Professional Electrician & Installer April 2023

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FIRE & SECURITY

TOUGH STUFF

TOUGHBUILT TAKES JOBSITE SAFETYTO ANOTHER LEVEL

Cover Story

20 How ToughBuilt is taking jobsite safety to another level

14 EICRs: is a move away from ‘simple’ compliance to a riskbased culture the answer?

17 Learning more about how one electrician has forged his own path in the burgeoning offshore renewables sector

45 A look at the specific recommendation for refuge areas to be provided with an emergency voice communication (EVC) system

Fire & Security

53 What are the business opportunities for electricians offered through the installation of detector-activated visual surveillance alarms?

56 Why electrical contractors can achieve high standards of protection by installing systems that comply with the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard

58 Van theft: how contractors can better protect their most valuable assets

59 Why the latest Wiring Regulation updates are helping to save lives

60 What can a two-wire system offer you that a conventional might not be able to?

63 Does the hospitality industry offer a great new revenue generator for security installers?

66 Why a new organisation is aiming to raise awareness and accountability when it comes to fire safety

Products & Business Solutions

69 Do we need to look closer to home if we’re to beat the energy crisis in 2023?

72 How new tools are helping to meet an increasing demand for fast, safe and secure connections

75 Five things you need to know about Super Rod’s Super Cam

76 A new player in the cable management sector has arrived

78 We catch up with the team at Niglon as the company celebrates a special landmark

80 What are the essential requirements for making installation of EV charging stations easier and faster?

83 Reece Hardy reviews a selection of All LED’s latest lighting innovations

84 Norman Bradshaw tries out IDEAL’s Pro Series Premium Tool Pouch

86 Rounding-up the newest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

59

Meet the team

Editor

RICHARD BOWLER

email: pe@hamerville.co.uk

Digital Manager

REBECCA MCGEOCH

email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk

Digital Assistant

ADAM ROBERTS

email: aroberts@hamerville.co.uk

Advertisement Manager

ANTHONY SCOTT

email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk

Assistant Advertisement Manager

IAN TURNER

email: ianturner@hamerville.co.uk

Design CREATIVE UNBLOCK

Production Assistant

KERRI SMITH

Group Production Manager

CAROL PADGETT

Distribution Manager

KARL CLARK

Managing Editor

TERRY SMITH

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PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry. It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK. © 2023

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Is the well running dry?

Despite the fact that electricians are arguably as in demand as they’ve ever been, especially when you consider the number of projects and industries that require the skillset and knowledge that comes from properly trained, competent electrical professionals, there’s a growing pool of evidence that suggests demand is well and truly outstripping supply thanks to a shortage of sparkies.

This trend is detailed in a new report commissioned by Checkatrade – the UK Trade Skills Index 2023 – which reveals an ‘alarming’ skills gap engulfing the construction sector, with over 100,000 new electrician recruits needed by 2032 and vacancies at a record high.

The report estimates that the UK needs almost a million new recruits in the construction and trades sector just to keep pace with demand, and of the 937,000 figure required, nearly a quarter of a million –244,000 –must be qualified apprentices in order to plug a growing skills gap.

Worryingly, the UK has seen a sharp rise in skills shortages across the entire construction sector – from 29 per cent at the start of 2021 to 55 per cent at the end of the year 2021 –and these shortages persisted through 2022. It’s all led to a surge in vacancies as construction employers struggle to find staff.

The report also laid bare concerning statistics regarding output and employment in construction. It suggested the skills gap could lead to a further blow to government, which is expected to miss its housebuilding target of 300,000 new homes each year. Additionally, it showed that despite an anticipated short-term fall in construction output, the UK must ramp up the number of completed construction apprentices to avoid the skills gap worsening – an increase of around 34 per cent above the current levels.

Eight in 10 large businesses (80%) said they currently have vacancies in their organisations, while under half (45%) of SMEs do. Trouble filling these vacancies is blamed on applicants lacking sufficient knowledge (40%) by large businesses, and unaffordable pay expectations (40%) by SMEs.

Interestingly, the real reason for the current blockage in the electrical industry pipeline isn’t likely just down to one issue – there’s multiple factors that are contributing to it.

It’s widely recognised that we do have an ageing workforce, and the exodus of EU workers post-Brexit is sure to have dwindled the numbers of individuals working in construction, so those are two valid arguments.

Additionally, we all know the strain that the cost of living crisis is placing on individuals, so are the salaries that employed sparks are being offered reflecting the current rate of inflation and the level of expertise that they’re bringing to a vacancy? And is it more profitable (and less stress) for some to simply work as subcontractors, rather than accepting a full time position with a firm?

Furthermore, is the electrical industry now reaping what it has sowed over the last couple of decades, when it comes to the lack of appetite and focus on bringing through and nurturing young, enthusiastic individuals into the sector?

Do time-served contractors and electricians have the incentive or inclination to employ apprentices and impart their wisdom on to these individuals, or is it the case that those fresh faced youngsters now view a career as an influencer or YouTuber as a much more appealing route – especially when they see others forging a career that, let’s face it, involves far less graft and far more money?

Image References (Adobe Stock):

Pg 12 Australia © RonnyBass

Pg 14 Microscope © Kiattasak

Pg 25 CPD sign © TreenaBeena

Pg 29 Building site © Gorodenkoff

Pg 34 Sales funnel © Buraleva_Stock

Pg 45 Disabled refuge © Joni

Pg 53 Security team © Kadmy

Pg 60 Smoke © Choukon Cub

Pg 64 Remote viewing © Andriy Popov

Pg 66 Fire inspection © Pixel-shot

Pg 67 Fire prevention © Eakrin

Pg 69 Green home © Adam 121

Pg 70 Smart meter © Alexisaj

A second report – the Building Engineering Business Survey, backed by trade bodies ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF – seems to support these findings by revealing some of the recruitment challenges that engineering services businesses of all sizes are facing currently.

Both SMEs and large businesses said staff shortages were there biggest immediate concern for their business this quarter. Three quarters (75%) of large businesses plan to employ fewer subcontractors/agency workers in 2023 as a result, and just under two thirds (60%) plan to hire more direct employees. Meanwhile, most SMEs plan to hire the same number of direct employees, subcontractors/agency workers and apprentices.

It’s quite amazing to think that, in this day and age, and with the societal economic challenges that we’re facing, that there can be so many job vacancies available that just cannot be filled. If the electrical sector really is serious about refilling a well that is running dry, it needs to place a higher value on the individuals working within it – not just from a monetary perspective, but also in terms of the way they are trained, supported and valued.

Have a good month and enjoy the issue.

Deserved recognition for Above and Beyond Awards winners

The Electrical Safety Roundtable has announced the winners of the Above and Beyond Awards 2022.

The awards were created to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty as they strive to enhance and improve electrical safety in the workplace. With four categories, applications were very varied and the judging panel’s discussions concluded the following winners, as well as issuing two highly commended awards:

Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year: South Tyneside Homes, Post Occupancy Electrical Safety Check

The initiative saw an electrical inspection being arranged 1-2 months after tenancy begins, which allowed for continuity testing of high load circuits and for white good appliances to be checked against the Electrical Safety First product recall list. This also meant tenants could have

face-to-face time with electricians in case of any queries.

Product of the Year: LINIAN, NanoClip

The NanoClip is LINIAN’s smallest cable fixing and is designed to prevent the premature collapse of cables as well as protecting firefighters in the event of a fire.

Changemaker of the Year: Louise Adamson

The judges unanimously agreed that the telling of Michael’s Story, together with how Louise continues to promote this message tirelessly to all levels of the industry across the UK, has been inspirational in raising the focus on electrical safety and safe isolation.

Derek Thompson Industry Service Award: Gary Hayers

The Derek Thompson Industry Service award was created in honour of Derek Thompson, a strong advocate of enhancing electrical safety for decades, who sadly passed away last year. The judges agreed that Gary Hayers was a worthy recipient of the award for his GSH Electrical YouTube channel.

Highly Commended: Mark Allison and believe housing

The judges issued two highly commended awards to recognise believe housing for their Electrical Safety Week in the Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year category and Mark Allison in the Changemaker of the Year category for his work with Apprentice 121.

Electric dreams as Rolec and Monta team up

Rolec EV and Monta are partnering up to deliver over 20,000 charge points across the UK this year.

The partnership will help to drive EV charging infrastructure in the UK, supporting national net zero sustainability goals.

As part of the partnership, Rolec’s existing and new domestic and commercial charge point customers will gain access to innovative EV charging software solutions. Together Monta and Rolec will embark on the largest transition of charge points onto Monta’s platform and existing customers will be seamlessly migrated to the platform.

The Monta platform also enables businesses with electric fleets to stay charged no matter where the driver is.

As a result of the partnership, Rolec drivers will have access to thousands of charge points on the Monta network with the ability to be instantly reimbursed for their charge via the Monta wallet.

Furthermore, by sponsoring a private domestic charge point, fleet drivers can also automatically be reimbursed for the kWh used to charge the vehicle at home.

As part of the Powered by Monta programme, all new compatible Rolec units will now be shipped directly from the factory with Monta onboard.

Frankie Mellon, Sales Director at Rolec, commented: “Monta is the perfect solution to meet the requirements of our current fleet projects due to be delivered across 2023.

“The partnership will enhance the Rolec portfolio with added features such as 24/7 support, share your charger to generate revenue, car integration, smart queue and charge point reservation, dynamic pricing, and fleet wallet.”

CTEK charges ahead with e-Mobility Award

CTEK has won the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Manufacturer of the Year at the UK’s E-Mobility Awards 2023.

The coveted award was handed out for CTEK’s Chargestorm Connected 2 (CC2) electric vehicle supply equipment which was designed to be compact, smart and reliable.

The CTEK team was presented with the award at the E-Mobility Awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Quentin Wilson at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

Cecilia Routledge, CTEK’s global director of Energy and Facilities, said: “It is a huge honour to be named winner of this coveted award. We are very pleased that

the experienced E-Mobility Awards judges picked CTEK and our CC2 for this title.

“The UK market is very important to CTEK and this win will be celebrated equally here by our UK team and back in Sweden at our headquarters where the research and innovations for CC2 took place and continue every day.”

CTEK’s CC2 is one of the few chargers available with a choice of either a single or dual socket, where two vehicles can be plugged into the same unit to charge at the same time.

The units can be wall or pole mounted, and CTEK is the only manufacturer to offer a four-socket solution, where two dual socket CC2s are mounted

‘Smart’ thinking as CEDIA launches new ‘toolkit’

CEDIA has announced the launch of CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit, a new collection of free resources, designed to complement CEDIA’s existing workforce development programs.

The toolkit is designed to help integrators forge connections with local talent pipelines and includes ready-to-use resources employers can present to colleges, training centres,

government agencies, and more. Additionally, the kit also includes resources for individuals looking to begin a career in the smart home industry, such as:

● A guide to career pathways.

● An overview of skills needed at each stage.

● Average salary ranges by title.

● A guide to relevant certifications and credentials.

back-to-back, allowing four EVs to plug in and charge at once.

Installers only need to dig one hole and fix one pole for every four charging points, making setting up a charging location quicker, easier and more cost-effective.

BROWSE C-TEK’S RANGE OF EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ003

WIN a pre-paid fuel card with MK Electric

MK Electric is offering electrical contractors and installers the chance to win pre-paid fuel cards worth £100 each.

There are 100 fuel cards up for grabs, alongside hundreds of other prizes, as part of the company’s ‘Fuel Up with MK’ promotion. Contractors and installers simply need to spend £50 or more on MK Electric products at participating distributors to receive a scratch card and enter the prize draw. Each scratch card contains a unique code that can be used to submit an entry. Winners will be drawn after the promotion ends and receive a £100 fuel card (Mastercard pre-paid card). The entry closing date for the Fuel Up

with MK prize draw is 16th April 2023.

In addition to the £100 pre-paid fuel cards, there are hundreds more chances to win. The first 100 people to enter a scratch card will receive a Costa coffee voucher for a free hot or cold drink, and the first 100 people to make three entries will receive a £10 Amazon e-voucher.

‘Can you hear, can you hear that thunder?’

The Western Australia Government recently undertook its Minister Mission to UK and Ireland, aimed at tempting electrical industry workers and other trades to move ‘Down Under’.

A surf and sunshine lifestyle, high wages and a low cost of living are among the selling points the delegation used to try and recruit almost 31,000 workers.

Police and Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia led a delegation of key industry figures aiming to recruit British and Irish professionals to help fill almost 31,000 vacancies across multiple professions throughout the State.

Once the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement signed between the two countries comes into force this year, it will provide a simplified pathway for UK citizens to work in Australia, with mutual recognition of qualifications for skilled workers and much greater benefits for the working holiday maker visa.

Minister Papalia said: “Western Australia is a fantastic place to live and work. Our wages are higher and our cost of living is lower. Our health system is world class. You will be taken care of.

“Perth is a beautiful, clean and vibrant city, with food, bars, pubs and restaurants to cater to all tastes. If you’re into the great

The writing’s on theWallbox with Lyreco agreement

Wallbox has announced a strategic partnership with Lyreco, Europe’s largest distributor of office supplies and workplace solutions for businesses.

The partnership has seen Wallbox enable Lyreco’s expansion of their electric fleet to be in line with the Clean Van Commitment Pledge to switch to zero tailpipe emission vans in cities by 2028. Lyreco now has 67 electric vehicles distributed to ten of its regional distribution sites across Great Britain and the routes that now have diesel vans switched out to EVs have seen a 97% reduction in CO2

This strategic partnership forms part of Wallbox’s commitment to changing the way the world uses energy, enabling customers to control their consumption,

save money and work more sustainably.

Alan McCleave, Wallbox’s UK & Ireland Country Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Lyreco, enabling their transition to net zero. The outstanding results achieved during the early stage of this partnership demonstrate the importance of quality charging infrastructure to support EV fleets. We look forward to continuing our work with Lyreco and expanding other partnerships to enable decarbonisation of fleets throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Peter Gojka, Building Services Manager at Lyreco, said: “Our partnership with Wallbox allows us to focus on other areas of this project while entrusting Wallbox to install our charging points quickly and efficiently to the relevant sites.”.

As Electrical Safety First (ESF) continues to lead the charge for a culture change in the industry – advocating a move away from ‘simple’ compliance to a risk-based culture when it comes to EICRs – Martyn Allen, Technical Director, reveals how the charity aims to achieve this goal.

way we look at risk

While standards and guidelines provide an agreed way of doing something, in real

an EICR and the consequences of applying codes incorrectly.

testing, requiring an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR), was introduced for England’s PRS in 2020, with draft regulations for the social housing sector (SHS) published last year. Regulations are now in place for private and social housing tenants in Wales, and developments are underway for the private rented sector (PRS) in Northern Ireland.

However, it’s not enough to legislate, we must also ensure consistency of implementation.

A closer focus on EICRs

ESF’s new EICR working group aims to provide greater clarity for inspectors and transparency for landlords and tenants. But to achieve this requires a cultural shift

A popular online resource for contractors, WRAG addresses questions about BS761, the IET Wiring Regulations, and is hosted on our website. So we’re keenly aware of the subjectivity involved when establishing classification codes in

Our EICR improvement working group is still in its infancy but already includes a range of stakeholders, including BEAMA, NICEIC, NAPIT, SELECT, IET, ECA, EAL, and fire and rescue services. It is also expanding to include representatives from relevant government departments across Westminster and the devolved nations, as we encourage greater regulatory alignment between them.

Discussions with ‘end-user’ organisations, such as the National Residential Landlords Association and the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, are also underway.

In today’s cost of living crisis, combined with the introduction of new legislation for private and social landlords, transparency becomes increasingly important. Landlords need to feel confident that, wherever their property is located, they’re getting the same high standard of service and assurance of safety from an EICR.

One of the first things the group is

“Landlords need to feel confident that, wherever their property is located, they’re getting the same high standard of service and assurance of safety from an EICR.”

“THe

needsto change”

considering is the improved consistency of allocating classification codes in EICRs. An inspector is, without doubt, the best person to judge the level of risk attributed to an installation fault or damage and allocate the most appropriate classification code, but there are too many examples of inconsistencies not expected in domestic installations.

Our Best Practice Guide 4: Classification Codes for domestic Installations and similar installations, provides an extensive list of example classifications. Our guides are recognised by industry and cited by government, but more is needed to embed the classification codes further into the industry and amongst landlords and lettings agents.

A related issue being considered by the group is the fact that, currently, there’s no system for arbitration. A landlord questioning the accuracy of an EICR has no route for appeal. All they can do is employ another contractor in the hope of getting a different outcome.

Additional areas of concern

Other areas the group will be reviewing relate to fixed electrical equipment in domestic installations – and if they should be an integral part of an EICR. Some group members thought fixed equipment could be easily incorporated into an EICR, while others were concerned it would increase consumer costs.

Whatever your view, it shows that clarity is needed to ensure that fixed electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested, either as part of an EICR or in a separate report. One key outcome for the group will be establishing a new Best

Practice Guide 10, to provide a specification for periodic inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in rented homes, which is expected to be published shortly.

At ESF we believe we can best protect the consumer by working with the industry, so we’re committed to developing and supporting best practice and continuous improvement. Creating a dedicated EIRC improvement working group, which encompasses a broad church of stakeholders, means everyone’s voices can be heard.

Increased consistency and transparency of EICRs creates more assurance for landlords and lettings agents, and improved clarity and simplification for inspectors. And, hopefully, a reduction in those few individuals who choose to apply their own rules for personal gain.

BROWSE AND DOWNLOAD

ELECTRICAL SAFETY FIRST’S BEST PRACTICE GUIDES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ008

“... consistency and transparency of EICRs creates more assurance for landlords and lettings agents, and improved clarity for inspectors...”

A shore bet

renewables, we catch up with John Fogden from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) to find out more about how he has forged his own path in this burgeoning sector.

QWhat is your current role within SGRE?

I originally started (as we all do) as a TT (turbine tech) training towards being a CT-C Competent Technician Commissioning, but I am actually about to start a new role as Foreman Pre-assembly. The CT-C role that I’ve served for six years now can be wide ranging and can change from project to project. There’s plenty of variety in the role, including commissioning, troubleshooting on electrical systems, installation works, service works, repair and retro-fit works. These are just a few of the many tasks you may be required to carry out.

QWhat was your background before starting with SGRE?

Before arriving at SGRE I joined the Army as an apprentice Armourer at 16 years old and was there for over five years. On leaving the Army I joined an electrical contracting company and paid for myself to go to college and become a qualified electrician. Over the next 25 years I worked in the commercial and industrial contracting industry as an electrical foreman and had spells as a project manager before joining SGRE.

QHow long have you been with SGRE and what encouraged you to start with the firm?

I’ve been with SGRE for nine years now. Over a period of time I’d become very despondent with the electrical contracting industry with the financial and time restraints of projects resulting in cheap

installations, poor quality of supplied labour and the quality of the finished product. I needed a challenge at work and it didn’t do it for me anymore. A friend within SGRE told me about the company and the work it carried out and said I should apply for a commissioning position as it sounded like it was the career I’d been looking for. It was good advice.

QGive us a flavour of some of the projects you’ve worked on at SGRE and what you’re up to currently. I’ve predominantly been working on European projects in the UK (Gwynt Y Mor, Walney Extension, Hornsea 1, EA 1), Germany (Amrumbank, Sandbank, Riffgrund) and Finland (Tahkoluoto) but due to the international growth of renewables I’ve spent the last three years based in Taiwan (Yunlin and Greater Changhua).

QWhat does a typical day look like for you?

At present, being based in Asia, our rotation shift pattern is on a four weeks ‘on’ and four weeks ‘off’ schedule, working a 12-hour day, six days a week. Sunday is designated as a paid day off due to local employment laws. In terms of the work, I’ve been working on the Yunlin pre-assembly site, performing scheduled

maintenance onthe assets, preparing the assets for loadout, retro-fit works, NCR repairs, troubleshooting and tower testing. A large part of my role also involves training the SGRE Taiwanese technicians in getting their log books completed and signed off.

QHow do you manage your training and ensure you keep up-to-date with current courses and developments?

I normally complete my trainings in my off rotation time to save issues with finding cover etc. I can, however, also earn extra income for completing trainings outside of my work rotation period. There are now two GWO training centres in Taiwan, so this is where I have been undertaking and completing some of my trainings, as I don’t return back to the UK very often.

QWould you recommend a career in renewables to other electricians?

Yes very much so! You might have to adjust to the new work/life balance, which may not suit everyone, but If you want a career that offers you the chance to challenge and develop yourself, the opportunity to travel, work in exciting environments and feel rewarded in the knowledge you are doing something positive for the future of the planet and environment, this is definitely the career for you. If you and your family can handle the fact you’ll be working away from home for periods of time, you are rewarded with some serious quality time to spend with them when you are at home. A decent salary and good terms and conditions are also real benefits.

QWhat does your future in renewables look like? Where are you headed next?

The awareness and use of renewables will continue to explode worldwide for the

foreseeable future, so this means more travel opportunities will be forthcoming. When you look at the speed at which the technology is evolving it is an exciting time, and it also keeps you challenged mentally when you’re working on new projects. As mentioned earlier, I’ve recently moved into a foreman role and due to my relocating and living in Taiwan I hope that I can continue to work in the APAC countries. I’m in my 50s now and know I still have future opportunities in other roles if I wish to explore them, so this makes me feel positive that I have a secure career and a pathway that allows for progression.

A GOOD GRASP ON SAFETY

As part of its commitment to the trade professional, ToughBuilt continues to develop revolutionary products that not only increase productivity but also safety. Vahe Der Kureghian, Managing Director of the company’s European operations, explains more.

Whether it’s through the development of world first products or safety first solutions, ToughBuilt has a focus on creating intelligently designed hand tools and jobsite equipment that can improve the working lives of those in the construction industries.

You’ll find evidence of this commitment in abundance across our entire range –from 2-in-1 tools like our award-winning scraper utility knife, which allows users to carry less and do more, to our category leading sawhorses, which combine unrivalled functionality with exceptional load bearing capabilities. This commitment to the trade professional is also the reason why we continue to be a leading advocate of optimum site safety.

Our #KneelSmartKneelSafe campaign, for example, draws on our expertise as a leading manufacturer of kneepads to champion better knee protection. It aims to reduce some of the tens of thousands of largely avoidable work-related knee injuries suffered in the UK each year.

But it doesn’t end there because we’re also at the forefront of ensuring safer working practices through greater dropped object prevention.

The number 3 workplace killer

According to statistics published by the Health & Safety Executive, being struck by a moving object –including those that are falling after being dropped – continued to be one of the top three workplace killers in 2021/2022. During the same period, falling objects also contributed to some 70,000 reported non-fatal injuries.

Of course, the risks posed by dropped objects increases with height. A 2kg hammer dropped from a height of just 5m (16.5ft) will have an impact force of over 1 tonne by the time it reaches ground level. That’s the equivalent of having a small car or two grand pianos dropped on top of you!

In addition, if a dropped object hits something on its descent, the resultant deflection can turn it into a potentially lethal, horizontally travelling projectile. An object that has fallen just 37m (100ft) before hitting an obstruction at 6m (20ft) can be deflected over a distance of 66m (218ft) and will travel at speeds of 60mph.

Highlighting the very real dangers, there was a tragic case in 2014 of a driver, who was delivering drywall to a high-rise apartment block under construction in New Jersey, being killed by a tape measure which had slipped off the belt of someone working above him on the 50th floor.

The tape measure, which weighed less than 500g, fell 400ft before ricocheting off a piece of construction equipment below and striking the driver in the side of the head. Plus, dropped objects don’t just pose a risk to people. They can also cause damage to the item that was dropped, to surfaces and other objects in the eventual impact area.

Even something as innocuous as a drill bit, for instance, dropped from ceiling height onto a bath, can cause damage which needs to be repaired by a surface treatment specialist. This delays project completion times, incurs additional costs and erodes margins.

Accidents don’t have to happen

Research has shown that approximately half of all dropped object incidents can be attributed to human error and there are many ways they can be prevented. One effective prevention method is to use products from the ToughBuilt ClipTech range.

This range offers a full and enormously flexible ecosystem of interconnectable belts, suspenders, pouches, tool holsters, bags and much more. Items can be connected, adjusted and removed with exceptional speed and ease thanks to the ClipTech Hub – our unique attachment point which employs revolutionary patented technology.

No matter what task they’re dealing with, and regardless of what tools and supplies they need to get the job done, trade professionals can quickly tailor the loadout of their rig to suit their specific requirements.

Everything they require can have its own dedicated storage space and be within arm’s reach. Users also have the complete peace of mind of knowing that once an item is attached, it will stay firmly and securely in place.

To ensure they live up to the ToughBuilt name and can withstand the rigours of the most demanding site environments, all ClipTech pouches and accessories benefit from ‘no-snag’ hidden seams, a rugged six-layer construction and heavy-duty rivet reinforcement.

Like all ToughBuilt products they also come backed by a two-year guarantee as standard with the opportunity to extend this to 25-years if users register their purchase.

Ultimately, in a world and an industry where we’re all striving for zero harm and the maximum number of accident-free workdays, the importance and relevance of the ClipTech system has never been greater. It’s a simple and effective way of helping you towards these important safety goals and of avoiding the often dire consequences of dropped object incidents.

BROWSE TOUGHBUILT’S FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT:

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ010

CONTINUE YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ATELEX SHOW!

Taking place across two days, with four regional venues still to visit in 2023, ELEX returns to Harrogate this month. Furthermore, we’ve got great news for visitors that are serious about CPD!

Recent changes to The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) which sets out the minimum requirements for a business to be recognised as technically competent by a Certification or Registration Body, includes a requirement for businesses to maintain appropriate records of qualifications, training (including Continuing Professional Development) and experience.

To support this requirement, EVERY ELEX seminar is now CPD accredited, ensuring those individuals who make the time and effort to attend will receive a direct certificate of completion, which can

form a key part of your ongoing Continuing Professional Development record.

With industry regulation and legislation changing constantly, the extensive ELEX seminar programme will cover an array of topics, including the latest Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition and the changes this covers, along with best practice and technical advice for professionals to get stuck into. Presentations will be delivered by experts in their field and the only cost to delegates is their time.

All seminars will take place in the IET Seminar Theatre located centrally in the exhibition hall and there’s no need for delegates to pre-book, just pre-register to attend the show.

Whether you need some advice on the direction the sector is heading, want to chat with manufacturers about their latest solutions, view live demonstrations of the latest products or bag yourself a great

YOUR SHOW, NEAR YOU...

● At a venue near you

● Across two days

● Free parking (van friendly)

● Free entry

● Free T-Shirt & a free bacon roll* (*limited to first 1,000 visitors)

● Show bargains

● Hands-on demos

● Meet manufacturers

● Networking opportunities

● CPD accredited seminars and certificates

show deal on tools and equipment from leading brands, your regional ELEX tradeshow has it all.

ELEX returns to the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate this month (27th/28th April), with stops at Coventry, Exeter and Surrey later in the year.

ENTER THE CPD ZONE AND EARN1CPD CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR PROFESSIONAL RECORD!

continuing professional development (CPD) can be broadly defined as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role. To help professionals to better document and prove this process, our brand new CPD Zone contains content and articles that have been checked, verified and accredited by a third-party specialist organisation.

Collectively, the content within this section has been deemed worthy of 1 CPD credit, or 1 hours’ worth of CPD

Once this content has been consumed, readers will have the opportunity to scan a QR code which will provide a bespoke, downloadable certificate that can be used as part of a

professional’s ongoing CPD record. This means that if you’re a monthly reader of PE, you could earn up to 11 credits, or 11 hours’ worth of CPD, just by reading a regular copy of your favourite independent industry magazine in 2023.

DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ALL OF THE CONTENT WITHIN THIS SECTION!

A large element of CPD involves self-certification and relies on professionals being honest about what they have actually read, consumed and digested. A QR code and RDRLink code have been placed with the final article in this month’s CPD Zone and ONLY once you have read ALL of the articles within this section, should you then scan/enter the code to receive your bespoke certificate.

By skipping any of these steps, you’re not just cheating the system, but yourself and your fellow professionals at the same time!

NEW USERS –ACCESS YOUR BESPOKE CPD CERTIFICATE IN FIVE STEPS

1. Read ALL of the content and articles included within this month’s CPD Zone.

2. Scan the QR code or enter the RDRLink code with the last article in this section.

3. Enter your email address.

4. Fill out your details on the contact form.

5. Download your certificate for use as part of your annual CPD record.

PREVIOUS USERS –ACCESS YOUR CPD CERTIFICATE IN FOUR STEPS

1. Read ALL of the content and articles included within this month’s CPD Zone.

2. Scan the QR code or enter the RDRLink code with the last article in this section.

3. Enter your name and email address.

4. Download your certificate for use as part of your annual CPD record.

All certificates are valid for one year from the issue date. If you’re having any issues with downloading your certificate or using the system, please email us at:

pe@hamerville.co.uk

THE CODEBREAKERS

A few years ago, a big emphasis was put on the correct torque requirements for electrical connections, especially those within switchgear, such as consumer units (CUs) and distribution boards (DBs). The drive to highlight the issues caused by incorrectly torqued connectors, both too tight and too loose, was well justified when we see this type of observation on an EICR.

It is becoming quite common to see, possibly because more EICRs are being carried out, and hopefully, highlighting these faults early can help to reduce the risk of fire. Also, remember that this is a plastic CU, which isn’t inherently a problem but does back up the industry’s push to ensure connectors are adequately torqued.

A secondary problem, which is not an issue here, is that access to CUs is vital. Where CUs are blocked in or cannot have their front covers removed or connections torque checked, there is an increased risk of fire from poorly torqued or loose connections, which must be coded accordingly.

With the thermal damage in this observation caught at the right time, the inspector may want to advise that the neutral bars are replaced, as they appear to be starting to erode due to heat damage. Either way, the loose terminal can only be coded one way.

ROB BRYDEN: HERE’S A PICTURE OF A RECENT EICR WE CARRIED OUT. THE BUS BAR HAD BURNT OUT DUE TO LOOSE CONNECTIONS ON THE NEUTRALS!

Need help with cracking those all-important EICR codes? Every month the technical team at NAPIT will be studying your latest ‘Caught on Camera’ photos and offering advice on the next steps, should you find a similar installation. If you want the team at NAPIT to help crack your codes then send your pictures through to us at: pe@hamerville.co.uk

CLASS THIS AS AN ‘INTERESTING’,

One of the biggest issues we face in our industry is either a lack of competence or a lack of correct competence. We can all be competent in one aspect of work but lack training or competence in another area.

It’s vital that you ensure that you and your employees are competent to carry out the work you undertake as a business. It’s easy to accept work, but underestimating the competence required to fit the equipment required can prove very dangerous. Likewise, if you accept work and assume your employees have the same competence as you, or if you think they do, you are asking for trouble without making sure.

The three-phase fused switched isolator is, or should be, a pretty simple and straightforward item to install. That said, if you are unfamiliar with it or similar equipment, it can be a daunting task and will lead to serious problems when installed incorrectly. If installed correctly, when the isolator is turned off, the line conductors are separated from the fuse holding assembly so that they can be replaced, removed or checked for routine maintenance.

The installation in the photo shows both the supply and load conductors connected directly to the fuse-holding assembly and the neutral link bar. This has two effects: firstly, the switch isn’t operating anything, as the switch section is at the rear, which is

bar.

where the supply and/or load conductors should be connected, so in this configuration, the fuse assembly is constantly live regardless of the switch’s position.

This leads to the second issue: there is access to live parts when we expect them to be isolated, which means the upstream device will need to be isolated to allow work to be carried out. Taking the need to check for dead each time we touch any conductors, it would only take a moment’s distraction to forget, and the consequences could be fatal.

When coding this, even though it’s secure and only accessible by a competent person, it has a real potential for danger if you think you’ve isolated it, but it isn’t. These devices come with installation instructions, which would have pointed out the correct way to install, and these clearly haven’t been followed.

A2:2022 18th Edition Codebreakers publication is priced at £22.00 (members) and £24.00 (non-members). It is available in both hard copy and digital versions

LYNN: I WOULD

IF NOT SHOCKING, INSTALLATION! THIS WAS INSTALLED IN MY DAUGHTER’S HOUSE BY A ‘SO-CALLED’ ELECTRICIAN. CAN YOU SEE WHAT’S WRONG?

“The installation in the photo shows both the supply and load conductors connected directly to the fuse-holding assembly and neutral link

This has two effects...”

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

This article from NICEIC will look at the environmental factors that should be considered when selecting, installing and using electrical supplies and equipment on a construction site.

Most construction sites require electrical supplies to provide power for tools, equipment, lighting, and the like. The adverse environmental conditions typically found on construction sites inherently increase:

● the risk of damage occurring to wiring systems, electrical equipment, and

● the shock risk.

These increased risks need to be managed in order to comply with legislative requirements for construction site safety and for the use of electricity.

Environmental factors

The degree of risk and likelihood of damage to installed equipment, and as a result the persons using it, vary across a typical construction site. Therefore, the

supply to electrical equipment must be suitable for the environment in which it is to be used, taking into account that electrical equipment will be operated by ordinary persons (as defined in Part 2 of BS 7671).

With the exception of the installations in administrative locations such as offices, meeting rooms and site welfare areas, where the general requirements of Parts 1 to 6 apply (704.1.1), electrical equipment used on a construction site must be suitable for the harsh conditions expected for the environment (704.512.2), including:

● contact with corrosive substances,

● ingress of liquids or dust and other solids,

● wear and tear caused in use by impact, abrasion, tension and flexing,

● extreme temperature fluctuations,

● damage by movement of vehicles and structures.

Measures to minimise likely detrimental effects

Wherever possible, electrical equipment and wiring systems should be located in a manner that minimises the chance of exposure to corrosive or polluting substances such as water, cement and/or plaster. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is by avoiding the installation of cables and/or equipment in locations where such exposure is likely.

However, where this is not possible, parts of the wiring system likely to be exposed to these detrimental substances should be suitably protected by additional mechanical protection or constructed of corrosion resistant materials (522.5.1).

Work on construction sites generally takes place outdoors and in all weathers. However, section 704 of BS 7671 does not state a minimum acceptable degree of ingress protection against either water

other liquids or foreign solid bodies, therefore the general rules given in Section 522 of BS 7671 will apply. For example, where water collects inside a wiring system, provision should be made for its escape, typically at the lower points within an accessory or containment system (522.3.2).

However, Section 704 does specify that:

All assemblies for the distribution of electricity on-site shall be in compliance with the requirements of BS EN 61439-4 (704.511.1). Clause 8.2.2 of this standard requires a minimum degree of ingress protection of:

● IP44 when all doors are closed and all cover plates and removable panels are in place

● IP21 provided that the door can be closed under all conditions of use, or IP44 at the operating face where the door cannot be closed.

Any plug or socket-outlet with a rated current of 16 A up to 125 A should comply with the requirements of BS EN 60309-2 Similarly, plug and socket-outlets with a rated current exceeding 125 A up to 800 A, and where interchangeability is not required, should comply the requirements of BS EN 60309-1 (704.511.1).

To avoid damage, cables should not be installed across site roadways or access ways used for transport and mobile plant. Where this is unavoidable, adequate mechanical protection shall be provided to minimise damage or potential deterioration caused by vehicles and the movement of building materials on-site (704.522.8.101), see Fig 2

Alternatively, where it is necessary to route cables underground in such locations exposed to site traffic, cables should be laid in ducts at a depth of at least 0.6 m below finished ground level and a cable marker should be installed at each end of each road crossing (Clause 7.1.5 of BS 7375).

Additionally, cables run on the surface

and/or overhead should be protected against mechanical damage, whilst taking into account the environment and likely activities at the construction site (704.522.8.101).

As with any other type of installation, the general rules of Chapters 51 and 52 of BS 7671 relating to effective selection and erection of equipment apply.

Where the protective measure of electrical separation of circuits is used in such locations, including for circuits supplying a socket-outlet with a rated current up to and including 32 A, and for any other circuit supplying hand-held electrical equipment, the requirements of Section 413 must be met (704.410.3.10). In particular, any flexible cables should remain visible throughout any part of their length liable to mechanical damage (413.3.4).

Only low temperature 3182/3/4/5A thermoplastic cable complying with BS 6004 or other equivalent flexible cable may be used for a reduced low voltage system (704.522.8.11).

Electrical equipment installed on a construction site must be suitable for the temperatures to which it might reasonably be expected to be exposed. Temperatures can fluctuate widely, especially when undertaking work in an open structure (Fig 1), leaving equipment vulnerable and exposed to the environmental elements over a range of seasons.

As required by Regulation 522.1.2, cables and associated wiring accessories should not be installed or manipulated outside of the boundary temperatures specified in the relevant product standard or in manufacturers’ data.

Table C.2 in Annex C of BS 6004 states that type 3182/3/4/5A round flexible cables are suitable for intermittent and temporary periods of short duration outdoor use, are resistant to frequent flexing and torsion, and may be both installed and handled at temperatures as low as -25 °C.

However Table C.3 of that standard clarifies that type 3182/3/4/5A cables are not suitable for outdoor use at voltages greater than 110 V. For applications exceeding reduced low voltage (RLV), flexible cable complying with H07RN-F (BS EN 50525-2-21) type or equivalent heavy duty flexible cable should be used (704.522.8.11).

Similarly, all flexible cables that are subject to movement on construction sites shall be H07RN-F type or equivalent (704.522.8.101). Such cables are generally

Fig 1. Typical construction site

“To avoid damage, cables should not be installed across site roadways or access ways used for transport and mobile plant.”

manufactured with a polychloroprene sheath, giving them the capacity to resist abrasion and water. They have an operating temperature in the region of -15 °C to +60 °C when used in applications such as construction sites where frequent mounting and flexing is likely.

The flexible leads supplying power tools and other portable equipment on-site are particularly vulnerable to damage. As such, they should be checked before use to confirm their continued adequacy. As with any other cables, additional protection should be provided across routes where personnel or vehicular movement is expected.

Inspection and testing

Regular inspection and testing is essential to confirm the continued suitability of the temporary electrical installation, including the tools and equipment connected to it.

Clause 9 of BS 7375 recommends that:

Fixed installations, whether operating at 400/230 V or 110 V RLV, should be inspected and tested at least every three months but more frequently where necessary. Records should be kept of any test results obtained for future reference when determining whether deterioration has taken place.

Movable installations should be inspected and tested more frequently, typically weekly, or more often where conditions require it.

RCDs should be subjected to testing using an RCD test instrument every three months and it should be confirmed that pressing the integral test button causes the RCD to operate prior to operation of the equipment it protects.

Summary

A construction site can be a harsh environment for an electrical installation. So that the installation may be used safely by electrically unskilled persons, care must be taken when selecting equipment for use in such environments. Any chosen equipment must be suitably resilient to the potential sources of damage likely to be present, either by its construction or through the application of additional protective measures.

Fig 2. Examples of cable protection suitable for external use

External (traffic and pedestrian) –heavy duty rubber cable and hose protector

External (traffic and pedestrian) –heavy duty modular plastic/rubber external cable protector

BUSINESS MATTERS

GREAT MARKETING IS ABOUT FINDING THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A PROBLEM AND NEED YOUR SOLUTION.

Marketing is all about the way you communicate to your target market, who you are and what you have to offer. It’s also communications with your team so they know what’s going on. Marketing is the right arm of the human body that we use to describe the Bright 7 Sector System. The word I use to give an explanation of the five levels of marketing is L.E.A.D.S.

can start to define your message. You need to grab their attention in this busy world by creating a language that speaks to them personally. Content that is interesting to them. You need to push their buttons so that they take action.

It’s when people are worried, scared or needing something that they most often take action. If you have a

telemarketing

and newspaper/magazine articles and advertising.

THE

FIRST LETTER IN L.E.A.D.S IS L –THIS STANDS FOR LEAD GENERATION

Ultimately, this is what marketing is all about –generating leads and opportunities for your business and getting a return on your investment (ROI) from you marketing plan. We build this using the Market, Message & Media Methodology, which is as follows:

Market

First determine who you want to target. This is sometimes called your target market, avatar, target audience or persona. You market to them by understanding where they are (industries, geography), what they need (challenges and problems of that market), what they do, where they go, what they read, their hobbies and interests, where they hang out, etc.

Message

When you know who your avatar is, you

toothache, you go to the dentist. This is why it’s referred to as a pain point. When researching your avatar, drill down into their pains and also understand their desires to create a powerful message.

Media

When you have really defined your message, it’s time to look at media –both online and offline. Offline marketing examples include: exhibitions/networking events, flyers/folders/brochures/direct mail,

Online marketing examples include: Website/SEO and pay per click, Google AdWords, email contact lists, LinkedIn and Facebook pages or groups, Instagram and YouTube.

THE SECOND LETTER IS E, WHICH STANDS FOR EVERYWHERE

You want your brand to be seen everywhere across both online and offline media and you want it to be with consistency and continuity in your message. Ultimately it is about making sure your message is in as many different places as you can get it. You want to be driving this message at specific areas to give you the best response.

THE NEXT LETTER IS A, WHICH STANDS FOR APPLICATIONS

The software applications you use in your marketing are based on the type of marketing you want to do. Used correctly, the right software can help you manage your database and email

in this regular column, emerson patton, foundER of bright business advice and creator of THE ‘bright 7-sector orbit’ business model, shares his advice for building a better business

marketing becoming (what is known as) a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.

The CRM is so important and yet most people aren’t using it properly. To assist contractor businesses, we use our own ‘Bright Marketing Machine’ CRM software to help them drive leads into their sales funnel/pipeline (usually a specific webpage) from email/text message marketing, social media posts and pre-recoded video content.

The leads are nurtured down the business’ funnel/pipeline using emails/texts and phone calls/voice messaging etc., keeping track of all the notes and messages and visually seeing how far along they are in the sales process. When the time is right after surveying and quoting you’re then in a position to close and win work more easily.

The software also allows you to store documents and useful downloads (such as brochures or job specification details) which you can send to your team or customers at the touch of a button.

With a full pipeline you won’t be chasing around hoping to win some jobs. Instead you’ll be lining them up and cherry-picking the work you want!

THE NEXT LETTER IN L.E.A.D.S IS D, WHICH STANDS FOR DO’ER

Do you need a ‘do’er? An individual in your team who enjoys, and has a passion for, marketing. Someone who is not just going to talk about it but will actually get it done by creating, writing and posting on social media, updating your website, creating case study content for your blogs etc. In turn, this will free up you time for your expertise to be applied to other areas of your business where it may be better suited.

THE LAST LETTER IS S, WHICH STANDS FOR SUPERSTAR!

This is essentially the Marketing Director of your company – someone

who can be a genius in your business. Their job is to pull all the marketing strands together into a plan, devise the strategies and tactics you will use to generate leads for your products and services, and decide on which markets to go into. They can help to create and bring to life all the messages you want associated with your business, in every way that you communicate it to your audience.

“Do you need a do’er? An individual in your team who enjoys, and has a passon for, marketing. Someone who is not just going to talk about it, but will actually get it done...”

ALL NEW WITH AMENDMENT 2

The experts at Electrium look at the considerations professionals must be aware of when replacing a new consumer unit, in line with Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition.

Replacing a consumer unit is classed as an alteration to the electrical installation.

Alterations and additions are categorised as ‘new work’ and all new work on an electrical installation must be designed, installed, and verified in accordance with the current edition of BS 7671 (designers and installers should refer to BS 7671 and other relevant documents for full requirements). The current edition is BS 7671 2018 including Amendment 2.

Scope of new work

In some circumstances the scope of the new work for such a task may be limited to the installation of a new consumer unit and new circuit protection devices. However, it may be necessary to carry out other new work in order to meet all of the required safety levels, especially if C1 conditions have been observed from an inspection of the installation.

New consumer unit and devices

In situations that require a consumer unit to be replaced the new consumer unit should comply with BS EN 61439-3 and Regulation 421.1.201 which requires the consumer unit to have its enclosure manufactured from non-combustible material or be enclosed in a cabinet made of non-combustible material.

Consumer units that meet the above criteria are designed to incorporate

protective devices such as MCBs, RCBOs, AFDDs, and SPDs that the wiring regulations require. These devices provide much higher levels of protection and electrical safety than old fashioned fuses ever could.

Existing circuits and BS 7671

Where the existing wiring is deemed to be suitable to be connected to the new consumer unit there are some specific requirements within the Wiring Regulations that will determine which type of protective device is required on each circuit.

Additional protection by use of 30mA RCD is required on cables buried/concealed in walls and partitions if those cables aren’t installed in/with earthed metallic coverings. Therefore, where the existing final circuits are installed in this way additional protection by a 30mA RCD is required (see Regulations 522.6.202, 522.6.203 & 522.6.204).

Additional protection by use of 30mA RCD is required for each circuit that passes through or serves equipment in locations containing a bath or shower (see Regulation 701.411.3.3).

Additional protection by use of a 30mA RCD is required for users of socket outlets (up to 32A rating) in all locations where they’re liable to be used by persons of BA1, BA2 & BA3 capability i.e. ordinary persons, children, and disabled persons. No exceptions are permitted (see Regulation 411.3.3). AFDDs are required for single-phase AC final circuits supplying socket-outlets (up to 32A rating) in high risk residential buildings, homes in multiple occupation, care homes and student accommodation (see Regulation 421.1.7). Note: Electrium AFDDs include an integral Type A 30mA RCBO and can provide additional protection as well as arc fault protection.

SPDs should be installed in new consumer units unless the owner of the installation declares otherwise. An owner who declares that overvoltage protection is not required accepts all risks, consequences,and losses (see Regulation 443.4.1).

Other considerations also apply Catering for modern demands on an electrical installation means taking account of the connected equipment, and portable devices. These will no doubt bring DC influences and PE currents into consideration for the installer.

For example, Regulation 531.3.2 requires protective conductor currents (standing earth leakage not due to a fault) to be no more than 9mA for a 30mA device to help to avoid unwanted tripping, but that can’t be achieved if several circuits are protected by one RCD device. There are also the requirements of Chapter 31 and Regulation 314.1 to consider. This requires the installer to:

● reduce the possibility of unwanted tripping of RCDs,

● avoid danger and minimize inconvenience in the event of a single fault,

● take account of hazards that may arise from the failure of a single circuit,

● facilitate safe inspection, testing and maintenance.

Therefore, wherever additional protection by a 30mA device is required each circuit should be served by an individual Type A 30mA RCBO to fully meet the requirements of the current edition of the Wiring Regulations.

Verification

New work, such as the replacement of a consumer unit and associated devices, should be verified in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 64 of the Wiring Regulations and the relevant electrical installation certificate should be given to the person ordering the work (see Regulations 641.1, 644.1 and 644.3).

SUPER ROD

QDo we have to install an additional earth electrode for all TN systems now Amendment 2 is in force?

Within BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, Regulation 411.4.2 provides requirements regarding the connection of exposed-conductive-parts of the installation to the main earth terminal of the installation. This is not a new requirement and has always been part of BS 7671 to provide a reliable connection to the earthing system.

The new wording within Regulation 411.4.2 is the final paragraph, where it introduces a recommendation that an additional connection to Earth by means of an earth electrode to the main earthing terminal. See Fig 1 for an example of an additional earth electrode.

The idea of adding an additional connection to Earth is to supplement the earthing system of the distributor in case

of failure in the ageing network. This recommendation contradicts the advice given in Regulation 411.4.1, which advises that conditions external to the installation are the distributor’s responsibility.

The important word here is ‘recommendation’, as such, it is not a requirement, and there is no requirement to install an earth electrode for every TN system in a client’s premises.

Therefore, the answer would be no, you do not have to install an additional earth electrode. If you were to decide to follow the recommendation to install such an electrode, there are several things to consider:

● Type of earth electrode

● Location

● Connection and termination enclosure

● Verification of the resistance

● Identification

● Certification

The type of earth electrode will be selected in accordance with Regulation 542.2. Any location for an earth electrode must be selected taking into account any adjacent surface and buried service pipes or cables.

A ground scan of the prospective additional earth electrode location should be carried out to ensure there will be no damage to any other equipment buried in the ground. The earthing conductor connected to the earth electrode should be enclosed, protected from the effects of corrosion and securely terminated.

The same test requirements for confirming the resistance of the earth electrode should be carried out on the installation earth electrode and recorded on the electrical installation certificate.

Identification of the electrode termination shall be marked with the ‘Safety Electrical Earth Connection Do Not Remove’ label. Further identification at the main earth terminal should be provided to ensure the user and anyone working on the installation in future are aware of additional earth electrodes.

Within the electrical installation certificate, the details of the additional earth electrode should be recorded separately to the installation earth electrode as this refers to a TT system of earthing only.

If you are an electrician and are looking to develop your skills and increase the range of work you are competent to undertake, an electrical installation design course with NAPIT Training can be of immense benefit.

The technical experts at NAPIT answer a contractor query related to the use of earth electrodes in the wake of Amendment 2.

SAFE ISOLATION PROCEDURES

Unfortunately, there have been incidents where failure to use safe isolation procedures has resulted in the needless loss of life. Electrical Safety First, in association with other industry bodies such as SELECT, produced a guidance document that covers best practice for safe isolation (Best Practice Guide 2 Issue 3, 2015). This includes guidance on proving isolated equipment or circuits are dead using suitable test lamps and voltage detectors. Using the right equipment is one of the most important parts of the procedure, as failure to do so can result in a circuit inadvertently remaining live, resulting in injury or death.

What equipment is required for safe isolation?

Best Practice Guide 2 advises that, where using a main switch or distribution board switch disconnector for isolation purposes;

“The point of isolation should be locked off using a unique key or combination retained by the person carrying out the work or the appointed person, and a caution notice attached to the point of isolation. Where more than one operative is working on circuits supplied from an isolated distribution board, a multi-lock hasp can be used to prevent operation….”

Locking off kits are available to ensure you have all the necessary equipment to lock out the circuit being worked on at hand. There are a number of locking off kits available on the market, however, a basic kit should include the following:

● Selection of MCB and breaker locks,

● Padlock with a unique key or combination,

● Hasp for when more than one person is working on a system,

● Lock out tags and warning labels.

Note that the padlock must have a unique key or combination held by the person

carrying out the work to prevent anyone else from removing the lock and inadvertently activating the circuit. Most combination padlocks have a default setting of zeroes. If this type of lock is being used, it’s essential to ensure the combination has been changed prior to use.

A unique key lock provides the safest solution. Once the breaker has been locked off correctly, a warning tag should be attached to clearly identify that the circuit has been locked off and is currently being worked on.

Locking off the circuit is just one part of the procedure. Next, verifying that the circuit is dead before carrying out any work is essential. Circuits are frequently mislabelled so there is no certainty that the correct circuit is locked off. You should use a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit to do this.

The guidance makes several points in regard to the use of voltage indicators to prove dead, some of the key ones are:

“Following isolation of equipment or

Safe isolation procedures are necessary to ensure that workers on-site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems, as Martindale Electric’s Managing Director, Steve Dunning, explains.

circuits and before starting work it should be proved that the parts to work on, and those nearby, are dead. It should never be assumed that equipment is dead because a particular isolation device has been placed in the OFF position.”

So, it is not enough to simply lock off the breaker and assume that the circuit is now dead. There are recorded instances where neutrals are “borrowed” and while this is not permitted in BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations, it is not uncommon. In this instance, although a particular circuit may be locked off, the neutral conductor can become live if an energised load on another circuit is connected to it.

What is the correct equipment for proving dead?

Best Practice Guide 2 advises that you should use a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit when carrying out this procedure. Equipment must comply with BS EN61243 which, since May 2013, prohibits the use of fuses in two pole voltage indicators.

The list of suitable equipment includes test lamps, such as the Drummond MTL10 or MTL20, or a two-pole voltage indicator, such as the Martindale VI13800 or VI-15000 which include a high wattage resistor in the probe to limit the current in the event of damage to the cable.

It is important to note that the voltage indicator MUST be able to work without the need for a battery. If you’re using a

device that needs a battery in order to work and the battery is flat, you will not be able to prove if the circuit is dead!

The procedure for proving dead is to take the voltage indicator and check it against a known source, such as a proving unit, then test the circuit, before testing the voltage indicator against the known source again to prove the tester hasn’t failed during testing.

Whilst you can use a known live source to test your voltage indicator, we recommend using a dedicated proving unit. The reason for this is that the known live source will only light some of the LEDs on the tester, whereas a proving unit will ensure that all LEDs on all ranges are working, again safeguarding against incorrect readings due to a faulty LED. In addition, there’s not always a live source nearby and a dedicated proving unit is safer.

Why can’t I use a multimeter or non-contact voltage detector to prove dead?

Firstly, the use of multimeters or non-contact voltage detectors is advised against in the HSE guidance and the use of these has resulted in accidents in the past. The reason that a multimeter isn’t suitable is that it is all too easy to select the wrong range. In addition, the multimeter relies on battery power to function, thus there is a high risk of making a false “dead” reading on a live circuit. Non-contact voltage detectors also

5 fail-proof steps to safe isolation

APPROVED KIT

Your equipment should meet all legal safety standards (BS EN 61243-3) and you should check this before you begin work.

LOCK OUT

Identify the point of isolation and lock it off. Remember to place warning tags on the equipment.

INITIAL PROVE

Test your Voltage Indicator against the proving unit to make sure it’s working properly.

VOLTAGE TEST

Use your Voltage Indicator to confirm there are no dangerous voltages in the circuit you are about to work on.

ALIVE A L I V E

ENSURE

Finally, prove and re-test the Voltage Indicator against the proving unit to ensure it’s still working. When this is done, you are ready to start working on the circuit with confidence.

require a battery in order to work and are often sensitive to other signals, such as static electricity. It’s also not possible to prove they are working correctly with a standard proving unit. Whilst these units can be used to detect live cables, they can’t reliably be used to prove dead.

GET MORE GUIDANCE ON SAFE

ISOLATION AND ELECTRICAL TEST EQUIPMENT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ017

Matt Tighe, Technical Service Manager at ESP, looks at the specific recommendation for refuge areas to be provided with an emergency voice communication (EVC) system conforming to BS 5839-9 and the provision of such an EVC system.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DISABLED REFUGE AREAS

It is essential that persons can escape from a building should fire occur. The building regulations in all parts of the United Kingdom have similar requirements. For example, in England Regulation B1 states:

“The building shall be designed and constructed so that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building capable of being safely and effectively used at all material times.”

It is always necessary for all persons to escape; this will include those with disabilities which precludes rapid and safe evacuation. There will, therefore, be times when it will be necessary for persons escaping to have access to areas where it is safe to wait for a short period; such areas are called refuges

Approved Document B Volume 2 Fire Safety 2019 (incorporating 2020 and 2022 amendments) (ADB2) gives guidance on the recommendations for refuges to ensure compliance with legislation. Further guidance is also given in BS 9999: 2017 Fire safety in the design, management and use of

buildings – Code of practice.

This article briefly considers the specific recommendation for refuges to be provided with an emergency voice communication (EVC) system conforming to BS 5839-9 and the provision of such an EVC system, such as those produced by ESP under the Beacon Range.

Refuge

The presence and nature of a refuge will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fig 1 is based on Diagram 3.1 and Fig 2 on Diagram 3.2 of ADB2. These detail examples of refuges formed in a protected stairway.

Fig 1

There may be instances where a refuge extends into rooms which are near those exemplar areas detailed in DB2. Annex G of BS 9999 details other examples of refuge areas.

Approved Document B

In the refuge, ADB2 recommends that the EVC system consists of Type B outstations communicating with a master station in the building control room (should one exist) or next to the fire detection and alarm panel. It is permitted for the EVC system to be wireless.

BS 9999

Clause 45.8 of BS 9999 recognises that refuges are places of relative safety and references the normative annex G in the Standard.

Once the number and locations of refuges have been decided by the key stakeholders (see Clause 5 BS 5839-9), Annex G recommends that procedures are established for independent communication between the occupants and evacuation management personnel.

The recommendations detailed in clause 45.8 and Annex G of BS 9999 will require an emergency voice communication system to be installed.

The emergency voice communication system should conform to the recommendations of BS 5839-9: 2021 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Part 9: Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems.

BS 5839-9

The purpose of BS 5839-9 is not to provide a justification for the installation of EVC systems, rather to provide recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of such systems.

The scope to the Standard makes it clear that, other than in exceptional circumstances, EVC systems are not intended as a means of raising a fire alarm instead of manual call points (MCPs).

A BEACON OF LIGHT

The Beacon Emergency Voice Communications (EVC) system is designed to fully comply with BS 5839-9:2021 for use as a Fire Telephone system, Disabled Refuge Call system or as a combined system when both Fire Telephones and Disabled Refuge Points are required.

The system comprises of a Master Station and one or more outstations. Additionally, the “Assist Call” emergency assistance alarm system can either be connected to the same line as a Type B outstation or connected to a dedicated line. Neither the outstations nor the “Assist Call” emergency alarm system requires a separate power supply unit as each line is powered from the Master Station. This has the additional benefit of each line being fully monitored and battery backed up.

Each Beacon Master Station can also perform as a Beacon Repeater Station. A Beacon Repeater Station mimics the Beacon Master Station both in operation and indication.

The Beacon Master Station has been designed for radial star topology. In most cases this will reduce the cable requirements for all ring-based systems. The topology consists of spurs formed of one two-core 1.5mm2 CSA cables (soft skin enhanced up to 500 m per leg, MICC 200 m per leg) to each outstation.

If the Beacon Master Station and the Beacon Repeater Station are distributed around a site, it is essential that both Beacon Stations are on the same mains phase. Powering from different phases can mean a 400 V potential can be present in a Beacon Station during a major fault incident.

The designer of the EVC system should adequately consult with key stakeholders at the design stage. Such key stakeholders are:

● User or purchaser,

● Supplier of the system,

● Installer of the system,

● Consultants, including architects M&E, fire safety, access, acoustic and risk assessment – clause 5.

To the extent necessary, the installer of the system should consult with the designer, supplier and consultants. An EVC system is typically required in the following situations:

● In any building or sports or similar venue where there are disabled people, or people who may have difficulty negotiating the evacuation route.

● In buildings with phased evacuation and/or firefighting lifts where it facilitates secure communications for building managers, fire wardens, and attending fire officers.

● At sports venues and similar complexes, where it will assist stewards in controlling the evacuation of the area in an emergency.

Conclusion

The provision of an EVC system is essential in those premises where it is likely that the less able-bodied are present and where the nature of the people on the premises is likely to create problems for evacuation. The EVC system will enable those responsible for managing evacuation to safely manage, insofar as they are able, the evacuation.

BROWSE THE ONLINE ESP BEACON RANGE BROCHURE

AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ018

The column where you get to put your lighting questions to the head of the Ovia lighting business, Mike Collins, and his team of technical experts.

QCAN YOU PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE BAN ON FLUORESCENT LAMPS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND ALSO LET US KNOW WHAT ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS CAN BE SOURCED FROM OVIA?

In spring 2022 the EU commission revised the ROHS Directive (Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances). Specifically, it refers to the use of mercury in lamps. From February 25th 2023, the following came into force:

● Prohibition of the placing on the market of all fluorescent lamps in ring form (T5, T9)

● Prohibition of the placing on the market of all compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in bas (CFLni)

The focus for alternative light sources is currently on LEDs as they offer decisive advantages compared to fluorescent lamps. The Ovia products that would make ideal alternatives are the Sprite and E-Sprite LED downlights.

Sprite is a range of recessed TRIAC dimmable LED downlights with CTA switch. They are IP54-rated aluminium downlights and are supplied with TRIAC dimmable drivers which are pre-wired with a Fast Fit Flow connector or 3-in-1 multi-function dimming option for quick and easier installation. There are four sizes available – 3, 5, 6 and 8” diameter – and a choice of 10, 13, 18, 25 and 35W versions, to cover a wide range of installation types and requirements. They have a five-year warranty.

E-Sprite is a range of eco commercial recessed LED downlights with CTA switch. They’re IP20 rated and available in 9, 15, 25 or 30W versions. They are supplied with a CTA switch as standard and are pre-wired with a Fast Fit Flow connector or 3-in-1 multi-function dimming option for quick and easier installation. They also have a three-year warranty.

PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE ASK OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ020

VISIT THE ASK OVIA MICROSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ021

Working on your own? Need some technical advice? Don’t know where to turn? Ask Megger. What it doesn’t know about installing and testing electrical systems isn’t worth knowing. Every question will be answered by the Megger Technical Team, and the best will be published in Professional Electrician. So, take advantage of the ‘every question answered’ guarantee today. email your questions to: meggermeasures@hamerville.co.uk

You ask:

I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH LOOP TESTING. READINGS ARE OFTEN INCONSISTENT, ESPECIALLY IN ELECTRICALLY NOISY ENVIRONMENTS, AND I FIND IT HARD TO BE SURE THAT I’VE ACTUALLY GOT THE CORRECT RESULT. ALSO, SOME TYPES OF RCD SEEM TO AFFECT THE RESULTS. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO MAKE LOOP TESTING EASIER AND MORE RELIABLE?

Megger says:

Yes, there is –and we’ve actually done it! We believe the MFT-X1 to be the market leader for convenient and dependable loop testing. It incorporates our True Loop three-wire non-trip loop testing technology which works in conjunction with our patented Confidence Meter to give you accurate, stable and repeatable results, even in noisy environments. True Loop also eliminates RCD uplift, where the internal impedance of some types of RCD can lead to inaccurate measurements. This works even on circuits protected by 6 mA and 10 mA devices. The Confidence Meter works with all MFT-X1 loop test options – three-wire, two-wire and high resolution – and means you can always be sure you’ve got the correct result. As the MFT-X1 carries out a measurement, the Confidence Meter automatically checks its stability and provides you with a display that goes from red to amber and then to green as stability improves. When it’s green, you can be confident the result is correct. On quiet circuits, this takes as little as seven seconds, which is a big time saver when you’re carrying out multiple tests. The high resolution test is worth a mention as well. It uses higher test currents, so it’s not intended for use on RCD-protected circuits, but it provides accurate measurements down to 0.001 Ω resolution and PFC/PSCC calculations up to 50 kA.

BROWSE THE MEGGER MFT-X1 PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ022

RAISING THE ALARM (STANDARDS)

Security alarm systems can provide effective protection for a variety of premises, helping to ensure the safety of property, their infrastructure, equipment, stock and their occupants – be they employees, other users or visitors.

Fundamental changes introduced to the latest BS 8418:2021 (Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of detector-activated video surveillance systems (VSS) – Code of practice) are a game-changer in the wider adoption of Police URNs (Unique Reference Numbers) for surveillance monitored alarm systems (using CCTV cameras), qualifying premises for police response from their local constabulary.

Simplifying the process

Previously, onerous technical and operational requirements of this standard, combined with the relatively high cost of compliant remote video verification equipment (when compared with alternative technology), restricted their rollout.

All this has changed following several major alterations to BS 8418:2021, key among them being the introduction of a

fresh, two-tiered risk-based approach. A new ‘Type A’ installation classification for lower risk sites has proved to be the catalyst, enabling usage of image transmission to remote alarm receiving centres (ARCs) and dedicated remote video response centres (RVRCs), where alarm verification operators at these centres screen out false alarms using recognised techniques.

Examining ‘Type A’ levels

The simpler requirements of ‘Type A’ systems are encouraging significantly greater use of remote video monitoring, which offers a range of benefits when compared with other methods of alarm confirmation. These include sequential confirmation, which may only indicate that an intruder has passed two detection points within a premises. Similarly, audio confirmation can be difficult to make sense of, in terms of understanding what the sounds indicate – potentially causing a vital delay in response.

‘Type A+’ enhanced level systems, designed to suit higher risk industrial, military, utilities and other similar sites, continue to use similar technical and

installation requirements as the previous (2015) edition of BS 8418. The new ‘Type A’ level does not represent any dilution of requirements; it maintains minimum recommendations for systems, based on a site threat assessment and risk analysis. Prescribed technical standards for operations, including detection and alarm transmission, must be met.

Operational approval

Compared with sequential and audio methods, visual confirmation has moved to the fore in terms of its technological abilities, helping to significantly reduce false alarm calls to the police due to the advanced interrogation capability when monitored by an NSI-approved video monitoring centre (ARC or RVRC). This is a reliable and proven method – hence its adoption by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for an immediate response to a confirmed intrusion event.

It’s essential to be mindful of police requirements when installing visual surveillance systems. An intruder alarm system monitored by an ARC or RVRC must meet recognised industry standards accepted by the NPCC in England, Wales

Matthew Holliday, the National Security Inspectorate’s Director of Approval Schemes, describes the business opportunities for electricians offered through the installation of detector-activated visual surveillance alarms and how this technology can significantly minimise risk.

and Northern Ireland and similar policy requirements from Police Scotland.

The NPCC’s Security Systems requirements detail how compliant systems should be installed, monitored and maintained. They also require companies providing this service to be approved by a UKAS-accredited Certification Body such as NSI and registered with a local police force.

If a security system isn’t compliant there won’t be an immediate police response, which could prove vital if someone is in danger or property is being stolen.

Effective deterrence

Use of monitored visual surveillance system technology provides a number of tangible benefits. It provides better protection for buyers, reduces pressure on police resources, enables enhanced integration with other building systems and could offer positive insurance premium implications. VSS equipment can be used in external, perimeter-based

situations as a proactive way of determining, for example, whether a person loitering should be reported as a potential risk/threat.

In practice, where ARC/RVRC operators are alerted to potentially suspicious behaviour, they can use the cameras to view the scene and use audio announcements via P.A. systems to verbally address anyone present at the site and issue warnings and/or instructions. Where situations escalate, a response team could be summoned to take further action.

Should the situation escalate, ARC/RVRC operators can then use the site’s system in a secondary role to determine the authenticity of a detected intrusion, and if proved genuine, pass this on for an immediate manned police alarm response.

Visual surveillance systems also provide a visible site perimeter deterrence through the presence of CCTV cameras, potentially avoiding a break-in, subsequent site damage and related losses in terms of

threat to staff, visitors, damage to buildings, loss of stock, harm to equipment, and time taken in remedial action.

Hallmark approval

Third-party certification represents a highly respected and trusted hallmark for professional electricians, quickly demonstrating their technical expertise and a reassuring quality of service for their customers.

It provides their customers with the added confidence that they install systems backed by Certificates of Compliance, independently demonstrating their conformance with NPCC requirements and approval from a police-recognised Certification Body, such as the National Security Inspectorate – which itself holds accreditation from UKAS.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE NATIONAL SECURITY INSPECTORATE AND ITS WORK AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ023

GREAT SCOTS!

Aiming to achieve a greater consistency in the level of protection provided throughout residential rental properties in England, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment)

Regulations 2022, which were introduced on 1st October 2022, include both socially and privately rented properties.

Implemented following the government’s findings of its domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarm consultation, both private and social landlords are now required to provide one smoke alarm on each storey of their property, in addition to the installation of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, which includes boilers, open fire or log burners and water heaters, but excludes gas cookers. Landlords are also legally required to install a CO alarm in their properties when a fixed combustion appliance is fitted, as well as ensure repairs or replacements when notified of a fault.

The British Standards should also be referred to regarding appropriate alarm placement. Landlords must ensure the

alarms comply with British Standard EN 50291-1 and carry a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark, to ensure tenants receive the highest standards of protection.

In accordance with European Standard EN 50292, the CO alarm should be fitted in the same room as fuel-burning appliances, such as an open fire, gas cooker or boiler, and can be either wall or ceiling mounted. It is advised that additional alarms should be located in bedrooms relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants, whilst alarms should also be installed in any room where there is a flue running through it.

Potential penalties

Similar updates regarding fire and CO alarm provisions have also been made to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Implemented on 1st December 2022, the amendments aim to ensure both private and social rented properties in Wales are fit for human habitation, with private and social landlords responsible for complying with the new law and making the necessary updates to their properties to avoid being penalised. Failure to do so

Andy Greenhorn, Northern Regional Sales Manager at FireAngel, discusses the requirements of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022 and explores how electrical contractors can achieve high standards of protection by installing systems that comply with the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard.

could result in a fine of £5,000.

Whilst these legislative amendments are a significant step forward with regard to protecting tenants from fire and CO, electrical contractors can support landlords in achieving a higher level of protection by installing systems that comply with the requirements of the Scottish Tolerable Standard, which was introduced on 1st February 2022.

Under the new Scottish regulations, all private and socially rented properties in Scotland must feature an interlinked fire and smoke alarm system that includes one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general living purposes, such as the living room, in addition to the

installation of smoke alarms in every circulation space on each storey, including hallways and landings. A heat alarm should also be installed in each kitchen.

Implemented in response to the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, the fire safety laws outlined within the Housing (Scotland) Act aim to significantly reduce deaths and casualties from fires throughout all types of residential properties, by providing individuals with increased levels of protection and the earliest possible warning of a fire.

The Scottish standard stipulates that smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked, whilst a CO alarm must also be installed in every room where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire or stove, to ensure adequate CO protection in the presence of a flue-burning appliance or flue. CO alarms do not need to be interlinked and can be battery powered.

Both mains-powered and 10 year sealed long-life battery powered alarms are suitable, if they facilitate either hardwired or wireless interlinking. The mains-powered alarms must comply with a Grade D1 Specification, while the battery powered alarms must meet the requirements of a Grade F1 Specification.

Increased protection level

Here electrical contractors can support landlords in ensuring compliance with the updated standard and provide their tenants with the highest possible standards of safety by recommending and fitting systems that feature Smart RF wireless technologies.

This includes systems such as FireAngel Specification featuring Smart RF technology , which offers electrical professionals the opportunity to further increase the level of protection throughout a residential property, whilst streamlining audit trails and proof of due diligence.

By wirelessly meshing every device onto a private network, remote monitoring of the entire system can be achieved through the installation of a Connected Gateway, either upon initial installation or at a later date. This facilitates the transfer of data from every device in real time to a centralised dashboard, including the current status of every alarm, network health, alarm diagnostics and replacement dates.

From an electrical contractor’s perspective, this enables the documentation of the completion of each installation phase, as information is instantly logged via the wireless network to validate the install. For example, by taking a photograph of each completed installation, the images can be wirelessly uploaded to a centralised platform to generate immediate sign-off, which subsequently produces a certification of fire legislative compliance, in accordance with BS 5839-6.

By facilitating a preventative, rather than reactive, approach to fire and CO safety that can be cost-effectively achieved throughout all types of residential properties, it is our belief that interlinked systems that meet the requirements of the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard should be recommended and installed throughout residential properties across the entire United Kingdom, not just Scotland.

MAKE A PLAN FOR THE VAN

According to recent research by UK price comparison website, Compare the Market, levels of van theft are predicted to double to 20,000 in the next decade –after an 81% increase was seen from 2015 to 2019.

Using UK van theft data, they’ve predicted that the number of vans stolen each year will rise to 20,000 by 2030, with an average of 56 vans stolen each day in the UK –a 70% increase from predicted 2022 figures.

Unsurprisingly, tools are the most commonly stolen items from van break-ins. Tool theft is a problem that many tradespeople face, losing some of their most important tools to crime. This hurts businesses and forces tradespeople to invest even more into equipment for their work.

Nearly 67% of break-ins include tools being stolen, and research shows that only 1% are recovered due to their high resale value, leaving a devastating impact on tradespeople and their ability to do their job.

How to prevent the thieves

Top tips to better prevent tool theft include:

● Never leave your tools in your van or vehicle overnight – where possible, store them in a locked premises/site unit when working away from home, or take them home with you.

● Invest in a sticker – you can buy an inexpensive notice that says ‘No tools left in van overnight’ which can help deter thieves from attempting to break into your vehicle.

● Check your vehicle’s alarm regularly –make sure the alarms and locking features on your vehicles are working and noises can be heard loudly and attract attention when sounding.

● Have an immobiliser fitted to your vehicle or use a steering wheel lock –some thieves might try to take the whole vehicle and not just tools.

● Use a good quality lock/padlock on rear doors.

● Park your van in a locked garage.

If you aren’t able to park your van in a locked garage, park it close to the side of the house or wall so that is difficult to open the doors sufficiently, thus deterring thieves from getting or seeing in.

If it is on the driveway, make sure it is a well-lit area and consider installing a smart floodlight or CCTV system to deter thieves and record any suspicious activity.

A smart investment

An example of a smart floodlight is one from ESP’s Fort Smart Security range. The Fort Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera with Floodlights has a powerful 2000 lumen light output (25W) and offers full 1080p HD live view and recording – with a motion activated video record.

CCTV technology is advancing all the time and ESP now offers the latest 24/7 colour CCTV systems which will provide sharp detail, in colour, day or night. When it comes to CCTV security, colour-related information can play a vital role in identifying the detail of activities particularly in the hours of darkness.

Conventional cameras with infrared lighting will only provide black and white images for night-time monitoring. A colour CCTV system could be the key to identifying and catching the perpetrators and retrieving any stolen goods.

With van theft on the rise and expected to double in the next decade, Matthew Parton, Product Development Manager at ESP, offers some advice to contractors on how to protect their most valuable assets.

WIN A SMART SECURITY KIT !

Smart Security range, ESP is giving one away.

ESP has extended its range of Fort smart security kits to offer installers an increased range of product options in a boxed unit, rather than having to buy extra individual items.

ESP has taken the six kits that formed part of the original Fort smart security range launch and incorporated extra products into each one to create 12 new additional kits. This now brings the total number of Fort smart security kits available to 18.

The six original kits in the range are made up as follows:

● KIT 1 –smart hub, 1 x PIR, 1 x door/window contact and 1 x remote control

● KIT 2 –smart hub, 2 x PIRs, 1 x door/window contact and 1 x remote control

● KIT 3 –smart hub, 3 x PIRs, 2 x door/window contacts

“THE REGS ARE SAVING LIVES”

and 2 x remote controls

● KIT 4 –smart hub, 4 x PIRs, 2 x door/window contacts and 2 x remote controls

● KIT 5 –smart hub, 1 x Pet PIR, 1 x door/window contact and 1 x remote control

● KIT 6 –smart hub, 2 x Pet PIRs, 2 x door/window contact and 2 x remote controls

Each of these kits is now available in two further options – with a) an additional smart alarm keypad and external solar powered smart siren, or b) an additional smart alarm keypad, external solar powered smart siren and smart Wi-Fi doorbell.

This month’s lucky winner will receive a Fort Smart Security Kit containing: 1 x smart hub, 1 x PIR, 1 x contact, 1 x remote control, 1 x keypad and 1 x solar siren.

The 18th Edition requirement for all cables to be secured in ways that prevent premature collapse in fire conditions has no doubt saved lives since publication in January 2019. It would, however, be misleading to think that because there have been no major reports or incidents, the potential risks of cable entanglement in fires have somehow gone away. Or that our industry needs any further reminders to respect the calls for compliance, after the nine fatalities that directly resulted from cables dropping in three horrific fires in the UK between 2005 and 2010.

The ‘18th Edition effect’

As a leading producer of fire-rated cable fasteners, D-Line is well placed to comment on '18th Edition effect' demand increases, as professional electricians have responded to ‘clip and comply’ regulations. With specifiers and installers better understanding that cable management selections can literally be a matter of life and death, D-Line's sales data confirms the popularity of its fully-tested Safe-D range. Made in UK from high-grade steels, the range can withstand 1200˚C.

HOW TO ENTER

TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A FORT SMART SECURITY KIT, FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ026

Deadline for entries: 10/05/2023. Usual T&Cs apply.

Further evidence of the effectiveness of the Safe-D range comes from David Glenister of London-based ADG Electrical. As a respected electrical contractor, ADG Electrical offers to assess the state of cables after fires, with David commenting: "When we attend post-fire scenes these days, we’re increasingly seeing how the fitment of D-Line's clips has actually kept the cables in place. It's reassuring to see first-hand just how effective the 18th Edition is proving to be.”

What can a two-wire system offer you that a conventional might not be able to? The team at Apollo Fire Detectors sheds some light.

TACKLE FIRES: THINKTWO-WIRES

Two-wire detection systems are specially designed to allow detection and alarm devices to be connected to the same pair of supply wires. This time-saving feature, alongside the ability to prioritise switch sounders, makes two-wire systems an incredibly flexible system for small and medium applications.

QHow can a two-wire system benefit installers?

A two-wire design means less time spent pulling cables in comparison to a standard conventional system. Detectors, sounders, and manual call points are all fitted to the same circuit. Less wiring = less time installing = cost savings.

QWhat is Priority Switching (LAM) and how does it work?

Priority Switching, also known as Localised Alarm Management (LAM), was designed to reduce the amount of full-site evacuations. Occupants are given two minutes to clear the smoke or ventilate the room. This way if they burn some toast, the entire building doesn’t go into alarm and prompt a full evacuation. General and local alarm settings help customise the system and adapt it to specific room types, preventing high

numbers of false activations.

Two-wire sounder and sounder visual indicator bases may be switched between Priority and Non-priority by means of a DIL Switch to provide either a general (full alarm) or local alarm. This feature is best showcased in a small block of apartments/flats, a small hotel, or in an HMO environment (House in Multiple Occupancy). This tends to be a property rented out by at least three people who are not from the same family but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

The sounders can be set to General (Priority) or Local (Non-priority). Detectors set to general will activate all alarms and prompt a full evacuation. This is because the communal areas are often unoccupied at certain times, and therefore if a fire occurs it is more than likely a real fire.

Stairways, hallways and communal living areas are all examples of General alarm applications, while apartments/flats, bedrooms and kitchens are good examples of the use of Local alarms.

With the flexibility to change the alarm criteria, a two-wire system can be used in a wider set of applications. Where a conventional system may be more appropriate for smaller, less complex applications, a two-wire system fits in that comfortable medium between conventional

and addressable – added benefits without the added cost and complexity of a fully-fledged addressable system.

QIs a two-wire system a cost-effective solution?

Not only are the potential applications wider but the cost of installation is cheaper due to the sounders and manual call points being fitted on the same two-wire zone, reducing cabling by up to 50%.

On a conventional system, the installer would have to run cabling for the detectors, the manual call points and the alarm devices separately, taking time and money. Having the ability to fit most of the devices on the same zone also reduces time on-site, and with two-wire systems, installation costs can be reduced by up to 25%

QDo I need additional devices to make it work?

Two-wire systems are straightforward and provide everything you need to fit a system, including detectors, sounders, bases, and manual call points. Apollo’s AlarmSense two-wire range was designed to combine the cost-effectiveness of conventional systems with added functionality to widen the number of applications.

Whether you’re in need of a fire system for a small hotel, low rise apartment block or larger HMO, AlarmSense can meet all your requirements.

HEAD FOR HOSPITALITY

In the throng of today’s digitally driven, fast-paced life, we’ve come to accept that CCTV cameras are there to protect us. In the hospitality environment, where people gather in greater numbers, it’s fair to assume that CCTV in pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants is a good thing for the general safety of everyone.

The technology itself has developed considerably, delivering many more uses such as facial recognition, people counting and analysis, all with a wealth of detailed information.

In terms of purpose, CCTV covers four main criteria, which are addressed in the 'DORI’ standard system that defines various levels of detail for:

Detection – allows for reliable and easy determination of whether a person or vehicle is present.

Observation – gives characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing, while allowing a view of activity surrounding an incident.

Recognition – determines with a high degree of certainty whether an individual shown is the same as someone who has been seen before.

Identify – enables the identity of an individual beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s important to note that both Detection and Observation are inadmissible in court.

Let’s now explore some of the latest advances in CCTV technology and why these matter to you as an installer.

Usable imaging

Not surprisingly, modern-day CCTV

systems display and record with much higher detail than ever before, driven by cameras that offer superb quality imaging.

Cameras with resolutions of up to 4K are now installed as standard, with as much as twenty times more detail than what was available just ten years ago. Of course, the more detail you have, the more useful the information that’s presented. In simple terms, it’s the contrast between being able to identify a person or not.

Time to upgrade?

In some regions of the UK, it’s part of the licencing approval process to ensure that licenced premises have an effective, fit-for-purpose CCTV system.

Primarily, a robust CCTV system helps proprietors to carry out comprehensive health & safety procedures –protecting employees, spotting irregularities, and ensuring the welfare of customers.

Opportunities to update security systems abound for installers in the hospitality industry, as Chris Mellor-Dolman, Head of Marketing at Webro Cables, explains.

Considering this, it’s important to note that commercial CCTV systems are also superior to domestic systems, offering a greater degree of detail, reliability, and functionality. Other key advantages of installing and operating an up-to-date surveillance system include:

● Both staff and customers alike want to work, and to be entertained and relax respectively, in a secure environment where they feel safe.

● As analytics become increasingly important, facial recognition and people counting for capacity regulation are invaluable benefits.

● The flipside of a highly visual surveillance system is that it acts as a deterrent to would-be offenders.

● If there’s an incident, the appropriate staff and security team members can be directed to trouble spots instantly.

● Following incidents, the CCTV system produces tangible evidence that helps to find and identify offenders.

If your customers’ current systems can’t deliver these benefits – especially if their legacy systems may have been inherited –it’s probably time to talk to them about upgrade options.

It’s certainly worth remembering that CCTV systems are included in fixtures &

fittings. Therefore, it’s essential for them to understand the worth of their system at exit, and how much they’re being charged for it upon entry. This can run into thousands of pounds, so sound professional advice is vital.

Practical tips

It goes without saying that across networks, all cameras need to point in the right direction. That said, there’s a lot more to consider –such as view angles, lighting conditions at various times of the day, and whether operation is indoors or outdoors.

There’s also the fundamental justification for having each camera. For example, cameras could be sited for ‘general surveillance & situational awareness’. These tend to cover a wide area, and view angles of around 100˚ are typical. These offer good detail throughout the entire area and would provide enough information to recognise a particular person. To get ‘Facebook quality’ detail for identification you would normally mount cameras at ‘pinch points’ and entry/exit points.

The health, safety and wellbeing of staff and patrons in more remote areas is a huge concern these days, and so additional cameras in cellars, on stairs, and in outside areas, can further add to the all-round usefulness of a CCTV system.

Remote monitoring, recording, and playback

Constantly on the go as most of us are

these days, being able to see live information remotely is vital. Modern CCTV systems provide instant access via quick login, providing live camera views and footage playback options via laptops, PCs, and other smart devices with an internet connection. Cameras from multiple sites can even be displayed at the same time.

All camera footage is recorded onto a digital recorder, which is normally located in a locked cupboard or cabinet, and saves the information for a designated period –normally 30 days before being overwritten. At any stage, authorised users can review recordings and save footage onto a USB flash drive.

Clearly, data protection is a serious consideration, so any system needs to be managed properly to avoid abuse, ensuring operation in accordance with current legislation around public CCTV systems. Correct registration of the system, along with signage to notify patrons, are legal requirements.

What next?

The first requirement is to ensure that your customers have compliant, fit-for-purpose systems. Engage them by offering a site survey, discussing legal requirements in line with their individual needs to propose an ideal solution.

Subject to approval, you should then ensure that the system is installed with minimum disruption to the owner's building and operation. Finally, provide step-by-step instructions to make sure that they’re comfortable using the system on a day-to-day basis.

By way of reassurance, the latest CCTV systems (such as Norden's Eyenor range) are highly intuitive, being very easy to navigate and operate. The bottom line is that with a carefully planned design that has limited black-spots, a comprehensive made-for-the-job system can be designed for any establishment.

Ultimately, you’re looking to install a reliable, cost-effective solution that's simple to operate and protects your customers and their clients.

AWARE-NESS RAISERS

to find out more about the organisation’s goals and aims.

QWhat is Fire Aware and how/why was the organisation created?

Fire Aware is a new membership organisation that has been created in the wake of the Grenfell disaster that looks to promote and encourage moral accountability in the delivery and procurement of fire safety across the UK. It’s not about what you do as a business specifically, more about how you behave when doing it.

QWhat is your professional background and what role do you serve within Fire Aware?

Although I’m the Founder of Fire Aware, I’m from a contracting background and having been in the construction industry for over 30 years, having witnessed the

‘race to the bottom’ and experienced many clients and their supply chain offsetting their moral integrity for the sake of financial gain.

Grenfell was a massive shock to the UK public but not as much as a surprise to those who knew that the issues that conspired to create Grenfell have been, and still are, endemic in the many sectors that have a duty of care to protect people.

QWhat are the aims and goals of Fire Aware?

To provide a singular identity to any business with a fire safety responsibility –irrespective of what that is. To do this, we use a simple corporate identifier that means the same on an electrician’s van as it does behind a hotel reception, on a

building site hoarding or in a school.

The Fire Aware logo represents a set of moral obligations that the member company has committed to undertaking over the course of their membership and are aimed purely at the behaviour of the member company as it undertakes its services. The logo is cross-sector and simple in its message –we care about your safety.

QWhat types of individuals or organisations is the scheme targeted at?

It’s aimed at ANY business that in some way holds a duty of care to the end user. From the start of the supply chain right through to the end, these businesses are being trusted to keep people safe and we want the public to be able to recognise companies who are prepared to commit to this.

QWhat are the benefits of becoming a scheme member?

The corporate identity of a responsible business, and importantly, inclusion in a community of multi-sector businesses who all stand against the ‘race to the bottom’ and immoral procurement practice.

This community contains clients who are committed through their own obligations to only trade with other members which, we think, ring-fences the responsible clients and service providers in a protected group, and excludes those companies who are not prepared to join and identify their moral accountability.

QIs there a process that members have to go through before being accepted?

There is an initial vetting process where the business in question (where applicable) uploads accreditation and insurances for the services they provide, plus customer references and details on company history. In some cases, the business may also be required to undergo a peer review, carried out confidentially by other members of similar disciplines.

There may be some businesses that are keen to join, but accreditation isn’t available. In this example the applicant must present a case as to why their business is ‘Fire Aware’ –for example a hotelier can’t join/gain a fire safety accreditation, but they can evidence that they’re acting within the law by uploading documents to prove this, such as clean bill of health FRAs, staff training etc.

The annual subscription fee is based on the size of the business as we recognise that one man in a van is just as important in this attempt to change the culture of fire safety, as a Tier 1 contractor may be.

QHow do you plan to track/vet current members moving forwards?

A combination of electronic upload of evidence which explains how the member is dealing with the moral obligations they have committed to when signing up to the Fire Aware T&Cs, and using our membership base as ‘agents’ of Fire Aware to provide boots on the ground and witness the member business’ operation –this could be a visit to a hotel or school, or a meeting with an electrician on-site.

The inspecting member is chosen from a suitably related discipline but is only there to assess the performance against the obligations committed to via the Fire Aware Charter that the member has signed up to.

QWhat sorted or traction has the scheme created so far?

We launched in late 2021 and have accrued over 100 members in that period including some prolific electrical engineering companies, individual electricians, plus many other multi-discipline specialist fire safety companies across the UK.

We’ve even taken a business from the USA into membership as that company recognises that the USA has very much the same fundamental problems as the UK. We’ve spoken alongside the BSF and the CPI at events such as UK Construction Week and have spoken on the FPA Stage at Firex.

QWhat are the hopes and aspirations for Fire Aware in the future?

Membership fees are being reinvested in subsidising the training courses offered by our Fire Aware members who provide any type of fire safety training. Education is the key to a safer fire industry and getting more qualified people into the industry is the way we believe this should be done.

So, we are using the revenue generated by our members that are acting responsibly now, to fuel the future improvement of the industry and, more importantly, the safety of those who rely on them.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FIRE AWARE AND HOW YOU CAN BECOME A MEMBER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ030

THere’s no place like home

From political turmoil to an erratic economy, recent headlines can make it easy to forget that the UK remains an exceptionally enterprising country. But after a tough decade on the world stage, it still ranks fourth on the Global Innovation Index and leads Europe in terms of soft power, behind only the United States worldwide.

One area in which the UK is spearheading innovation is home energy. Investors ploughed over $1.5bn into British energy tech businesses in 2021, while as many as 489 UK start-ups focused their efforts on building new tools to help us transition towards a net-zero future.

Record energy price rises and concurrent advancements in energy-saving technologies have also made “what’s your energy bill?” a part of daily British conversation. Now, everyone knows exactly how much they’re paying, what they’re paying for, and where their money is going.

Energy companies and activists have been waiting for this golden moment, in which each and every consumer is taking full notice of the energy they consume and create. But as the world looks set to miss the much-vaunted 1.5°C climate target, UK energy progress must not slow.

We need to harness consumers’ new energy awareness and take impactful steps towards implementing efficiency across every building and home.

So, let’s take a look at how energy evolved throughout the last year and ways we can move forward to tackle the dual energy crises of skyrocketing bills and climate change.

Energy’s annus horribilis

This time last year, conversations across dinner tables, pubs, and boardrooms often still addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on labour shortages and the economy. But now, consumers and organisations are entirely focused on navigating the energy crisis and a transition to greener, more reliable power. After all, who would’ve thought we’d face energy blackouts in this modern world?

As a result, homeowners are taking energy efficiency improvement far more seriously. They want greater control of their energy usage and bills, realising that even small behavioural changes can add up to big cost-saving wins. This comes as homes in England and Wales only scored an average 2022 energy efficiency rating of band D, meaning UK housing stock remain some of the least-efficient in Europe.

Fortunately, improvement is on the horizon. Many property developers building new homes are now switching to a ‘fabric first’ approach. This is not to mean that homeowners need to completely renovate their homes, but fabric first is far more effective than relying on post-construction installations, like solar panels or energy-saving lightbulbs, to mitigate fundamental inefficiencies.

Plus, the UK government is putting policies into place to make it easier for everyday homeowners to get more control of their energy. Examples include the Home Upgrade Grant and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which features £1.8bn of funding targeted to low-income households. So, what more can we do in 2023?

Navigating the year ahead

Unfortunately, the energy crisis, coupled with wider inflation and a worldwide recession, means that 2023/24 is set to be an especially tough period for UK citizens. So, it’s up to industry leaders in the energy market to promote hope and positivity, and help homeowners realise that this is a new opportunity to save energy, money, and even the planet.

However, vulnerable families need

David Williams, VP of Transactional Business UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric, looks at the reasons why we need to look closer to home if we’re to beat the energy crisis this year.

answers today. So, support must go beyond costly retrofitting or electrification, and instead towards educating energy users on how to get the best out of the tools they already have, such as connected heat and home energy management. Energy industry leaders must offer energy freedom for everyone –from new-builds to character properties, high-income to lower-income households. This doesn’t have to involve instantly bringing every building towards net zero, either. In the current energy crisis, where every pound, penny, and kilowatt counts, we must focus on immediate incremental improvements which bring concurrent benefits to both our purses and our planet.

So, what are the low-cost, high-impact strategies that homeowners can harness to upgrade their energy management now, and in the future?

Top tips to save on energy

First up are smart meters, perhaps the simplest, most widely available energy-saving installation of all. Like traditional meters, they measure energy usages such as gas and electricity. However, while automatically sending this information to a homeowners’ supplier, they also display in real-time how much energy is being used and how much it’s costing. Then, by monitoring this data, energy users can adjust their power consumption habits to reduce their bills

and carbon footprint. And as the UK government has required energy suppliers in England, Scotland and Wales to provide smart meters to their customers, homeowners can arrange for a smart meter installation free of charge.

Meanwhile, the emergence of heat pumps offers a breakthrough in heating buildings more efficiently. These work by extracting heat from the air outside or from the ground and pumping it into the home. A typical air source heat pump boasts an average efficiency rate of 300%, meaning it produces three units of energy for every unit it absorbs. In comparison, modern gas boilers can only reach a rate of 94%. In many cases, a heat pump can replace a boiler entirely and provide all the hot water and heating a homeowner needs.

The future of home sustainability

It’s no wonder, then, that in its first global assessment of heat pumps, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently concluded they are the ‘the central technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating’. The UK government is again offering financial support, this time through its Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which could see homeowners access grants or interest-free loans towards a heat pump.

This ‘home-by-home’ change, enabled by individual improvements, is an important first step in our collective net-zero transition. However, it also requires resources, and

time, that we don’t really have. Rather than a close-minded mentality, we may also need to adopt a common strategy in which we tackle the issue together. This is where smart microgrids come in.

We can transform the way we consume, produce and store energy by aggregating communities onto their own microgrids, in which renewable energy generation, usage, and storage are shared between a group of homes. Grid software monitors all the network’s different elements, like solar panels, heat pumps, and even electric vehicle charging, to manage any site-wide peaks and troughs and reduce dependency on the national grid.

After years of planning, microgrid communities are finally beginning to emerge. Water Lilies, a 33-home development in Bristol, is billed as the UK’s first ‘domestic housing microgrid with battery storage’. The homes share an integrated energy generation and management system and a grid-scale battery, resulting in an ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency and a net-zero housing model that could be successfully adopted across the country and the world.

In fact, larger microgrid developments, such as Bridport Cohousing’s 53-home project in Dorset, are already underway. By building and retrofitting homes upon microgrids, we can collectively harness waste heat, reduce energy lost through transmission lines, and enjoy ultra-resilient, zero-emission power supplies.

Achieving energy freedom

As utility bills soar to record highs, gone are the days when homeowners could turn on the heating without a thought, or organisations could swallow millions of kilowatts. Now, some high-energy-usage businesses even require government support to pay for their electricity costs. The energy landscape of old is changing, so we need to change the way we engage with it.

Instead, it’s time for society to move from a mindset of consumption to prosumption, in which we produce as much energy as we use.

CRIMPING ISEASY!

With the rapid increase in electric drives and the necessary control electronics, the need for fast and secure connections is increasing. Plug types such as Scotchlok connectors, Western plugs, module plugs, Cannon plugs and many more are suitable for crimping –the joining process in which the connection is made via plastic deformation using a compression tool.

The complexity of possible crimp connections is continuously increasing. In addition to flexible and solid wires, fibre optic cables, antenna cables, telephone and LAN cables and many other types of cable can now also be processed with crimping tools.

From inexpensive crimping pliers for wire ferrules as a light and compact hand tool, to the compact and universal Multi-Crimp crimp system pliers and the semi-automatic, electrically driven eCrimp system pliers with over 1,500 interchangeable, different crimp inserts, with KNIPEX you have all the options available to you.

The different designs of crimping pliers

Due to the large number of different plug connections, crimping pliers in many different versions are required. As a rule, these pliers are operated with one hand –but there are also models for particularly large conductor cross-sections that facilitate two-hand operation thanks to their favourable design. KNIPEX also produces a battery-powered version. Versatility is also demonstrated by models that, in addition to crimping, are additionally suitable for stripping and cutting cables.

Crimping pliers for wire ferrules

Crimping pliers for wire ferrules exert pressure on both ferrule and wire from all sides via four crimping parts. In this way, when choosing the right crimping profile or using an automatic crimping tool due to plastic deformation, a mechanically firm and electrically secure connection is achieved.

As an example, the KNIPEX 97 53 14 Self-Adjusting Crimping Pliers for wire ferrules is designed to provide reliable hexagonal crimping of wire ferrules from 0.08 to 16 mm² (AWG 6) by simply turning and setting the adjusting wheel, and all twin wire ferrules up to 2 x 10 mm² (AWG 2 x 8).

The tool has an automatic self-adjustment feature that ensures a complete crimping cycle for consistent, reliable and fast crimping. The hexagonal crimp layout is particularly suitable for confined connections as it gives near round form. The tool also has an automatic adaptation feature that adjusts to the wire ferrule size for precise and quick crimping.

The crimping pressure is calibrated in the factory for precise crimping. The toggle lever ensures optimum transmission of force for fatigue-reduced operation, while the ergonomic and comfortable handle makes the operation smooth and lightweight. This tool is also compliant with DIN 46228 parts 1+4 for crimping wire ferrules, made of special quality chrome vanadium electric steel that is oil-hardened for added durability.

David Barnes, Marketing Manager for KNIPEX UK, looks at how new tools are helping to meet an increasing demand for fast, safe and secure connections.

Self-adjusting crimping pliers

Crimping pliers, which are able to automatically adjust to the cross-section of the sleeves to be machined, were developed especially for the professional sector. The use of the right pressing jaws is guaranteed at all times –which makes crimping quicker and more convenient.

Also new for 2023, the KNIPEX Twistor T (97 53 19) has a crimp head that can be rotated 360° and has eight locking positions. The trapezial crimp profile has a high capacity range from 0.14 to 10 mm², allowing wire ferrules to be crimped from almost any working position. The tool also has an automatic adjustment feature that adapts to different cross-sections, making it easy to use for a variety of projects.

The crimp opening is accessible from both sides, and can accommodate wire ferrules up to 18 mm in length in one operation, making it easy to crimp

extra-long wire ferrules. The tool is also suitable for crimping twin wire ferrules up to 2 x 6 mm². The ratchet mechanism (which is unlockable) ensures repetitive, high-quality crimping.

Assortment boxes

KNIPEX additionally boasts a range of assortment boxes which provide a convenient and practical solution for storing and dispensing wire ferrules. These boxes feature a handy, transparent dispenser box with a rotating lid that allows for easy access to the individual wire ferrules inside. The lid has an opening that makes it simple to remove a single wire ferrule, without having to take the entire box apart. The wire ferrules are also color-coded according to DIN standards, making it easy to identify the correct size and type of ferrule needed for a specific project.

WATCH

A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF KNIPEX’S SELF-ADJUSTING CRIMPING PLIERS FOR WIRE FERRULES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ032

Electrician, Mike Page, highlights the five things you need to know about Super Rod’s Super Cam Wireless Inspection Camera.

AN INSPECTION CALLS

WATCH THE TOOL IN ACTION!

New to PE’s YouTube channel, Mike has been putting the Super Cam through its paces and has documented his success with using the product to inspect some faulty decking lights –it’s a must watch if you want to discover real-life applications for this quirky product.

WATCH MIKE’S DECKING INSPECTION USING THE SUPER CAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ033

WATCH MIKE’S ‘FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SUPER CAM’ AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ034

Offering electricians a smarter way to inspect and interrogate those hard-to-reach areas, this 20m wireless inspection camera can be connected to any smart device to capture data. Users can, therefore, work safer and smarter by streaming high resolution video to their smart device in real time. Although the product boasts some nice benefits such as the 60-minute fast charge option, auto/manual focus, digital pinch zoom and built-in WiFi hotspot, let’s look at five features that really stood out to me:

can have 2 x electricians, an electrician and a client, or even 2 x plumbers (!) using the camera and navigating together at the same time.

5 Functionality and features

Finally, and the thing I like the most about the Super Cam, is the fact that the functionality and features are built-in to the device. Not only do you get the Super Cam, you also get a whole host of attachments, an extendable handle and a gooseneck all included in the unit’s nice softshell carry case.

1

Always up’ mode

No matter how the rods are twisting or orientating, you can set the camera to always be ‘up’.

2

Built-in non-voltage detector

The unit features a built-in non-voltage detector within the camera itself, meaning if you’re passing over live cables or trying to figure out if something is live, you can do it remotely with the camera.

3

IP67 rated

The unit’s IP67 rating means it is dust and waterproof to a high level.

4 Multiple screens

This camera will connect to up to two screens simultaneously, meaning you

WIN A SUPER CAM THIS MONTH!

NOW YOU’VE READ ALL ABOUT THIS GREAT LITTLE TOOL, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE THIS MONTH. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW (WHICH CLOSES ON MAY 10TH 2023), IS FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ035

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

The Hudson Group is a real force in cable management and is now turning its attention to corrosive and hazardous environments through new business, Milton. We ask Paul Nolan, the group’s Projects Director to tell us more.

QWhat is your personal history and background in the electrical industry?

I’ve been in the cable management industry for more than 30 years, working for some of the biggest names in the sector. When Hudson asked me to join the group with a particular remit to grow the new business Milton, I jumped at the opportunity. The Hudson Group has remained fiercely independent so that we can best meet what our customers actually need. It’s what attracted me to the business.

QWhy has the Milton brand been launched and how will it sit within the Hudson Group?

There are three businesses in the group –RMS and Armorduct, who have been in the market for 30 and 25 years respectively – and now Milton Cable Management Solutions which will provide cable management solutions for corrosive and hazardous environments. The launch is the result of a new partnership with Wibe Group to help relaunch and support the well-known Mita brand in the UK. Although Milton might be a new name, there will be very few in our industry who won’t have heard of the Mita name before.

What types of products will electricians have access to through Milton?

In theory an electrician can get any of the Hudson Group products through Milton,

but because we will be dealing with corrosive and other aggressive environments most of the solutions will use the Mita GRP cable support products –that’s GRP cable ladder, cable tray and channel support systems.

The key thing to stress is that as a group, not only can we can help customers to come up with a complete solution for a corrosive environment using GRP, we can also do the same for areas that are not subject to the same aggressive environment. We’ll supply you with a ‘fit and forget’ solution for the lifetime of the installation, whatever conditions it may face.

QAre there any highlight or ‘hero’ products that you can share with us?

The real hero of our offering is the pultruded GRP that we use for the products. It’s a specialist manufacturing process that gives us products that will withstand even the harshest of environments for decades. Indeed, there are different grades of GRP according to

what environment you need the system for – but that’s where our team of engineers will step in to advise you on the best solution.

GRP itself is lighter than steel but offers just as much strength. It is easier to cut to size and position, so it is faster and easier to install than galvanized or stainless-steel systems. It also doesn’t need earthing and causes no issues with EMC.

QHow will contractors and specifiers get hold of your products?

Our products are available to order through electrical wholesalers. They’re manufactured in the UK and we hold stock so lead times for a project will be no longer than a few weeks. We can deliver your solution either to the wholesaler or direct to your site, whichever is easier for you.

The process really starts before the order. Each project is different and needs its own solution so we help our customers right from the design stage. This is even more important for aggressive environments since you want to have a solution that can be left in place for the lifetime of the installation.

QWhat are the aims for Milton, in both the short and long term?

One of the reasons that Hudson has maintained its independence is so that it can focus on the needs of its customers. We are cable management and containment specialists and not part of a

larger group, so we don’t get side-tracked. For Milton and the other businesses, it’s our ability to focus on each project, regardless of its size, and help our customers get the best solution that will set us apart. We’re passionate about what we do. Personally, I worked with Mita years ago, so to come back and rebuild and revitalise the brand is special. Being independent allows us to maintain our focus and our commitment to service; it’s these factors that I’m confident will drive our success in both the short and the long term.

“THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS FirST”

Bread and butter

When it comes to company longevity, Niglon Director, Oliver Hinley says service in all its forms is key. And he’s well placed to know, being the great-grandson of the firm’s founder who established the company’s core values back in the 1940s.

Oliver comments: “We adopted the Niglon name in the 60s, but the origins of the company go back to the 40s when father/son team Stanley and John Hinley operated a manufacturers’ agents under the trading name SD Hinley. We still have a commission book from the World War II which details the pounds, shillings and pence earned from each account!”

After Stanley retired, John recognised the need for a strong brand to build up their income and extend their ranges, offering many ‘bread and butter’ commodity items such as plug top fuses, strip connectors and malleable conduit fittings.

At the time there was relatively little competition and new products were added when the need arose, meaning the 70s and 80s saw rapid growth. Several moves took place and more staff were taken on as John knew that retaining the customer service people had come to expect would ensure the ongoing success of the company – now using the Niglon name.

Fast forward to today and competition is fierce, with many more businesses now sourcing and supplying electrical components to the wholesale industry.

Oliver says: “I strongly believe retaining those original values which John and Stanley prided themselves on 80

years ago –providing a good service at a competitive price –has stood us firmly in good stead. The last few years have seen unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime disruption to logistics and supply chains, the closure of manufacturing centres for months on end, followed by a colossal rise in demand.

“Keeping the customer at the forefront of every decision has been the only way companies have managed to survive and, in some cases, increase their customer base by being able to offer a wider range of stock with quicker turnaround times.”

With 80 years of focus on quality service under its belt, we catch up with the team at Niglon to find out more about why those core values won’t be changing any time soon.

Modern thinking

Of course, retaining those old-fashioned values should never stand in the way of progress, and tradition doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive with modernity. But it does give decision-makers pause to decide whether they’re introducing a new system or launching a new range because it will genuinely benefit the customer and make their company easier to use.

Oliver adds: “New technologies and ways of working should absolutely focus on convenience. But while we seek simpler and quicker ways of getting products to the customer, at Niglon we’ll always have my great-grandfather and grandfather’s ideals of supplying a reputable product which won’t fail or let a customer down, in our minds.

“Maintaining relationships with customers for years, or even decades, helps us feel we’re on the right track. As does going above and beyond when it comes to certification – focusing on testing by third party bodies and putting in

place additional measures, particularly when it comes to life-saving devices like RCBOs (we batch test every order of these devices).”

Service first

He concludes: “Providing a good service has so much more to it than just providing a product. Over the years, we’ve come to understand all of the facets around service and we use this knowledge and experience, day in and day out, to ensure reliability for our valued customers.

“It’s something I believe everyone across the industry should be focused on. Yes, we’re all essentially competitors but if we’re so fixated on what other companies are doing then we lose that focus on the customer. And I can’t imagine us being here in the next 80 years if we do that!”

BROWSE NIGLON’S LATEST FULL RANGE PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ037

THE FAST SHOW

What are the requirements considered essential for making installation of home or business EV charging stations easier and faster? We hear from the team at Juice Technology.

The key requirements for a ‘perfect’ installation lie in the characteristics of equipment and manufacturer. For those who need to install and maintain electric vehicle charging systems, be it in a private home or a public or corporate car park, not all chargers are created equal.

As a manufacturer of electric vehicle charging solutions, Juice Technology has always designed its products with the user in mind. This makes the chargers easy to use, but also practical and quick to install.

Two installation options

Generally, there are two options for installation: the fixed installation of a wall charger or the portable charger. The latter doesn’t need to be fixed to the wall and therefore only requires installation of a connection. This gives the customer maximum flexibility while benefiting from the same functions as a wall charger.

The most important points for electrical installers to consider are:

1

If the charging station is already pre-configured, fully assembled and tested upon delivery from the manufacturer’s factory, it only needs to be connected to the existing electrical system to be ready for operation. The Ethernet cable and power supply, meanwhile, remain connected without the risk of tampering. This ensures quick, easy and trouble-free installation.

2

A fixed charging station should be applicable for mounting in a variety of ways –on a wall, recessed or even on a column, for example. This enables complete flexibility and responsiveness to the customer’s needs in terms of location and the type of use. In the case of wall-mounted boxes, in addition to the electrical connection, the box needs to be fixed to the wall. If the charging station already comes with a complete assembly kit, this is a simple operation: just apply the template, pre-drill the holes, screw on the back panel with all the electronics, put on the cover and you’re done.

3

The total weight of a charger may not exceed a certain limit – let’s say 5 to 10 kg, so no special lifting equipment is required at the installation site. If the weight remains below a certain threshold, one person alone can do the job.

4

Using electrical equipment can be risky. Adequate protection of the equipment is therefore essential. If installed outdoors, weather may affect the equipment; equipment installed in a car park must be able to withstand high-pressure cleaners. The IP67 class of protection offers total protection against dust and liquids, thus ensuring a longer service life for outdoor use and protection against splashes and drops of water.

Another important point is that the installation doesn’t require a separate certificate, which would otherwise have to be obtained by the electrician. So, the easy to install charger must also be easy to use. Intuitive LED symbols make commissioning much easier: green –ready to use, orange – request for

5

activation via RFID card (alternatively via ‘Plug and Charge’ according to ISO 15118), and blue – charging process active. 6

It is a great advantage for any installer to be able to rely on a manufacturer who will provide their customer with necessary support in the event of a fault or if a component needs to be replaced. In the case of Juice, support is centralised at the producer who then takes care of the technical support once installation has been carried out. This

simplifies the work of the installer: they only need to connect and install the equipment. 7

The possibility of recharging a car by using excess energy produced by a photovoltaic system allows the consumer to optimise consumption, with significant financial savings. For this reason, the growing integration of these two technologies could lead to a significant increase in the number of installations in both the residential and

commercial sector. In order for a photovoltaic system to be successfully integrated into the home energy management system, the wall charger used must be equipped with a back-end that allows for online device management, remote maintenance and billing. 8

If you find yourself in a situation where a user has to manage multiple stations, be it a fleet or a public car park, dynamic load management that can supply the vehicles connected to the network with energy is of great help. Where available energy can be distributed to all the vehicles currently charging, there is no need for a new supply line. However, it is essential to integrate a MID-certified electricity meter into each charger, thus enabling billing based on the amount of electricity actually used for charging.

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE OF EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS FROM JUICE TECHNOLOGY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ038

“I’M ‘ALL’ IN!”

Reece Hardy has seen the light as he reviews a selection of All LED’s latest innovations.

With a forthcoming job that required a quality lighting solution, I was pleased to take delivery of some of All LED’s latest products to help with the task. The package that arrived consisted of 4.7W and 7W dimmable Caterham and Jaguar GU10 LED lamps, 12V LED strip on a reel and F1 straight and 90° angled connectors.

The LED strip was being used as a retro replacement for an existing concealed lighting installation, while the standard BC22 lamp holders were used with GU10 converter plugs for the remaining lamps.

The first thing that I noticed about the LED strip was the terminal block design which allows the strip to be terminated easily without soldering – something which I value highly having (often unsuccessfully) attempted to navigate the ‘soldering minefield’ that can be required of other strips that I’ve tried in the past. It’s important to remember that excess pressure should not be used, and care must be taken when terminating as the strips are only 1mm in size, so are delicate when compared with standard blocks. The design is superb, however, as the units are designed to use solid cable of up to 1.5mm, ideal for T&E.

I used the 90° angled F1 connector and some angled strip wood which was used for mounting. I found the process to be very easy indeed. To mount the strip, simply pull the 3M backing paper from the adhesive, stick the first section and then

peel the paper back as it is mounted – job done. Another beauty of this product is the number of different colour variants available, making it suitable for all tasks. There is also a 24V version available for those higher power applications. In use, I found the LED strip provided a sharp, high-quality lighting solution which the client was very complimentary of.

With the LED strip now done, I next had to upgrade some tungsten filament units with the 4.7W 6500K GU10 Caterham lamps. Part of this job involved

an angle poise table lamp which needed to be adapted for use, so some reconfiguration of the metalwork was necessary. Upon completion, it was immediately apparent that the light output and quality was considerably better than the previous lamp. It’s also great to see considerate manufacturers like All LED removing excess packaging and plastic from their supply chain!

For the standard tungsten BC lamp holder upgrade, BC to GU10 converters were used, as GU10 free ceiling rose attachments were not available at the time. Where a brighter light was required, the higher rated All LED Jaguar 7W LED was used instead and proved to be an excellent solution. Some of the upgrades that I undertook also included dimmer control, while the rest were standard wall switches. We’re all aware of the issues that surround dimming LEDs, so it’s lucky that both the 4.7W Caterham and the 7W Jaguar LEDs worked flawlessly.

The Caterham lamps are equipped with All LED’s Opti-Dim technology, which is an advanced dimming protocol and method that is unique to All LED and has helped to create a product that dims to zero on almost any dimmer – very impressive!

Overall, I’ve had a really good experience with these products from All LED and each of the LED strip, Caterham and Jaguar GU10s boast unique features that I’ve not seen from other brands before, making them a great option for future projects you might be faced with.

BROWSE THE ALL LED CATERHAM GU10 RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ039

“I’ll vouch for this POUCH”

Working as a jobbing

electrician means that you often need to carry a lot of tools around with you. There are times, however, where you may only want to take a few hand tools instead of your big tool bag, or to be able to quickly swap your tools around depending on the next job.

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested a fair number of small totes or tool pouches, and some have been a lot more useful than others. I was therefore pleased to be able to review IDEAL’s new Premium Tool Pouch – a nifty and versatile pouch that measures roughly 25cm (L) x 17cm (W) x 28cm (H), so not too big to carry the basics.

The Premium Tool Pouch’s main pocket has six loops to hold screwdrivers or similar slim tools. This main deep pocket is divided into three sections which can be used to hold additional hand tools, screwdrivers, a small ratchet set etc.

In front of this compartment is a smaller pocket which I used to hold my drill and hex bits, and I found that they fitted perfectly into this section. In front of this small pocket is a holder for your tape measure, however I found it more useful to hold the 12 bits for my screwdrivers or my new drill holder. Once again this was a perfect adaptation and worked a treat.

Around the perimeter of the tool pouch

there are another six pouches which could be used to hold further screwdrivers or similar slim shaft tools. To finish off, there is a tape hook which easily holds six or seven insulation tapes.

Handle, belt or shoulder strap

One of the features I value most from this Premium Pouch is its versatility, as it can be attached or carried either by its integral handle, a belt, or shoulder strap. I preferred using the shoulder strap as I found this method more comfortable to use and easy to take off when not required. Also, when placed behind my back it was slimmer than me, so it meant that I could avoid scratching or damaging any walls or doors as I was passing along.

When transporting the pouch between working areas by means

of the handle, I found that the tools didn’t fall out as the pouch remained balanced and upright. The bottom of the pouch is flat so you can sit it quietly on the floor when not in use without it falling over.

I already have a very small tool pouch which I use to hold my basic hand tools such as cutters, pliers and stripping knife, so IDEAL’s Premium Tool Pouch was a good compliment to that. Its practicality means that it has now become a regular part of my electrical accessories set-up and I’m finding that my larger tool bag is now used more as a storage bag for keeping all my tools together.

I’m convinced that the use of more streamlined tool pouches, like this one, will transform the workday experience of electricians who are used to lugging their gear around in an oversized tool bag all day. I’d recommend that you give this one a try if you’re in the market for a new storage option and, who knows, you may find it ‘IDEAL’ for your needs.

Norman Bradshaw has it ‘in the bag’ this month as he tries out IDEAL’s Pro Series Premium Tool Pouch (37-020).

MEGGER MSL10 Stud Locator

The new MSL10 stud locator from Megger ensures studs and joists are detected simply and accurately. Offering three depth ranges, the sensitivity of the unit can be adjusted to ensure accurate edge detection not only through drywall but many other common building materials. The provision of both audible and visual indication allows quick and simple detection. This simple-to-use product will accurately detect both metal and wooden studs or joists to a maximum depth of 38mm and AC cables to a depth

UNICRIMP Revamped Website

The newly re-designed Unicrimp website provides the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout. For contractors it offers access to detailed product information and technical support across the company’s entire product ranges. The technical information for all individual products has been grouped into product groups to make it easy to access details on a range-by-range basis. Among the product ranges that can be accessed on the new-look website is the recently launched Q-Nect range of lever connectors and connection boxes.

CED ELECTRICAL Axiom 3 Phase Distribution Range

also benefits from having wall contact pads that avoid marking or damaging the finished surface. To ensure the pads remain clean and the unit protected, it is supplied with a convenient carry pouch.

The Axiom Brand has taken its next big step by entering the industrial segment with a comprehensive 3 phase distribution range comprising boards, MCBs, RCBOs plus a new SPD designed for 3 phase applications. Axiom distribution boards are IP20 rated and presented in six sizes – 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 way, pre-fitted with 4 pole 125A isolators. These robust metal enclosures are finished in pale grey and designed for ease of installation and use, with reversible doors and removable gland plates on top and bottom and supplied with wall mounting kits. Door locking will also be available for tamper-proofing. Sold separately are the 10kA protection devices, each available with eight ratings from 6A up to 63A. These include B-curve single pole MCBs, C-curve single and 3 pole MCBs plus type A RCBOs with both B and C curve options. Completing the range is the new SPD device for overheat and surge protection.

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ041

NVC LIGHTING New Product Additions

NVC Lighting has launched new high output, low energy use downlights, ideal for a wide range of applications that all come with a seven-year warranty which includes emergency batteries. WESTMINSTER and WASHINGTON are large downlights (200mm cut-out) available in 12, 20 and 30 W versions for commercial projects. They’re both IP54 rated, making them dust and water resistant in most commercial areas. WESTMINSTER offers efficiency up to 122 l.lm/c.W. It has a deep-recessed TP(a) rated diffuser so UGR will be less than 21 in most applications. It has a medium beam angle of 65˚ providing high levels of light uniformity. WASHINGTON offers efficiency up to 138 l.lm/c.W. Its shallow recessed TP(a) rated diffuser gives a wide beam angle of 100˚ providing very high levels of light uniformity. Both are available as emergency lighting variants. For high volume applications where hundreds of fittings are required such as residential, student accommodation or care home projects, NVC has introduced MIAMI, MERCURY and VENUS downlights that have been designed to be simple and fast to install with a wealth of installer-friendly features that save time, reduce tools required and minimise waste disposal issues.

CHECK OUT THE REVAMPED WEBSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ042

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ043

BROWSE THE 2022/23 NVC LIGHTING CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ044

XCITE LED Strip Range

The new LED strip lighting range from xcite covers a wide variety of requirements for indoor and outdoor ambient, or general lighting applications. With single colour and RGB kits available in IP20, IP65 or IP67 rating, the xcite LED strip range offers excellent performance and value for money. xcite’s LED strip lines all come in 100% recyclable ECO packaging –along with being housed in similar eco-friendly reels, every one of them made from already recycled materials for zero waste. With reel lengths ranging from 5m up to 50m, the xcite LED strip kits are flexible and provide plenty of coverage. They’re available in three colour temperature options of 3000k, 4000k and 6000k, offering customers a choice between a daylight visual or a warmer indoor style lighting display. RGB kits come with simple remotes to allow users to change the colour of the LED strip whenever it suits, to create new and vivid atmospheres.

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Work Trousers

With as many as 40,000 stitches, and up to 64 pieces of fabric in a single pair of Snickers Workwear trousers, it’s little wonder they’re built to last. Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, freedom of movement and functionality, there’s over 80 different styles and 71 different sizes in the Snickers Workwear trouser system. The men’s and women’s trousers range includes full stretch slim fit styles plus street-smart regular and looser fits throughout the full LiteWork, FlexiWork, RUFFwork and AllroundWork trouser families. With at least 16 pocket compartments integral to every pair, complimented by a choice of eight different kneepads, Snickers Workwear knows that your work trousers have to keep you comfortable, carry your essentials, and protect your knees and legs from debris and hazards in the workplace.

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ046

Get booked in for some Screen time with Sevadis

Sevadis has announced the launch of the MaxiCharger with LCD screen in partnership with manufacturing partner, Autel.

An addition to Sevadis’ MaxiCharger electric vehicle charging point range, the MaxiCharger LCD Screen offers a unique EV charging solution to businesses and organisations of all shapes, sizes and disciplines. Complete with a 5” LCD touchscreen, EV drivers are provided with real-time, physical transparency of EV charging behaviour and data, enabling them to understand duration of EV charging time, as well as costs associated with charging.

For businesses, the MaxiCharger with LCD Screen opens up ample advertising opportunities, allowing business owners to advertise their in-store/destination promotions, as well as communciate key messages to EV drivers. This specific feature is ideal for public attractions, leisure destinations, retail businesses and the hospitality sector.

The MaxiCharger with LCD Screen offers three-phase, super-fast charging at 11kW and/or 22kW; enabling electric vehicle drivers to recharge their vehicles whilst at their workplace or public destination, ready for the electrified

journey. Available in a wall-mounted solution, or the popular MaxiCharger Pillar (1way, 2way, 3way and 4way options), the MaxiCharger with LCD Screen is suitable for all locations and electric vehicle charging requirements.

With its OCPP compatability, the unit can be integrated with any OCPP back-office management system on the market, including leading electric vehicle charging platforms such as Monta and Fuuse.

Craig Slater, Managing Director at Sevadis, said: “Not only does the MaxiCharger with LCD Screen provide electric vehicle drivers with complete transparency over charging activity in real-time, the touchscreen feature enables businesses and organisations to use the platform as an advertising platform –widening opportunities for additional footfall and potential revenue.”

The MaxiCharger with LCD Screen is available to purchase from electrical wholesalers across the UK.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE SEVADIS MAXICHARGER WITH LCD SCREEN AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ047

ELUCIAN Single Width SPD

Scolmore continues to expand its Elucian by Click consumer unit range to provide electricians with the broadest possible range of units and protective devices to cater for all installation requirements. With SPDs now mandatory for domestic and commercial premises, Scolmore has added a new single width, double pole SPD to the Elucian range. This new slimline version of the existing 2 Pole, Type 2 SPD in a single 18mm module width, comes supplied with the following tails as standard: 230mm Live Tail; 230mm Neutral Tail; and 400mm Earth Tails. The existing Elucian 2 Pole Type 2 SPDs are a twin size module (36mm), taking up two ways inside a consumer unit. The development of the new single width module (18mm) means that for all installations where an SPD is required, an extra space is gained within the consumer unit as they now only take up one way inside.

BROWSE THE ELUCIAN ONLINE BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ048

PANASONIC Insulated Electric Screwdriver

Panasonic has launched the EYED11SA Li-Ion powered screwdriver, measuring only 145mm in length and weighing just 220g. It is designed for single-handed operation –the buttons for forward or reverse mode are easy to reach and the same applies to the switch between run-down driving and manual tightening. Additionally, the EYED11SA comes with an extensively tested double housing structure, while the same applies for the switch structure. The switch itself is rubber protected, and the insulation is designed with the necessary distance. Meeting IP56 safety class requirements, the tool is protected against water or dust penetration and its electronic control unit is designed to keep the user safe against over- or discharge impacts.

BROWSE THE PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ049

You’ll see some BIG results from this tiny piece of kit

C.K Tools has launched an inspection camera that promises big results in extremely small spaces.

The brand new Mighty Scope is a compact but high-quality camera designed to give eyes in hard-to-reach locations. It bears C.K Tools’ trademark reliability, durability and innovation, filling a gap in the market for small, easy to use camera equipment for both the professional and home user.

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

Operated through a free and intuitive App, the camera live streams 720p HD video, with a digital zoom feature and

adjustable bright white LED lights giving excellent clarity.

With a useful ‘always up’ viewing mode, the Mighty Scope’s ease of use makes light work of navigating difficult and tight spaces, ensuring that the image on the App is always the right way up, regardless of the camera position. Users can store footage straight to their device camera roll.

The Mighty Scope kit includes an EVA padded case, the Mighty Scope IP67 rated camera, a hook and magnet, locking adaptor, gooseneck and thread adapters, USB-C charge cable and spare o-rings. It has been designed to pair perfectly with C.K Tools’ Mightyrods cable routing range.

Paul Pugh, Head of Marketing at C.K Tools, said: “The Mighty Scope can handle all the challenges of viewing and working in really tight spaces. We’ve

launched a camera that is compact, intuitive and equipped with brilliant technology. It’s supremely easy to use, which will save time and minimise error. It’s also a really durable piece of kit.

“This is going to be an absolute necessity for anyone working in tight spaces, be it running cables, inspecting or maintaining spaces, at work or at home.”

ALL LED

Seamless COB LED Strips

All LED has recently released its own line of COB LED strips, Seamless, which offer a range of customisation options to meet the needs of a variety of applications. These strips are available in a number of lengths, colours, both IP20 & IP67 versions, and can be used in a wide range of settings, from commercial to residential, indoor, outdoor and extreme environments. One of the key advantages of the Seamless COB LED strips is their increased energy efficiency and improved brightness, providing more uniformity to all installs and avoiding spotting. The COB design allows for a consistent light distribution, which can help to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment, whether in a retail store, office, or home setting. Furthermore, the increased brightness of these strips makes them a great option for use in areas where high levels of light are needed, such as workshops, garages, and warehouses.

BROWSE ALL LED’S LATEST CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ051

BG ELECTRICAL Smoke, Heat & CO Alarms

BG Electrical’s new range of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms includes mains options that can be interconnected, for whole home coverage and battery powered options that operate individually. Offering fast and effective detection of fire and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, the range is fully British Standard certified and third party approved, all backed up by a ten-year warranty, for peace of mind. The mains alarm range includes optical smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms and up to 24 alarms to be connected (or 12 when including a carbon monoxide alarm) for complete home coverage, with straight forward installation. The battery powered range includes optical smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, offering a flexible and convenient solution with no wiring, that’s quick and easy to install.

BROWSE THE PRODUCT RANGE IN FULL AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ052

Make it an Italian job with Milano electric towel rails

Rointe Milano electric towel rails are the perfect heating and towel rail storage solution for the bathroom thanks to the combination of towel rail (with 500W) and space heating fan (with 1,000W).

All Rointe towel rails have Class II protection (double insulated). They do not require a safety connection to electrical earth (ground) when installed, as the Class II protection ensures sufficient insulation.

Manufactured from high-quality steel ST12, the practical and stylish heated towel rails boast optimum power output utilising high thermal transfer fluid to heat quickly and retain heat for longer. Its low-level integrated fan helps the product to reach the desired temperature faster than a regular towel rail.

This advanced towel rail heater includes smart energy software designed to make your life easier. It consists of an up to 9h timer, it’s easy to use and has a touch control panel with five buttons and LCD display for easy operation. These wall-mounted towel rails guarantee thermal comfort without excessive consumption due to the balance between materials, features and functions. The product has an average of 30% consumption in a 10 m2 room, over 12 hours.

Features and benefits at a glance include:

● 1500W with 18 bars

● Body material steel ST12

● Wall-mounted and thermal fluid-filled

● Built-in heating fan

● 24/7 programming

● Touch control panel with LCD screen

● Energy-saving functions: Open Windows

● Timer for up to 9h continuous operation

● Manual/Automatic function

● White 500 (w) mm x 1150 (h) mm x 30 (d) mm

● Easy to install with Class II protection

● White finish

● Guarantee: three years on the body and the electronics

Rointe electric towel rails are manufactured with high-quality components and include extended guarantees for peace of mind. The Milano 1500W low-flow electric towel rail is available in one size and a classic white finish.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ROINTE’S MILANO ELECTRIC TOWEL RAIL HEATER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ053

Achieve faster solar PV systemtesting

The Seaward Solar PV150 is a dedicated multi-function PV electrical tester designed specifically for solar panel system installation. It performs open circuit voltage measurements (Voc), short circuit current measurements (Isc), earth continuity, insulation resistance and operating current (via AC/DC current clamp) checks.

With the push of a single button the new hand-held tester carries out the required sequence of electrical tests in a safe and controlled manner, avoiding the risk of contact with exposed “live” DC conductors. Results can be recorded and stored in the tester for subsequent USB downloading to a PC.

Also, special wireless Solarlink connectivity between the PV150 and the high-performance Solar Survey 200R meter enables real-time irradiance to be displayed and measured at the same time as electrical testing is being undertaken.

Then, test results can be stored in the instrument’s internal memory for downloading to PC based records using the Seaward SolarCert program.

In this way, the combined testing, data logging and downloading facility enables PV system documentation and test certificates to be completed quickly and without error.

The Seaward PV150 forms part of a comprehensive range of Seaward solar PV testing equipment and comes as the company continues to mark its 40th anniversary.

BG ELECTRICAL 2023 Catalogue

BG Electrical has launched its 2023 catalogue in both print and digital formats, featuring all the new product launches from the last 12 months, including:

● Popular Evolve and new Evolve Grid decorative wiring accessories,

● New and updated Fortress circuit protection that’s easier to install,

● Updated Weatherproof Storm with easy installation features,

● New fire safety and CO alarms, including mains and battery powered options,

● New BG SyncEV chargers, designed with contractors in mind.

The catalogue showcases one of the most comprehensive product offerings within the industry, including electrical, EV chargers, lighting and work power product ranges.

CARHARTT Ripstop Cargo Work Trousers

Carhartt has launched its latest collection of rugged and durable work trousers. The Ripstop Cargo Work Pant and its fleece lined version, offer a combination of comfort, durability and versatility for any tradesperson who needs protection and flexibility while they work, even in the most demanding of environments. The Ripstop Cargo Work Pant (105461) is made from a tough Ripstop fabric that is both abrasion and tear-resistant, ensuring long-lasting durability. The trousers feature multiple pockets, including cargo pockets, to provide ample storage space for tools and other work essentials. The Rugged Flex technology in the waistband ensures a comfortable and flexible fit, while the reinforced knees and seat provide added durability and protection in high-wear areas. The straight leg opening also accommodates work boots.

LUCECO LIGHTING Luxbay Ultra

The new Luxbay Ultra range from Luceco Lighting is a high specification, high performance luminaire specially designed for super sheds and high ceiling applications. The design optimises light distribution from the fewest units possible, keeping installation costs to a minimum. By utilising the latest LED chips to offer a peak output of up to 46,000 lumens, this innovative lighting series produces a balanced coverage of illumination for over 100,000 lifetime hours, with efficacy ranging up to 175Llm/cW. Luxbay Ultra is efficient and sustainable, minimising energy costs and reducing carbon emissions, backed up by a seven-year warranty. The luminaire has an aluminium housing incorporating polycarbonate lenses, with each lens specially designed to maximise spacings in installation. A number of mounting options are available to fit all installations, including surface mount, suspended and busbar trunking systems.

ROBUS HARBOUR DUO Range

ROBUS has recently launched the HARBOUR DUO range, the latest addition to its IP65 corrosion-proof batten range. Available in a range of lengths (2ft – 6ft), these 80mm width fittings have a wattage selectable switch allowing you to choose between a single or a twin lumen output for increased versatility and functionality. Increased energy savings are achievable with a high efficacy of 118-136lm/w. With its two-part construction of a fixed gear tray and hinged opal polycarbonate diffuser and push terminals included, installers can

expect a speedy and seamless installation without risk of missing parts. The range is equipped with quick connectors, allowing plug-in dual test emergency pack and plug-in microwave sensors to be fitted in seconds, something which is common throughout the HARBOUR ranges. Plug-in emergency packs are compatible with both the ROBUS HARBOUR and SPEEDBEAM ranges. Offering a quick and tool-free assembly, this range of battens is the ultimate practical solution.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ056

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ057

BROWSE THE HARBOUR DUO RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ058

Swapping gas for electric makes sense

In order to achieve the EU’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050, it is essential that businesses and members of the public do their part to phase out the use of fossil fuels for heating and cooling purposes.

Gas patio heaters produce a whopping 5,802kg of carbon dioxide emissions, which contributes towards the warming of the planet and ultimately advances the effects of climate change. By swapping out a gas patio heater for an electric one, carbon dioxide emissions can be dramatically reduced.

While gas patio heaters have become a staple in the average garden or outdoor dining area over the years, the gas outdoor heater is now becoming a costly burden for households and hospitality settings.

There are three ATC electric outdoor heaters to choose from, and each produces a different level of CO2 emissions:

The Alfresco – Annual CO2

Output: 629kg - Reduced emissions by 89%

The Riviera – Annual CO2

Output: 699kg - Reduced emissions by 88%

The Sienna – Annual CO2

Output: 769kg - Reduced emissions by 87%

As a result of the European gas crisis, which was triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prices of the fossil fuel surged and many people were, and still are, facing harsh conditions due to the sheer cost of heating their homes and businesses. Prior to this, fossil fuels had risen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic due to disrupted supply chains and high demand.

If you’re therefore keen to keep costs and CO2 emissions down, yet still maintain a warm outdoor environment, electric outdoor heaters are the choice for you and your customers.

BROWSE THE RANGE OF ATC ELECTRIC OUTDOOR HEATERS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAQ059

C AM E RA CAUGHT ON

SOCIAL SNAPS!

DANNY: Some rough DIY going on here. Looks like the owner of the property was having a go themselves!

DANNY DELANEY: Here’s some pictures of a very close call –we were called out to an electrical heating isolator that kept switching off, so the customer used tape to jam it on instead!

DM ELECTRICAL: Look at these! The landlord called to say the tenant had reported that half the consumer unit wasn’t working. It turned out whoever fitted the four-year old fuse board hadn’t fitted the busbar properly and it hadn’t been ‘clamped’ when screwed down. These two were on the ‘working’ side of the dual ECD board. Bizarrely the non-working side didn’t have any signs of overheating!

PHILIP MATHERS: I found this in a ‘finished’ hotel. The owner even asked if I could sign it off!

AUSTIN COSTELLO: We discovered large cracks in a live 11kV supply, right next to where we were working – all within touching distance and spanning the entire length of an industrial factory!

SHANE JACKSON: Completely ripped the cable out of the DU which now needs replacing. Back next week to repair the rest!

DUDLEY GRAVESTOCK: Here’s an easy option for a socket in your loft –just bodge it into the lighting circuit!

1000’S OF SHOW DEALS ● TOP ELECTRICAL BRANDS ● FREE CPD SEMINARS ON WIRING REGS

AMENDMENT 2, CIRCUIT PROTECTION, EICRs, EV CHARGING AND MORE ● FREE ENTRY ● FREE PARKING ● FREE PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN T-SHIRT ● FREE BACON ROLL

ADVERTISER INDEX

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.