solar installation. The company aims to turnaround the design in 24-48 hours, with a detailed report and list of part numbers and quantity required.

• Environmental benefits: Promote sustainability and environmental conservation by learning how to install solar products, as solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

• Most importantly, there are also special offers on bulk and container enquiries for V-TAC’s Preferred Installers.

Interested? Experience the advantages for yourself today. Scan the QR code to register your interest to be one of V-TAC’s Preferred Installers.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn have provided a complimentary lighting scheme to the Royal Society of Blind Children for its new uplifting centre.

EPR Architects was tasked with designing the charity’s new headquarters – a Life Without Limits Centre. The design transformed an unused basement car park on London’s South Bank into an engaging hub of activity. The facility includes a contemporary workspace for the charity’s staff and flexible spaces for young blind and partially sighted people to meet, play and learn essential life skills.

The Zumtobel Group was approached to provide a lighting scheme that would bring the centre to life and make the new office spaces look fantastic.

Central to the new facility is a creative suite for music and sensory experiences. Decorative acoustic 4000K ONDARIA luminaires reduce echoes in the ceiling-less space. The round luminaire in the creative suite and the boardroom delivers uniform backlighting with a tactile textile cover to absorb sound. For a coordinated aesthetic, mixed-sized ONDARIA luminaires have also been used in the boardroom.

In the reception area, the distinctive CIELUMA tunable light eases the transition between outside and inside. CIELUMA imitates outdoor daylight, in line with the Double Dynamic Lighting concept; it brings dynamic, motivating light indoors. With its sound-absorbing properties and a host of design options, CIELUMA brings a new quality in connecting light, acoustics, and space.

Two Zumtobel classics light the entrance and offices respectively, 4000K LIGHT FIELDS and ECOOS. ECOOS brings a 360° radiant light with a timeless minimalist design to create a comfortable and relaxed working environment for office staff.

To overcome the low ceiling heights, LINARIA is surface mounted along the corridors and, completing the scheme, Thorn OMEGA PRO 2 luminaires are installed in the kitchen. Zumtobel, z.lighting

J S WRIGHT SECURES £1.5M+ COUNCIL HOUSING CONTRACT

Mechanical and electrical building services specialist, J S Wright, is to provide the heating and ventilation services for a new affordable housing scheme in south east London.

The Birmingham-based contractor will design and build the energy efficient services for the Rennie Estate, comprising 49 apartments in two new blocks of 12 storeys and four storeys on Galleywall Road in Bermondsey, for award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and its housing partner, Southwark Council.

The contract, valued at more than £1.5 million, will include the design and installation of air source heat pumps (ASHP), which absorb heat from outside air, to deliver hot water at low flow temperatures to the individual apartments via heat interface units for radiators and domestic services.

J S Wright will reduce noise generated from power generation by surrounding the ASHP plant with acoustic enclosures. It will also equip the development with mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems.

The design and build brief will extend to providing residential sprinklers for fire protection, above ground drainage, and all sanitaryware – the latter also supplied by J S Wright. A building management system for monitoring and controlling all the mechanical systems is also part of the deal.

Work on site is scheduled to begin in June 2023 with completion due in April 2024.

J S Wright, jswright.co.uk

HOMEBUILDER ADDS MYENERGI ZAPPI CHARGERS TO HEADQUARTERS

Greencore Construction has added 10 myenergi zappi solar-compatible electric vehicle (EV) chargers to its headquarters in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Having previously installed myenergi zappi chargers at its Springfield Meadows development in Southmoor, Oxfordshire for an electric car club, the designer and builder of climate positive homes now has zappi chargers in more than 60% of the parking bays at its headquarters, with 10 chargers in total, including one in an accessible parking bay. The company is now looking to install a large solar array to help power both the building and the chargers.

Greencore Construction is renowned for building homes that are built to Passive House thermal performance standards. The homes are net zero energy and net zero carbon in use and the embodied carbon or carbon footprint is below zero. According to RIBA, a normal 100m2 home typically has a carbon footprint of 120t of carbon, but a typical Greencore Construction home of the same size would have a carbon footprint of minus 27t.

myenergi, myenergi.com

POWER WORKERS RESTORE WIMBLEDON LANDMARK

UK Power Networks has refurbished a historic ‘museum piece’ on the streets of Wimbledon.

A 19th Century electricity substation, now redundant, now looks as good as new following work with contractors and the local council. The restoration project preserved a Grade Two listed substation that forms an important part of the UK’s engineering history as it was one of the first substations to be installed to distribute power to people in Wimbledon.

Asif Malik, trustee at the Wimbledon Society, says, “The Society highlighted the plight of the landmark and campaigned for its conservation over the years.

“It is particularly commendable that the restoration work commissioned by UK Power Networks has been carried out to a very high standard, restoring the unit to its original condition, including the paint colour that was carefully selected after paint analysis. The substation now makes a very positive contribution to Wimbledon’s streetscape, and UK Power Networks deserves congratulations for enabling this.”

UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk

TRILUX LED LIGHTING SCORES TOP MARKS WITH FOSSIL-FREE SCHOOL

Milton Keynes has recently welcomed a new intake of students to its first-ever fossil-free school. The completely gas-free all-years facility also uses the latest LED luminaires to keep harvested energy use to a minimum, creating a modern, green learning environment in the heart of the community.

Glebe Farm School is newly built school in the parish of Wavendon in the south east of Milton Keynes. An all-through school with 1,569 school places for pupils aged five to 16, a nursery and a workplace for 170 staff members, Glebe Farm School is located on an area larger than 13 football pitches at the heart of a new community.

The school is the city’s first fossil-free new build school – even its Bunsen burners are powered by green electricity.

Completely gas-free, it uses air source heat pumps which absorb heat from the outside air and provide all the energy needed for air and hot water. All lighting comes from ultra-efficient LED luminaires from TRILUX Lighting, whilst hundreds of solar panels generate power for the building.

TRILUX luminaires are found throughout the building. The scheme focuses on the diverse needs of pupils, students, and teachers; and covers the complete spectrum of educational applications from the classrooms to the sports hall. TRILUX LED luminaires also score highly from an operational point of view, protecting education budgets and the environment with low power consumption and maintenance costs. TRILUX, trilux.com

RAKO SETS THE SCENE FOR ABLECTRICS

Bristol based lighting specialist, Ablectrics has partnered with integrator, Cinemaworks, and manufacturer of lighting controls, Rako, to curate the perfect home cinema demo room at its Bristol showroom.

After moving into its new showroom in April, Ablectrics decided to expand its business into cinema design after noting the demand from customers for luxurious spaces in their homes. The cinema demo room was designed to push the limits of performance. Speakers are angled in the walls to crossfire sound at the central seating area with cutting edge lighting utilising new digital pixel RGB LED tape, all brought to life with Rako’s award winning modular keypads.

The lighting scheme was designed to create various scenes, giving the ultimate customisable cinema experience, no matter what is being watched. The lighting control solution needed to deliver a wide range of

capabilities in a simple sleek design, which prospective clients could see being a stylish addition to their homes as well as easy to use.

In the cinema room, the Rako Modular keypad with modern stainless-steel surround is used to seamlessly control all aspects of the lighting design with a mix of RLED30CV4s, RMT500s and RMS800s. The Rako RK-Hub provides native app control and third-party integration into the Savant system which enables Rako’s keypad to activate not only the lights but also the sound system and projector, creating the perfect blend of sight, sound and cinema.

The Modular keypads have been programmed for bespoke scenes including Film, Sport, Kids and Action to demonstrate what is possible.

Rako, rakocontrols.com

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IVOR KING GOES GREEN WITH SUPPORT FROM HSBC

A Midland’s civil engineering business is harnessing the sun’s power by installing 374 solar panels across its facility in Nuneaton, thanks to funding from HSBC UK

Engineering and construction company, Ivor King, has installed the panels, which now cover two-thirds of its headquarters’ roof, using HSBC UK’s Green Fund as part of a seven-figure funding package.

The funding support will also allow Ivor King to invest in multi-disciplinary, environmentally sensitive equipment, allowing the business to work in low-emission zones. This capability will help create an additional 20-30 jobs and follows a strong period of growth for the company which has seen turnover increase by nearly 40% in 12 months.

The support from HSBC UK has enabled a 140Kw solar panel installation – the annual carbon saving being the equivalent of planting 70-100 trees per year. The system is capable of halving the electricity bill throughout the summer months. Ivor King now has plans to install batteries on-site, increasing capacity and allowing energy generated on-site to power other parts of the company.

HSBC UK, hsbc.co.uk

C-TEC’S CAST XFP FIRE SYSTEM PROTECTING SPIRITUAL RETREAT

C-TEC’s CAST XFP fire system has been installed at a stunning spiritual retreat in Llangollen, North Wales.

Tan-Y-Garth Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed house. It is owned by the International Hermeneutic Society and provides a spiritual haven for people interested in yoga, meditation, art, music and science.

The society’s plans to additionally utilise the building as a hotel meant the existing manual fire alarm system had to be replaced to comply with the relevant regulations. Fire specialist company, Allied Fire Alarms & Escapes, specified an L1 category fire alarm system to provide the highest standard for the protection of life. Featuring an XFP CAST panel connected to an array of heat, smoke and multi-sensor devices, the system is designed to deliver the earliest possible warning should a fire occur at the historic 17-bedroom hall, a popular venue for group workshops, location shoots, exhibitions and performances.

Conceived and designed by C-TEC as part of a 10-year, multi-million-pound project, CAST is said to be the world’s most-advanced ‘distributed intelligence’ fire alarm system protocol. C-TEC, c-tec.com

MER PLUGS IN KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

King’s College is expanding and updating its electric vehicle (EV) charging network with help from Mer

The EV charging specialist won the contract put out to tender by King’s, to grow and modernise its network of EV chargers across multiple sites. This included replacing older charging points with smart chargers, adding provision in new locations, networking all the chargers and providing a back-office system for monitoring and reporting.

Alexandra Hepple, Sustainability Officer at King’s College London says, “We have our own growing EV fleet and increasingly our contractors also use electric vehicles, leading to higher demand for charging. Mer has done a fantastic job of creating a charging network that suits our needs today and also enables us to expand in years to come.”

Mer carried out extensive site surveys across the King’s estate to identify utilisation rates of existing chargers. Mer’s team also pinpointed the optimal locations for additional charge points such as the new sports centre at Honour Oak Park in South London. In total Mer installed 15 AC charge points across eight sites – a mixture of 7kW and 22kW fast chargers.

The Mer Connect portal enables clients to manage individual or multiple sites, providing real time information on carbon savings, charger status and energy usage. It also allows site managers to set multiple tariffs for different use cases – for example, free charging for fleet vehicles, subsidised charging for employees, and a higher rate for visitors. Drivers can access the charge points via the Mer Connect app.

Mer, uk.mer.eco

TIPS FOR ASPIRING APPRENTICES

Pros and cons

Apprenticeships are available in just about any career choice, but are particularly popular in trade careers because first-hand experience is usually essential to learning more physical, manual or vocational jobs. If you’re interested in taking the first step towards your trade career, you’ll need to know if an apprenticeship is suitable for your circumstances. In the UK, you have to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for an apprenticeship:

• You’ll need to be at least 16 years old

• You’ll need the right to live and work in England

• You can’t already be in full-time education

• You can’t already have a similar job

However, that’s not all you’ll need for a successful apprenticeship. Apprenticeships require hard work, dedication, constructive criticism and growth. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll have to demonstrate that you’re capable of being professional and working well with an employer. You’ll need to be punctual, making sure you attend work and training on time – both your education provider and employer can terminate your apprenticeship if you’re not able to meet the terms of your contract.

In some apprenticeships, you might pick up additional qualifications along the way –such as diplomas or first aid courses. If you’re still unsure about which apprenticeship level to go for, you could speak to a college or university providing apprenticeships in your chosen trade for more information.

Apprenticeships require hard work, dedication, constructive criticism and growth

Here are some of the most applicable advantages and disadvantages to this kind of program.

Benefits of apprenticeships:

• You can earn on the job, while learning the skills you need to make your apprenticeship a full-time job in the future

• You’ll get first-hand experience and develop your work ethic

• You’ll learn from experienced workers within your industry

• You’ll create a professional network

• You’ll leave with a recognised qualification

• Employers and educators will know your experience level, and will provide you with everything you need to learn

• You might be offered full-time employment once your apprenticeship finishes

• You won’t leave with debt from completing the course

Drawbacks of apprenticeships:

• The national apprenticeship wage is lower than that of standard workers

• You’ll have to commit to attending both your workplace and your educational institute

• You might not go to university or college, which could make it difficult if you’d like to swap careers later in life

• Sometimes it can be more difficult to find an apprenticeship than other traditional courses and qualifications

Pinning down and reviewing apprenticeships can seem overwhelming at first, but here’s three ways to find your next career opportunity:

• Search online – one of the easiest ways to find an apprenticeship is simply by taking a look online. You can take a look at an abundance of apprenticeships on the government website, or standard job boards like Indeed and Totaljobs. Here, you’ll be able to find out more about the courses, and whether they’re suitable for you.

• Speak to an education provider – if you’ve decided on an apprenticeship, you can actually approach a college or university directly to find out what they have to offer. You can also ask education providers more about the course, and whether or not it’ll get you moving in the right direction.

• Contact employers, agencies and recruiters directly – if you already have an idea of where you’d like to work, you can get in touch with employers directly. Plus, direct enquiries demonstrate drive and interest, which can really help you to get a foot in the door. You can also find apprenticeships through recruiters and agencies.

Once you’ve found an apprenticeship you’re interested in, it’s time to get everything sorted for a successful application. Apprentice applications are similar to those of regular employees, but don’t forget –there’s usually plenty of competition.

Firstly, you’ll need a good CV that sums up your experience to date. Make sure you include some information about yourself, your educational history, employment history (if you have one), and details about any previous work experience. You’ll also need to prepare a cover letter to summarise why you’d like to do an apprenticeship in this field, with this employer.

While you may have everything down in detail on your CV and cover letter, most apprenticeships will require you to fill out an application form too. You’ll need to carefully answer questions in good written form and represent yourself as the perfect candidate. If you can, have someone else review your application when you’re done to highlight any areas that could do with a little more work –most applications allow you to save your progress to come back later.

If your CV, cover letter and application get you to the interviewing stage, it’s a good idea to get in some interview prep to build your confidence and help you plan good responses. You can look online and find mock questions to answer, or you could even ask someone to interview you a few times as practice. Again, you can find plenty of helpful resources online, from educational facilities or employment organisations.

IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

IronmongeryDirect has created an expert guide to help aspiring trade apprentices, including everything to know before applying.

EV CHARGING TRENDS FOR 2023 AND THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIFICATION

Most trends come and go, but it’s safe to say that the future of transport is electric.

Indeed, despite global production challenges, microchip shortages, supply chain disruptions and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was yet another record-breaking year for EV registrations.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 300,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were collectively registered throughout the year – almost four times the number of diesel cars sold. Insight from Statista suggests that this growth will only increase, with a CAGR of 13.89% projected between now and 2027, leading to sales of more than 637,000 new EVs per annum.

As a result, alongside the burgeoning growth of the used EV marketplace, demand for charging solutions continues to increase at pace. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this will continue to see both public and private infrastructure grow rapidly – with significant investment expected in support.

So, what themes are we likely to see emerge from the EV charging sector this year? Jordan has put together five key trends that she expects to see impact the marketplace (as well as consumer charging behaviours) over the coming months.

Technology will improve customer experience

Although it’s positive to see more EVs than ever plugged in to public charging points across the UK, keeping charging stations free has become somewhat of a challenge. In the past, the bugbear for any EV driver was petrol or diesel vehicles blocking working charging points. However, now we have a new enemy – EV users that don’t move their cars once charging has finished.

For consumers, this leads to frustration and unnecessary delays. For providers, a clear loss of revenue. In 2023, we’re likely to see new and innovative solutions unveiled to tackle the challenge. From charging point sensors and a wealth of new apps, to charges/fines for malpractice.

Domestic charging will become king

While the headlines often surround public charging, it’s important to remember that more than 85% of charging takes place at home. As such, Jordan says she is confident that the domestic charging market will see its fastest growth in 2023 – resulting in an increase in unit sales and installations, alongside a wealth of new products and technologies making it to market.

For those who don’t have a driveway, Jordan believes that we’ll see progress made towards developing safe, secure, hazard-free on-street charging solutions for those who previously had to trail charging wires across the pavement. We’ve already seen a number of developments here that will start to pick up pace as the year progresses.

Eco-smart charging will become commonplace

Continuing on the theme of domestic charging, it’s worth mentioning the importance of future-proof tech and the ability to harness self-generated energy to charge your EV. After all, data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme suggests that more householders than ever are adopting renewables to offset their reliance on mains supply and reduce their carbon footprint.

This trend is expected to continue in 2023 – especially when it comes to solar and domestic-scale wind generation. After all, the energy price crisis rumbles on with no sign of abating any time soon, meaning consumers are being forced to take matters into their own hands.

V2G technology will develop further

In the same sentence as smart charging, you’ll often hear the terms V2H (vehicle to home), V2X (vehicle to everything), V2L (vehicle to load) and V2G (vehicle to grid). After all, EVs are basically just mobile batteries.

The idea behind V2G is the opportunity to store energy in the EV battery and return it to the grid in times of peak demand. This would not only earn you money, but also help to flatten electricity usage curves.

It’s a smart idea and one that could deliver significant value from a decentralised energy perspective. myenergi is working on numerous demand side response trials to see how the load balancing capability of EVs could work in practice – it’s set to be a major talking point in 2023.

The transition to electrification

While Jordan may have referred to the above themes as ‘trends’ for the new year, in all honesty she says they’re far more. The transition to electrification is growing in momentum and the industry is progressing quickly to support its future.

From CaaS and technology improvements, to the incremental growth of domestic charging and its ability to balance the grid, these ‘trends’ are actually some of the key areas supporting growth – rather than gimmicks that will soon be forgotten.

myenergi says it’s excited to be driving the industry forward in 2023 and supporting the global transition to electrification. It has a number of exciting announcements planned for the next 12 months and says it is looking forward to seeing the sector continue to grow.

myenergi, myenergi.com

In this article, Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, gives her thoughts on the EV charging trends we’re likely to see in 2023 and discusses why the next 12 months will be a pivotal period for the UK’s transition to electrification.

More than 300,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were collectively registered in 2022

NOT ALL CONSUMER UNITS ARE THE SAME Introducing the Circuit Protection FBA Design Service

The Contactum design service for Circuit Protection allows you to create a bespoke design for factory assembled units to be supplied for your project.

If your project requires a fully customised solution or specific outgoing devices pre-fitted then this service will be of benefit. It enables a highly reduced labour time on site while also ensuring continuity across your project.

In a few easy steps our team can help you to design and build the best, compliant configuration to suit your project. Using standard and non-standard Contactum devices and accessories we can supply your units fully assembled.

All you need to do is contact our dedicated contractor sales team via the email address below. Discuss the requirement, agree a design configuration, and confirm the quantities. We can then provide a unique quotation for your exact requirements. Once agreed and an order is placed via one of our selected distributor partners we will assemble and dispatch your boards ready for installation.

Dedicated Contractor Sales Team

Fast turnaround time from enquiry to delivery

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Reduced waste from packaging

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Boards correctly configured

Available for all circuit protection ranges

EVACUATION ALERT SYSTEM HELPS PROTECT RESIDENTS IN MERSEYSIDE SOCIAL HOUSING

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied its EvacGo evacuation alert system to two high-rise residential tower blocks in Huyton, Merseyside, following a series of fire safety improvements to the buildings.

Following a significant programme of compartmentation works undertaken in 2018, the 11-storey Knowsley Heights buildings have benefitted from a refit that includes installation of Advanced’s EvacGo system, which is compliant with the BS 8629 Code of Practice, for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales.

Knowsley Heights is owned by Livv Housing Group, an independent housing association, with the two buildings partially managed by an onsite manager. ABM Fire and Security undertook the complete supply, installation and commissioning of the EvacGo systems. A four-loop, 16-zone evacuation alert panel was installed in each building.

Each EvacGo panel is housed inside an STS 205 security-rated enclosure with patented BS EN 1303-compliant lock and key mechanism for exclusive access by the fire and rescue service – ensuring minimal risk of unauthorised use and full compliance with BS 8629. Argus Vega Sounder VADS audible and visual devices and interfaces were installed in the hallways of each of the 128 flats to ensure all residents, including people who are deaf or have hearing loss, are kept safe and informed.

Tony Cahill, Executive Director – Property from Livv Housing Group, says, “EvacGo from Advanced was selected for the Knowsley Heights refit as it was essential that the evacuation alert system met the criteria for BS 8629. While it may not be mandatory for an 11-storey existing building, meeting with best practice is essential for us as a housing association to protect our customers in the event of a fire.”

Ken Bullock, Business Development Manager – Evacuation Alert Systems at Advanced, says, “We worked closely with fire industry experts to develop the EvacGo to ensure it meets the BS 8629 Code of Practice, as well as the needs of those using it. Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the increased awareness of the importance of effective fire evacuation, we have seen a growing number of housing associations and landlords wanting to install an EvacGo system. While evacuation alert systems are now mandatory in new residential buildings over 18m, landlords of

smaller buildings or those being retrofitted, like Knowsley Heights, are keen to meet best practice to keep their residents safe.”

All Advanced evacuation alert systems are custom manufactured to reflect each individual building’s evacuation zones and have been developed to provide a bespoke solution that allows the fire services to control evacuation floor by floor, according to the severity and location of the fire. BS 8629 guidance states that the evacuation alert control system should be installed where a ‘stay put’ policy is in force, such as with Knowsley Heights, so that it can be used to facilitate a timely and ordered evacuation for all residents. An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident. This

gives fire and rescue services an additional tool to use on the ground, alongside existing methods of evacuation. It must be standalone, with its only function being to assist fire and rescue services in the evacuation of the building.

Published on 1 June 2022, Part B (Fire Safety) offers new improvements to fire safety guidance to ensure tall buildings are made safer in England, as part of a wider package of reforms. Installation of evacuation alert systems is mandatory in all new build residential apartment blocks over 18m from 1 December 2022. However, for all other new build and retrofit projects, complying with BS 8629 is still seen as best practice.

Advanced, uk.advancedco.com

An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident

GROWING THROUGH REPUTATION

Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector.

I’m an electrician by trade and I started out as an apprentice electrician with the East Midlands Electricity Board. Once I’d finished my apprenticeship, I went on to become an approved electrician, and the opportunities with the electricity board at that time were vast. I had the opportunity to diversify and start to get more into design and project delivery, and work in different industries as well. I then spent several years delivering projects including data communications, electrical automation and networking. It was then I developed a passion for project management. I joined BGEN 20 years ago and I feel as though I’ve definitely earned my stripes now –working my way up from project manager, to business unit MD, and finally, through to CEO in September 2021.

For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of the work that BGEN does?

BGEN started off as an electrical contracting business based in Warrington 105 years ago. The company has grown

to turning over £191 million in 2022, with a workforce of 1,300 employees. The electrical contracting business was built up over many decades and has diversified as the organisation has grown. Now BGEN is not just an electrical contracting business, we have a mechanical arm which works on big M&E industrialised projects. We’ve also diversified into different fields and now describe ourselves as a multi-disciplined engineering solutions business and, in terms of engineering solutions, we are approaching being one of the largest privately owned electrical mechanical contracting businesses in the UK.

We work in industrialised and specialist sectors and we do a lot in the water, gas, electrical, power and petrochemical services sectors. BGEN also has specialist divisions (food, nuclear and pharma) and an international business which is based in Africa. There are also three manufacturing facilities within the business.

In regard to growing the business, one thing I will say is that that we are not a sales-driven organisation – we grow through reputation and through repeat business with existing clients.

Tell us about your current role – what are you responsible for and what does the normal working day consist of?

Ultimately, I am responsible for everything within BGEN – I report to the shareholders and am responsible for the performance of the whole business, whether that’s safety, financial, quality or environmental. When I took on the job as CEO we rebranded the company. We changed the name, but we didn’t change the bread and butter of what we’re doing – we were at the point where we had grown as an organisation and we were working to offer much broader services. Another thing I am working on is our next three year strategy and what’s required to be more sustainable and to attract more diversity into the into the industry. We are looking at another busy year this year and we have a lot of work in the form of major contracts and clients. With regards to a typical day, as CEO I have certain repeating events that go on with my management team, and I make sure that I am touching base with as many staff members as I can, making sure the business is functioning well. I do like to engage with clients and all of our new starters as well.

Carly Wills speaks to Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN, about life at the company and the great work BGEN is doing for the sustainability and future of the sector.

“Working on different projects, in different sectors, with different clients and different people all the time, keeps it fresh”

What are the best things about your role? What are the most challenging?

The most rewarding thing about my role is the people. Without doubt we are a people organisation with a family culture and that is very evident within the company. I have been with BGEN for 20 years, and every day is different. Because we operate across multiple sectors, every day is a school day. So that’s really interesting for me because I am inquisitive. I do find that working on different projects, in different sectors, with different clients and different people all the time, keeps it fresh.

We also have challenges as well –because we deliver difficult projects, we are always uncovering all kinds of challenging environments, but this is what we specialise in. Besides COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and the current economic climate and uncertainty, it’s now access to the right products and being able to have materials readily available at the right price to deliver to our clients – that’s a challenge. We have spent a considerable amount of time with our supply chain management to make sure that we are still delivering. Inflation is having an impact, but we are fortunate to be in a position to plan work quite far ahead, so when it comes to procuring and securing materials at the right price, we haven’t necessarily been hit too hard yet. We are very passionate about making sure that our workforce is looked after and engaged, and we’re also making sure that we are considering the carbon content of what we deliver and our own impact on the planet.

BGEN’s headquarters have officially become net zero – can you tell us more about that?

We have decarbonised our head office, which is fantastic for us as an organisation, and is part of our carbon reduction plan which we set out in 2019. We set out a strategy to reduce our carbon footprint by 25% by 2025, which is part of our roadmap to being net zero by 2035. The first starting point around our decarbonisation is looking at our operational carbon – our own buildings and operations – and ensuring our own are people fully on board with that strategy. Decarbonising our head office is only part of that that journey, but it does give us the ability to showcase what we can do as an organisation. We can test the technologies that are available and we can see how affordable they are as well, which means that we can use our head office as an in-house case study to show potential clients what we can do. We are now two years into the target of 25% and we have achieved 19% already, so we are well ahead of our curve. However, there is still a long way to go.

What work is BGEN doing with regards to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and supporting the mental health of its employees?

This is something that I’m really passionate about. We’ve been doing a lot of work with regards to the skills shortage by trying to attract more people into the industry –especially women. At BGEN, we asked the women in the business to create a Women’s Forum – a safe space to talk about the issues that are stopping women going into engineering and they were asked to make recommendations to the management.

They came forward with a maternity and adoption package of 29 weeks full pay plus a further 10 weeks statutory pay which we have implemented, and I think I can credibly say is one of the best in the industry. We are trying to change the narrative and learn from those who have experienced it. We do a lot around mental wellbeing and have put 44 people through Mental Health First Aid at a site level, and I’m also a mental health first aider. We have a lot of other incentives going on and we have a zero harm culture, when it comes to health, safety and wellbeing.

How has COVID-19 affected the industry and are there any positives to come out of the pandemic?

As an organisation, I would suggest that we’ve come out of it fairly unscathed, because we spent a lot of time inward looking, rebranding and growing the business. We have won some big awards coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has opened up some opportunities for us as well. Industry wise, COVID-19 contributed heavily to the skills shortage, where many people re-thought about what they wanted to do with their lives, which resulted in a change of career. COVID-19 also brought the issue of mental health to the fore – coming out of it we see now that people do need an arm around them and they do need to socialise. As great as Teams is, it removes that ability to be together and, especially for our apprentices and our trainees, it is much better to have a mentor sitting next to them to show them what to do. So, as an industry, I do think we are more distanced.

Aside from COVID-19, what have been the biggest challenges across the industry in recent times?

Apart from the Ukraine situation and the current economic climate, the ongoing shortage of materials is without doubt one of the biggest challenges, along with the skills shortage. The global carbon situation is also a challenge for most organisations, and we have to find innovative ways of being more efficient and competitive; increase

value; do the right thing consistently; ensure high quality output; and keep people safe – these are all real challenges. While we need to invest more in our digitisation space to be more efficient, we also have to remember our core services and values.

What’s next for you and for BGEN?

More of the same! Sustainability is huge for us. Whilst it offers lots of opportunities, it also means we have to invest in our business and our people to make sure we’re doing the right thing for our clients and for the planet as well. It is a huge focus for the organisation going forward. This month we are launching a new sustainability offering, helping clients on their own net zero journeys. For me, personally, it’s a more of the same thing. My job comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but BGEN is a fantastic organisation and I enjoy what I do, so I’m going to continue to do it as long as I’m adding value and making a difference.

What do you think are the most exciting products or technologies coming to the market?

I think comes back to digitisation – that analytical element of instrumentation, the data that those instruments provide and the data we get off sites, even coming down to design tools. We do a lot with 3D scanning, which means we don’t have to send people out to site anymore to get information – we can actually build it into a 3D model. Another area to consider is top level cyber security and being able to remotely monitor the condition of certain assets. In terms of digitisation, I think it’s really exciting to keep abreast of the technology and make sure that we are introducing it to our clients as well.

What are your interests away from work?

Whilst I go to the gym and all of the usual things to keep healthy, my main focus for me is family. I’ve recently moved to Cheshire on the Welsh border and I’m really enjoying having adventures and finding new places with my family.

BGEN, b-gen.co.uk

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VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FOR MOULD AND DAMP WITHIN HOMES

Based at its headquarters in Bristol, for over 25 years Addvent has been renowned for offering one of the widest ranges of innovative and stylish ventilation products across the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. A market leader in the fan and ventilation equipment market, Addvent manufactures an array of extract and supply fans for different purposes, and continues to innovate with evermore impressive solutions.

Addvent’s latest innovation comes in the form of its Single Room Heat Recovery Unit, which was designed specifically as a solution to the increasing issue of damp and mould within our homes, which is more prevalent than ever.

According to recent figures, almost 70% of homes in the UK are affected by damp or mould, with 5% of these being deemed to pose a serious and immediate risk to the health of those occupying the property. Consequently, there is now more than ever a need to remove stale and moist air from our homes to prevent the accumulation of unwanted damp and mould.

So, what causes damp and mould?

This microorganism is mostly accredited to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) which often results in over 900 chemicals, particles, and biological materials thriving within the walls of our homes.

Further, this results in IAQ being five times worse than that of the outdoor air provided by our surrounding area. This –combined with the current climate and

Addvent AVHR50

Therefore, if you discover excess water build-up, musty smells, or black mould within your property, upgrading your ventilation unit should be top of your priority list. Failing to do so could result in some serious health conditions and even amount to fatalities amongst those of our younger generation.

However, Addvent’s brand new Single Room Heat Recovery Unit provides the solution.

The AVHR50 is one of the most intelligent, efficient and cost saving products within Addvent’s range and is worthy of this praise based on its easy installation and outstanding performance.

The brand New Addvent Single Room Heat Recovery Unit provides a continuous flow or fresh warm air to the room and then extracts stale air from the room while retaining the heat, ready again to supply heated fresh air back to the room.

The Addvent AVHR50 retains up to 93% of the heat that would normally be wasted by a conventional extractor fan, which has huge heating cost benefits.

Additionally, it provides higher levels of indoor air quality by filtering the air and removing dust particles that circulate around the home. This is a gentle process which is carried out by the absorption of the unit’s recycling core which then reverses, collects the recycled heat, and supplies fresh air back into the room. Recycling heat in this way through Eco-Ventilators is growing fast in popularity, and homeowners have already saved money while fighting climate change.

Some of the key product features of the Addvent single room heat recovery unit include:

Easy installation and maintenance

Provides a constant extract and supply up to 50m3/hour

Recycles up to 93% of the heat that is normally wasted with conventional extractor fans

Extremely low running costs with energy consumption down to 1.5W per unit

Silent running – 12dB(A) noise level

Acoustic external wall vent that dampens external noise and drafts

Prevents condensation, mould and humidity control for every room in your home

Stylish contemporary flush-fit design that would fit into any modern home

Maximum room size 20m2

Now more than ever, Addvent is striving to provide the highest quality products within the marketplace whilst keeping energy bills down. The AVHR50 consumes just 2W of electricity and, pairing this with its ability to recycle 93% of heat, makes this product a non-negotiable when considering cost efficiency. On average, a typical customer will cover the costs of their original investment within four years of purchasing this single room heat recovery unit.

The Addvent Single Room Heat Recovery unit is also simple and easy to install – it’s a straight through the wall solution that just needs a power connection, making it far easier to install than a centralised system that requires ducting throughout a property.

To further help support the Single Room Heat Recovery ventilation solution, Addvent provides a free ventilation design service – a valuable resource to all its customers.

The free design service is part of Addvent’s commitment to provide electrical contractors with industry leading specialist support. The ever-growing demand for ventilation products has seen Addvent expand its commitment to its customers.

The company’s success in customer service has come from close, personal contact, and significant investment continues to be made in technology and logistical systems for even faster response.

This is further supported by after sales support by a team of high-calibre staff to help customers with their needs, supported by an up-to-the-minute sales processing system and state-of-the-art logistics.

A telesales team based in Bristol backs up a specification sales force covering the whole of the UK, providing expert advice to electrical contractors and end users.

The high level of customer service, together with nationwide distribution, ensures that Addvent’s customers get the right products when and where they want them. As a leading brand, Addvent maintains a presence at major industry forums to regularly introduce new products and innovations to local authorities, housing associations, commercial specifiers and electrical contractors. Addvent, addvent.co.uk

SCOLMORE ADDS MATT BLACK TO ITS DECO AND DECO PLUS RANGES

Win a £200 Amazon voucher with Click Scolmore

The demand for Matt Black wiring accessories has been on the rise in recent years, as installers working on domestic and specification projects look for an alternative premium finish for interiors. Scolmore has taken this feedback on board and has extended the popular Matt Black finish to its Deco and Deco Plus wiring accessories collections. Adding the perfect contemporary look to any interior space, the new Matt Black finishes are available across all products in the extensive Deco metal and Deco Plus premium metal ranges.

Deco Plus is a comprehensive range of premium decorative metal wiring accessories that was first launched in

2003 to build on the huge success of the classic Deco range and introduced smooth, contemporary curves that have had wide-ranging appeal with contractors, specifiers and end users alike.

Deco and Deco Plus switch plates are all modular as standard, allowing the creation of virtually any switch plate design required. With a wide range of MiniGrid and New Media products also available in the range, this will give contractors and installers total flexibility to customise bespoke designs and solutions quickly and easily on site.

The addition of the new Matt Black finishes brings the number of finishes in the Deco Plus range to eight – Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Polished Brass, Satin Brass, Antique Brass, Stainless Steel, Black Nickel and Matt Black. The

For your chance to win, simply answer the following questions correctly.

1. Click Scolmore has added the new Matt Black finish to which wiring accessories ranges?

a) Deco

b) Deco Plus

c) Deco and Deco Plus

2. Click Scolmore’s Deco range is now available in how many finishes? a) 8 b) 10 c) 6

Deco range is also offered in Pearl Nickel and Georgian to bring the total number of finishes available to 10.

The full Deco and Deco Plus ranges can be viewed on the Scolmore website and the product brochures can be downloaded from the website as well as from the Scolmore Group app.

3. The Deco Plus range was first introduced in which year?

a) 2007

b) 2013

c) 2003

Closing

All entries must be returned by 31 March 2023. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms.

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

B.E.G. DELIVERS DAYLIGHT-DEPENDENT LIGHTING SOLUTION

B.E.G. has implemented its DALI-SYS daylight-dependent lighting control into a new 10,000m2 production facility in Portugal.

The manufacturer completed the project for Simplastic – a thermoplastic component supplier whose products are used in such companies as French cookware brand Tefal.

The Portuguese firm built a new production facility with large production halls and needed an automatic lighting control that would help save on energy costs.

Simplastic required a lighting control solution that would enable it to have different brightness values depending on the area. In the injection moulding and inspection area, for example, higher brightness values were needed than in the assembly section. In the storage area, however, a lower brightness value could be used. Therefore, it was clear to Simplastic that a control system with DALI occupancy detectors would be best option.

Simplastic has four large zones in the production hall, which are divided into further areas. Each sub-area and the associated groups can be controlled manually by staff and also centrally (via PC and push-button). In addition, a night mode is required, in which some luminaires are switched on at 20%. In order to be able to centrally override devices, several devices have to be networked, which was made possible thanks to the corresponding lighting control system.

With B.E.G.

DALI-SYS, rooms, areas or even the entire building could be controlled with standard push-buttons

The B.E.G. DALI-SYS solution is a modular, networkable system that can be scaled as required. The components are addressable and operate according to the principle of distributed intelligence where DALI wiring is independent of group formation.

This meant that changes could be made quickly and easily without rewiring. With B.E.G. DALI-SYS, rooms, areas or even the entire building could be controlled with standard push-buttons or via PC/smartphone. B.E.G. provided full technical support that included the individual planning up to the implementation and commissioning, in close coordination with the planners and building owners.

Paul Jones, Sales Director of UK & Ireland at B.E.G says, “Due to the location in the south of Europe, a lot of daylight can be utilised and a lot of energy can be saved. Occasionally, daylight can falsify the light measurement. At Simplastic, it was quickly recognised that the light measurement was affected by the upper side windows on the south side.

“In the afternoon, the sun shines obliquely through the windows onto the B.E.G. sensors and falsifies the light measurement. Only a fraction of the daylight reaches the floor. A solution was quickly found. With the help of the calendar function, the detectors were blocked between 3pm and 8pm and so they no longer control the light. Before the detector is blocked, it can send one last signal. In order to approach the desired lux value of 500, the signal is sent to the luminaires to dim to 80%.”

To meet the demands of a modern building, the B.E.G. lighting control system is fully compatible with a PC, tablet or smartphone. B.E.G. also provided Simplastic with a full 2D visualisation plan so that IT staff, foreman and other staff have the option of controlling luminaires or viewing the lighting control status at any time.

Paul says, “B.E.G. has decades of experience in daylight-dependent lighting control. In the beginning, there was 1-10 V technology, which has now been superseded by DALI technology. DALI technology is a BUS system that was originally developed for luminaires and is the definition for a standardised digital control gear interface. This standard guarantees the compatibility and interchangeability of control gear from different manufacturers in a lighting system.

“With daylight-dependent control or constant lighting control, the benefit of natural daylight is maximised. For optimum lighting conditions, only as much artificial light is switched on as is needed to achieve the desired brightness level. If the proportion of natural daylight changes, the proportion of artificial light also changes automatically. This saves energy in addition to the presence-dependent control and was the ideal system for Simplastic.”

B.E.G., beg-luxomat.com

The B.E.G. lighting control system is fully compatible with a PC, tablet or smartphone

LIGHTING THE WAY TO ENERGY SAVINGS

If recent reports are to be believed, businesses are set to experience the impact of the volatile energy market for at least the next two years. For those responsible for the management and operation of buildings, this only adds to increasing pressures to reduce operational costs and CO2 emissions.

But there are relatively simple, small changes that can make big differences to energy costs and consumption, including the use of more energy efficient lighting.

Here in the UK, the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme was introduced at the beginning of October, but a Treasury-led review will explore a new approach from April 2023. The emphasis will be on incentivising businesses to become more energy efficient. This sends a clear message that organisations need to identify and implement energy efficiency measures, to protect themselves against soaring operational costs.

Fortunately, there are some relatively straightforward steps that can be taken to achieve this, and reviewing core building services should be at the top of the priority list. Lighting is fundamental to any business. Whether it is an office building, retail premises or an industrial warehouse, having the correct lighting will make a big difference to reducing energy demand and operational costs.

How much impact does lighting have on energy consumption?

According to Climate Group, lighting accounts for nearly 5% of global CO2 emissions. Compared to old technologies, a global switch to energy efficient LED technology could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2 and avoid the construction of 1,250 power stations.

Did you know that most of the energy that goes into lighting an incandescent lamp is actually spent on heating the filament? An LED lamp only loses around 5% of the energy generated to heat, whilst 95% is converted to light.

Making the case for businesses to switch to LED lighting

LEDs (light emitting diodes) were first created in 1927, but the use of this technology for residential and commercial properties didn’t really become popular until the 2000s. By 2019, it started to replace halogen and fluorescent bulbs which were being phased out.

By replacing outdated lighting with modern LED systems, coupled with intelligent control systems, buildings can be made more efficient, generating savings of 60% to 80%.

LED luminaires also have a life expectancy that is 20 times longer than traditional bulbs and can function for over 50,000 hours before having to be replaced. With less maintenance, this also offers significant savings as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

Businesses of all sizes in any industry can benefit from energy efficient lighting, including offices, retail stores, restaurants and warehouses. In businesses where lighting is used 24 hours a day, such as data centres, warehouses and production plants, the benefits are amplified many times over.

More advanced lighting equals more control

There are relatively simple, small changes that can make big differences to energy costs

Sadly, not all businesses appreciate the benefits of LED lighting. But it’s relatively easy to construct a compelling case for them to upgrade. The good news is that such upgrades are easy to do and can be achieved in return for relatively small investments.

Alongside replacing traditional lighting with LED lamps, installing lighting control systems can add a level of flexibility that is also beneficial for businesses. For example, PIR or motion sensitive sensors ensure that lights are switched off when rooms or areas are unoccupied.

Equally, daylight dimming is also a feature of some luminaires, automatically decreasing the brightness of the light emitted as natural light levels increase. Providing a more organic lighting design benefits building occupants and also ensures that energy is not wasted.

Beyond that, installing controls and sensors allows businesses to make informed decisions about how their buildings are being used, and make changes to lighting schedules and settings. This can dramatically reduce energy consumption as the lights are subsequently only on when needed.

No business can afford to be inactive when it comes to energy, and lighting is the perfect place to make positive changes. Whilst retrofitting buildings with modern, efficient lighting could be seen by many as a complex and time-consuming affair, this isn’t the case. With the cost of even the higher-end systems steadily falling, there has never been a better time to talk to customers about embracing the benefits of LED lighting.

Wholesalers and distributors are on hand to provide guidance on lighting solutions that reduce energy demands and save money. CEF,

cef.co.uk

With energy prices at an all-time high, electrical distributor CEF and its manufacturing partner Tamlite Lighting, examine how businesses can potentially save up to 80% on their energy costs by simply upgrading their lighting systems.

D

New Smart ISI range

♦ PIR occupancy switches with built-in photocells

♦ Free-to-download DANLERS iOS and Android app

♦ Simple and easy-to-use

♦ Programmable setback light levels and fade rates

♦ Upgradeable for extra features such as group control and asset tracking

This NEW DANLERS range of smart sensors is quick to set up, with DANLERS own easy-to-use APP (Android & iOS).

Security options are available, to avoid unauthorised changes to settings. It has switching and dimming compatibilities for DALI and 0-10V. Upgradeable via over-the-air updates with additional licences and extra features. Ideal for energy-saving automatic lighting control.

DANLERS Lighting Controls

CONNECTED LIGHTING HELPS NSG GROUP ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY AND SMART FACTORY GOALS

Signify has been appointed by NSG Group to install a suite of cutting-edge smart lighting technology at several sites in the United Kingdom. These include The European Technical Centre in Lathom and the Automotive Facility in Redditch, as well as various other manufacturing sites across the UK.

The lighting upgrade comes as part of NSG Group’s aim to be the global leader in innovative high-performance glass and glazing solutions, which contribute to better energy savings, increase infrastructure for operations, and more closely align with regulations and requirements. Installing LED lighting in the facilities dramatically cuts energy consumption by almost 80%, when compared to the traditional technologies that were previously used. This is expected to save the sites over 170t of CO2 each year. As well as these significant energy savings, the new wireless LED luminaires also provide a number of smart factory benefits, including data-driven insights about the site which help in making decisions about its operations.

Connected lighting control system

As part of the redesign, the Interact system, which includes multisite management capability, provides centralised lighting control for all the sites with agreed scenes and schedules to ensure a consistent look and feel, and provide increased visibility, flexibility and control of the lights.

“The new LED lighting will improve lux levels, reduce glare, ease employee eye strain and fatigue, and offer flicker-free illumination throughout”

NSG Group will also be able to analyse all data collected through the wireless sensors and utilise this to improve working environments, whether in the warehouse or office. The cloud-based platform collects data from all light points via a connected lighting infrastructure and is displayed on a centralised dashboard. This enables better comparison, monitoring and management of lighting across multiple locations for improved efficiency and lower energy usage.

Towards a circular economy

With sustainability at the top of the NSG Group agenda, both the Lathom and Redditch sites use Signify’s innovative 3D printed downlights across the estate. These custom luminaires are fully recyclable, reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. Production requires far less energy and materials, resulting in a 70% lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional aluminium die-casting production methods.

LED lighting installation

Both the Lathom and Redditch sites feature Signify’s fast, secure Trulifi connectivity in the board rooms and selected meeting and conference rooms. Trulifi uses light waves to enable highly reliable, secure

two-way wireless communication at speeds far above most conventional workplace wireless technologies.

Lighting plays an important role in human wellbeing, so the implementation of this project demonstrates NSG Group’s desire to invest just as much in its people as in its sustainability goals. The new LED lighting will improve lux levels, reduce glare, ease employee eye strain and fatigue, and offer flicker-free illumination throughout The European Technical Centre’s office spaces.

Marcel Devereaux, Category Manager Energy Projects at NSG Group, says, ‘’Our site is designed to set a new standard for warehouse lighting in the glass industry. With Interact Industry we received a connected lighting system that does more than just provide light. It also gives us data about our site and allows us to make smarter decisions about our operations.’’

NSG Group is one of the world’s leading glass and glazing solutions suppliers for the automotive and architectural industries. These recent UK lighting installations are an extension of a global partnership with Signify that also includes NSG Group’s smart warehouse in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, which was the first installation of Signify’s Interact Industry connected lighting solution.

Signify, signify.com

LIGHTING DESIGN AND REGULATIONS FOR 2023 AND BEYOND

From the need for greener, more efficient lighting solutions to the demand for digitally-connected, customisable experiences, commercial lighting has moved with the times. Here, Miguel shines a light on the next year, and what today’s engineers, electrical contractors, consultants, and lighting designers need to consider as they design for the needs of today, ready for the expectations of tomorrow.

Delivering compliant and compatible lighting experiences

This year saw the 2021 edition of Part L Building Regulations come into effect, affecting engineers, electrical contractors, consultants, and lighting designers working on non-domestic applications. This is the first time that UK building regulations have incorporated explicit requirements for lighting controls. The core focus for Part L regulations is sustainability; all non-domestic new builds must produce 27% fewer CO2 emissions than previous standards.

According to the Carbon Trust, lighting accounts for around 20% of all the electricity used in the UK. In an average office building, this figure soars to around 39%, and is even higher in specialised settings such as healthcare facilities (43%) and hotels (55%).

Previously, to compensate for lumen depreciation over time, lighting was usually over-specified, and spaces over-lit. This is not only a clear waste of energy but results in uncomfortable spaces which impact users by reducing productivity and user satisfaction. Now, the new Part L2 requirements specify that spaces should not be over-illuminated. Although the new regulations focus on lighting controls to enhance energy savings, they will also be going beyond the use of the traditional energy saving strategies, such as LED lighting and presence detection, and incorporating the additional benefits that lighting control can deliver to create a meaningful impact.

Fundamentally, a control system manages the inputs and outputs of the devices that are part of the lighting system to deliver value that is greater than the sum of its parts. With intelligent lighting control, you can realise multiple energy saving strategies which meet Part L2 lighting regulations, whilst improving the day to day experience of the people using the space.

With intelligent lighting control, you can realise multiple energy saving strategies

These energy-saving lighting control strategies can include occupancy/vacancy sensing and daylight harvesting to save up to 60%; personal dimming control gives occupants the ability to adjust the light level and can save up to 20%; while load shedding automatically reduces lighting loads during peak electricity usage times, saving up to 50%. Crucially, all of these savings can be realised while elevating high-end design aesthetics and a people-first experience.

A golden opportunity for exceptional experiences

Meeting regulations must not mean a depreciation in user experience. Regulations must be met, of course, but compliance is also an opportunity to elevate lighting experiences to create spaces users want to engage with again and again.

In fact, with intelligent lighting controls, facility managers can remotely monitor and adjust levels of electric light and daylight, while reporting and analysing usage, leading to greater efficiency, while impacting occupant experiences. From tuneable white and warm dimming tools to natural light control and privacy options through controllable window blinds, lighting is now a customisable experience.

Future-proof lighting control

With the convergence of the internet, smart devices, wireless technology and data analytics, it is possible to unlock unprecedented value across the lifecycle. This not only applies to the direct management of the lighting but also the

ability to check on the health of the system for predictive maintenance; remote access to regularly optimise the performance of the system; and of course, automation by using multiple sensor types and scheduled events.

In the past, systems were rigid, specified on paper and delivered before the occupants of the space were present, or indeed before they knew how they wanted to use the space. Thanks to today’s smart and wireless technology it is possible to easily fine tune the performance of the system during the lifetime of the installation.

Today’s state-of-the-art modular, wireless systems go beyond to provide intelligent, flexible switching and dimming control with energy savings via occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, timeclock scheduling, and demand response – and can flex with changing needs. Now, with intelligent lighting control, the functionality and performance of the system can adapt over time and provide continued updates so additional features and benefits are implemented to improve the value of the system.

Bringing LED lighting and technology together is taking light beyond standard illumination; improving efficiency and adding value throughout the lifetime of a project. By embracing these future-fit solutions now, it is possible to meet today’s building regulations and be prepared for tomorrow’s needs, in one smart strategy.

As technology advances and new features and techniques are developed, we can update existing installations so they can better serve the users of the space and add increasingly more value over their lifetime. The future of lighting is connected.

Lutron, lutron.com

In 2022, commercial lighting design fell under the spotlight as more demanding customer expectations and regulatory change coincided, solidifying the need for more human-centric lighting experiences, writes Miguel Aguado, Marketing and Technology Manager at Lutron

TRILUX WORKS WITH EPIPHANY TO SAVE 1.3 TONNES OF MATERIAL

By implementing the Reuse model of lighting circularity, Trilux has cut lighting energy costs by 47% for tenants of a prestigious London office, reducing their carbon footprint by 6.6m tonnes of CO2 and, by reusing the existing luminaires, saved 1.3 tonnes of new material being created.

Constructed in 2003, One London Wall is a prominent landmark office building designed by Foster & Partners. The available space comprises 200,000ft2 of Grade A office accommodation, which benefits from full height glazing and offers excellent levels of natural light. The building is ideally situated to take advantage of the superb amenities in the bustling City of London and the vibrant Farringdon area.

Design and build specialist, Epiphany, secured two floors (three and five) of CAT A and CAT A+ fit-out in the building. For the lighting, the client wanted to keep the same look and feel but improve the energy efficiency.

TRILUX was the chosen lighting partner for the project. The company takes a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and proposes several viable routes that its clients can take to limit resource use. It believes that products that do not generate waste and do not themselves become waste are ideal for a circular economy. With sustainable management of material flows, companies can significantly contribute to climate and resource protection.

With sustainable management of materials, companies can contribute to climate and resource protection

The TRILUX design team worked collaboratively with Epiphany to determine the best solution to improve lighting efficiency and reuse as much material as possible.

It was possible to reuse the existing luminaire and redesign it with LEDs and a new gear tray – retaining the main body and other usable parts – a perfect example of circular principles at play.

Working to a tight timescale, the TRILUX design team took sample luminaires back to its manufacturing site and designed a retrofit LED solution. Over 400 14W, 21W, and 26W T5 and TC-D fluorescent luminaires now incorporate LEDs and DALI gear trays. The new design links to existing DALI control to take advantage of daylight linking, making maximum use of natural light.

Apart from improving the working conditions for new tenants, circular lighting principles have helped the office building cut its lighting energy costs by an impressive 47% and reduce its carbon footprint by 6.6m tonnes of CO2. The longer lifetime of the LEDs means maintenance has been minimised, too, allowing the facilities teams to focus on other business areas.

Reusing the existing luminaires has saved 1.3 tonnes of new material being created, reducing material waste, and preserving virgin material resources. Furthermore, the old T5 and TC-D fluorescent lamps were collected from the site for professional recycling.

Darren Furlong, Director of Epiphany, comments, “There’s only one way to deliver consistently exceptional results and that’s by working with tried and tested tradespeople. So, we make sure to treat our suppliers as we do our employees. In return, we get a loyal team of craftspeople who go the extra mile on every project. This is always the case when working with the team at TRILUX. In this case they pulled out all the stops, helping the client to achieve greater energy efficiency in the most sustainable and cost-effective way.”

TRILUX, trilux.com

The new design links to existing DALI control to take advantage of daylight linking

■ Addressable multi-master Lighting Control System

■ Supports DALI and DALI-2 luminaires

■ Ideal for retrofitting

■ Super flat multisensor available

■ Simple, intuitive operation

■ Free Bluetooth app with 2 functions:

- Scene control for end customer

- Commissioning tool for installers

DALI Multisensor PD4N-DALI-LINK Part no. 93377

DALI push-button module PBM-DALI-LINK-4W-BLE Part no. 92732

DALI Power supply PS-DALI-LINK-FC Part no. 92846

B.E.G. LUXOMAT ® net

DALI-LINK

LIGHTING LONDON’S BEST NEW CULTURE SPOT

Lighting arts and culture destinations can be fraught with challenges at the best of times, let alone when working within the constraints of Grade I and II listed buildings. Working with Buro Happold, Bennetts Associates and MJL Electrical Contractors, Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn have designed a sympathetic, energy efficient, easily adjustable, and controllable lighting system for London’s latest cultural hot spot.

oolwich Creative District Trust is an independent registered charity established to run Woolwich Works to advance art for the benefit of the public, and provide facilities to improve the conditions of life of residents in London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has upheld its commitment to the arts with a multi-million-pound investment in transforming five historic military buildings in the landmark Woolwich Arsenal into a new cultural destination in London –Woolwich Works.

The predominantly unused Grade I and II listed buildings have been converted to a 16,500m2 creative hub for multiple cultural occupiers, giving access to an array of culture: music, theatre, dance, spoken word, comedy, and exhibitions.

It will also become the new home of performing arts company Punchdrunk, orchestra Chineke!, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Greenwich-based dance company Protein, and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.

Fireworks Factory is the centrepiece of the project. It accommodates a 932-seat performance space, external courtyard, and three smaller wings with five studios. A café, bar and river-facing events space is also available for hire.

The goal was to achieve a sympathetic redevelopment of the heritage buildings which would increase the reach and sustainability of local cultural organisations.

To help achieve the project goals, the building services solutions, including the lighting, needed to be sympathetic to the existing buildings, utilising energy efficient, easily adjustable and controllable systems.

Tony Smith Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, comments, “Buro Happold chose us to be their lighting partner on the project as they wanted someone with a broad product range and a company they knew they could work closely with to meet the challenge. It was a complex job, and there were many changes along the way – mainly architecture led, due to the complexity of the building. We had a close working relationship with MJL, which helped us overcome each challenge. Our broad product range helped us find the right fittings for each location and provide the correct controls strategy and central battery for the project.”

Buildings 40 and 41 have been designed using Zumtobel and Thorn Lighting’s luminaires and control systems.

Key products in Building 41 include the established Zumtobel SLOTLIGHT infinity continuous light line in the gallery, rehearsal and function areas, and TECTON continuous row system in the main performance spaces. ONICO P, PANOS infinity, CAELA, SUPERSYSTEM II, CLEAN classic and Thorn Glacier II complete the building’s general and task lighting.

TECTON provides a versatile solution as well as standard track-mounted fittings throughout. At the same time, the SLOTLIGHT infinity was the ideal luminaire for overcoming the irregular-shaped spaces or where services were causing an obstruction. It offers precision optics and uniform illumination, even around corners with no dark spots.

The emergency lighting is supplied by RESCLITE PRO, and Zumtobel’s LITENET Lighting Management System fully controls all the luminaires.

The ONLITE central battery supports the emergency luminaires. The ONLITE central battery installation is a modular system and adjusts to any specific project and meets the customer’s requirements exactly. The system communicates via DALI, which means that each DALI luminaire can be individually monitored and controlled. The central battery provides numerous benefits for the facilities management team, minimum maintenance effort, and fail-safe data communication with no need for additional communication modules in the luminaires.

Building 40 exploited the Thorn product range. Novaline wall luminaires were used for the stairway lighting, Chalice for the bathrooms, Voyager Exit Blades for the exit signage, and the industrial weatherproof applications were met by ForceLED and Aquaforce Pro.

Pippa Hack, Director of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills for the Royal Borough of Greenwich says, “Woolwich Works is at the heart of our growing cultural scene, attracting audiences from all over London and beyond. The lighting plays such an important part in creating the right atmosphere for all the different events, showing off the architecture of these stunning buildings. We’re very pleased that the team has been able to deliver high quality results and, most importantly, to do it using energy efficient technology.”

Zumtobel Group, z.lighting

To help achieve the project goals, the building services solutions needed to be sympathetic to existing buildings

WThe Royal Borough of Greenwich has upheld its commitment to the arts

LIGHTING FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

For a long time, the lighting industry had invested most of its resources in technologies, solutions and products that fulfil our visual needs. It was not until the discovery of a third photoreceptor (besides rods and cones) in the human eye and evidence of the biological influence from light that the lighting community began to relate human health and well-being to light. The findings on the non-visual effects of light since then has challenged the industry to take a more holistic approach that simultaneously considers both the visual and biological needs of humans. What is now commonly known as Human Centric lighting (HCL) takes up this challenge and opens up a whole new world of opportunities with the advances in LED lighting and Internet of Things (IoT).

Human centric lighting

Human centric lighting is a lighting concept that puts the focus on bringing the dynamics of natural daylight back into people’s everyday lives through biologically effective artificial lighting. HCL goes beyond the basic visual needs of people. It helps the human body to stay aligned with natural circadian rhythms that the human being has been conditioned to throughout its history. The human body’s daily sleep/wake cycle patterns, referred to as circadian rhythms, are to a great extent dictated by biochemical reactions triggered by our exposure to light. As humans have evolved, daylight has been the primary regulator of this cycle, however, as we have moved to the point that we typically spend around 90% of our time indoors, we can become starved of this natural light.

In the past, we have been limited by the electric light that we have been able to create, but modern LED light sources have given us the possibility to reproduce many aspects of daylight, with variations in colour temperature and intensity now being relatively simple to achieve. We are no longer constrained by what daylight can achieve and, with current technologies, it is possible to create lighting effects that enhance the appearance of objects, people and spaces in a way that is not possible even with daylight.

The light output quality from an electric lighting installation fundamentally depends on the light sources themselves. The lamp and/or luminaire in which the light source(s) are installed will also have some influence on the quality and quantity of the light output. The development of LED technology has revolutionised the lighting sector and LED lighting is highly amenable to spectrum and dimming control. There are now many different distributions of light output possible due to the flexibility in assembling the light-emitting diodes in various configurations to create LED modules. Furthermore, the spectral output from LED light sources can be varied across a very wide range of correlated colour temperatures (CCT). Adjustment of light fixtures between 2000K and 7500K to suit occupant needs are not uncommon today, whereas traditional light sources are much more limited in these aspects.

Control strategies

Lighting controls can be used to provide an individualised lighting level for a particular user whilst also providing a dynamically lit appearance to increase visual interest. In order to provide a truly human centric derived lighting scheme there is the need to acknowledge that individuals have

preferences, which may be lighting levels, colour, controllability, and the absence of glare and flicker, for example.

The quantities, distributions and spectral qualities of light that are required from a lighting design/installation vary considerably according to multiple factors. These include the tasks that are being carried out at any point in time, as well as the visual acuity and preferences of the individuals in the space at the time. Traditionally, lighting designs have attempted to accommodate this by providing for the worst-case scenario, inevitably leading to unnecessarily high light levels across the entire space, and with limited visual comfort. Of course, this also has a material effect on increasing the power consumption of the lighting installation.

As well as saving energy, personalisation and optimisation via lighting controls can help ensure that only the right light, in the right quantity, at the right time and in the right place is provided. Light levels can be changed automatically through pre-programmed ‘scenes’ that can themselves be triggered by external factors such as prevailing natural daylight conditions or by manual override by the occupants, depending on their particular needs or preferences at the time.

Innovation and the continued development of smart control systems utilising mesh networks and intuitive app based systems is further supporting the possibility of delivering control systems that can support human focused lighting solutions and future upgradability.

Ovia Lighting, oviauk.com

Mike Collins, Director of Operations at Ovia Lighting, takes a look at some of the developments in the lighting sector that have been gathering momentum in recent years.

Modern LED light sources have given us the possibility to reproduce many aspects of daylight

SHOULD YOUR NEXT MULTIFUNCTION TESTER BE AN EV MFT?

There are many reasons why electricians should consider a multifunction installation tester with electric vehicle (EV) testing capability. David Sweetman, Group Marketing and Business Development Director at Di-LOG Group, has compiled a few facts that will help electricians when they are considering investing in new test equipment.

According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will be one of the most important actions to achieve the UK’s net zero target. Today’s EV market is estimated to be around 400,000

– this includes all fully electric and plug-in hybrid models and equates to 1% of all UK vehicles. By 2032, this number is expected to accelerate to 23.2 million which is 55% of all UK vehicles and, by 2050, this number is expected to reach 49 million – 100%.

Currently, there are approximately 33,000 public charging points for around 400,000 plug-in electric vans and

There is every possibility that you will be installing EV chargers in the future if you are not doing so already

passenger vehicles. In order to grow the UK’s EV fleet to 23.2 million EVs by 2032, the CCC estimates 325,000 public charging points will be needed. These numbers do not include the EV chargers that are installed at homes and workplaces.

So, there is every possibility that you will be installing EV chargers in the future if you are not doing so already.

Should your next installation tester have the functionality to check the effectiveness of DC leakage protection installed within the EV charger? David believes the answer is yes, in accordance with BS7671:2018:AM2 – Chapter 64 section 3 (643) titled ‘Testing’. Subsection 643.10 ‘functional testing’, states that ‘protective devices shall be submitted to a test of their function, as necessary, to check that they are properly installed and adjusted’.

EV charger safety

Di-LOG’s new DL9100 series MFT incorporates the DL9120 and DL9130EV with both products boasting DC capability, paving the way for a host of tests specific to the EV and PV sectors, mainly the ability to conduct a Type B (Pure DC) RCD test. Although the new MFTs both have the ability to test Type B RCDs, the DL9130EV has a full 6mA RDC-DD test to indicate the DC safety protection is working on all modern EV chargers. Excessive DC current on the RCD that is protecting the AC supply could result in the failure to trip when an AC fault occurs. The DL9130EV can be switched to full Auto EV mode for full EV verification. The EV Auto Sequence performs a cycle of full RCD tests checking the EV charger’s DC leakage protection along with the Type A RCD. All results are then recalled simply at the press of a button, utilising the RGB colour-changing screen with a green background to indicate passes and a red background to indicate areas that may require further investigation.

Feature packed

Di-LOG has not just focused on additional EV features, the new DL9120 and DL9130EV MFT are the company’s most intelligent testers to date, with a fully auto-sensing high current Loop/PSCC test. The instrument will automatically detect if the user is conducting either a two-wire or three-wire test without the need to select a specific setting.

Fitted with a new high-contrast RGB colour screen with a full secondary display, results are held on the screen with the added benefit of colour-changing screen alarms when specific triggers or warnings are met. Full flexibility whilst on-site is paramount, and with a variable RCD test the user can dial in any specific value required to safely conduct the test.

Taking testing to the max

The DL9130EV hosts additional time-saving features such as Zmax (maximum Zs Earth Loop) and Rmax (maximum R1+R2/R2), designed to aid the user when testing and inspecting. Although Zmax is not new technology and has been around for a while, the Rmax feature is something new and unique. Rmax essentially allows the electrician to record the maximum continuity reading when testing sockets on a ring main R1+R2, or light fittings in a radial circuit to find the maximum R2 value.

Full range protection

Occasionally, mistakes can happen when testing and inspecting, especially if you accidentally apply voltage to either the insulation or continuity test setting. The DL9120 and DL9130EV have added intelligent protection features to fully protect the instrument and the user when

these situations occur. In all instances when the user needs to be alerted to a specific condition, the colour RGB screen will turn red, indicating the error that has occurred. In addition to user error warnings, Di-LOG has also enhanced the overvoltage protection to 480V to protect against voltage variations that may arise on the supply.

Simplistic

Modern-day test equipment tends to host an array of features offering fantastic value for money. However, more often than not, this can create test equipment with complex menu protocols when all you want is to rotate a dial, press a button and go. The DL9100 series continues to adopt this approach with the new intuitive user interface. As you rotate the rotary dial, each function is momentarily indicated adjacent to its function button, creating an intuitive but simplistic approach to testing and inspecting.

EVSE Charge Station Adaptor

The DLEV1 is a universal EVSE Charge Station Adaptor Kit that will simulate the Proximity Pilot (PP) States and Control Pilot (CP) States required to energise a free-standing or wall-mounted EV charger. Supplied with a type 1 and type 2 connector plug specifically designed for testing, the DLEV1 kit will also simulate PE Pre-test, CP Error ‘E’ and PE Error with the added feature of CP signal output and load connection.

The DLEV1 has a 13A socket for MFT mains lead or can be used for inline load connection. In addition to this, there are also 4mm input terminals for single or 3-phase connections.

Di-LOG supports British manufacturing by designing and building its specialist safety test equipment in the UK

British manufacturing

If none of the above has convinced you, then how about supporting UK manufacturing?

From time to time, things don’t always go quite to plan and like any electronic device that is designed to work in the most extreme environments, there is always the odd hiccup, so to speak. With UK-based manufacturing, research, development and design teams, issues can be quickly found and resolved –without your equipment potentially seeing more of the world than yourself!

Di-LOG says that it is proud to support British manufacturing by designing and building its specialist safety test equipment in the UK. All of the company’s 18th Edition multifunction testers have a UK-based R&D team dedicated to designing, building and delivering the most up-to-date technology to meet the continuous needs of its customers.

Measurably better test equipment

Di-LOG Test Equipment offers a comprehensive range of test equipment from a voltage indicator to 18th Edition and thermal imaging, to portable appliance testing kits. All Di-LOG instruments are designed and manufactured to the highest quality specification and you can be assured that all manufacturing processes adhere to internationally recognised standards. Di-LOG says that its instruments are accurate, safe and rugged – you won’t find a better balance between cost and fitness for purpose.

Di-LOG, dilog.co.uk

DL9130EVKIT –the complete EV and Installation Testing Kit

TESTING RESISTANCE UNBALANCE

The original PoE standard supported up to 12.95W and PoE+ supported up to 25.5W. PoE++, which was ratified in 2018 and is available in Type 3 and Type 4, offers higher power. Type 4 can supply up to 90W on each PoE port. Recent experiences have brought to light that differences in resistance between wires in pairs are widespread in LAN cabling, which can have a negative effect on the delivery of PoE. Fortunately, a smart approach to testing provides a solution, writes

Andrew Sedman RCDD, Head of Technical Support and Training at R&M

Unbalanced resistance in a cable pair, or between cable pairs, may be caused by substandard cable and connector manufacturing, poor installation practices at the point of termination, or unreliable termination technology that degrades over time. In the worst case, unbalanced pairs can introduce signal transmission failure due to induced insertion loss in transceivers.

The signal transformers of active equipment can easily be saturated by the DC current and fail to receive data sent along lines if the power is mismatched on that same pair. Another issue (albeit less serious) is the heating of cables and the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) which supply DC power and data connectivity. This can reduce equipment lifetimes, waste power, and lead to unreliable power provision.

Before explaining the remedy, let’s first take a look at how data and power travel through structured cabling. Data is transmitted through a cable pair by sending differential signals down that pair’s dual conductors. This is done to help reduce crosstalk. Power, however, is sent through the cable pair as common-mode voltage – the same voltage is sent down both conductors. The data signals and power reach a balun, which is an electrical device that allows balanced and unbalanced lines to be interfaced without disturbing their impedance – in the active equipment. The power is tapped off, leaving the data to pass through the inductors.

If the resistance between the two conductors of a pair is different, the DC current in these conductors will not be the same. This, in turn, could lead to heating differences in the two conductors and to magnetic saturation effects in the baluns. If saturation occurs in the balun, it won’t be able to transmit data signals (see Fig. 1). For PoE operating on all four pairs, identical positive voltage is sent down two

of the pairs and the negative voltage is sent down the opposing pairs. If resistance between those pairs is not identical, an additional heating effect arises through differing current split.

In short, PoE equipment will not send/receive data on cabling that has excess resistance unbalance.

This type of testing verifies the deviation in resistance between each of the cores in a twisted pair. However, although ISO 11801-1 (6.3.3.7. Direct current resistance unbalance) defines maximum resistance unbalance figures, it specifies this element to be tested as optional.

Testing offers insight into pair resistance unbalance, which expresses how much the DC resistances of the conductors of a pair differ from each other.

Previously, the advice was to test the permanent link and then attach standards compliant patch cords. However, this may present problems for PoE if cords and their connectors present resistance unbalance errors that are not tested as part of the complete channel. Therefore, R&M recommends testing the complete channel in any system, with the patch cords in place.

According to ISO/IEC 14763-2, the remote power category must always be specified (RP1, RP2 or RP3) for every installation. Planning, installation practices and product selection must support the specified category. Specifically, with RP3, the assurance that the cable bundle will not overheat is essential for category compliance. An RP3 category must be applied for all newly built systems for offices, homes, industry and smart building systems. Every cable in a bundle must be able to fully support PoE of the highest level. Every cable in that bundle must be able to carry that burden simultaneously. However, undue resistance unbalance will increase the RMS current of a cable and therefore invalidate the RP3 calculation and planning. All that power being transmitted along bundled cables will generate heat,

affecting data transmission. The thermal loads can only remain in check if resistance unbalance is minimised.

Fortunately, test equipment manufacturers are currently making it possible to test beyond the basic requirements of standards such as ISO/IEC 11801. Selected devices now provide options to test for additional parameters, whereas some devices already test for this parameter as part of the basic test.

With PoE becoming increasingly widespread, supported by developments in systems convergence and ‘all over IP’, field testing is more important than ever. Resistance unbalance testing ensures installations support PoE without introducing data transmission issues or excess heat, making it vital to warranty agreements and avoiding costly equipment replacement and rework.

R&M, rdm.com

Fig. 1

TESTING TIMES FOR INSTRUMENT ACCURACY

Accurate measurement is the base factor in all industrial processes and testing systems, and is essential for the delivery of high-quality products and services. The calibration of test and measuring instrumentation is therefore vital to ensure that equipment continues to meet its published performance specification.

Calibration provides the means by which instrument operators are given the assurance that their equipment is measuring correctly and that the performance of products and processes evaluated using the equipment can be trusted. Businesses that are ISO 9001:2015 accredited must also have a traceable record of calibration for finished products and, as a result, a company’s quality manual should therefore typically determine the calibration requirements of different instrumentation.

In addition, an original equipment manufacturer will usually also provide calibration recommendations, or a trade association might provide advice for a particular industry, application or measurement function. However, what is suitable calibration for one type of equipment may not be the same for another and a different calibration service may be required for instrumentation used in different test and measurement applications.

For example, in some cases a simple function or confidence check may be sufficient for certain applications. In others, a comparison to the original specification will be required, and any necessary adjustments carried out to rectify ‘out of specification’ performance. Calibration may also need to be tailored to a company’s specific requirements with testing at specific points more suitable for the application.

If any faults are found during calibration, they may need to be repaired as the precursor to re-calibration, or simply be reported and the instrument returned. If variations from specification or agreed values are discovered during testing, calibration certificates should show ‘as received’ and ‘post adjustment’ measurement values, as well as details of measuring limits or tolerances.

In addition, another factor may be where the calibration work is carried out, with the availability of ‘mobile calibration personnel’ meaning that indispensable instrumentation no longer has to be sent away to be calibrated. As a result, downtimes for vital test equipment can be minimised and the risk of damage to instruments during transit removed, whilst high standards of workmanship‚ technical expertise and accuracy are still maintained. For these reasons, calibration facilities must offer a certain amount of flexibility to ensure different levels of service are available to meet the range of calibration needs, and industry requirements.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the standard for which laboratories must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent. In many cases, suppliers and regulatory authorities will not accept test or calibration results from a lab that does not have this accreditation. In the UK, UKAS is the national body recognised by government for the accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories. UKAS accreditation confirms the technical competency, impartiality and reliability of a calibration provider to deliver accurate results and authorises laboratories to issue ISO17025 accredited certificates.

Regular UKAS assessments ensure that test procedures, the equipment used, and the technical capabilities of test staff are of the highest standards, with assured traceability to national, or in some cases, international standards. From an accountability perspective, many businesses require the UKAS endorsement in order to maintain compliance with their own regulatory authorities and standards bodies.

Some calibration services may not be accredited to ISO17025:2017, but still be certified to ISO 9001:2015. Although such laboratories can provide traceable calibration, this is a generic standard for quality management systems and does not necessarily demonstrate technical competence to produce valid and accurate data measurement.

In the interests of meeting the needs of all customers and instrumentation types, accredited laboratories can offer both levels of service to meet specific requirements. Nevertheless, the requirement for calibration certification from an accredited

Calibration may need to be tailored to a company’s specific requirements

or non-accredited source will largely be determined by individual requirements, depending on the level of assurance the equipment’s output reflects on the processes and products of the user/company.

Choosing a service

Those companies that provide an accredited service themselves, such as product testing and standards compliance, or are involved in an application that requires greater confidence in the reliability of instrumentation such as electromedical equipment, are more likely to require calibration in ISO17025 accredited laboratories.

Quality assessors may consider that a non-accredited calibration is inadequate, but the broader decision is essentially one of risk management – how important is it that your goods and services are based on measurements taken with fully assessed and correctly calibrated equipment?

Can you afford the risk to your market reputation caused by unreliable results?

The importance of accurate calibration of all instruments cannot be underestimated in ensuring that equipment continues to provide an acceptably reassuring service. Any lack of control or knowledge within the calibration arena not only has a consequent adverse effect on the quality of service provided, but could ultimately lead to a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including health and safety regulations. Ultimately, planned and effective calibration ensures long term accuracy, standardisation and repeatability in measurements, providing reliable benchmarks and results, and delivering successful test programmes today and long into the future.

Calibrationhouse, calibrationhouse.com

Andrew Simpson, Business Development Manager for Calibrationhouse, explains the importance of maintaining the measurement accuracy of test instruments.

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POE TESTING IN INTELLIGENT LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS

Power over Ethernet (PoE) now supports a whole host of building systems, including intelligent lighting installations. If you’re dealing with these, Dan Barrera

Director of Product Innovation at TREND Networks, discusses five things

1. What are the PoE components?

These may include:

• Power sourcing equipment (PSE): The PSE is commonly a PoE enabled network switch. The PSE will have two important power ratings – the maximum port power (determined by IEEE standards) and total PoE output and input (maximum continuous power delivered through any combination of ports).

• Ethernet cabling: Ethernet cabling for PoE lighting typically carries ratings of Category (cat) 5e, 6 and 6A with a maximum permanently installed length of 90m. Some lighting systems allow daisy-chaining fixtures if no segment exceeds 90m and the total cable length is within the manufacturer’s limits. The total distance is a function of the cable’s DC resistance specification. Depending on the category and number of AWG conductors in its construction, cable supports maximum frequencies from 100MHz to 500MHz with data rates from 1 to 10Gb/s. As with any electrical cable, voltage drop is a function of cable resistance, length and the load applied.

• Powered Device (PD): Powered Devices are the electrical loads in a PoE system, such as lighting fixtures. A PD has a minimum amount of power required to operate, which is important when designing a system to ensure the PSE can supply enough power.

2. PoE power budgets

A PSE may not be able to deliver the maximum port power to all its ports at the same time, as the total output of the combined ports may exceed the maximum output of the PSE.

Fortunately, PSEs are intelligent and won’t enter overload conditions and cause damage. It delivers power on a first come, first served basis and, at maximum capacity, additional requests for power will not be granted. Installers should ensure that the number of fixtures and their total power demand will not exceed what a PSE is rated to deliver.

3. Installation/conformance testing

The IEEE PoE standards define how much power should be available to a device at the end of 100m (328ft) of installed cabling and patch cords for a given Class of PSE. Unlike a mains electrical system, a PSE will not energise the data cable unless power is requested from a PD. So, standard electrical testing tools cannot be used to test PoE systems. Instead, tools such as PoE Pro from TREND Networks are used. These determine the PSE power class and inform the user of the unloaded voltage, the voltage under load and the wattage available under full load, providing a clear PASS or FAIL indication. This allows users to easily test hundreds of cables, identifying any that don’t meet specification.

Testing the PoE infrastructure before installation ensures that the PSE and cabling meet the power demands of the lighting devices or PDs.

4. Troubleshooting PoE systems

Should a circuit fail the PoE load test, the tester can determine the source of the failure. Common culprits are the PSE or the cabling between the PSE and the PD. The tester is connected to the PSE port with a patch cord to test maximum delivered power. A failed test means either the port or PSE switch is bad, the port is configured incorrectly, or the switch is over its total power budget.

If the PSE test passes it means the power loss in the cabling is more than expected, so the cable test function of the PoE tester can be used to check the length of the cable. If the cable is too long, increased resistance from the additional length may cause the reduction in power at the PD location. If the cable is too short, the cable’s own resistance may be exceeding the specifications for cat 5e cable.

Another issue is copper-clad aluminium (CCA) cable. This is constructed of aluminium conductors, then coated thinly with copper. CCA cable has higher resistance than solid copper cable and should not be used in PoE applications, but, as it is cheaper, it is sometimes used.

5. Customers want detailed reports

With PoE becoming more prevalent, increasingly businesses need to create detailed reports for customers. These help verify that on-site technicians have completed an installation correctly. While mistakes are inevitable, in the past these issues would only become evident much later. This would result in poor customer satisfaction and costly call-backs to site.

These advanced test reports also clearly demonstrate that the power received on a cable passes the IEEE 802.3 af/at/bt requirements and is sufficient to power the installed device.

PoE Pro is now available with Bluetooth which works with the new TREND AnyWARE Cloud app to easily provide advanced installation and certification reports. Once results are uploaded via the app to the TREND AnyWARE Cloud web-based test management system, high quality PDF reports can be generated, giving installers a strong advantage over competitors.

PoE Pro is available through Avoke.

TREND Networks, trend-networks.com

,

you should consider.

PoE Pro is now available with Bluetooth

Rolec EV’s latest DC ultra-rapid charging station is intelligent, modular and features long-reach cables and a contactless payment terminal as standard.

O ering up to 160kW charging speeds, the ULTRACHARGE 160 is the ideal solution for public, workplace, fleet and highway infrastructure deployment.

AVOID DANGER AND STAY ALIVE

Electricity is a powerful force that demands respect and caution from those who work with it – every electrician knows that even a small mistake can have catastrophic consequences. Each year the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) receives reports of electrical accidents in the workplace. These incidents are often caused by electric shocks and burns, which can result in permanent and life-changing injuries. Some reports, however, register a loss of life and, sadly, the latest figures published in late 2022 show that fatalities have again occurred.

Prioritising safety and taking all necessary precautions when working with electricity, therefore, is not only essential, but a professional responsibility that must be upheld at all times.

The main hazards associated when working with electricity are electric shock and burns from contact with live parts, injuries from exposure to arcing, fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations, and even explosions caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus or static electricity igniting flammable vapours or dusts. It is important to note that electric shocks can also lead to other types of injuries, such as falls from ladders or scaffolding.

Clauses in both The Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) 1989 and The Management of Health and Safety Regulations at Work Regulations (MHSRW) 1999 require those managing electrical work to take steps to ensure a safe working environment. These include:

• Making sure that those engaged in electrical work be competent, or under the supervision of someone who is

• Taking precautions to ensure electrical equipment that has been made dead does not become electrically charged

• Forbidding work on or near a live conductor unless it is insulated, or it is unreasonable for it to be made dead

The MHSRW further stipulates that employers must perform risk assessments before carrying out electrical work. Guidance from Electrical Safety First, the UK charity which works across the electrical industry and government to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents, states that contractors should use a dedicated voltage indicator and proving unit to prove dead before any work is carried out on a circuit.

For an electrical contractor, keeping up to date with the latest safety risks and taking the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself, your colleagues, and the public is crucial. Martindale Electric knows the critical importance of safe working practices and, with electricians in mind, has developed the acronym ALIVE –a memorable isolation procedure to help reduce the number of electricity-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace:

• A is for Approved kit. The first step in the ALIVE isolation procedure is to ensure that your equipment meets all legal safety standards. Always make sure your voltage indicator complies with BS EN61243-3, such as the VI13800 voltage indicator from Martindale Electric, specifically designed to meet this standard. This will help to ensure that your equipment is functioning correctly and that you can detect dangerous voltages in the circuit.

• L is for Lock Out. Next, identify the point of isolation – lock it off and place warning tags onto the equipment. A good lock off kit should include a selection of MCB Lock Off devices, a padlock with a unique key, a hasp if more than one person is working on a system, lock out tags and warning labels. This will help to prevent anyone from accidentally turning the power back on while you are working on the circuit.

• I is for Initial Prove. After locking out the equipment, the next step is to test your voltage indicator against the proving unit to make sure it is working properly. It is recommended to use a dedicated proving unit matched to the voltage indicator to test that all LEDs on all ranges are fully working. A proving unit is safer than the mains and provides a live source wherever you are working.

• V is for Voltage Test. The fourth step in the ALIVE procedure is to use your voltage indicator to make sure dangerous voltage levels are not in the circuit you are about to work on. This includes testing for dangerous voltages on any circuit conductor to be worked on, whether single or three-phase. Verify that the circuit you intend to work on is the correct circuit, which you have safely isolated.

• E is for Ensure. Finally, prove the voltage indicator against the proving unit again before starting to work on the circuit. Re-test your voltage indicator is functioning and working correctly to make sure that no damage has occurred, or fault appeared on your equipment.

Electrical safety in the workplace is a critical issue that requires the attention and dedication of every electrician. Implementing safe isolation procedures on low-voltage installations can significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by electric shock or burns. The ALIVE procedure from Martindale Electric provides a simple and memorable way to ensure that you are following all the right steps to keeping yourself, and those around you, safe.

Martindale Electric, martindale-electric.co.uk

According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, electricity continues to pose a deadly threat in the workplace. Steve Dunning, Managing Director of Martindale Electric, explains how to minimise the dangers of working with electricity, prevent accidents and save lives.

For an electrical contractor, keeping up to date with the latest safety risks and taking precautions is crucial

THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IN 2023

Towards the end of last year, electrical wholesaler, ElectricalDirect, surveyed workers from across the UK to gauge the level of optimism within the electrical sector and get their view on the major challenges facing the industry over the next year. This article highlights the main results from the research and reveals the outlook for 2023, according to UK electricians.

With the UK’s economy set to be in recession for longer than any downturn since the 1920s, according to the Bank of England, the cost-of-living crisis is likely to continue way into 2023, if not longer.

It is therefore unsurprising that many electricians were feeling wary heading into the new year. Almost a fifth (19%) think it’ll be a challenging time for the industry, and 10% think their companies will find it tough.

However, these numbers are lower than they were at the same time the year before (22% vs 19%, and 14% vs 10% respectively), as revealed in ElectricalDirect’s 2022 report – perhaps suggesting a slightly higher level of confidence.

Despite wider societal problems, electricians are generally feeling more optimistic about the industry than they were the year before. More than a quarter (26%) think that 2023 will be positive for their company – up from 15% on the previous year – and one in seven (14%) electrical companies say they are looking to hire new staff.

Across the UK, the number of job vacancies in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector has remained fairly steady all year, hovering around the 6,000 mark, despite listings falling by over 60,000 nationally since January.

Generally, electricians are looking upwards, and more than a third (37%) think that they’ll be in a stronger financial position by the end of the year.

they'll

Other key results include:

• 10% think they’ll have more work in 2023

• 8% think they’ll have better job security

• 19% think that the industry will be healthier in 2023 than in 2022

Young electricians are most likely to feel confident about their company’s prospects in the future. Almost two in five (39%) millennial workers (25-34s) think their business will perform well in 2023, followed by around a third (32%) of 35-44-year-olds. This drops to just 17% amongst electricians aged 55 and over, but this is similar to the figure from the 2021 report.

The new generation of electricians are also the most optimistic for an upturn in job security, with 11% of millennials hoping for a more stable work landscape.

Electrical companies in Cardiff are the most likely to be hiring new staff this year, with 29% anticipating a recruitment drive, slightly ahead of Birmingham (25%) and London (18%).

Electricians in Bristol are the most optimistic for better job security (33%), ahead of London (14%), while those in Nottingham are the most likely to think 2023 will be a better year for their company (50%).

The main worry for electricians heading into 2023 was the rising cost of materials (48%). However, the amount of workers citing this as a concern has more than doubled (from 23%), suggesting the problem is growing.

Rising fuel costs are predicted to be the second biggest challenge in 2023, and with electricians typically travelling over 6,000

miles a year for jobs, the impact of petrol and diesel increases is significant.

Another rising issue is customers attempting more DIY work themselves, rather than hiring professionals. According to YouGov, just one in eight (12%) UK adults always get tradespeople to do jobs around the home, meaning the vast majority attempt at least some DIY, and more than a quarter (27%) of electricians say that this is impacting on their workload.

Simply getting hold of materials is also proving difficult (21%). Research from ElectricalDirect’s sister company, IronmongeryDirect, recently found that more than four in five (84%) electricians have struggled to source materials in the last year.

Sustainability is a new addition to the top list of challenges, with more and more customers enquiring about the environmental impact of projects, encouraging electricians to adjust their practices. A recent ElectricalDirect study found that four in five (80%) people in the electrical industry don’t feel confident discussing sustainability with clients, but the conversation is not going to go away, so electricians should try to upskill themselves in this area if possible.

Across all trades in the UK, a fifth (20%) of workers believe that their companies will have a good year this year, and a similar number (21%) think that they’ll be better off financially.

Roofers are most likely to be optimistic for the new year (38%), just ahead of electricians.

ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

“Electricians are looking upwards, and more than a third think that

be in a stronger financial position by the end of 2023”

SCREWFIX CHAMPIONS APPRENTICES ACROSS ITS BUSINESS

Screwfix is driving forward with its successful apprenticeship agenda. Whether it’s customers or colleagues, people are at the heart of Screwfix’s culture, and the omnichannel retailer champions the progression of its colleagues through its Trade Up programmes.

The Trade Up programmes are retail apprenticeship programmes aimed at developing and progressing talent to meet business growth.

As an employer provider, Screwfix has utilised its retail and learning expertise to deliver a programme covering all aspects of retail that is fully supported by expert internal learning coaches. The programme develops a robust pipeline of managers that can truly make a difference to colleagues and customers.

Screwfix currently has more than 700 colleagues on apprenticeship programmes across areas such as retail management, customer service and HR management. 81% of apprentices who complete programmes are promoted into a role.

In 2022, the business teamed up with TrAC, the flexi-job apprenticeship agency, to launch a brand-new scheme which funds the training of construction trade apprentices, in a bid to help tackle the skills shortage and encourage more people into the trade.

Screwfix undertook extensive research among both apprentices and tradespeople, which revealed that the costs associated with an apprenticeship are a significant barrier to preventing many from becoming an apprentice or hiring one. TrAC matches individuals with an employer, from plumbing and electrical apprentices, through to landscaping, painting/decorating and other skilled trade professions. Throughout the apprenticeship, both the apprentice and employer will receive on-going support and guidance, alongside receiving financial support from Screwfix.

Screwfix also launched its 9th Trade Apprentice competition in the UK and Republic of Ireland last month. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 champion will receive the coveted title and a career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology – everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business. What’s more, the champion’s college will receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping to provide outstanding services for tomorrow’s trade professionals.

Alex Avis, 26 from Nottingham, won the Screwfix Trade Apprentice title in 2022. An apprentice in carpentry and joinery, Alex switched career from an office to a building site, and his passion for the industry and the people working in it came across loud and clear.

Alex says, “Winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice has provided me with a fantastic platform to share my positive experiences working in the trade, while the tools, tech and training prize has really helped me towards my ambition of running my own business. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

Max Britten, Managing Director of Screwfix UK and Republic of Ireland says, “People are at the heart of what we do, and we’ve made great strides in recent years with our internal apprenticeship programmes giving our colleagues opportunities to progress and gain qualifications. Since we launched our Trade Up programme more than 560 people have gained qualifications to enhance their careers.

“The skills shortage in construction is well documented, and as a national trade retailer, we want to champion careers in the trade as we proudly showcase our nation’s skilled trade professionals and the benefits of a career in the construction industry.

“Through our Trade Apprentice campaign and our new initiative with TrAC to help solve the specific challenges facing apprentices and tradespeople seeking to hire, we’re championing careers in the trade and driving forward apprenticeships across the business.”

Screwfix,

screwfix.com

Screwfix currently has more than 700 colleagues on apprenticeship programmes

ALIGNING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Sustainability has become increasingly critical for organisations to remain relevant and competitive in today’s world. Much like digital transformation, driving sustainability requires organisations to transform every division of their business. Today, sustainability should be an integral part of developing a corporate strategy. More and more companies are under immense pressure to improve their transparency and sustainability practices, and this includes the sustainability of their trading partners.

• 91% of companies take sustainability criteria into account in purchasing decisions (source: HEC Sustainable Procurement Benchmark).

• 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company with a reputation for sustainability than from a neutral company (source: Sustainable Brands).

• 10/10 – proportion of last decade wherein a major new supply chain sustainability regulation was introduced (source: World Economic Forum: ‘Beyond Supply Chains’).

Like any successful business relationship, wholesalers will want to work with those suppliers whose sustainability credentials are aligned with their own. The ability of organisations to demonstrate their sustainability activities and achievements will play a factor in determining which businesses they partner up with. Utilising a credible provider of business sustainability ratings will ensure companies are best able to achieve their goals.

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence, and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Backed by a powerful technology platform and a global team of domain experts, EcoVadis’ easy-to-use and actionable sustainability scorecards provide detailed insight into environmental, social and ethical risks across 190 purchasing categories and 150 countries. EcoVadis awards medals to the companies participating in its programme worldwide from bronze to platinum, based on achievements.

More than 90,000 companies have undergone EcoVadis’ assessment, and they will have been scored across four key appraisal areas – Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The EcoVadis overall score (0-100) reflects the quality of the individual company’s sustainability management system at the time of the assessment. The EcoVadis sustainability recognition levels are based on the percentile rank of a company’s

EcoVadis score and a minimum theme score. The medals’ criteria are reviewed periodically and are currently based on the following:

• Platinum – top 1% (overall score between 78 and 100)

• Gold – top 5% (overall score between 70 and 77)

• Silver – top 25% (overall score between 59 and 69)

• Bronze – top 50% (overall score between 50 and 58)

The objective of the EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rating methodology is to measure the quality of a company’s CSR management system through its policies, actions and results. The EcoVadis CSR rating methodology is based on seven founding principles:

• Evidence Based – the burden of the proof is on the company assessed. CSR management systems leave traces (e.g. policies, certificates, reporting). Supporting documents are a must. Company declarations are credited only if evidence is provided.

• Industry, Location and Size Matter

– the CSR management system is assessed taking into account material industry issues, presence in risk countries, and the size and geographical span of the company.

• Diversification of Sources – the rating is based not only on supporting documents provided by the company but also on standpoints published by NGOs, trade unions, international organisations, local authorities, or other third party organisations (e.g. auditors, CDP, Dow Jones Risk Compliance Database).

Wholesalers will want to work with those suppliers whose sustainability credentials are aligned with their own

• Technology is a Must – a rating system can only become reliable and robust if it is supported by technology. Technology facilitates industrialisation, which enables fast learning, growth and scalability.

• Assessment by International CSR Experts – the supporting documents are analysed by a team of CSR experts from around the globe who keep track of the latest best practices in CSR.

• Traceability and Transparency – every document used in the rating process is stored securely and can be traced back. Companies assessed have access, if needed, to the most detailed results and to each scoring decision.

• Excellence Through Continuous Improvement – a professional rating methodology is open to quality controls, continuous improvement, and to stakeholders’ feedback. EcoVadis has implemented a company-wide quality management system supported by a client advisory board and a scientific committee.

Scolmore was awarded an EcoVadis bronze medal last year in recognition of its sustainability achievements. The company earned this status in its first-ever submission, which is testimony to the commitment and efforts of all the teams to embed corporate sustainability into the culture, strategy and day-to-day operation across the Scolmore Group of companies. This achievement also signals to Scolmore’s customers that they are the right partner to support their own sustainability drive.

Scolmore, scolmore.com

Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager, Scolmore Group, looks at the area of sustainability and its growing importance and influence when it comes to decision making for supplier and wholesaler collaboration.

Coming soon...

A brand new awards ceremony celebrating the best of the electrical contracting sector

ANSELL LIGHTING UNVEILS MERCURIAL

Stylishly and discreetly designed, Mercurial is a brand-new wall and ceiling light from Ansell Lighting

Available in two different sizes –370mm and 500mm – the circular LED light is suitable for an array of indoor applications, including education, commercial and ancillary areas. It also comes in both white and silver finishes, suiting most interior design schemes.

Supporting the reduction of energy use, Ansell’s latest offering is highly energy efficient, delivering up to 135lm/w. The 370mm Mercurial model is also power selectable, offering users a choice of outputs which can be manually selected via an easily located integrated switch.

CCT selectable between 3000K and 4000K, Mercurial offers users a choice of different lighting hues which can be set according task or preference. Its long-lasting LED lamp has a lifespan of L80 51,000 hours.

The Mercurial light is available with an array of innovative options, including emergency DALI and self-test options alongside an energy saving microwave sensor, digital dimming and corridor function options.

Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

HellermannTyton has expanded its range of TIPSTM Printable Marking Tags (TipTags) to include a glow-in-the-dark option, providing customers with greater visibility when identifying cables.

A first for the industry, the new TipTag is ideal for customers working in automotive, aerospace and defence, panel building, rail, and telecoms and is especially useful when undergoing testing and inspection.

HellermannTyton identified a need, especially for those working in dark and difficult-to-access environments, for greater visibility of the ID marks on TipTags, and as a result, created a new material blend to create a TipTag which glows green when exposed to ultra-violet light.

Manufactured in the UK using halogen-free polyolefin, the new TipTag is ideal for marking larger wire and cable bundles. Perforated as standard, the TipTag can be fastened using cable ties and features excellent resistance to abrasions, UV, acids, and fuels; all of which secures its suitability with many of the industries that HellermannTyton works with.

HellermannTyton, hellermanntyton.co.uk

ELECTRICALDIRECT ADDS MORE BULK BUY PRODUCTS TO ITS SAVINGS OFFER

ElectricalDirect has added more products to its popular bulk buy discount offer. With over 5,000 products included across its range of over 12,000 products, customers can enjoy savings on selected items when buying online or via the retailer’s customer service centre.

Customers browsing the online retailer’s website or catalogue can easily identify where savings can be made thanks to a distinct ‘bulk buy’ symbol assigned to all products. Selected products are listed online with clear bulk buy prices, so shoppers can quickly understand how much they will save for each product when ordering larger quantities.

ElectricalDirect has over 12,000 products in stock, including everything from first fix to finishing touches, all from top trade brands such as MK, Integral LED and Wiska. Professional electricians and contractors can choose from a range of flexible delivery options to meet the needs of their busy schedules, including free next day delivery on orders over £45 ex VAT, same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect from 6,500 pick up points across the UK. ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

SCOLMORE ADDS MATT BLACK TO ITS DECO AND DECO PLUS RANGES

The demand for Matt Black wiring accessories has been on the rise in recent years, as installers working on domestic and specification projects look for an alternative premium finish for interiors. Scolmore has taken this feedback on board and has extended the popular Matt Black finish to its Deco and Deco Plus wiring accessories collections.

Adding the perfect contemporary look to any interior space, the new Matt Black finishes are available across all products in the extensive Deco metal and Deco Plus premium metal ranges.Deco Plus is a comprehensive range of premium decorative metal wiring accessories that was first launched in 2003 to build on the huge success of the classic Deco range and introduced smooth, contemporary curves that have had wide-ranging appeal with contractors, specifiers and end users alike.

Deco and Deco Plus switch plates are all modular as standard, allowing the creation of virtually any switch plate design required. Scolmore, scolmore.com

INSPECTION CAMERA FROM C.K TOOLS PROMISES BIG THINGS FROM A TINY PIECE OF KIT

C.K Tools has launched an inspection camera that promises big results in extremely small spaces. The brand new Mighty Scope is a compact but high-quality camera designed to give eyes in hard-to-reach locations.

The Mighty Scope bears CK Tools’ trademark reliability, durability and innovation, fulfilling a gap in the market for small, easy to use camera equipment for both the professional and home user.

Measuring just 3.5in in length and 1in wide, the Mighty Scope boasts an on board Wi-Fi hotspot with a 15m range for ultimate convenience. The dustproof and waterproof design makes it the ideal general-purpose tool for inspection, cable pulling, maintenance and repairs.

Operated through a free and intuitive app, the camera live streams 720p HD video, with a digital zoom feature and adjustable bright white LED lights giving excellent clarity. With a useful ‘always up’ viewing mode, the Mighty Scope’s ease of use makes light work of navigating difficult and tight spaces, ensuring that the image on the app is always the right way up regardless of the camera position.

C.K Tools, ck-tools.com

ESP ADDS 12 NEW KITS TO FORT SMART SECURITY RANGE

ESP has seen sales of its Fort smart security range soar since it was launched last year, with the Fort smart security kits proving particularly popular. Having examined the individual products that account for most orders, the company decided to extend its range of kits to offer installers an increased range of product options as a boxed unit, rather than having to buy extra individual products.

ESP has taken the six kits that formed part of the original Fort smart security range launch and incorporated extra products into each one to create 12 new additional kits. This now brings the total number of Fort smart security kits available from ESP to 18.The two further options now available are a) an additional smart alarm keypad and external solar powered smart siren, or b) an additional smart alarm keypad, external solar powered smart siren and smart Wi-Fi doorbell.

ESP, espuk.com

GOLD LINE – 8K CERTIFIED HDMI CABLES

Lindy, a global supplier of combined connectivity solutions and professional AV and IT systems, has introduced its new Gold Line HDMI and DisplayPort 1.4 cable range. They are designed for demanding Ultra HD scenarios that do not compromise on signal transmission reliability. For these data intensive signals – Ultra HD enables extremely high resolutions of up to 33.2MP (8K) – these cables can deliver all signals reliably from the source to the receiver.

Lindy’s Gold Line HDMI delivers transfer rates of up to 32.4GBps (depending on cable length and type). Representing a high-end standard in the connectivity solutions segment, they come with a 25-year warranty for total peace of mind.

“More and more devices such as 4K projectors, 4K Blu-ray players, digital signage players, professional displays for events, retail, advertising, or control desks require interference-free signal transmission. The new Lindy Gold Line DisplayPort and HDMI cables reliably transmit bandwidth-intensive signals in continuous mission critical operation”, explains Michael O’Connor, Head of Global Marketing and Digital Management at Lindy.

24 AWG OFC Gold Line conductors guarantee premium performance and high corrosion resistance. The cables feature high quality 24k gold plated contacts and connectors. Each cable conductor provides optimum signal integrity and maximum reliability due to the copper braid shielding protecting against harmful electromagnetic fields. In addition, the cables have a unique design with low attenuation, which ensures consistent and reliable transmission over long distances.

The Gold Line is the no compromise, high performance cable from Lindy‘s new line of products called ‘Cable Lines’. Gold Line is positioned at the top price segment aimed at the most demanding, professional environments and requirements. ‘Cable Lines’ products are offered in four variants, each covering a specific market segment and thus differing in their feature set, build and cost: Gold Line, Cromo Line, Anthra Line, and Black Line.

Lindy, lindy.co.uk

NEW OVAL BULKHEADS FROM OVIA

Ovia has expanded its range of bulkheads to include the company’s first fully integrated oval shaped LED bulkheads.

VELO is the name given to the new range of 15W CTA switchable oval bulkheads, which are available in a white or black finish.

The VELO bulkheads are IP65 rated as standard, or IP54 rated with the PIR version. They are CTA switchable in the following colour temperatures – 3000K, 4000K and 6500K. The CTA switch is located inside the six-screw terminal housing on the rear of the luminaire. Ovia’s full range of lighting solutions, including the new oval bulkheads, can be seen in the latest Ovia catalogue – issue 4 – which can be downloaded from the Ovia website, as well as from the Scolmore Group app. Ovia, oviauk.com

NATIONAL VENTILATION WORKS TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT BOTH TODAY AND TOMORROW

National Ventilation is working hard to make its ventilation more sustainable to help the environment today and tomorrow. The company’s sustainability targets are geared towards achieving significant improvements – over 70% of product sales will be from its energy efficient product ranges by the end of FY2025, while 90% of products manufactured will be made from a recycled source.

National Ventilation is committed to making a difference today and tomorrow by continuously improving its products’ energy performance, reducing waste throughout a product’s lifecycle, and significantly increasing the use of recycled plastic from the circular economy in the manufacturing of its products.

Within its product range, National Ventilation offers a wide range of rigid ducting, which is made from recycled plastic. Furthermore, the Monsoon Energysaver MON-MEV DC Multi Room Unit is now available in recycled plastic.

The popular Monsoon Shower Extract Fan Kits are also made from recycled material. Designed to make both electricians and electrical wholesalers’ lives easier, there is both an extract kit and extract kit with an energy-saving LED shower light.

National Ventilation, nationalventilation.co.uk

FUSEBOX ADDS NEW TYPE 1 TO SURGE PROTECTION RANGE

FuseBox’s NEW Type 1 surge protection device provides front line protection against direct lightning to complement its Type 2 device.

The new Type1 SPD (combined T1, T2 and T3) is suitable for TN, TNC-S, TNC and TT systems.

All FuseBox Type 1 SPDs are supplied complete with over current protection device (63A MCB) and 16mm² cables cut to the correct length for installation into any FuseBox consumer unit.

To protect against the impact of direct lightning, the FuseBox T1 surge protection device should be located as close as possible to the origin of the electrical installation (534.4.1.4). FuseBox’s T1 and T2 surge protection devices both feature flag indicators that highlight when the SPD has expired.

A removable cartridge within each device means that it is easy to ensure continuity of surge protection within the installation.

FuseBox T1 SPDs are identified by the colour BLACK and are 36mm wide with an additional 18mm for the 63A MCB – total 54mm wide.

FuseBox T2 SPDs are identified by the colour ORANGE and are 18mm wide with an additional18mm for the 32A MCB – total 36mm wide.

FuseBox, fusebox.co.uk

DEMAND RISES FOR FIRE-RATED FAST TRAK

Gripple is experiencing strong demand for its Fast Trak fixing solution, from contractors seeking fire rated systems.

Fast Trak is a prefabricated, trapeze bracket, which enables efficient, flexible and safe installation of electrical containment, ductwork, pipework and other mechanical services. With fire safety in buildings becoming more important following the recent update to Approved Document B of Building Regulations, Gripple has secured independent test data for Fast Trak, which confirms that the entire system meets the fire performance requirements associated with BS EN 1363-1:2020. Gripple’s Fast Trak system has been approved to meet the fire safety requirements of the 18th Edition Writing Regulations, with the complete system certified by Warringtonfire.

Fast Trak comprises metal track, from 200mm to 1,500mm in length, accompanied by mounting brackets, from 170mm to 1,470mm wide and is designed to suit a wide range of installations from high-rise office blocks, hotels, hospitals, open retail spaces, residential buildings, or transportation hubs.

Gripple,

gripple.com

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS SORTED WITH ELECTRICALDIRECT

ElectricalDirect has introduced a complete portfolio of charging and energy management solutions from electric vehicle charging solutions provider, Wallbox. Offering cutting-edge technology and outstanding design for residential and commercial applications, customers can create a fully customised EV charging system to suit any need.

The new line-up available at ElectricalDirect includes the Wallbox Pulsar Max charger that is designed to make every day electric vehicle charging easier than ever. Compact, easy to install, and compatible with Type 2 electric vehicles, this premium tethered charger can deliver up to 7.2kW of fast-charging power. And for increased convenience, it can easily be controlled within the myWallbox app, as well as hands-free compatibility and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

ElectricalDirect also stocks matching accessories and load management solutions that are compatible with the Pulsar Max charger, enabling installers to tailor energy management solutions to customers’ needs. For example, when used with the Wallbox 100A Single Phase EV Charging Power Meter, it unlocks Eco-smart functionality – giving users the choice of charging with 100% green energy.

ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

SNICKERS WORKWEAR’S NEW STRETCH TROUSERS WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO

Snickers Workwear’s new stretch trousers are made from the long-lasting, innovative Sorona performance fabric and CORDURA for long-lasting comfort, functionality and sustainability.

It’s the innovative design and sustainable fabric technology in the newest work trousers for men and women from Snickers Workwear that really set them apart from other brands.

Delivering comfort and safety features when they’re needed most, these slim-fit trousers are Class 1 and Class 2 certified, and also come with the patented KneeGuard system and CORDURA reinforcement in the knees and pockets.

Sorona delivers both environmental benefits and long-lasting performance. This recyclable, bio-based fibre offers exceptional softness and stretchability for maximum comfort, as well as excellent durability to help extend the lifetime of a garment. It’s also quick-drying, breathable and soft to the touch for optimal performance that will last wash after wash, retaining shape, comfort and protection levels throughout the life of the garments.

Snickers Workwear, snickersworkwear.com

UNICRIMP INTRODUCES RED AND WHITE FIRE-SAFE METAL CABLE CLIPS

Unicrimp offers an extensive range of cable accessories. Last year the company extended its range of 18th Edition compliant fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth

Cable Clips to include red and white options.

The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place.

Part of Unicrimp’s Q-Fire range, the fire-rated T&E Cable Clips are manufactured from zinc plated carbon steel and are available in two sizes – 1-2.5mm and 4-6mm – and in a choice of uncoated or with a grey PPA LSF coating. The LSF coating provides long term protection for metal clips, as well as added protection for the cable during and after installation.

They provide installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations. Unicrimp, unicrimp.com

AXIOM ENTERS THE 3 PHASE DISTRIBUTION MARKET

The Axiom brand is firmly established in both wiring accessories and consumer units, but now the next big step is being taken by entering the industrial arena with a comprehensive 3 Phase distribution range comprising boards, MCBs, RCBOs plus a new surge protection device designed for 3 Phase applications.

Axiom Distribution Boards are IP20 rated and presented in six sizes – four, six, eight, 12, 16 and 24-way, pre-fitted with 4 Pole 125A isolators. These robust metal enclosures, finished in pale grey, are designed for ease of installation and use, with reversible doors and removable gland plates on top and bottom and supplied with wall mounting kits. Door locking will also be available for tamper proofing.

Sold separately are the 10kA protection devices, each available with eight ratings from 6A up to 63A. These include B-Curve single pole MCBs, C-Curve single and three pole MCBs plus Type A RCBOs with both B and C curve options. Completing the range is the new SPD device for overheat and surge protection. CED Electrical, cedelectrical.co.uk

HAMWORTHY HEATING RELEASES NEW TYNEHAM HEAT PUMP BROCHURE

Hamworthy Heating has released a new Tyneham Heat Pump brochure, which highlights its latest monobloc air source heat pump offering, developed to meet the market demand for energy-efficient heating products.

The new Tyneham heat pump range is the latest product offering from Hamworthy Heating. One of the lightest commercial heat pumps on the market, the range features a coefficient (COP) rating of up to 4.85 to provide efficient, low carbon heating. Featuring seven models in the range with six nominal outputs of between 14 to 70kW, the Tyneham can be cascaded to achieve higher outputs in larger installations. Incorporating an inverter controller compressor to accurately match the heat demand, Tyneham heat pumps also use R32 refrigerant to deliver increased efficiencies with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Split into concise and comprehensive sections, the new 32-page Tyneham heat pump brochure starts with an introduction to heat pumps and the role they play in helping to reach the UK’s net zero goal. Featuring clear information on how heat pumps work and their benefits, the new brochure also takes an in-depth look at how to understand refrigerants, highlighting GWP differences. Hamworthy Heating, hamworthy-heating.com

VENT-AXIA OFFERS ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO COMBAT MOULD

Vent-Axia is providing electrical wholesalers the ideal solution for electricians to tackle condensation and mould in the home with its PureAir Home Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). Designed to remove stale, moist air from the home and replace it with filtered, drier air, PIV prevents moisture build up that can cause condensation and mould, improving indoor air quality (IAQ).

Suitable for existing properties, PureAir Home PIV offers a whole house ventilation solution and can be installed in the loft. Operating by drawing in warm, fresh air from the loft, it filters all incoming air via the high-grade ISO ePM10 or ePM2.5 filters before gently introducing it into the habitable areas of the property via a ceiling mounted diffuser.

The PureAir Home’s discreet diffuser features Smart Air technology, which increases airflow performance by 10% but at a lower noise level compared to traditional diffuser designs, while allowing control over airflow direction. SmartSense control allows quick and accurate set up and an automatic summer shut off stops warm air coming back into the property.

Vent-Axia vent-axia.com