ECN May 2021

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

VOLUME 41 NO. 05 • MAY 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE: HVAC

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

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32 COMPETITION Win Virgin Experience vouchers, courtesy of Timeguard

SPECIAL FEATURE: TOOLS & WORKWEAR

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CHOICE, CARE AND CUSTOMISATION: NIGLON’S CONTROL AND AUTOMATION RANGE When it comes to control and automation, you need a great choice of products, a team with excellent knowledge, and you need to end up with a product which is perfect for the job.

Niglon has got all three covered – and more.

The company has recently launched its second edition Control and Automation catalogue which features a fantastic range of 700 quality items across five ranges.

And because it’s Niglon, you can be sure that its enclosures, motor control gear, relays, enclosed switchgear and panel components really are reliable, beautifully designed, and fully compliant with all applicable standards.

As well as more product choice than ever, there’s also a dedicated technical support team on hand to assist customers through the process of selecting the right product for them, and beyond. No question is too big or too small and the team is always happy to help.

If that wasn’t enough to ensure happy customers all round, the company also offers a bespoke service which ensures it can supply a product ideal for the job, no matter how unique.

For some suppliers, standard may be enough. But the Niglon team is always aiming to provide a bigger and better service, more products, and an experience that keeps customers coming back for decades.

Turn to page 14 to find out more about the control and automation offering.

For ALL Your Electrical Essentials

www.niglon.co.uk

4000+ Stocked Items One Central Distribution Hub 2500+ Electrical Wholesale Outlets Fourth Generation Family Run Business 50+ Years Serving the Electrical Industry

t 0121 711 1990 | e sales@niglon.co.uk

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS… Regulars

VOLUME 41 NO. 05 • MAY 2021

SPECIAL FEATURES: Smart Buildings

6 Editorial

BASEC explores the concept of 24 the automated smart building and

UK to set the world’s most ambitious climate change target

8 Industry News TESP calls for industry mentors; New electrical game launched by NET; Electrical Safety Roundtable Conference 2021; and more

explains more about the complex Building Automation Systems (BAS) being developed

14 Cover Story An extensive range and expert support from Niglon

16 Contract News £25m contract to create flagship ‘smart building’; TClarke Healthcare wins hospital project; Successful completion at HMP Thameside; and more

18 Key Issue

HVAC future of heating is 26 The looking smart Making the most of the low carbon 28 heating transition

Doug Aris, Head of Construction at Achilles, outlines the red flags that could be costing businesses work

Decarbonising new build 30 residential developments

19 Ask the Expert HagerGang Rewards continues to build momentum

20 Training Technique Learning Solutions looks at the lack of EVC installers within the UK

22 Project Focus

Tools & Workwear

ESP has security covered at stud farm

Bosch’s toughest combi laser 34 hands down

32 Competition The chance to win Virgin Experience vouchers worth up to £250, courtesy of Timeguard

eye and face protection 36 –Safe at what price?

47 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector

UPS & Power Distribution When small spaces become a 40 big challenge The VX25 Ri4Power system: 42 Even faster, even more efficient, even more versatile

44 Keeping MediaCityUK protected Seven power management 46 strategies to help avoid unexpected outages

8 electricalcontractingnews.com

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EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

Electric Vehicle Charging

UK TO SET THE WORLD’S MOST AMBITIOUS CLIMATE CHANGE TARGET

H

ello and welcome to the May issue of ECN. This month, the UK government announced that it will set the world’s most ambitious climate change target into law to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

This sixth Carbon Budget limits the volume of greenhouse gases emitted over a five-year period from 2033 to 2037, taking the UK more than three-quarters of the way to reaching net zero by 2050.

The government is already working towards its commitment to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels through the UK’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date.

The new target will become enshrined in law by the end of June 2021.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says, “The UK will be home to pioneering businesses, new technologies and green innovation as we make progress to net zero emissions, laying the foundations for decades of economic growth in a way that creates thousands of jobs.”

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

ECA Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, Luke Osborne, comments: “I am delighted to see government taking the climate crisis seriously and leading the world with these new targets.

“However, the clock is still ticking. We need more action to match the ambition. The electrotechnical and engineering services industry is better placed than most to deliver the green skills and technologies that will make these targets achievable. But around 70% of specialist engineering services firms say they lack enough competent staff to undertake ‘low to no carbon’ work.

“We need a solid plan from government to give industry the confidence to develop robust training and invest in the skills needed to deliver these new targets. Otherwise, this latest announcement might be looked back on as empty rhetoric.”

Moving on to this issue, features include HVAC, Tools & Workwear and UPS & Power Distribution – bringing you the latest from these sectors of the industry. And don’t miss this month’s competition which is the chance to win up to £250 of Virgin Experience vouchers – the perfect prize for celebrating the easing of lockdown restrictions!

I hope you enjoy the issue!

Energy Management

Test Equipment

Carly Wills, Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Supplement: Wiring Accessories, Switches & Sockets

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

ECN charity of choice

The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication.

In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication.

Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved.

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INDUSTRY NEWS TRADESPEOPLE LOSING MORE THAN £1,000 PER YEAR FROM WITHHELD PAYMENTS UK tradespeople are seeing over £1,000 of payments per year withheld by customers following a completed job.

The research, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, found that an average £1,062 is owed to tradies across the UK. A third (33%) said they were waiting for over £1,000 from customers for completed jobs, whilst nearly one in 10 (7%) are owed over £3,000.

Nearly two thirds (61%) of tradespeople have had payments withheld by customers, which occurs twice per year on average. More than one in 10 (12%) however, experience withheld payments more than five times a year.

Only 6% of tradespeople say that the payment issues are resolved within a week, whilst more than one in five (22%) have had to wait more than a month to be paid for a job.

Trades most likely to have payments withheld (times per year): • Plumber: 2.6 • Electrician: 2.4 • Builder: 2.3 • Bricklayer: 2.2 • Carpenter: 1.9 • Surveyor: 1.8 • Joiner: 1.7 • Painter and decorator: 1.6 • Plasterer: 1.3 • Landscaper: 1.2

Female tradies were found to receive payment quicker than their male counterparts, experiencing higher rates of payment within a week (8% vs 4%) and within a fortnight (34% vs 20%). However, women were also found to be

owed higher sums of money, with an average of £1,168 outstanding, compared to £972 for men.

IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

TESP CALLS FOR INDUSTRY MENTORS

£1M BOOST FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE SOUTH EAST

The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) is calling for people from all corners of the electrotechnical industry to donate just 45 minutes of their time to mentor a young person.

So far, The Youth Group has supported over 1.7 million young people across all sectors of UK industry. Under a new partnership, TESP is now working with The Youth Group to build a network of mentors with electrotechnical experience to inspire and inform young people about electrical opportunities.

The minimum commitment is to support just one 45 minute online mentoring session with a young person. If you choose to continue as a mentor, you can speak to a variety of different job seekers and share your experiences and insights, or work with one individual and support them on their journey to develop and get a job.

Ruth Devine, Chair of TESP, adds: “We can’t wait to start working with The Youth Group and calling our industry experts to action. The electrical industry presents fantastic opportunities in areas such as new technologies and low carbon solutions, so we’re confident our mentors will be able to provide informative and inspirational advice to young people.”

Nearly £1m of smart investment in the South East’s electricity network is set to pave the way for new generators of renewable energy to connect to the grid.

UK Power Networks is rolling out new ‘load blinding relays’ across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to unlock capacity for new connections. The £932,000 project will see the devices installed on 80 transformers across 35 sites, from now until 2024.

In total, the new protection relay technology will release 469 Mega Volt Amperes (MVA) – unlocking enough capacity to install a rooftop solar panel on 127,445 houses. That’s the equivalent of connecting a new solar panel on every house in a town the size of Eastbourne, East Sussex. Installing the new smart devices is also significantly cheaper than replacing existing equipment or building new, and the South East was chosen because it already hosts many wind and solar farms.

Director of Asset Management Barry Hatton says: “We’re excited about this programme because it shows just how far we can go if we think a bit differently and re-imagine what’s possible on our network. Strategic, smart, specific investment like this, is exactly how we plan to help enable net zero by 2050.”

The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, the-esp.org.uk

MYENERGI LAUNCHES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE myenergi has launched a national campaign to drive sustainable change. #TheGreenReset, which takes place between 22 April-22 May, challenges UK householders to change their wasteful behaviours for environmentally friendly alternatives throughout the duration of the campaign.

From going plastic free or cutting down on e-commerce purchases, to planting vegetables in your back garden, the initiative demonstrates just how simple it can be to make a positive difference.

Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, comments: “Our message is simple – while it may not be possible to tackle climate change single-handedly, if everyone made a few small changes, it would result in a huge global difference. Working together and sharing best practice really is key to achieving a kinder, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Running in parallel to the campaign, myenergi will host a competition to win a selection of eco-friendly smart home tech gadgets. To enter, simply share your eco changes on social media, tag myenergi and encourage your followers to join the movement. A winner will be chosen at random and notified on the final day of the campaign.

UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk

myenergi, myenergi.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS STUDY REVEALS A 366% INCREASE IN FEMALES BECOMING TRADESWOMEN IN THE UK A new study by GoCompare Van has found a growing increase in the number of females taking on ‘trade jobs’ in the UK – a space usually dominated by males.

The study which analysed the biggest trade jobs women are stepping into identified a rise in the number of women learning the trade younger. Results found there has been a 366% increase in young females taking on apprenticeships in construction and engineering in the past five years.

For course starters in 2019/20, there were 10,170 females in construction and a further 45,010 enrolling in engineering. However, there’s still a huge difference in pay across males and females in the construction and trade industry.

Leading the trade revolution for women are painters and decorators, in second place are plumbers, and completing the top three are electricians, with 11.55% of tradeswomen pursuing careers as ‘sparkies’.

Women picking up the tools might be rising, but their pay still falls behind their male counterparts. The most notable difference is in the skilled building and construction trade. While male workers here can expect to take home a median salary of £29,011 a year, women in the sector can only expect to earn £21,840, a whole £7,171 less.

GoCompare, gocompare.com

EDA BUSINESSES DONATE £45,121 TO THE EIC The generosity of Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) Members and Affiliated Members is behind a £45,121 donation to the Electrical Industries Charity. The EDA offered Members and Affiliated Members a one-time 10% refund on their 2020 membership fee, and the chance to donate it to the Charity.

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, explains how the fundraising initiative came about: “In 2020 our EDA events calendar went on hold and, although the Association was extremely busy working to support EDA businesses through the pandemic, the Board of Management felt that we could, as a one-time gesture, offer a 10% refund on the EDA annual subscription, giving members the opportunity to donate that refund to the Charity. We were delighted when almost all members chose to do this.”

Tessa Ogle, Managing Director/CEO at the Electrical Industries Charity says: “This is an incredibly generous donation by the EDA’s Members and Affiliated Members, for which we could not be more grateful. It made a big difference to the Charity’s finances that had been so adversely affected by COVID. We couldn’t do what we do without you.”

EDA, eda.org.uk

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NEW ELECTRICAL GAME LAUNCHED BY NET A new game has been launched by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) to promote the electrical industry and help apprentices practise their skills.

Designed for complete beginners and those already in the industry, ‘Amped Up’ has two levels: beginners can work through a series of tasks to give them a taste of the industry, whilst the apprentice level tests apprentices’ skills and knowledge in areas such as safe isolation, protective device selection, Ohm’s law and R1 + R2 testing.

Friendly competition is introduced by way of a leaderboard where users can compare scores with their peers. At the end of the game, beginners are directed to the Electrical Careers website for more information on the industry. Apprentices are linked across to the NET website to find out more about the AM2S assessment they’ll need to complete at the end of their apprenticeship.

“Through our charitable work NET aims to promote electrical careers and the industry in general,” says Carolyn Mason, NET Chief Executive. “For schools and young people, the game provides a fun look at just some of the tasks carried out by an electrician. For apprentices, it’s a light-hearted but educational way of practising some key tasks.”

National Electrotechnical Training, netservices.org.uk

ELECTRICAL SAFETY ROUNDTABLE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2021 The Electrical Safety Roundtable’s first ever Virtual Conference, taking place on Wednesday 12 May between 09.30-16.00, will be ‘Shining a Spotlight on the Initiatives Impacting Electrical Safety in Homes and Workplaces’.

This free to attend online conference, sponsored by Megger and NAPIT, will share key electrical industry updates from a range of influential speakers addressing the steps being taken within the industry and by the government to enhance the awareness of electrical safety for users, installers and the public.

Chris Bielby, Chair of the Electrical Safety Roundtable, says: “I would urge anyone with an interest in electrical safety, and particularly professionals in this field, to attend to get a full and thorough picture of the current work ongoing within the industry to enhance electrical safety standards. It’s sure to be a very informative and interesting day. I’d like to thank our conference

sponsors, Megger and NAPIT for enabling us to host this free to attend event so as many participants as possible can join us.”

Electrical Safety Roundtable, electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE? It’s time to sign up your team to compete in the Electrical Industries Charity Race Across Europe, from 3rd May – 18th June 2021. It needs you and four industry colleagues to tackle the biggest sector step challenge ever! You’ll be pitted against other companies in a race to reach seven check points across the continent. Cycle, swim, walk or run and clock up miles in a bid to be on the podium when time runs out…

It’s up to your team how you divide and conquer the miles between checkpoints but as soon as you reach each checkpoint you need to clock in and record the time of your leg. Remember, as soon as you reach the check point and you have clocked in you can start heading towards your next location!

The Race Across Europe will take you from London to Paris, then to Zurich, Munich and the Marienplatz, then Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and back to London. A total of 1606 miles are to be completed over the duration of the challenge by each team.

For full details or to sign up, please visit the EIC website.

Electrical Industries Charity, electricalcharity.org

EV DRIVERS SEEK KEY REFORMS TO IMPROVE CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC EV CHARGING Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England has revealed the results of its survey which invited electric vehicle drivers to share their views about their experience with public chargepoints, in response to the UK Government’s consultation on the ‘Consumer Experience at Public Electric Vehicle Chargepoints’.

Over 1,000 drivers participated in the survey in England, who highlighted widespread support for the rollout of contactless credit and debit card payments, being able to use one charge card or app across multiple charging network operators, and higher levels of reliability. The survey also highlighted the importance of the public charging network even to those with off-street parking, with 92% of electric vehicle drivers relying on the public charging network at least once a month.

Gill Nowell, media spokesperson and a Director at EVA England comments: “We recognise that the pace of chargepoint deployment is increasing and that the infrastructure going in the ground today is greatly improved from that which was being installed even five years ago. However, we encourage Government to intervene now in order to ensure that all charging infrastructure is reliable, safe and user-friendly, across all driver groups.”

Electric Vehicle Association England, evaengland.org.uk

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

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INDUSTRY NEWS

MOVERS & SHAKERS… Fire and life safety systems manufacturer, Advanced, has appointed Hanif Ghodawala as new business development manager for its emergency lighting division. In his new role, Hanif will draw on more than 20 years’ experience working for high-profile fire detection and emergency lighting manufacturers and distributors to grow awareness and understanding of Advanced’s emergency lighting range. He will place particular focus on the LuxIntelligent and EasySafe solutions and how they make compliance with BS 5266 easy.

Ledvance UK has announced that Nelo Neves will be taking the reins as Head of Trade Sales in the UK and Ireland. He takes over from Steve Stark who is commencing his retirement following an impressive 36 years at Osram and Ledvance. Nelo has been Managing Director for Ledvance South Africa since 2018 at the company’s Johannesburg office. Following a technical education in the UK he started his lighting career in an export role, progressing to Head of Sales. Across his career he has worked in Spain, Holland, Sweden, and across the African continent. He will be based at the Ledvance UK offices in Warrington.

Ovia has recently appointed a new member to the sales team. Damian Worton joins as Area Sales Manager for the South East/South Central region.

He has spent his entire career working within the electrical industry and brings to Ovia 23 years’ sales and management experience, having spent time working with two leading lighting manufacturers and three major electrical wholesalers.

RIELLO UPS HELPS HOSPICE HIT HEIGHTS WITH BALLOON FUNDRAISER Riello UPS is helping a hospice hit new heights by supporting its new hot air balloon-related fundraising campaign.

The power protection specialist is one of an exclusive number of corporate supporters for Nightingale House’s ‘Build a Balloon’ initiative, which will play a central role in the Wrexham-based hospice’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

As an alternative way of generating much-needed income, the charity came up with the idea of creating a hot air balloon where businesses and local people could sponsor a panel.

The balloon will take to the skies to mark several of Nightingale House’s fundraising activities over the coming months.

Sarah Povey, Community and Events Fundraiser for Nightingale House, says: “Our truly unique ‘Build a Balloon’ campaign was put together to help raise crucial funds which enable us to provide care for the most vulnerable people in our community. We are asking members of the public to sponsor a panel on our hot air balloon, so they can be part of something special.

“The campaign also allows corporate partners to get involved by sponsoring their own panel on our Nightingale House balloon which will feature their company logo.”

Riello UPS, riello-ups.co.uk

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COVER STORY

AN EXTENSIVE RANGE AND EXPERT SUPPORT FROM NIGLON The new Control and Automation catalogue from Niglon contains more than 700 quality products, catering to the needs of customers up and down the UK.

W

hen it comes to the offering, customers will have a greater choice than ever before – with the confidence that Niglon never puts its name to a sub-standard product.

To support with selecting products, the catalogue includes competitor cross reference guides and QR codes to take you directly to the relevant product data sheets.

Enclosures Niglon can supply any enclosure needed, from small plastic adaptable boxes to wall-mounted steel, stainless steel and polycarbonate products up to 800mm high x 600mm wide – many of which come complete with a pre-fitted backplate to mount your control devices.

Accessories to aid installation include various lock mechanisms, plinths and laser-cut holes which are completed to order. The company also has a comprehensive range of CEE plugs and sockets to complete the job.

Enclosed switchgear

Customers will have greater choice than ever before

Customers looking for competitively-priced isolators, switch fuses and changeover switches can find a range of products to suit their needs, including smaller plastic and metal clad switches. The enclosed switchgear range also includes MCCBs up to 400A rated and busbar chambers up to 800A. The selection includes automatic changeover switches in steel and GRP – and because certification is a core value of the company, you can be reassured that they are manufactured to the highest standards and thoroughly safety tested

to IEC 60947-6-1. With the potential for serious consequences to commercial or public buildings should back-up power fail – think banks losing millions of pounds, or the potential for loss of human life if a hospital’s generator didn’t kick in – the safety of these products is of utmost importance.

Motor control gear The entire range of motor control gear is designed with the installer in mind, utilising an easy to wire connection system that simplifies and speeds up installation.

The offering includes large three and four pole versions (up to 900A AC1) with multi-voltage AC/DC coils and auxiliary contact provision. In addition, Niglon’s mini contactors have five-pin overloads and pre-wired connections to manual motor starters.

Relays Space-saving slimline and terminal relays include LED and flag indication as well as lockable test buttons across the 8, 11 and 14 pin options. And the company’s relay accessories include plug-in protection modules and connection combs, multifunction timers and voltage monitors.

Panel components There are more than 80 products in this range, with pushbutton and selector switches for most control applications, and LED indicators are high intensity and have a long-life expectancy. Niglon’s plastic pushbutton stations are easy to assemble and offer countless combinations. Also included in the offer are emergency stop stations. The multi-function beacons can be configured for five different light colours in one unit which can be either steady or flashing, and they have an in-built 90Db sounder, to complete the offer.

Bespoke service One size doesn’t fit all, and that’s why Niglon offers a bespoke service for enclosures, distribution enclosures, and enclosed switchgear. It’s comprehensive workshop facilities and laser-cutting technology allows quick and easy customisation, with the ability to form any number and size of holes in the doors or sides of a bespoke enclosure, and fully or partially glazed doors for any size of enclosure or distribution board.

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There’s the option for a permanent legend or label to be laser engraved prior to delivery. And enclosed switchgear can also be tailored to your requirements, with side, top or bottom mounting switches offered in addition to the standard central position in any size of enclosure.

The company can even provide a custom-built power distribution box in either solid rubber or thermoplastic: customers can simply request the ‘specials’ application form from the Niglon sales team, select a suitable housing, determine the CEE plug and socket configuration and then send back their design. Once an order is confirmed this will be manufactured within just two weeks and completed to the highest standards.

Niglon’s enclosed switchgear range

Looking for further support?

The Niglon team is on hand to answer any specific questions you have, but they know that more knowledge about control and automation product is always welcomed by quality installers. That’s why they are in the process of developing a training scheme focusing specifically on control and automation.

To register your interest and be the first to find out the details when the training launches, simply email sales@niglon.co.uk with the subject line ‘Control and Automation training’ – be sure to include your name, company name and contact details – and one of the team will be in touch soon.

Niglon, niglon.co.uk

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CONTROL & AUTOMATION

ISSUE 2 OUT NOW!

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Enclosures // Motor Control Gear // Relays Enclosed Switchgear // Panel Components Connect with us on:

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CONTRACT NEWS ONE BIG CIRCLE TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYED BY NETWORK RAIL Intelligent video specialist, One Big Circle has successfully secured a contract with Network Rail to detect critical faults on the conductor rail of the electric sections of routes. One Big Circle’s solution combines its AIVR (Automated Intelligent Video Review) on-train technology with thermal cameras to detect hot spots of over 80 degrees on the conductor rail and will begin life on the South East route for the next six months.

The contract win follows intensive collaboration work between One Big Circle, Network Rail’s Signalling Innovation Group (SIG) and the Intelligent Infrastructure Group, who carried out a ‘proof of concept’ trial throughout summer 2020.

When One Big Circle’s existing AIVR software, which was built to detect anomalies in the rail infrastructure, is combined with the thermal camera it automatically detects and sends alerts detailing when and where the maximum

temperature has been breached.

Hot spots are discovered both on the conductor rail and connecting electrical cables, immediately sending the data back to the remote monitoring system and its team of engineers to verify.

During the trial period last summer, over 100 hours of video footage were captured, and a variety of examples of temperature breaches were detected by the technology, providing the proof of concept needed to secure the contract and continued partnership between One Big Circle and Network Rail, and utilising the support of train operators such as Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) whose trains will carry the cameras.

The thermal cameras and AIVR devices will be mounted onboard in-service operational vehicles across the South East for the next six months, aiming to then be available across the UK rail network.

One Big Circle, onebigcircle.co.uk

£25M CONTRACT TO CREATE FLAGSHIP ‘SMART BUILDING’

TCLARKE HEALTHCARE WINS HOSPITAL PROJECT

SES Engineering Services (SES) has been appointed to deliver £25m worth of MEP services to Helical’s latest commercial offering in the capital, known as 33 Charterhouse Street.

Working alongside lead contractor, Mace, SES will provide full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services at the 200,000 sq ft 10-storey block in the heart of Farringdon. It will involve a Category A office fit-out, with integrated building services to make the building ‘smart’ and ultimately, more energy efficient – making variables like heating, lighting and security accessible on one network and giving the end user sight and control over the entire building using just one platform.

The build has been carefully designed to be Helical’s first commercial offering that targets a BREEAM rating of Outstanding, and will play a significant role in supporting the developer to meet its ambition of having all new developments net zero carbon and in operation by 2025.

SES is working closely with all delivery partners and stakeholders – including the end facilities management company, Ashdown Philipps – to ensure all services can be integrated correctly and are designed for frictionless operation. Offsite technology is playing a large part in delivery, with components built and tested at its offsite manufacturing centre, Prism, while an extensive digital twin model has also been created to ensure seamless assimilation.

SES will commence on site in 2021 and will complete next year.

BAM Construction has appointed TClarke, on the CSDP 2 project for Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, to create a new MRI suite, 24-bed haematology oncology ward and associated facilities.

The new building will be a three-storey extension to the existing Trelawny Wing, with the MRI suite connected at lower ground floor level to the imaging department and designed to contain up to three scanners.

Rob Faro, Director of TClarke UK South says: “We are delighted to have won the complete mechanical and electrical engineering packages with BAM on this complex project. One floor will be entirely focused on imaging capability – an area in which we are acknowledged as UK market leaders. The project also involves very complex vent systems with another floor featuring isolation facilities for neutropenic cancer patients (people with low levels of infection-fighting white blood cells). We will also be installing HV systems and generators as there is a new substation involved as part of this project.”

Thom Lafferty, Director of Strategy and Performance at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the project comments: “TClarke have worked on several of our projects over recent years and we are pleased to be able to engage with Rob and the team once again. Aside from TClarke’s technical expertise, we particularly value their approach to local employment and their provision of a wide range of training and development opportunities to local people.”

SES Engineering Services, ses-ltd.co.uk

PREFERRED BIDDER ANNOUNCED FOR ROYAL HOLLOWAY CAMPUS EXPANSION PROJECT Balfour Beatty has announced that it has been appointed as preferred bidder by Royal Holloway, University of London, for the development of a student village at Rusham Park in Egham, Surrey.

In partnership with Royal Holloway under a 50-year concession contract, Balfour Beatty will design, build, finance and operate, alongside Student Living by Sodexo, a new 1,400 room student village at Rusham Park. In addition, the company will operate the existing 621-bed George Eliot student accommodation complex in London.

Bringing together expertise from across the Group, Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business will be responsible for the construction of the new student village at Rusham Park.

As part of the c.£130 million design and build phase, Balfour Beatty will deploy modern construction methods such as the offsite manufacturing of the external walls, floors and bathroom pods, to improve health and safety and reduce the overall project duration.

To support Balfour Beatty and Royal Holloway in achieving their bold and ambitious net-zero carbon targets, energy efficient systems, such as air source heat pump technology, will be deployed throughout the build.

On completion, the project will form a critical part of the University’s plan to provide affordable but high-quality living, social and amenity spaces for its growing student population.

With financial close anticipated in early 2022, construction is due to commence shortly thereafter, with completion scheduled ahead of the 2024/25 academic year.

TClarke, tclarke.co.uk

Balfour Beatty, balfourbeatty.com

16 | May 2021

Contract News.indd 16

electricalcontractingnews.com

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27/04/2021 15:33

CONTRACT NEWS

HYDROSENSE PROTECTS NEW DUBLIN AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER Vimpex’s Hydrosense Water Leak Detection System has been installed in Dublin Airport’s new Visual Control Tower (VCT) to protect the new state of the art facility from water ingress, which could seriously damage electrical, communication and computer networks.

The 87m high tower is Ireland’s tallest occupied structure and a commanding new addition to the city’s skyline. It comprises three separate but integrated building elements: the control cab and associated elements, the cab supporting shaft, and a base building. The base building will accommodate staff facilities, electronic systems and mechanical plant space to provide control of the building environment.

Vimpex’s Hydrosense Water Leak Detection systems are delivering the new standard in water leak detection; applying the integrity, control and reliability of life safety and building infrastructure

systems to protect against water ingress that could seriously damage critical IT and communication infrastructure. It continuously monitors for water leaks around the clock, year in year out and has the facility for 72-hour battery standby in the event of power failure. Should a leak be detected, the control panel sounds an alarm which can be extended to a remote location. When an alarm is raised, Vimpex Hydro-Cryer voice sounders can be used to broadcast an unambiguous message, avoiding confusion with other sounders on site.

Utilising life safety technology in the design of Hydrosense provides the reliability and integrity of EN approved fire detection systems, meaning there is virtually no risk of failure, downtime and significantly fewer false alarms.

Vimpex, vimpex.co.uk

TRIPLE CONTRACT SUCCESS FOR WATES FM Wates FM has announced three new contracts in the legal, property management and global commercial real estate sectors.

A three-year contract with Midlands based legal firm, Higgs and Sons, involves mechanical and electrical (M&E) works, fabric building services and reactive repairs to the firm’s Brierley Hill office, delivered through a combination of regular site visits and mobile engineers.

Property management company and owner of the Covent Garden Estate in London, Capco, first appointed Wates FM as its M&E specialist during phase two of the development of Lillie Square, an exclusive residential development in Fulham. This extension marks the start

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AT HMP THAMESIDE Skanska has completed work to replace the existing pharmacy and construct a new Video Court Centre (VCC), on behalf of its long-standing customers, Serco Group and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

The team started on site in January last year, completing the replacement pharmacy in August, followed by the new VCC six months later.

The company delivered work that included the ceiling, partitions, data cabling, mechanical, electrical and public health services, and the structural engineering services.

The work to replace the pharmacy has significantly increased its capacity to meet the increasing medical needs of inmates. The facilities provided by the new VCC will reduce the need to travel to court hearings, helping to alleviate the challenges of secure transportation of prisoners and reducing carbon emissions.

Throughout the construction phase of this project, the team developed a strong relationship with the supply chain and prison staff to minimise disruption to the operation of the facilities, as well as the inmates. During the COVID-19 pandemic the team overcame significant challenges, minimising any delays to the project whilst at the same time prioritising everyone’s safety.

of the next stage of the partnership and will see Wates providing M&E works and maintenance for the buildings’ communal areas.

Avison Young, a global commercial real estate firm, has appointed Wates FM to provide M&E, water and fire services, and maintenance to three new UK sites, in addition to the four already managed by Wates FM. Wates FM Managing Director, James Gregg, says: “After the challenges of 2020, being able to begin 2021 with three new contracts with three great partners has been the best possible start. It’s fitting reward for the efforts and dedication of our teams in such difficult circumstances.”

Wates FM, wates.co.uk

EATON’S POWER DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGY SELECTED FOR NEW EV PLATFORM Power management company, Eaton, has announced its eMobility business has secured a contract to supply power distribution units (PDUs) and Bussmann series fuses to a global vehicle manufacturer for use in a new battery electric (BEV) light-duty commercial vehicle. The PDUs are scalable in design to be applied to a wide range of future vehicles within the portfolio.

PDUs, also known as junction boxes or fuse boxes, connect the main battery power to the rest of the vehicle, similar to how a home service panel connects the main power source to each of the branch circuits in the house.

While distributing power through the vehicle, the PDUs deliver a safety function by providing circuit protection.

Eaton’s eMobility team leveraged its extensive electrical expertise to design a functional and cost-effective product to meet the stringent circuit protection requirements of the vehicle.

The PDUs also went through rigorous testing to ensure longterm reliability.

Eaton, eaton.com

Skanska, skanska.co.uk

electricalcontractingnews.com

Contract News.indd 17

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May 2021 | 17

27/04/2021 15:33

KEY ISSUE

REDUCING RISK IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN Doug Aris, Head of Construction at Achilles, outlines the red flags that could be costing businesses work.

P Things that may once have passed unnoticed are now a potential red flag for contractors

rincipal contractors have always been focused on eliminating risk in the supply chain, but as we enter the recovery period post-COVID, it is more of a concern than ever. A major fear is a supply chain partner failing, which can have a significant impact on a project – creating a knock-on effect for the rest of the project, it results in delays and, in some cases, could carry financial implications for the main contractor.

Sub-contractors are coming under more intense scrutiny than ever, so it’s vital that businesses make sure they’re keeping their house in order to put themselves in the best position to secure new projects.

While pricing will inevitably remain a major factor in procurement, there are many other considerations at play.

Things that may once have passed unnoticed are now a potential red flag for contractors and could result in projects and longer-term work being lost to competitors who are better prepared and able to present themselves as a safer, more solid prospect.

Polish your PQQs Failing to keep prequalification details and accreditations up to date is an obvious smoke signal for contractors, who will be concerned that it is a sign that the business is in trouble. Electrical contractors should take the opportunity to give PQQs a spring clean – check they’re all in place and up to date.

PQQs are an essential tool for contractors so it’s important that they are completed fully in order to win lucrative new contracts. Make sure that all answers are appropriate and that nothing has been excluded.

The fact that you have PQQs in place gives contractors confidence in the strength of your business and its good governance – maintaining a high level of accreditation will pay dividends.

Don’t delay policy renewals In the same vein, it’s vital to avoid letting insurance renewals slip – it will be a glaring concern for contractors and may raise concerns around the viability of your business and its long-term future. Is there a reason that the insurance hasn’t been renewed, or perhaps the company cannot afford to pay at present – either way, neither scenario will give a potential customer the confidence to hire a business.

Don’t delay in renewing policies for another day and don’t give contractors any cause for concern.

Recent references The bar is higher than ever for businesses looking to be appointed to new supply chain frameworks – confidence is key. Solid references are a good way to demonstrate your track record, quality of work and reputation for delivery so it’s important to make sure those are in place should you need them. Make sure they’re recent and relevant – make things as easy as possible for the contractor.

Safeguard your reputation In today’s connected world it’s important to remember that references may not be looked at in isolation. Do you have social media networks or review pages and how do they portray your business?

ESG is a major focus for contractors and we know that the supply chain plays a key role – they must only align themselves with businesses that share their values and uphold good governance. If you’ve experienced negative feedback that is public, or had any difficulties with your company’s reputation, it’s important to

18 | May 2021

Key Issue – Archilles.indd 18

take steps to address that as quickly as possible. While it may not have impacted on your P&L – and so may not feel like an issue for the business – a contractor may well take a different view.

Take the time to take a critical look at your own sustainability strategy

Take your eco-credentials seriously Similarly it’s also critical to make sure you measure up on the sustainability front.

Sustainability is a major focus for the construction industry as it works towards a zero carbon target in the not-too-distant future. Contractors are under intense scrutiny to make sure they’re playing their part, and their supply chain is an important part of that. Make sure you’re taking your eco-credentials seriously.

Take the time to take a critical look at your own sustainability strategy, pinpoint any weaknesses and put a plan in place to make improvements. No-one expects a comprehensive, all singing, all dancing programme of measures, but make sure you at least have the basics in place.

Consider joining new supplier networks Businesses that aren’t part of any supplier networks should think about whether that could be a new avenue for growth – it will certainly create news leads and may also make the business appear a safer, more attractive prospect when it comes to bidding for new work.

Achilles helps construction companies to reduce risk in their supply chain, so has a strong grasp of what their challenges and priorities are, and what they’re looking for in a supply chain partner – make sure you’re safe and risk free and eliminate any unnecessary red flags to stand yourself in the best stead in a competitive marketplace.

Achilles, achilles.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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27/04/2021 15:33

ASK THE EXPERT

HAGERGANG REWARDS CONTINUES TO BUILD MOMENTUM As the one-year anniversary of HagerGang Rewards approaches, the program has seen over two million points earned by electrical installers and contractors to date. Aimed to reward customers for their hard work and loyalty, the Rewards program has provided contractors with an exciting way to get rewarded with unique Hager items for purchases of Hager products.

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eflecting on the success of the program, Ian Smith, Marketing and Support Services Manager at Hager answers key questions relating to HagerGang Rewards, as well as the future of the programme.

Why was the Rewards programme initially created?

The programme was created because we wanted to develop a way that we could show our appreciation to our customers and reward them for their continued support. With the success of our HagerGang community on social media and seeing the high demand for our HagerGang t-shirts and screwdrivers, we thought this was a great way to offer a wider choice of rewards and expand how customers can receive their rewards.

“For every one pound spent on Hager products, one point is earned”

For someone new to the Rewards program, can you describe the process of earning points and redeeming rewards?

From the start, we wanted the process to be as easy as possible. So, for every one pound spent on Hager products, one point is earned.

All installers have to do is sign up for a Rewards account on Hagergangrewards.com and scan or upload their invoices through a mobile device or web browser. Once their invoice is reviewed by our team, the points will be allocated to their account. They can then start using their points to redeem exclusive rewards items from our online store.

What have been the most popular items redeemed from the Rewards store?

It’s no surprise that our Hager branded blue screwdriver set has been the top item redeemed. That said, the choice we offer in store today is far greater than what we previously offered, and we are regularly expanding what customers can claim as their rewards.

As we venture towards summer, it is also not surprising to see vacuum bottles, bottle openers and picnic blankets top our table of customer favourites.

What are the future plans for HagerGang Rewards?

The goal of the platform is to support our customers who buy Hager products, and to reward those who do. So, building on the momentum of the programme, we want to see even more people register in the second year and expand on how loyal Hager customers can receive reward points without making purchases. We will continue to add new and exciting rewards to the online store every month, including some new tools, limited time seasonal products and Hager exclusive rewards.

To create an account or learn more about the HagerGang Rewards programme go to https:// hagergangrewards.com/how-it-works.

Hager, hager.com

Technical support, when you need it.

We’ve expanded our technical support offer to include WhatsApp messenger.

You can now get support and advice from Hager technical experts easier than ever before. Simply send us a message & even include photos or videos of your job and get replies back in real-time. Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

07778 161 000

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Whatsapp Half Page.indd 2 Ask the Expert – Hager.indd 19

23/04/2021 11:40:33 27/04/2021 15:35

TRAINING

LACK OF EVC INSTALLERS WITHIN THE UK The world has been talking about electric vehicles (EVs) for a long time, yet it’s something people don’t think about often. However, time is running out before the government’s plan to ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 – it’s time to start preparing for EVs.

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he introduction and implementation of EVs is part of the government’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.

EV initiatives have been in place since 2007, but we’ve only seen major plans being put into action recently. According to statistics, there were more than 215,000 pure electric cars on the road by the end of February 2021 within the UK – there were also over 455,000 plug-in models. In 2020, we saw the biggest annual increase (66%) in the number of registrations, with more than 175,000 EVs registered. Many manufacturers are going the extra mile to hit the 2030 deadline – Jaguar has pledged to go fully electric by 2025, and other brands, including Volvo, plan to have allelectric vehicles by the 2030 deadline.

Lack of EVC stations These changes are extremely positive and if they continue, the 2030 deadline will be reached. However, there’s currently a lack of charging stations around the UK. Whilst there has been a push for charge points recently, with around 7,000 being added in 2020 alone, the rollout is still too slow to meet demand. According to the Policy Exchange think-tank, the UK will need 400,000 public charging points by 2039, but there are currently just 35,000.

The think-tank informed that the rate over the past three years was at approximately 7,000 – this must reach 35,000 over the next decade. As well as lack of chargers, there’s worry that some parts of the UK will be forgotten.

Report author and Policy Exchange senior researcher, Ed Birkett, says: “Companies are rolling out charge-points at a record rate, but there’s a risk that some areas of the country won’t get enough charge-points and will be left behind. We’re concerned about the patchy deployment of charge-points, which runs against the government’s plans for levelling up and a strong and connected union.”

Demand for charging station installers Due to needing 35,000 more EVCs across the UK within the next decade, the demand for EVC installers is high – researchers have recommended that the government should issue contracts to private firms to install charge points. A qualified electrician is needed to install charging equipment – the increase in EVs and charging need

20 | May 2021

Training – Technique Learning Solutions.indd 20

has created a new revenue stream for UK electricians. To fit EVC installations, electricians must be competent and trained, as installing EVCs can be dangerous due to high charging currents.

Mark Crook, managing director at Technique Learning Solutions, says: “EVC installation is the next big thing within the industry. The demand has been growing slowly, but we’re expecting it to expand further extremely quickly due to the lack of charging points.”

As well as lack of chargers, there’s worry that some parts of the UK will be forgotten

EVC in homes and businesses In 2019, a law was announced stating newbuild homes must have EV charging points installed. With an estimated 121,630 newbuild dwellings started in June 2020 alone, this increases the demand even further.

Business owners also need to think about installing charging points on their premises. There are government schemes and grants in place to help businesses – small businesses are set to benefit from £50 million to install charge points. Also, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) will be opened to SMEs and the charity sector. This scheme will provide support towards upfront costs of the purchase and installation of charging stations. There’s a range of benefits for businesses installing EVCs.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Become a qualified EVC installer To become fully qualified in EVC equipment installation, electricians could do a training course such as a Level 3 Award in EVC Equipment Installation. This ensures they are competent and offers an extra service to customers.

Mark adds: “This would be a natural pathway for electricians and creates new opportunities. EVC is still seen as a fairly new concept, despite it being around for years, chances are there won’t be a vast amount of EVC installers at customers’ disposal. Installers can be part of a solution to the current lack of charging installations.”

To become an Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) authorised installer and claim grants such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Grant (EVHS) or the WCS, you must provide proof that you’ve been trained to install electric vehicle charging points.

Unless you’re part of the OLEV scheme, you cannot get the funding.

The government’s 10-point plan is well underway and EVs will soon be filling our roads – if the demand for charging equipment is met, the road to cleaner air will be a smooth ride.

Technique Learning Solutions, learntechnique.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:35

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16/04/2021 09:31:47 16/04/2021 10:57

PROJECT FOCUS

ESP HAS SECURITY COVERED AT STUD FARM When electrical contractor Tony Hickman, from A J Hickman Electrical, had a query for a security project from the owner of a stud farm in Warwickshire, he contacted his local electrical wholesaler for some product recommendations. With a great working relationship long established between the wholesaler and local ESP sales manager, Scott Phillimore, Scott was soon brought onto the project to provide his expertise.

A

site visit to the stud farm was required to provide Scott with details of the security requirements and to put a proposal forward. With no existing security measures in place at the large premises and surrounding acres, the owner was concerned about being vulnerable to potential break-ins and thefts and wanted the best CCTV system possible to protect her highly valuable assets, which, as well as horses, includes expensive tack and equipment.

With such extensive grounds to cover – large stables, storage areas, training grounds, as well as a couple of fields – Scott recommended the HDview 5MP IP POE CCTV system. The IP POE CCTV range is designed to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions and is particularly suitable for larger

22 | May 2021

Project Focus – ESP.indd 22

applications with its wide choice of NVRs and camera selection.

The range features POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100m without the need for additional power, which makes installation much more convenient. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to.

The HDView IP POE 32 channel NVR was set up along with around 20 cameras to cover the extensive premises. A mixture of white bullet and dome cameras were selected, including 3.6mm fixed lens and 2.8-12mm varifocal lens cameras and these were mounted on deep camera bases to provide a neat and tidy finish. Two of the eight-way POE switches were also used to extend the run lengths past 100m and to make the wiring aspect easier.

Processing power, an abundance of features, versatility and high-resolution IP CCTV all combined to make ESP’s HDView IP POE system the ideal solution for the stud farm project.

ESP, espuk.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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27/04/2021 15:36

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16/04/2021 08:28:00 16/04/2021 10:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

CABLE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE DIGITAL BUILDING BASEC explores the concept of the automated smart building and explains more about the complex Building Automation Systems (BAS) being developed.

T

he migration towards an automated future has created many opportunities for most industries, such as easy remote working and stock control. However, this comes with added increase in the demand for data and a reliable infrastructure. Regulatory bodies are constantly identifying the need for this and, in turn, developing the standards to align with this growth.

Automated devices are being adopted in nearly all industries, for example, smart machinery in factories or smart sorting equipment in warehouses such as Amazon - all with the capability to operate remotely. Cabling infrastructures are being exposed to many different environments, highlighting the importance of both mechanical, ingress, chemical and electrical mechanical, ingress, chemical, electromagnetic (MICE) testing and fire performance testing to simulate environmental surroundings and ensure systems can still perform to the regulatory standard.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is already having an impact upon the BAS market with solutions providers increasingly developing Internet Protocol (IP) enabled devices, running over Ethernet, to replace the traditional equipment and fieldbus cabling.

The push to realise the digital building concept and the potential benefits revolve around user comfort and simplifying processes. Smart technologies help to automate many building functions that humans normally perform. Many devices handle the operations themselves, using sensors and artificial intelligence autonomy to make decisions on their own. Nearly every building function can benefit from

24 | May 2021

Smart Buildings – BASEC.indd 24

Automated devices are being adopted in nearly all industries

BAS systems have created more flexibility and opportunity for many businesses

this, for example security and surveillance systems can lock and unlock doors, energy management systems can turn lights on or off, and raise or lower building temperatures. Some of these innovations are already in use today, and can result in lower staff and payroll numbers, reduce human error, and most importantly, reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The various automation systems that form the BAS systems are at the core of the digital building concept and are what allow this innovation to prosper.

are also set to increase within BAS systems as automated device usage grows.

IEC 61156: supports new channel infrastructure and within it four new standards have been introduced. It includes both horizontal and work area cable ranging from 20MHz to 600MHz. The standard mainly accommodates single pair ethernet (SPE).

Standards development

BAS systems have created more flexibility and opportunity for many businesses.

Especially in current COVID times where concepts like remote working are a necessity, automated systems need to be reliable and dependable.

Many BAS systems cables will be attached to sensors, actuators, small motors or could run close to power lines, therefore careful consideration should be made regarding the MICE capabilities of the cables being used. Neighbouring machinery may cause vibration or electrical noise interference which could also affect the performance of the cable.

Using approved cable within automated building or BAS systems helps to give building service engineers and owners confidence, as well as assurance, that the products used have been rigorously tested by an independent body.

Regulatory bodies, such as the IEEE, have identified the need to optimise, develop communication platforms and enhance existing standards to support the migration to BAS systems. At the cabling level ISO/IEC have implemented changes to the following standards in a bid to tackle the challenges within the BAS environment: ISO/IEC 11801-1: the standard for information technology, generic cabling for customer premises, covering link and channel applications. It also specifies a new series of single pair components to support the delivery of the single pair application.

ISO/IEC 11801-6: recommends a minimum Category 6 A cable within the service distribution segment for both existing and emerging applications. In doing so it aims to provide the longest cable lifecycle potential and ensures structures can support ongoing Wi-Fi data rates, which

electricalcontractingnews.com

Third party testing and certification

BASEC, basec.org.uk

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:37

Does your EVSE kit help you test, or does it just test?

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Metrel UK Ltd. Unit 16, 1st Qtr Business Park Blenheim Road Epsom Surrey KT19 9QN Phone: 01924 245000 E-mai: info@metrel.co.uk Web: www.metrel.co.uk Untitled-3 1

Twitter-@MetrelUkLtd Facebook - @MetrelUk Instagram- metrelukltd 27/04/2021 15:59

SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

THE FUTURE OF HEATING IS LOOKING SMART Matt Parton, Product Development Manager with ESP and Sangamo, shares details of the latest report that shows that smart heating controls are expected to drive high growth levels to 2022.

Smart heating controls are likely to take market share from conventional heating controls in the longer term

26 | May 2021

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ccording to the most recent Domestic Central Heating market report (2018-2022) from AMA Research, smart heating controls are likely to take market share from conventional heating controls in the longer term.

In 2017, it is estimated that around 30% of heating controls sold by value were smart heating controls. This figure is likely to increase to over 45% of heating controls sold by value by 2022. There is a growing awareness of the benefits of smart heating controls. UK householders are becoming much more environmentally aware and are using smart heating solutions in order to minimise energy usage and to save money.

It is estimated that around 5% of UK homes now have smart heating controls installed.

The heating market is mature, with central heating installed in around 92% of UK homes. However, growth potential still exists, through product innovation designed to improve thermal performance, energy efficiency and control.

The shift to smart heating controls is likely to be gradual and a large number of homeowners are expected to continue with conventional solutions.

The primary focus of many suppliers will be key benefits such as ease of use and convenience for customers.

The trend towards low carbon homes in the UK will continue to grow, largely due to the measures introduced as part of the Climate Change Act. This will result in homeowners adopting a wider range of heating technologies in both new housing and existing properties, to deliver an energy efficient heating environment.

“The future performance of the UK domestic heating market will be influenced by overall trends in housebuilding, home improvement, fuel prices, renewable technologies, and technological developments,” says Hayley Thornley, Head of Research at AMA Research.

“Increasing legislation around energy efficiency represents a major influence in the long-term development of the domestic central heating market. The UK smart heating controls sector has evolved as part of the smart home market and is expected to show good levels of growth to 2022 and beyond.”

The Sangamo Wi-Fi Thermostat offers energy efficient programming and remote access via the Sangamo Choice app

electricalcontractingnews.com

The results of a survey carried out last year are certainly in line with the market report findings, with smart thermostats voted as the smart home product that Brits most wanted to own in 2020.

Sellhousefast.uk surveyed 1,462 UK households to discover the smart home products they planned to purchase this year and a smart thermostat topped the list with 71% of respondents.

Sangamo’s product development manager, Matt Parton, comments: “We know that the market for smart home products has exploded in recent years and advances in technology continue to make them much more accessible to everyone. In the current climate, with concerns about job security and diminished household incomes, it makes sense that people will want to control the heating and manage their bills.”

A smart thermostat is something that installers can easily add to their customers’ home heating, allowing householders to control and monitor the room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world, via an app on a smart phone or tablet.

The Sangamo Wi-Fi Thermostat launched last year offers energy efficient programming and remote access via the Sangamo Choice app. It has been designed to be straightforward to install and operate and is suitable for electric, gas or oil systems.

ESP, espuk.com

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GET THE COLD CONTROLLED The Plus range of

Heating and Timer Controls

email: info@espuk.com

Untitled-3 ECN HVAC 1May ad - Sangamo.indd 1

visit: www.espuk.com

call: 01527 515150

30/04/2021 11:41 30/04/2021 11:31:21

SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

MAKING THE MOST OF THE LOW CARBON HEATING TRANSITION The challenge of reducing the carbon footprint of the country’s building stock is one of the biggest issues facing the UK at the moment, writes Oliver Baker, CEO at Ambion Heating.

T

he government laid out its ambition in its ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ at the end of 2020, and this was swiftly followed by the Energy White Paper just before Christmas, which outlined a core objective to increase energy efficiency among as many existing homes as possible so they can be classed as EPC Band C by 2035.

January 2021 then saw the confirmation that Future Homes Standard will require all new build homes to be ‘zero carbon ready’ by 2025, requiring the phase out of fossil fuel based heating systems in favour of low carbon alternatives.

While the future of heating is now undoubtedly low carbon, this transition will be a major undertaking – not only in terms of the sheer numbers of fossil-fuel based systems to replace, but also to win the hearts and minds of the public. The relatively slow uptake of the Green Homes Grant highlights the danger of a scheme that is the right idea, but at the wrong time.

That said, with clear deadlines in place to increase the efficiency and reduce the emissions of the UK’s building stock, the move to low carbon heating is inevitable.

And for electrical contractors in particular, this could be a real opportunity.

Currently, electric systems are seen as more expensive than gas, largely due to the higher unit cost of electricity.

Therefore, it is a big ask to get consumers to move away from gas to electric systems, and the government needs to do more to bridge that gap.

However, Ambion Heating firmly believes that the biggest solution to the decarbonisation problem is going to be electric heating systems. And, while the headlines have been on air source heat pumps (ASHPs), in reality, it will take a broad range of technologies to meet the government’s ambitious targets.

One of these is computer-controlled infrared (CCIR) heating, which has several benefits for installers and their customers.

Cost effective One of the key benefits of CCIR is that it is both low carbon and tackles the issue of cost when it comes to electricity versus gas. CCIR uses infrared which is a high performance way of delivering heat using less electricity than conventional electric heating. What makes CCIR different is that it also uses software with each panel which constantly monitors each individual room and the energy storage characteristics within it, adjusting its energy delivery routine to maintain the ambient temperature within the room, maximising its performance and using fewer units of energy than a traditional heating system.

The resulting savings are compelling.

Ambion commissioned an independent performance review of CCIR to assess how

“Unlike other low carbon solutions, CCIR can be installed in any building that has electricity”

it compares with both traditional convection systems and ASHPs. It revealed that CCIR provides the same levels of comfort within a room, using 60% less energy than a standard electric convection system and 3% less than ASHPs. The system also reduces the unit cost of electricity because it works best across 24 hours. This flat demand profile – there is no morning or evening energy spike in usage – also means that if a homeowner is on a flexi tariff, CCIR can achieve around a 25% saving in the unit cost of your energy. So, if you put those two things together – the 60% reduction in electricity usage with the 25% saving on unit cost – the running cost is very comparable with gas.

Saves time and money CCIR systems are also easier to install, whether they’re being retrofitted into an existing building or installed within a new build, because they simply need wiring into the mains rather than plumbing in.

Therefore, a contractor can install the system and move onto the next job in minimal time.

Another benefit is reducing the administrative burden of processing warranty claims. For example, unlike AHSPs, CCIR has no moving parts and requires no annual maintenance, so makes an ideal choice for end user customers who want to ensure that they have minimum after sales issues and warranty claims.

Suitable for any installation

All new build homes are required to be ‘zero carbon ready’ by 2025

28 | May 2021

HVAC – Ambion.indd 28

electricalcontractingnews.com

Unlike other low carbon solutions, CCIR can be installed in any building that has electricity. While it is particularly suitable for off-gas grid properties, given the UK’s targets for switching from fossil fuel heating to low carbon alternatives, housebuilders, landlords, commercial and public sector buildings could all benefit from the high performance and emissions reductions CCIR provides.

In conclusion, 2021 is set to be a big year for policy and strategies to tackle heat decarbonisation, so the future of heating has to be low carbon. And, Ambion believes electric systems will play a transformational role. Therefore, for electrical contractors, demonstrating an expertise in installing the latest low carbon electric heating systems like CCIR could be a key differentiator when it comes to winning contracts.

Ambion Heating, ambionheating.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:38

FLEXIBLE POWER CONNECTIONS

RETRACTABLE REELS

COMBI CUBES

Available in a multitude of cable sizes using H05 VV-F or H07 RN-F cables with degrees of protection from IP42 to IP65

Hanging Distribution Cubes that are wired ready for connection with a protection degree of IP44

www.cablecaddy.co.uk

01952 212700

info@cablecaddy.co.uk

Marcaddy (a CEENorm group company) is a well-established brand which has been synonymous with reliable and flexible power connections in the UK for many years

Making kitchens safer.

The auto shut-off safety device designed specifically for student accommodation, communal kitchens and those living with dementia 64-point temperature monitoring.

EN50615:2015 compliant.

prefectcontrols.com • 01787 320604

Untitled-1 1

26/04/2021 12:53

SPECIAL FEATURE

HVAC

DECARBONISING NEW BUILD RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS For large developments of new build residential buildings, low carbon heating will be the priority as legislation changes amid the net zero transition. Tom Murray, Specification Director at Baxi Heating, discuses the legislation landscape for these developments and everything the contractors working on them need to know.

T

hough there is no one-size-fits-all solution for heating the nation’s residential and commercial buildings in a carbon neutral way, electric heating will play a key role in the decarbonisation process. Whether electric boilers, hot water cylinders, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) or a combination of all of them, developers and contractors working in the new build sector have a wide range of solutions to choose from.

Changing legislation One of the most monumental changes to the residential new build sector is the Future Homes Standard expected in 2025, which seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of new build homes by mandating that only low carbon heating is used in them.

The proposed detail means gas boiler or other fossil fuel-based heating system installation in all new build homes could be prohibited from 2025 onwards, meaning electricity will become more prominent for the HVAC sector.

More recently, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published its response to the Building Regulations Approved Document L&F consultation from 2019. This will ensure new homes are required to achieve a carbon emissions reduction target of 31% over the current rate from 2022. While the update places an emphasis on building fabric considerations, heating technologies will still play an important role. This interim Part L update acts as a stepping stone towards the far more stringent energy efficiency requirements for new homes under the Future Homes Standard.

Finally, SAP 10 will also come into effect as the revised compliance calculation methodology underpinning Building

New homes are required to achieve a carbon emissions reduction target of 31% over the current rate from 2022

30 | May 2021

HVAC – Baxi.indd 30

Regulations, meaning carbon factors for electricity will be changing. Not only will this favour low-carbon, electricity-based technologies like heat pumps and cylinders, but it will also lead to more uptake of SAP boosting accessories for fitting with existing gas boilers on top of their low carbon counterparts. These include easy-to-use smart controls, shower heat recovery units (SHRU) and flue gas heat recovery (FGHR) units.

The evolving landscape in the built environment is going to require all contractors across disciplines to adapt to new technologies and solutions

Supporting the transition The evolving landscape in the built environment is going to require all contractors across disciplines to adapt to new technologies and solutions. Along this journey, it is the responsibility of HVAC manufacturers to support professionals in the sector with all challenges that arise, not only with technologies, but with skills, design and aftercare services. Using valuable contractor feedback, Baxi Heating has developed the Baxi Assure range of products and services in response to the rapidly growing support that will be required to build more sustainably heated homes.

One hurdle for contractors working in this sector is often having the skills to install HVAC products, particularly heat pumps. In real terms, only 30,000 ASHPs are currently installed per year across all sectors, which are currently facilitated by less than a 1,000 MCS qualified businesses.

This is not feasible in the long term if ASHP installation targets of 600,000 installations per year by 2028, are to be met.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Delivering a well-designed and installed ASHP should, in theory, deliver cost efficient heating that is close to the equivalent of gas-powered systems in a well-insulated house. Though, as they have a finer degree of tolerance, it is also imperative that the design and installation are exactly right. To help with this, electrical contractors working on new build residential developments can have access to training on all product installation, including heat pumps, to ensure installations are correct.

To keep a track of every aspect of the heating installation, contractors can benefit from support at every stage from one point of contact on the Baxi Assure team. They also have access to a Project Hub to manage project product registrations, in addition to technical support and advice from installation to legislation. As many issues with electric heating systems can derive from incorrect design, the Baxi Design service is provided for accurate sizing and specification, an invaluable tool for making ASHP installations truly efficient.

While the legislation and net zero landscape signals an uptake in electric HVAC technologies, it is the responsibility of manufacturers to support electrical contractors in the sustainable transition. By providing the services and guidance on the latest technology, professionals in the new build sector will be able to deliver energy efficient, low carbon solutions to power the homes of the future.

Baxi, baxi.co.uk

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:39

W E

N

Find your ventilation information quicker with our brand NEW website & app

Visit www.manrose.co.uk or download ‘My Manrose’ app Untitled-1 1 102387 - Manrose Full Page Advert in ECN May-21 Issue.indd 2

28/04/2021 12:39 28/04/2021 12:14:30

COMPETITION

A MUCH NEEDED BOOST AFTER LOCKDOWN!

Courtesy of

Timeguard is offering a lucky winner the chance to win Virgin Experience vouchers worth up to £250 to help on your own personal roadmap out of lockdown.

E

veryone’s going to want to let off steam after a year of lockdowns – and big days out mean big calls on the heating and hot water for showers and baths when they get home.

So, your customers will love the Timeguard BoostMaster range. You will too, as they can easily be wired into an existing backbox or surface mounted.

The latest additions are digital display countdown timers that show at a glance how long is left before energy-saving automatic

Courtesy of

March Competition

switch off. Or maybe choose a model with integral fused spur, one with fused-spur safety, programmable time control and the extra Boost function all in one, or one that provides WiFi control of Boost timing.

Whatever direction your personal roadmap out of lockdown takes you, we’ve got Virgin Experience vouchers worth up to £250 to help our winner on the way. Why not opt for an all-outdoor adventure? Get as cold, wet and weary as you like, because a Timeguard Boost will make certain there’s enough hot water for showers all round.

For your chance to win the £250 Virgin Experience vouchers, simply answer the following questions correctly: 1. Timeguard products are sold: a) Retail b) Direct c) Exclusively to the trade

2. The BoostMaster range options include: a) Fused spurs b) WiFi control c) Both

3. BoostMaster models can be: a) Fitted into an existing backbox b) Surface mounted c) Either

The winner of the March competition – a bundle of Sangamo heating control products, courtesy of ESP – was Steve Parsons.

Closing date All entries must be returned by 31 May 2021. The editor’s decision is final.

For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms.

The name of the winner will be published in the July issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable.

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

The answers to May’s competition are:

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

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

YES, I would like to share my data with Timeguard

Personal Details Name.......................................................................................................................................

Company Name......................................................................................................................

Address...................................................................................................................................

2. . .........................................................................

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

................................................................................ Postcode.................................................

Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................

3. . .........................................................................

Date..............................................................................

E-mail.....................................................................................................................................

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

27/04/2021 15:39

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR supported by

AS ROBUST AS IT IS PRECISE THE BOSCH PROFESSIONAL GCL 2-50 G Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Tools & Workwear – Bosch.indd 33

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

May 2021 | 33

28/04/2021 09:58

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

BOSCH’S TOUGHEST COMBI LASER HANDS DOWN PRECISE. RELIABLE. EFFICIENT High precision, robust design, simple operation – this is what the combi laser GCL 2-50 G Professional stands for.

T

he tool was optimised based on user feedback and is particularly suitable for applications in a bright environment.

When levelling in window areas, for example, the green laser lines are up to four times more visible than the red laser lines of comparable tools. In addition, the device is very robust - with a rubber

housing and recessed front glasses, it is well protected against impact. The IP64 certification guarantees protection against dust and splash water.

Operate the tool easily and intuitively, with the one button design, to minimise measurement errors. Just one button to set the desired line configurations. The pendulum lock is activated automatically as soon as the device is switched off. The tool is self-levelling in less than four seconds and

compensates for surface irregularities of up to ±4 degrees with high accuracy. If the laser cannot self-level due to serious surface irregularities, the laser lines will flash.

Furthermore, the function for working with the receiver no longer needs to be set in separately with the GCL 2-50 G Professional.

The combi laser detects the optional LR 7 Professional automatically. You can start immediately and extend the working range from up to 15 to up to 50 meters.

GCL 2-50 G PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASER

▶ IP 64 dust and splash protection

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

▶ GREEN BEAM for improved visibility

▶ Rubber housing and recessed windows for better protection

▶ Improved HMI with one button does all function

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

34 | May 2021

Tools & Workwear – Bosch.indd 34

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

28/04/2021 09:59

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

Robustness The new cross line laser comes with improved features to make it Bosch’s toughest laser so far: • The impact absorbing rubber body allows for greater protection and more stable positioning and grip on the ground. A great innovation for installing handrails, laying tiles, aligning pipes, aligning light switches, vertical plumbing and suspended ceilings.

The rubber side bumper adds extra protection on both sides of the housing.

• Recessed windows, where the green beam is located, are protected by the surrounding rubber body, which gives additional protection of H- and V- laser windows.

• Market research has shown that in interior levelling, dust is a bigger enemy than water.

The GCL 2-50 G have been upgraded from IP 54 to IP 64 so you can focus on the job while working in rough jobsite conditions.

The 6 rating stands for dust tight (highest rating), and the 4 on the rating stands for the water aspect, meaning the new cross line laser can be used in heavy rain.

• The improved pendulum lock provides maximum protection during transport, with almost no movement.

• Thanks to its new base, the RM 10 Professional rotation mount belonging to the GCL 2-50 G Professional provides even better access to the plumb points and can be finely adjusted. The rotation mount also ensures that the laser lines can be aligned in a radius of 360 degrees around the plumb points.

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

Is the green beam more visible then the red beam? The answer is YES! Green beam has up to four times better visibility than red beam.

The laser has several operating modes, which you can switch between at any time.

These are: cross line mode, horizontal mode and vertical mode.

Green beam has up to four times better visibility than red beam

• The cross line mode generates one horizontal and one vertical laser line • The horizontal mode generates one horizontal laser line • The vertical mode generates one vertical laser line • Levelling accuracy ±0,3 mm/m Lastly, the GCL 2-50 G has improved battery run time whilst using the four AA alkaline batteries and fits in any ¼” thread tripod.

Bosch’s toughest combi laser

Bosch, boschtools.com

GCL 2-50 G PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASER Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

▶ Fast and secure mounting with the RM10 ▶ Self Levelling within 4 seconds ▶ Two plumb points to provide additional reference points

▶ Improved battery runtime

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Tools & Workwear – Bosch.indd 35

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

May 2021 | 35

28/04/2021 09:59

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

SAFE EYE AND FACE PROTECTION — AT WHAT PRICE? Face protection products such as safety glasses, masks and visors have all been brought into much sharper focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Hellberg Safety. They’re all critical components in the PPE framework that ensures wellbeing and safety at work.

I

n business and industrial environments, the use of face protection products should be second nature. But believe it or not, a recent report showed that many men are now more concerned about face masks of the cosmetic kind than personal safety and protection on site.

A poll of 1,000 people found that British males spend an average £760-a-year on ‘essentials’ to keep their skin in tip-top condition[1]. That’s probably far more than a single person would spend on PPE in a year. What’s more, it’s estimated that the UK market for men’s face care products is worth over £77 million a year![2]

The consequences of facial injuries are serious and potentially life-threatening

But anti-wrinkle creams, facial washes, scrubs and face masks will hardly provide proper protection of vital facial features when working in hazardous environments.

Sadly, accidents happen all the time, sometimes in the most innocuous situations that we might ordinarily take for granted – like strimming the garden, jet washing the patio, cutting wood or drilling a wall.

GCL 2-50 G PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASER

▶ IP 64 dust and splash protection

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

▶ GREEN BEAM for improved visibility

▶ Rubber housing and recessed windows for better protection

▶ Improved HMI with one button does all function

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

36 | May 2021

Tools & Workwear – Hellberg.indd 36

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:41

NEW! GCL 2-50 G BOSCH PROFESSIONAL COMBI LASER Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

As Robust as it is Precise! Our New Combi Laser Working Range

Green Beam Technology

15m (50m with LR7 receiver) GREEN BEAM combi laser with green plump points above and below

Green Beam lasers are four times more visible to the human eye than red

Simplified HMI

Even More Robust

One button does all on the roof of the tool as well as a new switch location for ease of use

IP 64 dust and splash protection.

The full rubber housing gives maximum protection for the recessed switch and laser windows

Improved Pendulum Lock

New Magnetic Mount

This locks the lasers and stops shaking within the tool for increased protection when in transport

The brand new RM 10 magnetic mount is made with the strongest magnets in the market

IP 64

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

Untitled-1 1 GCL 2-50 G C Line Laser-Professional Builder Ad 210x285mm_final.indd 1 50351 Bosch

26/04/2021 12:54 28/07/2020 15:19

SPECIAL FEATURE

TOOLS & WORKWEAR

That said, some people will always find a reason not to. Cheap face protection products are ‘uncool’, they ‘fog up’ and are often unwearable because pressure, pinching and slipping points are a nightmare for users and the PPE ends up on top of workers’ heads or in their pockets instead of over their eyes.

TOP QUALITY FACE PROTECTION FROM HELLBERG SAFETY Hellberg Safety specialist PPE products include highly advanced face protection products, noise hazard protection and communication solutions for personal safety and wellbeing on site.

The company’s interoperable face protection products offer helmet and visor solutions to suit a variety of internal and external work situations. With a standard product design across the range, users are able to mix and match visors, carriers, and hearing protectors for complete ‘headband-only’ or ‘safety helmet’ solutions that protect against the hazards faced in differing task environments.

Every single component in the Hellberg Safety PPE range combines the hallmarks of advanced technology, quality and comfort with superb, practical protection for the hazards you’re likely to face - whatever job you’re doing in high-risk work environments.

What to look for in safety eyewear Comfort, protection and fit is really important, as are lightweight, durable materials to provide complete protection and flexibility of design for combination with other PPE, including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors.

Also, look out for specially developed lens technology for impact-resistance plus anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings on both sides, as well as styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.

Around the lens, ergonomic designs should incorporate practical features, like a soft nose bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, which ensure the glasses stay in place and fit safely, allowing you to keep a sharp focus all day long.

Finding focus Renowned for its hi-spec PPE that includes advanced hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions, Hellberg Safety is launching a new range safety eyewear.

With a wide range of street-smart styles from basic to premium, the new range ensures a consistently clear line of sight and safe vision for professional tradesmen and women wherever they’re working on site.

Built with lightweight, durable materials and specially developed lens technology, the eyewear provides complete protection, and comfort throughout the working day and can be easily combined with other PPE including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors.

With a focus on enhanced safety in all conditions, Hellberg Safety Eyewear has impact-resistant lenses with anti-scratch and anti-fog coating on both sides and there are styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.

Around the lens, the ergonomic design, incorporates practical features, like a soft nose bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, making sure the glasses stay in place and fit safely allowing you to keep your focus all day long.

What to look for in face protection visors

Comfort, protection and fit is really important

Perhaps unsurprisingly, industrial and construction-related work has a much higher rate of facial injuries than any other, with hazards many and varied. Impact injuries can be caused by flying objects such as stone or brick fragments, particles of dirt and dust, tiny pieces of metal and splinters caused by hammering, chipping, grinding, machining, wood working, sawing, and drilling.

Chemicals and extreme heat sources are also dangerous to the face. Splashes, fumes, vapours and irritating mists can scald and burn while welding arcs, and UV radiation and intense light can damage your eyes.

The consequences of facial injuries are serious and potentially life-threatening.

Not just time off work and loss of pay as a result of short or long-term injuries, there’s the potential for something more significant. An injury can cause a lifetime of permanent disfigurement, even loss of sight. Surely that’s a good enough reason for using proper eye and face protection products all the time.

BS EN 166:2002 is the international standard for eye and face protection covering personal protective eye wear in the form of visors and eye shields and it’s important to look for this standard when you’re choosing what products to use.

Think carefully about hazards in the work environment and look for a product that is designed for a comfortable, tight and ergonomic fit for maximum protection, especially so that no objects get around the edges of the visor. The visor should cover your face from at least the forehead to the base of the chin.

The best quality visors are available in different materials, thickness and sizes which correspond to specific hazard protection. You can even get visors that are treated with an anti-fog coating. Don’t assume that a basic product that you might use for strimming or jet washing will provide maximum effective protection on a construction site.

Polycarbonate provides impact and heat resistance. It is also used for arc flash, high heat, chemical splash and radiation protection, while acetate also provides excellent resistance to chemical splash. For protection against radiation (IR and UV), look for visors that are made from special tinted and/or coated

GCL 2-50 G PROFESSIONAL CROSS LINE LASER Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

polycarbonate, while mesh visors are generally used to protect the face from flying debris and large dust particles.

With Hellberg Safety’s visor protection prices starting at only £17 and good quality eyewear at £9, it’s a worthwhile investment in longer-lasting eye and face protection – and a lot more effective than anti-wrinkle cream!

Hellberg Safety, hellbergsafety.com

[1] https://en.mogaznews.com/World-News/1208373/British-malesspend-average-of-£760-a-year-on-essentials-such-as-facemasks-.html [2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/474570/market-value-menfacial-skincare-great-britain-uk/

▶ Fast and secure mounting with the RM10 ▶ Self Levelling within 4 seconds ▶ Two plumb points to provide additional reference points

▶ Improved battery runtime

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

38 | May 2021

Tools & Workwear – Hellberg.indd 38

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:41

forum

OfficialNAPIT

Untitled-1 1

@OfficialNAPIT

26/04/2021 12:51

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

WHEN SMALL SPACES BECOME A BIG CHALLENGE All installations have their own challenges, regardless of size. It might be logistics, budget or fitting in with tight project timescales. However, installations with limited space can prove some of the most ambitious when it comes to UPS infrastructure to protect critical power, according to Louis McGarry, Sales and Marketing Director at Centiel UK.

D

ue to fixed or existing assets, adjusting physical infrastructure can be difficult, so you need to find a way to incorporate some form of adaptability where you can.

Adding flexibility into design will allow the implementation of what’s needed today, while offering the ability to adapt to support your future requirements.

Centiel’s modular UPS has been designed with flexibility and scalability in mind and can be reconfigured to fit into different types of equipment. Because of the architecture within modern, modular UPSs, the outer layers can essentially be stripped away, and the inner components integrated into other hardware products such as racks and IP rated enclosures.

This can dramatically reduce the overall footprint of the equipment, and there are many other important benefits too.

Centiel’s modular UPS has been designed with flexibility and scalability in mind

40 | May 2021

UPS & Power Distribution – Centiel.indd 40

All installations have their own challenges, regardless of size

One way to advance this further is to build the UPS into low voltage (LV) switchgear, where the UPS, batteries, and switchgear are now all contained within the same unit. This results in a more efficient use of space and less cabling and containment, which is now integral. In addition, design and implementation are simplified, reducing the amount of labour and installation time needed. This can have a positive impact on the overall costs and project timescales can be reduced.

It’s also a more aesthetically pleasing installation, plus it’s cleaner if the equipment can be built, fully tested and pre-commissioned off-site. For contractors, it is one less thing to think about when overseeing the entire fit-out. Knowing the solution is functioning prior to its arrival, can remove any uncertainty surrounding the ‘will it or won’t it work?’ scenario.

These turnkey integrated packages are growing in popularity and are ideal for installations where space is at a premium, such as financial institutions and medical facilities. Space has always been a challenge for growing organisations - as the load demand changes, so does the need for plant equipment. As a supplier, you may often find yourself battling for

electricalcontractingnews.com

space and that’s not just the UPS and its associated infrastructure. This could also relate to the air conditioning, switchgear or fire suppression. There are numerous providers staking their claim on space and, ultimately, it’s all got to fit!

Working closely with switchgear manufacturers, Centiel can align its solution without compromising on performance or increasing budget. This needs detailed cooperation and joined-up thinking, working with a team of experts who understand what can be achieved. By combining the footprints of the switchgear, UPS and batteries, the company can commission an all-encompassing power conditioning suite.

One of the keys to success is selecting the right partners to integrate the UPS and other equipment. All parties must adopt a flexible approach to design and logistics and be open to developing bespoke, adaptive solutions according to the client’s needs. Centiel works with a few trusted, hand-picked manufacturers who can provide the quality solutions required to ensure the cohesion between brands. The result is an integrated, turnkey UPS which saves space, time and takes away any uncertainty for clients.

Centiel, centiel.co.uk

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

27/04/2021 15:42

TM

CumulusPower

TM

CumulusPower

TM

CumulusPower

SAFE-HOT-SWAP SAFE-HOT-SWAP SAFE-HOT-SWAP

DistributedActive ActiveRedundant Redundant ArchiArchiDistributed Distributed Active Redundant Architecture (DARA) ensures any module module tecture (DARA) ensures any tecture (DARA) any module being added systemcan canbe be fully fully being added totoa aensures system being added to a system be fully isolated andtested tested withincan running isolated and within aarunning isolated and tested within running frame before accepts anyaload. load. frame before it itaccepts any frame before it accepts any load.

SWISS MADE SWISS SWISS MADE MADE Centiel ECN Advert 244 x 340mm April 2021 REMADE.indd 1

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E: sales@centiel.co.uk sales@centiel.co.uk E:E: sales@centiel.co.uk T: 01420 82031 01420 82031 T: T: 01420 82031 W: centiel.co.uk W:W: centiel.co.uk centiel.co.uk 23/04/2021 11:47

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE VX25 RI4POWER SYSTEM: EVEN FASTER, EVEN MORE EFFICIENT, EVEN MORE VERSATILE The new VX25Ri4Power system is a modular based switchgear system ideally suited for both power distribution systems and motor control centres, writes Mark Guest, Rittal’s Product Manager for Power Distribution.

F

rom form 2a control panels to form 4b switchgear, Ri4Power is flexible to meet the requirements of today’s market and is compliant to the latest international switchgear standards.

Faster, stronger, more efficient, the VX25 Ri4Power is the perfect solution for applications up to 6300A. Project planning is child’s play with the user-friendly Power Engineering configurator: faster assembly, with up to 50% time savings on new product innovations and fewer part numbers both simplifies the assembly process and increases efficiencies.

Based on the new VX25 enclosure, this version of the Ri4Power is now even more efficient at distributing electrical power across industrial environments. It also delivers a range of other benefits such

as higher current ratings, plus easier monitoring and maintenance.

All solutions based on this system have been tested and certified to IEC 61439.

Automation across the electrical and electronics industry is being driven both by a boom in mechanical and plant engineering, and by the deployment of more – increasingly powerful – drive technologies.

Switchgear for electrical power distribution must evolve to meet ever-higher demands – including higher current ratings, in conjunction with compact dimensions.

Rittal’s new Ri4Power, based on its VX25 enclosure, is the ideal response to these challenges. The welded frame of the VX25 enclosures gives the Ri4Power its strength and reduces assembly times.

With personnel safety in mind, the VX25Ri4Power has been designed to reduce the incidence of internal arc faults. Innovative new products enable the switchgear to follow the guidance

from IEC61641, which is the standard for internal arc faults.

Busbar support design The busbar support design makes it easier to fit copper bar. The busbar supports were developed with reduced complexity in mind – as a result, the same support is suitable for both 600mm deep and 800mm deep enclosures. Their symmetrical shape means supports can be used left or right. Installation has also been simplified – the busbar support can be fastened to the VX25 profile with three screws.

The tested support has been designed to accept 30 x 10 or 50 x 10 copper bar. This makes handling of heavy copper bar easier and the panel builder only has to consider two busbar sizes up to 6300 amps. The new busbar support system has been tested to 100kA for one second.

Power distribution from the smallest to the largest.

ENCLOSURES

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POWER DISTRIBUTION

CLIMATE CONTROL

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Fewer parts for less complexity The new Ri4Power system is based on the VX25, so manufacturers enjoy all the advantages of this enclosure system, including its symmetrical form, highly standardised pitch pattern, reduced number and type of parts, and ease of component installation. Consequently, components can, for example, be mounted on either horizontal or vertical profiles of the VX25 frame, reducing the total quantity of profiles required.

Furthermore, there is a special compartment side panel available for the Ri4Power that can be positioned in either the left or right of the enclosure. This divides the solution into separate compartments according to function, e.g., to create a cable chamber or space for additional components.

The compartment side panel has knockouts every 50mm which have rounded edges to prevent damage to cables. In the upper part of the enclosure, there is a separate section for the installation of further components, accessible via a flap or panel.

Consistent data quality from engineering through to manufacturing – the new VX25 Rittal Power Engineering (RPE) configurator allows easy configuration of low-voltage switchgear

New configuration software Rittal has also developed a new version of its Power Engineering (RPE) software to coincide with the launch of the VX25 Ri4Power system. This solution makes planning and configuring switchgear fast and simple.

Usability was a key focus during the development of the latest version. It is highly intuitive and requires the input of only a few parameters. This enables manufacturers, even those with no previous experience, to simply and reliably configure type-tested switchgear.

Furthermore, interfaces for EPLAN Electric P8, for export of bills of materials to MS Excel, and for import and export for data maintenance, are possible.

In addition, the VX25 engineering configurator for Ri4Power low-voltage switchgear supports quick-and-easy online configuration.

IT INFRASTRUCTURE

OL

Simple monitoring and maintenance The VX25 Ri4Power system offers a number of advantages in the context of maintenance. The new busbar supports and connectors are accessible from the front which makes it easier to check the torque applied to screws, for instance, or to determine the temperature of contact points by means of an infrared camera. It

is also possible to implement sophisticated monitoring mechanisms: an IoT interface can be installed that interoperates with sensors, e.g., for monitoring temperature, moisture or performance.

In combination with a software-based control system, this allows the operator to monitor their equipment at all times and enjoy higher power-supply availability.

Rittal, rittal.co.uk

SOFTWARE & SERVICES www.rittal.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

KEEPING MEDIACITYUK PROTECTED How UK UPS supplier, KUP, supported the BBC’s need for a comprehensive UPS battery upgrade and helped safeguard its power protection infrastructure for the future.

T

UPS batteries last on average seven to eight years

he BBC represents one of a handful of UK institutions that we interact with almost every day. Whether it’s listening to the news on Radio 4, watching Match of the Day on TV or catching up on EastEnders via the iPlayer, the BBC is available 24/7/365. The BBC is the leading public service broadcaster in the UK and the highest earning public radio-television company in Europe. In addition to its TV division, the BBC also runs 10 national UK radio stations, as well as multiple regional and local radio stations.

Maintaining 100% uptime requires comprehensive industrial UPS systems – with large banks of UPS batteries connected to standby generators – to ensure that a loss of mains power supply doesn’t impact its ability to provide content around the world.

Maintaining this level of power protection requires regular UPS maintenance and periodic upgrades to replace elements of the uninterruptible power supply that have a finite life. UPS batteries, which manage the supply to the critical load and the transition from the mains to the standby generators, last on average seven to eight years, with their lifespan impacted by a number of factors, such as ambient temperature and the number of discharges.

It was with this in mind that the BBC’s facilities management partner, Interserve, approached industrial uninterruptible power supply manufacturer, KUP, with a requirement to replace the 5,000+ VRLA batteries that support 14 separate UPS systems across three buildings within the BBC’s MediaCityUK campus in Salford Quays.

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Maintaining 100% uptime requires comprehensive industrial UPS systems

Between them, the three buildings (Bridge House, Dock House and Quay House) are home to 2,700 BBC staff.

The entire centre is one of the largest HDTV programme-making facilities in Europe and is the home of BBC Children’s (CBeebies and CBBC) and BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live and 6Music, as well as BBC Radio Manchester and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

KUP has a well-established relationship with the BBC and Interserve, already working together to provide and maintain UPS services and related products to seven BBC sites, making it a natural choice for this project. However, in line with the BBC’s procurement policies, three UK UPS companies were approached and asked to provide written quotes. KUP was selected as the successful UPS supplier and the contract was awarded in July 2019. As well as its experience in managing projects of this type, the contract was awarded to KUP based on its considered recommendation, which identified the best UPS power solution for the BBC’s requirements, not simply replicating what was previously installed.

Stuart Insch, Projects Engineering Manager for KUP, comments on the contract: “Having worked with the BBC and Interserve for many years, we were delighted to again come out on top and win this important contract. KUP is known for the strength of its service network and

electricalcontractingnews.com

ability to manage projects of this size, and our experience was key to ensuring the entire project was managed safely, in a timely manner and without ever exposing the critical load. Once the specification for the UPS batteries, their configuration and supporting infrastructure was agreed upon, the uninterruptible power supply batteries were ordered from the manufacturer, Yuasa, and the UPS installation began in mid-September. The project was completed just six weeks later – on time, on budget and without issue.

“That said, the project was not without its own unique challenges. Chief among these was the site security, with an essential requirement to coordinate our own staff and third parties in order to secure access to the site. We were provided with specific time slots for deliveries and each delivery had to be registered against a specific vehicle. It was nothing we couldn’t handle through good communication and careful planning. Everyone from the client’s side was delighted with the outcome and we are now preparing to complete the next phase in the project, installing power loggers to each of the UPS battery systems to record battery temperatures at regular intervals to help maximise the lifespan of the UPS power system.”

Kohler Uninterruptible Power, kohler-ups.co.uk

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27/04/2021 15:44

TRUST US WITH YOUR BUSINESS

THE HOME OF POWER PROTECTION Why choose a UK leading power specialist; Secure Power?

Consultancy

Battery Services

With over 50 years of combined industry knowledge we can provide a wide range of consultancy services, ranging from site surveys, design, power redundancy options, infrastructure plans, managed services and general technical advice.

Its hugely important to maintain, monitor and replace batteries that are an integral part to the performance of any UPS solution. Secure Power can provide many battery services such as impedance testing, load bank testing, battery replacements, battery recycling, battery monitoring and bespoke battery builds.

Dealing with a leading power specialist ensures reliability, confidence and resiliency with your network.

Providing the correct battery solution can increase runtime, reduce costs and limit the risk of downtime.

Supply

Maintenance

Secure Power supply many of the industry’s leading manufactured products, such as APC, Riello, Vertiv, Socomec and Eaton. We pride ourselves on being brand agnostic with the ability to put forward multiple options for our clients, to empower them to make educated infrastructure decisions.

Maintaining your UPS is a fundamental part of power infrastructure management.

Secure Power can provide a maintenance plan tailored for each requirement. A major advantage for our clients is our ability to maintain and support multiple types of UPS solutions, meaning multi-vendor support on covering contracts.

Software Installation & Commissioning It’s extremely important to choose the correct installation partner as this may void the warranty with the manufacturer if the UPS has not been installed and commissioned by an approved partner.

Secure Power are approved with all our partners and have UK wide engineering resource that can support installation projects across the UK. Our project management team can support and manage any requirement to the highest standard.

The UPS software should be utilised with every project to manage and monitor the infrastructure. Secure Power can set up the software, advise on the correct solutions and assist with the integration with existing management software.

With a variety of connection methods available Secure Power can advise on the best possible configuration to meet any scenario. With experience in configuration within DCIM environments we are well placed to advise on integration with virtualisation environments as well as being able to assist with everything from installation to SNMP.

Contact us today to see how we can be your power protection provider.

www.securepower.com Untitled-4 1

sales@securepower.com 27/04/2021 16:06

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

SEVEN POWER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO HELP AVOID UNEXPECTED OUTAGES Large buildings and critical infrastructure have never been more dependent on reliable power. Outages are not only inconvenient, but they lead to lost revenue, bad service, and in some scenarios, loss of life.

Stewart Gregory, VP of Power Products at Schneider Electric looks at strategies to help prevent outages.

P

aradoxically, as we become more reliant on power, outages are at the same time becoming increasingly common. There are many reasons for this. Severe weather events have become more common, the transmission grid is aging, electrical systems are increasingly complex, and utilities are accessing more decentralised power sources. These factors are combining to cause more power disturbances than ever before.

To tackle an increasingly unpredictable supply, power infrastructures need to be more resilient. Do you know what your risk exposure is and how resilient your operations are? What would happen if you experience an unexpected power interruption? How would one minute or one hour of unplanned downtime impact your bottom line? If your business relies on clean, stable, reliable power, you need to monitor and maintain high levels of power quality, ideally meeting international standards like EN 50160 and IEEE 519.

To avoid costly downtime there are seven key methods building managers and power maintenance staff should look to deploy.

3. Capacity management Power management tools will help power managers understand the capacity needs of their electrical distribution infrastructure, including supplying expansions or modifications of the facility environment.

This can make sure that when upgrading the facility, organisations will not be exceeding the rated capacity of equipment.

This will help mitigate potential risks to the electrical infrastructure due to things like nuisance breaker trips or overheating that can cause fires.

“To tackle an increasingly unpredictable supply, power infrastructures need to be more resilient”

4. Backup power testing Business continuity depends on critical assets like motors, transformers and backup power systems. It is critical to ensure the reliability and availability of back-up power supply systems in the event of unexpected power outages. Using accurate data from the electrical distribution system, a power management system can help. Automated routines test generators to ensure regulatory compliance, while helping save time, improve productivity and ensure accuracy of testing process and documentation per standards or manufacturer recommendations.

5. Power quality monitoring and correction

1. Electrical distribution monitoring and alarming

Power quality issues can go unnoticed and have a major impact on operations and processes, leading to equipment damage, useful lifetime being degraded, or unplanned downtime. These hidden issues are more common than expected, with an estimated 15% of facilities operating with problematic power quality. 70% of power quality disturbances originate within facilities and cause 30-40% of resulting downtime incidents. A power management system has the analytic tools

A power management system gives operations and maintenance staff visibility of the status of the entire electrical system, helping organisations monitor and run reports on conditions like peak demand and loading of equipment such as breakers, UPSs, transformers, generators, etc. Teams will receive alarms on any abnormal conditions or events, letting them see, analyse, and understand where failures of the electrical distribution network come from.

to help understand which power quality events could adversely affect operations.

Managers can monitor and analyse persistent power quality disturbances, determining actions needed to correct issues. This might include the installation of power quality correction equipment, such as harmonic filters.

6. Power control and automation Power management and power operation systems offer the ability to perform manual and automated remote control of loads.

This can simplify load shedding for demand control or demand response strategies.

Automatic control schemes can also be used for power source transfers. This can support self-healing network reconfiguration to quickly isolate a fault and restore power.

7. Power event analysis When a potentially damaging power event occurs, electrical network staff need to be able to isolate it quickly. Power management systems give advanced tools that include alarm prioritisation, sequence-of-events analysis, and disturbance direction detection that help perform efficient root cause analysis. Armed with this information, teams can immediately make the right decisions, use mobile app guidance tools to help restore power, and perform preventative actions to avoid similar future events.

Now more than ever before organisations need to focus on power availability and reliability. By combining the right processes with the best digital tools, they are able to reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, create efficient electrical operations, and eliminate frequent equipment failures.

This will ultimately allow them to avoid unplanned downtime which risks customer loyalty and financial losses.

Schneider Electric, se.com

2. Breaker settings monitoring Organisations need to be confident that electrical protection devices can fulfil their function, with protection coordination that reduces the impact of an outage. A power management system helps regularly check breaker configuration to prevent issues due to inappropriate or poorly coordinated circuit breaker settings.

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Now more than ever before organisations need to focus on power availability and reliability

electricalcontractingnews.com

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

OUTDOOR LIGHTING ON THE UP – AND DOWN – WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE RANGE Knightsbridge is expanding its comprehensive range of decorative outdoor lighting with the introduction of its latest wall light range (product code: OWALL).

The stylish, contemporary looking line-up provides options for both down- and up-lighting from a sleek cylindrical, stainless steel body that is configured to provide a choice of either single or dual source lighting.

The single lamp option measures a compact 110mm in height, 60mm diameter and has a projection of 96mm.

The two-lamp version is 170mm in height but with the same dimensions for diameter and projection as the single lamp version.

Available in a choice of popular finishes – black, anthracite, brushed chrome or white – the IP54-rated OWALL can take a standard sized GU10 lamp and is dimmable dependent on lamp type, further increasing the range of lighting effects.

Both new versions come with a standard warranty of two years, giving peace of mind.

Whatever the outdoor application, Knightsbridge has a product that can do it beautifully.

Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

SCOLMORE GETS SERIOUS IN THE SMART HOME MARKET Scolmore Group has developed a brand new and comprehensive range of smart products under the Click Smart+ brand that takes its provision of smart home solutions to a whole new level.

Designed to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors – the Click Smart+ range utilises Zigbee technology. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network which creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without compromising signal and communication range.

A key benefit of Zigbee and the new Click Smart+ range is that there is no requirement for a signal repeater, as all the devices have repeaters built in.

Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will assist installers looking to boost their business with an enhanced smart home offer that will deliver a complete connected home experience to householders.

The bespoke Click Smart+ App gives householders ultimate control of the smart devices, which can also be operated through voice control in conjunction with a smart speaker.

COMPANY SHOWCASE

OVIA ADDS SELF-TEST EMERGENCY PACK TO COMMERCIAL LIGHTING RANGE Ovia has introduced a self-test version of its 4W Universal Emergency Pack.

This means there is now a standard and self-test option to cover all emergency installation requirements for the company’s growing range of LED panels and AluPanel downlights.

The key benefit of the self-test emergency pack is to prevent the need for ongoing maintenance and the associated labour and costs involved. In the event of mains fail it will provide emergency lighting for three hours at a lower light.

This fulfils the minimum requirement of the BS5266 standard that applies to emergency lighting. The self-test pack will check the emergency light fitting automatically to ensure that the battery and lamp are fully operational. If a problem is detected by the self-test function, the system will display a visual warning via the green/red indicator LED. Both the standard and the self-test options are compatible with the following Ovia light fittings – Jura, Inceptor Slate, Inceptor Slate Backlit, Inceptor Skylar UGR16, Inceptor Trofa and AluPanel.

Ovia, oviauk.com

Scolmore, click-smart.com/home

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COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

AICO LAUNCHES ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR EXPERT INSTALLERS Aico is pleased to announce the launch of the Aico Installer Community, a connected online community built to support expert installers. This community will provide a platform for electrical contractors to discover opportunities, interact and engage with one another to share knowledge and earn rewards.

At the heart of Aico is education, quality, service and innovation which is demonstrated in the free, CPD accredited training, available all over the UK. Aico’s award-winning expert installer training, delivered by knowledgeable regional specification managers, provides electrical contractors with updates on legislation, products and technologies and facilitates the sharing of best practice. This training also provides all of the information that they require to select, site, install and maintain Aico alarms to the highest quality. In recent times, the training scheme had been revamped and overhauled to adapt to the requirements of the virtual world.

The online community will provide opportunities for expert installers to network and connect with fellow professionals, participate in discussions and expand their knowledge. Members will be able to access the knowledge base within the community, view FAQs, how-to videos and new technical bulletins. Challenges will facilitate learning and development and enable members to accumulate points to redeem rewards and be entered into monthly prize draws, including the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to watch the British Superbikes. You will be eligible to join the community if you have completed your training after 1st May 2019.

Aico, aico.co.uk/community

HOME USB CHARGING JUST GOT FASTER THANKS TO KNIGHTSBRIDGE

AKUVOX LAUNCHES A05C SMART ACCESS CONTROL READER CIE has announced the UK launch of the A05C from Akuvox.

The A05C is the first of Akuvox’s brand new series of smart IP access control readers and features a 5” HD colour screen that is attractive and easy to use.

The unit also incorporates the latest deep-learning AI and dual-camera technology, which allows for secure, touch-free verification via face recognition, Bluetooth, RFID or QR Code scanning, all of which are supported by the Akuvox SmartPlus smartphone app. With these features available as standard, the A05C is one of the most advanced IP Access Control Readers available on the market.

The A05C Access Reader is also available with optional thermal detection modules to check anyone entering the building for fever-like body temperatures.

“The A05C is a prime example of a product that Akuvox has produced to meet the demands for the growing architectural trend for COVID-secure ‘contactless pathways’ in the workplace”, says Chris Edwards, Marketing Director of CIE-Group.

CIE-Group, cie-group.com

Knightsbridge has introduced 230V 13A two-gang switched sockets that uniquely support FASTCHARGE* in two USB ports.

The sockets have either a Type-A USB port, for the most encountered chargers, and a Type-C, which is fast becoming the device charging standard; or two Type-A ports. In either combination, however, both ports are FASTCHARGE enabled. This means that a device compatible with QC2.0/ QC3.0 (Quick Charge) or PD FASTCHARGE can achieve up to a 50% charge in 30 minutes or less.

Both outlets are capable of delivering between 5V DC and 12V DC at a maximum of 3A. Standard charging mode provides up to 10W for both USB types; although charging rates depend on the type of device, for instance, mobile phones ‘determine’ how much power to draw.

The total output is a maximum of 4A when both outlets are in use. The Knightsbridge sockets are unique in the market in being able to shift voltages up to 9 or 12V in either port to achieve 18W. *Apple devices do not support PD FASTCHARGE, but the use of certified cables will achieve an optimum charge rate of up to 5V 3A.

Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

NEW EV CHARGE POINT PROTECTION AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS FROM BRANDSAFE

C.K LAUNCHES NEW RESCUE NUT & BOLT EXTRACTOR SET

Improved levels of protection for electric vehicle (EV) charge points installed in warehouse and distribution centre car parks are provided by a new range of high-performance solutions from Brandsafe, the UK impact protection equipment specialist.

The resilient, cost-effective and flexible EV charge point protection range from Brandsafe is ideal for the all-round protection of new or current EV charge point installations from vehicles in car park areas and features an array of durable and impact resistant bollards, wheel stops and Armco barriers.

For light and medium duty applications, ImpactSAFE Protection Posts are available in either 600mm, 800mm or 1000mm height options.

In heavy-duty applications, ImpactSAFE Heavy Duty Bollards should be utilised.

These bollards are available in 1000mm, 1300mm or 1600mm height options.

Vehicle traffic routing Armco safety barriers can also be installed in industrial areas to protect either individual or multiple charge points, providing a further level of protection against vehicle impact damage.

C.K Tools is set to launch its new Rescue Nut & Bolt Extractor Set (T4360), a handy solution that quickly and efficiently removes broken/damaged nuts, bolts and fasteners. The new Set joins the already popular Damaged Screw Remover Set, to enhance the expanding C.K Rescue range of products. Designed to alleviate what can be an arduous, time consuming process, the new Rescue Nut & Bolt Extractor Set is set to be a winner for those whose work relies upon quality tools to get the job done.

The Set provides a hassle-free solution, featuring high quality patented extractor inserts for ring spanners and sockets that securely grip all round and effortlessly remove fasteners with up to 85% damaged or worn corners.

Other key features and benefits include: adapters for fixings sized 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17mm; works on a range of fasteners; and adapts just two socket/ ring spanner sizes to fit 10 different fasteners.

C.K. Tools, carlkammerling.com

Brandsafe, brandsafeprotection.com

48 | May 2021

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electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

COMPANY SHOWCASE

KNX STARTER SETS AND CENTRAL UNIT FOR SMART KNX BUILDINGS With the KNX sets CasaConnect, Elsner Elektronik presents a new concept for KNX beginners. Typical KNX devices for an apartment or for a house reach the customer as a pre-configured package. It includes a weather station, control panel, room controller, smoke, motion and water detectors and actuators for heating, sun protection, light and for switching. All components have already been addressed at the factory and linked together in a KNX project.

After installation, they communicate with each other immediately without the customer having to use the ETS. The individual set-up of the device functions is done at

the CasaConnect KNX central unit. This is possible even for lay persons thanks to the clear menus. Via the remote maintenance function, the user can also get help with the settings without the need for a specialist technician to visit.

The sets are suitable for enthusiastic smart home beginners and electricians who have so far been deterred from entering the worldwide KNX standard by the complex KNX integration. However, the simple set-up also has advantages for property developers who want to quickly and cost-effectively equip apartments and houses with a future-proof standard. Because even if it is easy to get started: all devices are fully-fledged, certified KNX products and the project file is supplied on a memory card. So, if the starter set is not enough for you now or in the future, you can expand it at any time with KNX products in the classic way via the ETS. The basis of the sets is the powerful CasaConnect KNX central unit. Via the display, the user has access to manual operation and automatic setting of light, shading, ventilation and room climate, to timers and scenes. The central unit is also available for purchase individually and can be integrated into any KNX project.

Elsner Elektronik, elsner-elektronik.de

UNIQUELY STYLED WALL PACKS FROM MERIDIAN Meridian LED Lighting from the CED Electrical Group continues to expand and upgrade its comprehensive range of fittings. The latest addition features uniquely styled 28w outdoor wall lights with or without photocells.

Manufactured in diecast aluminium with an anthracite finish and fitted with frosted polycarbonate diffusers, each wall pack boasts 168 top quality SMD LEDs, delivering up to 3500 lumens with a beam angle of 120°.

What’s more, up to date colour change technology allows the user optional colour renditions of 3000k or 4000k.

In terms of quality, Meridian Wall Packs have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, meet all relevant BS Standards and are CE approved, whilst also having the reassurance of being backed by a five-year warranty.

Built for durable outdoor use with an IP65 rating, a wide range of possible applications extend from landscaping to court yards and industrial sites.

CED Electrical Group, cedelectrical.co.uk

STREET-SMART COMFORT THIS SUMMER Brand NEW men’s and women’s Work Shorts for the flexible working environment – designed for superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Combining four-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with street-smart, slim-fit designs, Snickers Work Shorts are great for grafting in the warmer months.

These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with CORDURA reinforcements for durability and all-round mobility when you need it most.

The Men’s FLEXIWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams and also have easy-to-access holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler pocket. The AllroundWork Women’s multi-purpose, slim-fit shorts have four-way stretch panels in the right places for consistent comfort, practical pockets for optimal functionality and great freedom of movement.

For professional tradesmen and women who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who want the ultimate in cool comfort this summer.

Snickers Workwear, snickersworkwear.co.uk

HAMILTON – BRINGING POWER SAFELY OUTDOORS! Hamilton’s Elemento IP66 Weatherproof Wiring Accessories are a safe and reliable way to deliver power outdoors to pools, ponds, sheds, bespoke garden offices, outside entertainment areas and outdoor electrical equipment. An easy-to-open latch ensures the integrity of the gel seal that protects the socket from water, dust and particle ingress.

Latest additions to the Elemento range include the 20AX 2-Way Retractive Switch – a power-safe way for controlling garage doors and entrance gates.

Elemento key features: • Robust, UV stable, high-impact housing with multiple gland entry positions • IP66 rated for outdoor and indoor use • Socket outlets, switches, connection units and enclosures • Lockable two-gang switched socket outlet as standard • One-gang 13A double pole fused spur + neon • New two-gang 13A RCD units • New 20AX two-way retractive rocker switch + neon • New 20AX double pole switch + neon • 10-year guarantee

18TH EDITION COMPLIANT CABLE CLIPS FROM UNICRIMP Unicrimp has made new additions to its range of cable clips. The new fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth Cable Clips are 18th Edition compliant and will sit within the growing Unicrimp Q-Fire fire-rated range.

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.

These new additions 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.

The new 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.

Unicrimp, unicrimp.com

Hamilton Litestat, hamilton-litestat.com

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COMPANY SHOWCASE

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

KNIGHTSBRIDGE AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH MULTIMEDIA PLATE Knightsbridge has introduced a two-gang, two module switched socket and multimedia combination plate into its stylish curved edge wiring devices range.

Ideal for newbuild or refurbishment, the Curved Edge Multimedia Combination Plate allows for a power and bespoke signal distribution solution to be combined in a single unit.

Compatible with the extensive Knightsbridge range of modular inserts, the plate can be highly configured to suit bespoke customer requirements, including satellite TV, DAB, telecoms, networking, and USB charging. Put simply, this means no more messy cables and overloaded extension leads behind the TV. Moulded from high quality thermoset resin, the plates are inherently antimicrobial – important at this time of enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene – and are easier to install, featuring captive, twin earths and top down terminals.

Finally, the Curved Edge Multimedia Combination Plate comes with two 13A 2G switched sockets and two 2-4G modular positions, supplemented by a reassuring 15-year warranty.

ENVIROVENT LAUNCHES NEW MECHANICAL EXTRACT VENTILATION SYSTEMS Ventilation systems manufacturer EnviroVent has launched its new MEV 160 and MEV 300. These are versatile, compact, high performance mechanical ventilation systems ideal for houses, apartments and other communal residences, such as care homes and student accommodation.

The MEV 160 and MEV 300 are designed to significantly enhance indoor air quality with multiple extract points to simultaneously draw moisture-laden air from the wet rooms, whilst minimising the migration of humidity to other rooms. They have airflow rates up to 74l/s for the MEV 160 and 111l/s for the MEV 300 and can achieve extremely low Specific Fan Powers down to 0.19 W/l/s, suitable for applications with a kitchen plus six additional wet rooms.

These systems are extremely compact with a low profile of 16cm, making them perfect for areas where space is restricted. They can be wall, floor or ceiling mounted, horizontally or vertically with just four fixing points.

EnviroVent, envirovent.com

Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

KEEPING THE ELEMENTS OUT AND PROTECTING COMPONENTS Protecting PCBs from the elements effectively is the task of the B0 Series of IP67 enclosures from UK manufacturer BCL Enclosures. Ensuring continued functioning of electronic circuit boards, these IP67-rated enclosures are made totally dust and particulate tight with a vacuum seal and can protect their contents against the effects of full immersion in up to one metre of water for as long as 30 minutes. There are multiple applications for the B0 Series, including in industrial and marine environments.

The B0 series is made in tough ABS plastic and is available in four sizes with either standard 53mm deep or extra deep 78mm bases. Sizes available are: B01 models – 80mm high x 73mm wide; B02 models – 80mm high x 106mm wide; B03 models – 80mm high x 139mm wide; B04 models – 80mm high x 172mm wide. PCBs can be held internally either horizontally or vertically via mounting slots. The enclosures feature M20 threaded cable knockouts and come complete with four captive plastic screws.

Unique snap-on DIN rails and flange brackets are available.

BCL Enclosures, bclenclosures.com

ESP’S REKORHD CCTV RANGE GETS A REVAMP The latest product category to come under development at ESP is CCTV, with a revamp of the RekorHD 2MP CCTV range. Available in kit form, Rekor HD provides all the elements required to get a system up and running in one box – making it popular with installers because of the convenience, whilst offering wholesalers the advantage of ease of ordering and stocking. The only additional item required is a monitor to access the menu and system display.

The systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed ESP View app.

The revamped range introduces new and improved cameras, which feature contemporary styling and robust metal housings. The infrared capture has been increased from 20-30m and the range now includes intelligent function, with perimeter intrusion detection and line crossing detection offering improved functionality compared with the traditional motion detection feature.

ESP, espuk.com

MAKITA’S NEW XGT TOOLS SET THE STANDARD Makita has expanded its 40VMax XGT range with the launch of new tools.

The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable speed control and two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) features a compact design, variable speed control and a slide lever for trigger lock-on or lock-off. And the lighter class HM001G 40VMax Brushless Demolition Hammer XGT offers the same features with a 2,650 bpm and a 9.4 J impact energy per stroke.

Makita has also launched the HP002GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Combi Drill, which has a mechanical two-speed control, a variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for full user control. The new 40VMax XGT Brushless Brad Nailer 18Ga (FN001G) has a slim nose for improved access when fixing in restricted areas, ergonomic design and will drive up to 5000 nails on a single 2.5Ah battery charge.

The new RS001GZ and RS002GZ 40VMax Brushless Circular Saws have also been launched.

Makita, makitauk.com

50 | May 2021

Company Showcase.indd 50

ANSELL LIGHTING TAKES MAJOR STEP ON SUSTAINABILITY PATH Ansell Lighting is set to save the equivalent of more than five million plastic bags per year with the launch of new responsible packaging, as part of its ongoing sustainability drive.

Ansell’s Green Team task force, a group of environmental champions who promote sustainability within the business, has overhauled the company’s packaging to replace single-use plastics with sustainable materials and therefore encourage good customer recycling habits.

Products will now be packaged in unbleached fully recycled and recyclable brown cardboard, one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials.

In addition to eradicating single-use plastic protective packaging, the initiative will also see fixing kits packed in small paper bags, with biodegradable paper protecting the products.

The eco packaging has been introduced on products that are new to the S14 catalogue, launched in March, and it will be rolled out across Ansell’s entire range in 2021 and beyond.

Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

28/04/2021 10:01

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