Professional Electrician December 19

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TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

DECEMBER 2019

TOP PRODUCTS 2019 WE CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S LEADING LIGHTS

XMAS GIVEAWAYS FILL YOUR STOCKING WITH A WHOLE HOST OF GOODIES AND PRIZES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS & VIEWS ● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● TECHNICAL ADVICE ● NEW PRODUCTS AND MORE…

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Total Average Net Distribution: 71,632 Certification period 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

December 2019 Volume 35 No.11

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

7

NEWS

17

MK ELECTRIC 100 YEARS

75

26 THE CODEBREAKERS 38 MADE 2 MEASURE 41 AURORA SPOTLIGHT 52 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 69 CAPTAIN C-TEC

News & Views 12 NAPIT’s Mike Andrews answers PE reader questions regarding NAPIT’s acquisition of Stroma We highlight the top 5 most popular technical articles from the PE website in 2019

Top Products 2019 23 We celebrate the products, tools and innovations that have made their mark with electricians this year

Technical & Training

Products & Business Solutions

66

45 How KNX training opened new doors for one electrical business

46 The team at Lightwave RF dispel a few smart technology myths

29 When is a material considered to be extraneous-conductive-part?

48 Seaward answers three key questions about PAT testing

33 How does the Construction Products Regulation affect data comms cables?

36 Understanding how the JPEL/64 Technical Committee operates within BS 7671

40 EV charging equipment – the new rules explained

42 A look at the latest training courses for contractors

The latest product and tool releases

51 The options available to installers that want to test EV charging stations

55 Tysoft’s EasyCert software is put to the test this month

Digital Digest 75 We recap the top five most popular

56 Gary Fisher takes a look at a brand new tool from C.K Tools

technical articles from PE’s website

76 Our look at the latest website and

59 Rounding-up the latest new products and additions to the electrical market

App releases

79 The latest videos to hit the small screen

Lightwave RF debunks smart tech myths

The options for testing EV stations

80 An extra helping of Caught on Camera from PE’s social channels

Competitions & Giveaways 14 WIN C.K ArmourSlice cable strippers to be won

46

51

20 WIN Loads of festive freebies are up for grabs

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 3

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@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

Assistant Editor CIAN BRITTLE email: cbrittle@hamerville.co.uk Digital Manager RUTH WILLIAMS email: rwilliams@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant REBECCA MCGEOCH Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER Design ADEEL QADRI Production Assistant KERRI SMITH Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Managing Editor TERRY SMITH Publisher BRYAN SHANNON Printed by: WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH Published by: HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF Tel: 01923 237799 Fax: 01923 246901 Email: pe@hamerville.co.uk PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry. It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK. © 2019

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available at the following rates: UNITED KINGDOM 1 year (11 issues) — £30 post paid EUROPE and OVERSEAS 1 year (11 issues) — £50 post paid AIRMAIL 1 year (11 issues) — £65 post paid

Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 12 Handshake © Kai Pg 33 Data Comms © Peshkov

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Editor’s Viewpoint

Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Don’t suffer in silence this Xmas

T

he seemingly ever-lengthening festive break is hopefully a welcome opportunity to escape the rigours of running a small business, and all the daily stresses that heap worry on top of worry on a daily basis.

After months of early mornings and late evenings – and 60 or 70 hour working weeks – most tradespeople will certainly appreciate the chance to spend some quality family time at home, and recharge some pretty well worn down batteries. And for the vast majority, those two weeks of R&R will be sufficient to hit the ground running come the start of the New Year – and all the inevitable challenges that will present.

Unfortunately, for a small but growing number of those employed in construction, this time of the year especially, is sadly shrouded in darkness and bleak thoughts from which there appears no respite or escape. Money worries, family issues, feelings of isolation and loneliness can all be exacerbated in the mind of those already troubled by depression, and is borne out by the Samaritans, who receive by far and away their highest number of calls and cries for help during a period which, in theory, should be amongst the most joyous.

Tragically, around 4,500 people take their own lives in England, and suicide is now firmly established as the leading cause of death for men under the age of 42. And, with its maledominated demographic, construction is now at the very forefront of what many observers are calling an epidemic.

Right now, one in six workers in the UK is suffering from the effects of debilitating

depression, anxiety or stress, but for many reasons decide to keep it hidden from their colleagues and bosses.

Furthermore, nine out of 10 business owners across construction have admitted to suffering a range of mental health issues due to late payment and other business pressures.

Heavy workloads, long working hours, travel, family separation and job insecurity are all playing a part in a palpable deterioration of mental health, but such is the stigma attached to this illness, that rather than actively seek help, some in desperation are choosing to take their own lives.

Within our own sector, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has led from the front, offering those in the industry vital support if mental health issues are affecting them.

If you know or suspect someone close to you is being affected by mental health issues please get them to check out www.mentalhealth.org.uk or seek support from our own electrical charity: www.electricalcharity.org.

Have a good Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you all in 2020!

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 5

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news @proelectrician

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Risk of major fire tragedy remains, claims ECA The risk of further residential fire tragedies, following the fatal Grenfell Tower fire, has been raised by the ECA, in its response to the ‘Raising the Bar’ consultation.

In the aftermath of the blaze at the Grenfell Tower high-rise block in West London, several inquiries have concluded that installer competency is fundamental to public safety. This is particularly the case in buildings such as residential tower blocks, care homes, and hospitals.

However, within the electrotechnical industry, many individuals are claiming to be competent electricians despite having trained, in some cases, for only a matter of weeks.

Commenting on the ECA response, ECA Director of CSR, Paul Reeve said: “The publication of the inquiry findings into the Grenfell tragedy underline the urgency and vital importance of ensuring that everyone who works in and on buildings, where there are vulnerable

residents, must be sufficiently competent.

“We should all remember we are talking about ensuring residential fire safety. It’s time to stop messing around with low levels of electrical and fire safety competency, and it’s high time to say a final goodbye to so-called ‘five-week wonders’ – wrongly regarded by some as competent to design and install electrical work in residential and similar premises.

“ECA has mapped the way forward for our sector in our response – we need to avoid settling for lower competencies, which risks another major fire tragedy in the UK.” ‘Raising the Bar’ was prepared by the Steering Group on Competence for ‘Building a Safety Future’.

Within its response, ECA supports five recommendations regarding the competence of installers: 1. There should be accredited third-party certification of all enterprises.

2. All individuals must have Level 2 or 3

Ofqual-regulated and competence-based qualifications. ECA strongly advocates technical apprenticeships for new entrants.

3. The electrotechnical sector should use the Electrotechnical Certification card Scheme (ECS).

4. CPD should ensure workers are up-to-date with the latest regulations and other developments.

5. All installers should have core, relevant knowledge of fire safety in buildings, with standardised and mandatory training.

How will you spend yours?

MK Electric is offering 100 electricians the chance to win a £100 pre-paid Mastercard, plus many other prizes, in celebration of its centenary.

Participants can enter by following three easy steps: 1. Buy 10 x Logic Plus 2G switchsocket outlets (K2747WHI)* 2. Get a MK100 scratchcard in branch* 3. Visit www.hwll.co/MK100 and enter your scratchcard code.

Speed is key, as the first 100 people to enter will receive a Costa coffee voucher for a free hot or cold drink.

As well as the main prize of a £100 MK pre-paid Mastercard, there are several other opportunities to win, for example, the first 100 people to make a repeat entry will receive a £10 Amazon e-voucher (*please note: participating retailers only).

Closing date for entries is 6th December.

For more details and full terms and conditions, go to: www.rdr.link/ek001

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news @proelectrician

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Scottish electricians raise over £5,000 for EIC

SELECT, the trade body for electrical professionals in Scotland, has raised more than £5,000 for the UK’s leading charity devoted to those working within our industry.

The money from a series of SELECT initiatives will go to the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), which provides practical support services and financial relief to the 1.3 million people working throughout the UK in the electrical and energy-related sectors. Last year, the EIC gave out £500,000 in direct financial assistance, whilst providing further non-financial support to more than 7,400 people.

More than half of the money raised came from the SELECT Awards in October, where a crowd of 350 gathered at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu to pay tribute to the leading talent within the Scottish sector.

Hosted by radio and television personality Shereen Nanjiani, the 14th annual event was SELECT’s largest awards ceremony to date. It included a charity raffle that raised more than £3,000 and saw three lucky winners walk away with some brilliant prizes.

SELECT’s President’s Walk at the beginning of June brought in a further £1,500 as approximately 50 ramblers tackled the five-mile Green Bridge Trail at Chatelherault Park in Hamilton. That event was dedicated to Jim McArthur, SELECT past President and the former Chairman of the Lanarkshire branch, who passed away last year.

Fun was the central theme at SELECT’s first Teddy Bears’ Picnic later in June, which brought together the organisation’s staff, members and their families for a day of face painting, entertainment and games that raised a further £500 for the EIC.

“The support from Scotland for the EIC’s great work has been amazing and reflects the valued place this charity holds within our sector,” SELECT President, Kevin Griffin said.

As well as financial assistance, the EIC provides telephone counselling, debt advice, support for carers, scholarships and bursary schemes, legal and career transition advice. All services are free and confidential, and are open to those who currently or who have previously worked in the electrical industry.

Tess Ogle, Managing Director and CEO of the EIC, said: “We’re extremely grateful to SELECT for their continued support. Thanks to their many ongoing events and the generosity of their staff and members, we’re able to continue our vital work, helping electrical workers and their families throughout the industry.”

NAPIT supports Healthy Homes debate The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) has held a debate in Parliament regarding awareness and standards that will ensure UK homes are healthy, safe and efficient.

Various industry experts were invited along as keynote speakers on the day, including the local Leader of The Ashfield Council, plus various Parliamentarians who joined the discussion at Westminster.

Each had their say on how a head-first approach should be taken to make sure that everyone in the UK is living in a healthier, safer and more efficient home.

Mike Andrews, NAPIT Group Chief Executive (pictured), said: “As members of NHIC we’re extremely proud to see this debate take place. Like ourselves, the NHIC are extremely passionate about improving industry standards for homeowners. Everyone has a right to live in a safe, healthy home with more efficient heating systems. With a bit of luck, this event has underlined how important this needs to be on the political agenda in the near future.”

To find out more about NHIC and its work, visit: www.nhic.org.uk/

8 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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Accelerate your business growth in 2020 at free event Electrical contractors that are looking to transform their business are being invited to attend a free business planning day next month.

Even experienced electrical engineers can struggle to understand how to take a business from simply ticking over to seeing results and growth.

Finding time to focus on improving profitability and cashflow isn’t always easy, especially when many businesses are saddled with inefficient processes and systems, and little clear understanding of how to get the most from their marketing.

Help is on hand next month, as award winning business coaching service Bright Business Advice is offering electrical contractors a FREE business planning day in Bedfordshire on February 7th.

With support and expert speakers from key industry sponsors such as Schneider Electric, SimPro and ECA, contractors attending the Business Accelerator Summit will learn all the tools, techniques, and processes to free up time, increase revenue, and drive profitable business growth.

Bright Business Advice owner Emerson Patton has helped over 200 businesses accelerate their growth using this approach, with high praise from former clients. The event is suitable for contractors who want to: 1. Increase profits and improve cashflow 2. Engage your workforce to achieve higher install standards 3. Improve all round efficiency To find out more and secure your free place on the Business Accelerator Summit, which takes place on February 7th 2020, go to: www.rdr.link/ek002

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news @proelectrician

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Spec listing aids Gripple construction sector growth

Gripple has cemented its plans to increase visibility amongst engineers, architects and other construction industry professionals by gaining accreditation from National Building Specification (NBS).

The accreditation means the company will currently be the only wire rope

suspension solutions provider listed on the technology platform which allows specifiers to source quality approved building products.

UK & Ireland Sales Director, Chris Bugg said: “There are many advantages of being able to specify products during the early stages of a project and this is something we’ve been actively promoting over recent months.

“A key feature of many Gripple products is they’re zero waste, require no cutting and arrive pre-fabricated in more compact packages than traditional threaded rod systems. This is something that fits in with the sustainable and

Certsure raises cash for Alzheimer’s Research

The organisation that operates the NICEIC and ELECSA brands, Certsure, has raised £26,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK).

In September 2017, Certsure employees chose to partner with ARUK, Europe’s leading dementia research charity, as its official charity.

There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and this figure is set to rise to one million people by 2025. It is only through vital research carried out by ARUK that finding a solution to the problem is possible.

Since the partnership began, employees have taken part in many charity and fundraising opportunities including charity auctions, sweepstakes, fantasy football competitions, bake sales, charity runs and more.

Some of the biggest donations have come from a charity skydive in 2018 which raised over £10,000, and a trek to Machu Picchu earlier this year, raising over £7,000.

10 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

eco-focussed building projects we’re seeing many architects favour.”

The NBS provides piece of mind that products sourced via the specification software have been approved and accredited by the organisation, which is backed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Chris adds: “Traceability has become a hot topic in the construction industry in recent years. Sourcing products such as suspension systems through platforms like NBS brings reassurance that items can be easily traced and every detail of what has been used can easily be accessed, which can help maximise the life cycle of a building.”

For more information about Gripple's range of suspension solutions, go to: www.rdr.link/ek003

Clarkson Evans wins another award

New-build house wiring specialist Clarkson Evans has scooped the prestigious Sub Contractor of the Year trophy at one of the construction industry’s biggest events.

The judging panel of the national Housebuilder Awards singled out the firm from amongst some of the most established businesses in the sector for its entry, ‘The Customer is King’. This showcased the lengths that the company will go to in order to remain the electrical contractor of choice for all major national house builders.

Managing Director, Nathan Evans said: “While it was great to be recognised by our peers when we were awarded the Electrical Contractor of the Year by the ECA earlier this year, this award is particularly special to us because it’s judged by those whose opinion we care about most – our customers. We're so proud to have won and it’s the icing on the cake for what’s been another record-breaking year.”

Headquartered in Gloucester and with 21 branches nationwide, Clarkson Evans directly employs nearly 1,000 staff (not sub 1.contractors) and trains large numbers of apprentices.

For more information about Clarkson Evans, go to: www.rdr.link/ek004

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NEWS SPECIAL

NAPIT ACQUIRES STROMA: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Following NAPIT’s acquisition of Stroma earlier this year, Mike Andrews, NAPIT’s CEO, answers some key questions from PE’s readers.

WILL STROMA CONTINUE TO USE THE SAME NAME FOLLOWING THE ACQUISITION? Jonathan Steed Yes. Stroma Installer Certification Ltd has a license from Stroma to use the name and branding.

WILL THE STROMA SET-UP REMAIN THE SAME, OR WILL MEMBERS HAVE TO MOVE OVER TO NAPIT’S SCHEME? WILL COSTS GO UP AS A RESULT? AJS Essex Electrics The Stroma scheme will remain the same for existing members. We intend to spend some time looking at the best practice from both schemes before we make a decision about what offers the best service to all of our customers in the future. At the moment, pricing will not be changed.

WHAT WILL NAPIT DO THAT STROMA WAS NOT DOING?

Neil Bridgeman NAPIT will continue to provide the same service as it always has for its members, focusing on three key areas of business: high standards, transparency and integrity.

We’ll also make software improvements as they come on stream. An early example of this is that Stroma’s E-Cert wasn’t up-to-date with the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations but NAPIT did not have a pay-as-you-go software of a similar type.

As such, we’ve launched a Stroma Installer PAYG electrical certificate package to ensure members are able to produce compliant certificates.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE? Simon Suddell At NAPIT, we have award-winning customer service, and this has been achieved by surveying all NAPIT members

12 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

on an annual basis for several years through the ‘Investor in Customers’ initiative. In the last two years, we’ve achieved the Gold award for excellent customer service. The Stroma scheme will be run by NAPIT using the same customer service team; therefore, we hope to deliver an improving level of customer service.

FOR CURRENT STROMA MEMBERS, WILL THE EXISTING ANNUAL INSPECTION AND CHECKS REMAIN THE SAME? WILL NAPIT BE RETAINING STROMA’S INSPECTORS AND STAFF? Jamie Johnston Yes, UKAS-accredited Stroma Installer Certification will be retained with the same assessment reports and procedures that were used by Stroma Certification. Stroma Installer Certification assessors will also remain in their posts.

DOES THE LOSS OF STROMA AND THE

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REDUCTION IN COMPETITION EQUATE TO INCREASED CAPACITY TO RAISE STANDARDS, OR THE OPPOSITE? Pete Monfort Stroma was seeking to exit the installer market and the scope of its activities is a good fit with NAPIT. We aim to take this opportunity to deliver our values around competence and compliance via a larger network of membership. One thing we’ve learned from our Investors in Customers work is that a successful organisation will equate satisfying the needs of its customers with its own aims and objectives.

The acquisition offers a real opportunity to build on NAPIT’s strong industry position and create a more influential voice. So, although the competition has now been reduced, I feel the acquisition certainly increases the capacity for raising standards and that is what we intend to do.

WILL THE MERGED COMPANIES BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO BE A REGISTERED COMPETENT PERSON AND STOP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM GRADUATES OF SHORT-FORM COURSES? Andrew Staines The qualifications that are accepted for electrical work are documented in the Electrical Assessment Specification (EAS).

NAPIT has been working with others in the industry to bring forward a new edition of EAS that will require adequate vocational qualifications for all applicants.

I recognise that short courses have their place in updating and adding competences (18th Edition updates and periodic inspection courses are good examples) but they don’t represent competence evidence for core electrical skills. The challenge is to make the vocational qualification route practical for those with genuine long-term industry experience such that they can gain the necessary qualifications.

WILL NAPIT BE INTERESTED IN ENGAGING WITH PRIVATE TRAINING PROVIDERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PASSION THAT I AND MY COLLEAGUES HAVE FOR SECURING THE

HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONALS? Pete Monfort Training providers play a critical role in delivering competence and we welcome the commitment of the many providers in the marketplace that support our members (and future members) in attaining the skills they need.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO TACKLE UNREGISTERED PEOPLE CARRYING OUT ELECTRICAL WORKS AND NOT DECLARING IT THROUGH A CPS OR BUILDING CONTROL? WILL WE SEE MORE AWARENESS OF HOW THE CPS/BUILDING CONTROL CAN ACTUALLY PROSECUTE SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T SIGN OFF NOTIFIABLE DOMESTIC WORK UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART P? Craig O’Neill The enforcement of CPS work has been a hot-topic for a while now. NAPIT has been campaigning to improve enforcement for some time and support the Electrical Safety Roundtable’s efforts to bring this to the attention of officials. The recent MHCLG consultation “Building a Safer Future” is certain to have an influence well beyond the high-rise buildings which triggered its development.

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PRIZE DRAW

8 CABLE STRIPPERS TO BE WON! This month, we have eight cable strippers from C.K Tools up for grabs.

T

he C.K ArmourSlice SWA Cable Stripper (T2250) provides a fast, clean and safe method of stripping SWA cable. The usual method for stripping SWA cable can be slow and cumbersome and is often carried out by using a hacksaw and trimming knife. It can also result in an uneven cut of the wire strands, causing potential damage to inner conductors.

ArmourSlice is 50% faster than conventional SWA stripping methods, and it features a robust metal alloy body which offers exceptional strength and durability. It also has a wide cable clamp for perfect blade-to-cable alignment to ensure precise cutting, along with a handy, integrated spare blade holder.

For more information on the C.K ArmourSlice SWA Cable Stripper, go to: www.rdr.link/ek005

HOW TO ENTER To enter the draw to win an ArmourSlice SWA Cable Stripper from C.K, simply go to: www.rdr.link/ek006 and ďŹ ll out the contact form. Eight winners will then be chosen at random.

Deadline for entries is: 10/01/2020.

Usual T&Cs apply.

14 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

W IN

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Y

E

A

R

S

…OF LOOKING AHEAD As MK Electric’s centenary year draws to a close, Emma Segelov, EMEA Marketing Operations Manager, looks at what’s in store for the industry in 2020 and beyond.

Decorative designs In high-end residential developments, retail and hospitality sectors especially, there is increasing demand for wiring devices in unique, luxurious colours and materials, as well as totally bespoke finishes that blend in with or stand out from the interior aesthetic.

Access to a wide range of finishes allows electricians to cater to constantly evolving consumer design trends. For example, Ideal Home magazine predicts that retro revival and refined glamour will be two of the biggest trends for 2020 – both of which involve the use of sleek metallics, such as brushed brass and pewter.

Outdoor power An emerging trend that will impact the specification of wiring devices in 2020 is wellness activities centered around the garden.

NHS doctors are now prescribing outdoor pursuits as an alternative to medications for many illnesses, because of their positive impact upon mental and physical health.

Outdoor pursuits need access to safe and reliable power for lawnmowers, cooking equipment, and heaters (for when British weather inevitably takes a turn for the worse). One option is Masterseal Plus, which has a protective shell for the wiring device inside and an IP66 rating for total protection against high-pressure water jets and extreme cold.

Connected buildings Demand for USB charging is likely to intensify in 2020. The key is to look for products with comprehensive electrical protection against an overload or short circuit and dynamic device recognition (DDR), which ensures optimal and efficient charging, no matter what the device.

mkelectric.co.uk

Small power consumes the most energy after HVAC and lighting, so manufacturers are looking for a way to add a ‘smart’ layer to wiring devices to allow facilities managers to easily control and reduce usage.

For more information, visit: www.mkelectric.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

O

ver the past few years, Engex has developed rapidly and continues to strive to offer the professional contractor innovative products, cutting-edge design, and premium performance throughout its expanding equipment portfolio.

From the range of specially-designed hand tools, providing the best in comfort and durability, to the collection of ladders and access equipment for light or professional use; Engex guarantees to offer quality and value-for-money to its customers. All products are manufactured under stringent quality control systems, in accordance with relevant international standards.

With its two most recent launches, Engex has a goal to deliver more feature-rich products to the market whilst ensuring its commitment to providing excellent service, maintaining a high level of quality at all times. The company has many multi-functional tool box products available, all with the ability to cover plenty of different applications.

CABLE ROD KIT (GX-CRKN) Cable rods typically work by affixing the end of a cable to the rod in order to channel or guide it through a narrow space or hole; for example, crawl spaces, ceiling ducts, and

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR FUTURE INSTALLATIONS WITH ENGEX wall cavities, or even retrieving cables from difficult-to-reach places.

The Engex cable rod kit has increased strength, giving the end user confidence that the rods will remain sturdy and not become brittle or splintered. As many installations require cables to be installed in hard-to-reach areas, the cable rod kit from Engex is the perfect solution. It has a tensile strength of 375kg, so it offers significant support whilst on-site.

The kit is supplied as 10 x one-metre crimped connection rods, with each rod being 5mm thick in diameter. It also comes with four accessories: an adapter, cable hook, flexible lead and mini ring.

10W LED INSPECTION LIGHT (GX-MIL10) Inspection lights are ideal for many applications, including garages, loft spaces and workshops, along with any job where bright, powerful illumination is required.

Inspection lights can also be kept in a vehicle for emergencies or, alternatively, become an everyday item in a toolbox.

The product comprises a 10W main lamp with a 1,000-lumen output, along with a 3W top-mounted torch with a 250-lumen output.

On full power, it offers 3.5 hours of battery life, and has a 2A USB charging system. The swivel stand is supplied with two strong magnets, and the lamp itself

18 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

has a high transparency lens. The product is also drop- and shock-proof, whilst offering additional overload protection.

The Engex inspection light is battery-operated, so it’s ideal for use in either hand-held or surface-mounted variations – this is achieved with a magnetic fold-out base, hook or belt clip. This impact-resistant LED light is IP54-rated for water resistance and its 1,000-lumen light output will ensure that, no matter the trade, your job is made more efficient.

For more information on the extensive range of products from Engex, please visit: www.rdr.link/ek007

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S Y A W A E V I G ] [

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GIVEAWAYS

ENGEL WORKWEAR

1

Expanding its range of PPE and protective work clothing, the X-Treme 4-Way Stretch trousers from Engel Workwear are designed to allow as much comfort and flexibility as possible to win whilst kneeling or bending. They are made with a ‘breathable’, cooling fabric which quickly absorbs and dries light perspiration.

They also have extra-deep, adjustable hems and Kevlar-reinforced knee-pad pockets with two pad height options. In addition, hanging tool pockets can be attached to the waist. Made from 73% nylon, 17% cotton and 10% elastane, the Engel X-Treme 4-Way Stretch work trousers are available in a variety of colour combinations and in all popular sizes.

This month, 1 x lucky winner will get their hands on a pair of X-Treme 4-Way Stretch Trousers with additional hanging pockets. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek008

HULTAFORS TOOLS

REDBACKS CUSHIONING

This month, Hultafors Tools is offering a set of top quality hand tools, all ergonomically designed for precision work on-site. The package on offer includes: a Craftsman Knife, HBS Hand Saw, an EDC Chisel, Ratchet Clamp, Wrecking Bar, 8m Brickmate Tape, a Combination Square, Carpenter’s Pencil, a Hammer, and a 1m Craftsman’s Spirit Level.

The Redbacks Pocket Kneepad, specifically designed to fit work trousers, features a flexible leaf-spring held within a thermoplastic honeycomb matrix which, unlike foam or gel, ensures a high compression rate and 100% recovery to its original shape. This combination and the inherent ‘memory’ aspect gives controlled weight distribution. It reduces pressure on both the knees and body, protecting the user from any potentially damaging impact forces and gives long-lasting anti-fatigue support. This is in direct contrast to traditional foam or gel solutions, which create a pressure point focusing the force or energy to a specific area. Easy to slide on and curved to fit comfortably around the knee, the water-resistant pads – which conform to CE EN14404 Type 2 Level 1 – help to protect against possible injury from sharp objects, wick away sweat and provide thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces.

5

to win

We have 5 x Hultafors Tools’ prize packages to give away this month.

To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek009

LIGHTWAVE RF Create lighting scenes, schedule your lighting and monitor everything whilst you are away from home with Lightwave RF’s Lighting and Power Starter Kit. This smart home starter kit – worth £239 – comprises a 1 gang smart dimmer and 2 gang socket, which are easily retrofittable using standard wiring. Pair them up with the supplied Link Plus Hub to have everything covered to start controlling your lights, lamps, appliances and more. Lightwave products are compatible with Apple HomeKit and can be controlled by a manual button press using a smartphone – via the Lightwave app – or they can be voice-controlled with a compatible Alexa, Google or HomePod speaker.

1

to win

We have 1 x Lightwave Lighting and Power Start Kit up for grabs this month. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek010 20 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

We have 2 x pairs of Pocket Kneepads from Redbacks Cushioning to be won this month. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek011

2 to win

020_PE_DEC19_Layout 1 08/11/2019 13:01 Page 21

You can enter all of this month’s FREE prize draws by going directly to: www.rdr.link/ek016

1

VELOCITY PROGEAR

The new 4.0 Tech Case from Velocity Progear covers both to win install and service, featuring dual side panels with vertically-tiered pockets for easy storage and transportation of your tools. A central compartment for larger tools further complements this medium-sized Tech Case. A designated thermoformed EVA side panel for added comfort enables storage for your laptop, PDA or phone and other business equipment. Meanwhile, the 1.0 TEC Test Equipment Case enables the user to safely transport their valued test equipment. Padded, interchangeable partitions are provided for your chosen equipment. Paperwork can be stored in the designated front pocket, while laptops, PDAs and other business equipment can be stored inside the large padded internal sleeve.

This month, 1 x lucky winner will get their hands on a Rogue 4.0 Tech Case worth £130 and a Rogue 1.0 TEC Test Equipment Case worth £78. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek012

VEXBOX

SUPER ROD

Vexbox is designed for use with single and twin electrical accessory boxes. It is a single template which can be formed into 12 different types of extension box. Varying from 5mm to 35mm of extension, Vexbox has been designed for use where walls have been dry-lined and the cut-outs for the accessory boxes have been put in the wrong place. An alternative use is for when boxes are at the incorrect depth. It is also suitable for refurbishment works where boxes have been set too deeply into walls, leaving no edge to which the plasterer can work.

Super Rod is giving away a bundle of innovative tools to one lucky PE reader, to win courtesy of the company’s very own Three Wise Men – Kyle Gamble, Patrick Lenaghan and Tom Shelbourne. Firstly, the Duoxim Arbor, invented by Kyle, is an innovative drilling tool that makes enlarging holes quick and simple and could save installers £1,700 a year.

Secondly, Patrick’s invention – the QuikReel – is a vertical spooling solution. This revolution in cable dispensing is the quickest, smoothest way to draw cable without the use of bars, racks or stands. Finally, the Cable Tongue Pro, created by Tom, completes the bundle. The product is compatible with Super Rod rods and attachments and it comes with a new pulling sock attachment.

1

5 to win

We have 5 x Vexbox variable extension boxes up for grabs this month. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek013

KLEIN TOOLS All featuring Klein Tools’ trademark orange and grey styling and three-layer insulation for maximum protection and safety, the festive bundle up for grabs includes universal combination pliers, diagonal cutting pliers and long-nosed pliers. The high leverage combination pliers offer 35% more cutting power and feature a crimping die behind the hinge for the crimping of non-insulated connectors, lugs and terminals, plus a toothed pipe grip for greater gripping power. The insulated diagonal cutting pliers are good for cutting screws, nails and most hardened wire. The insulated long-nosed pliers have a slim-head design for work in tight spaces and extended handles for added reach and leverage.

We have 1 x bundle up for grabs this month from Super Rod. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek015

1 to win

1 x lucky reader has the chance to win a bundle of three Klein 1,000V rated, VDE-certified hand tools. To enter the draw, go to: www.rdr.link/ek014 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 21

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TOP PRODUCTSFINAL 2019FIX

We take a lo ok back at those pro ducts that turned electricians ’ heads this year

E AD E TR TH

E AD E TR TH

THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR

MARCH 2019

& INSTALLE R APRIL 2019

PROTECTION S EXPLAINED

REQUIREMENT

TECHNICA L& TRAINING

TALKING TOOLS

WHY BATTERY TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO REACH NEW LEVELS

THE NAPIT ‘CODEB REAKERS’ COME TO THE PAGES OF PE

TECHNICA & TRAIN L ING

HOW TO TERMIN

THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

TECHNICA TRAINING L & OVERVOLTAGE

& INSTALLE R

FEBRUARY 2019

TO

TO

THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR

& INSTALLE R

EE FR

ELECTRIC IAN

EE FR

THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

ATE CONDUCTORS

NEWS SPECIAL

TOP SUPPLIERS CELEBRATE LANDMARK ANNIVE RSARIES

FR EE

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MAY 2019

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COMPETITIONS ● NEW

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IONAL PROFESS

PRODUCTS AND MORE…

R & INSTALLE

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WE LEARN MORE THE TR ABOUT THE AD LAUNCH OF A DYNAM IC ‘MAGDUO’E

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TH E TR AD E

DIGESTL ● CAUGHT IONA ON CAMERA ● NEW PRODUC PROFESS TS AND MORE… ALSO IN THIS

JUNE 2019

& VIEWS ●

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CAUGHT ON

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GUEST COMMEN TS ● NEW PRODUC TS AND MORE…

R & INSTALLE

ICAL TRADE THE ELECTR

2019 JULY/AUGUST

WIRING RIES ACCESSO THE ‘ESSENTIALS’ HAVE YOU GOT AND IN YOUR SOCKET TION? SWITCHES COLLEC

TION: IS52IT SURGE PROTEC 3? Page 1 2, AS EASY AS 1,

5:48 Page 1

& INSTALLE R SEPTEMBER 2019

ELECTRIC IAN ISSUE: NEWS ALSO IN THIS THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR

& VIEWS ●

CAUGHT ON

CAMERA

THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

PRODUC T TESTS

& INSTALLE R OCTOBER

LIGHTING SOLUTI TRAINING COURSEONS, NEW TOOLS AND S – ALL REVIEW ED INSIDE

PROFESSIO NAL

18TH EDITION:

NGES ES AND CHALLE A YEAR OF CHANG

ELECTRIC IAN CAMERA CAUGHT ON & VIEWS ● ISSUE: NEWS ALSO IN THIS THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

ITIONS AND TS ● COMPET ● NEW PRODUC

MORE…

E AD E TR TH

E AD E TR TH

AYS AND MORE… TS ● GIVEAW NEW PRODUC

TO

CAMERA ● CAUGHT ON & VIEWS ● ISSUE: NEWS ALSO IN THIS THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR THE ELECTR ICAL TRADE

MORE… ITIONS AND TS ● COMPET ● NEW PRODUC

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ELECTRIC IAN

L TECHNICA NG & TRAINI

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PROFESS IONAL

EE FR

NG TRAEINI SYSTEMS ICALG & ON HIGH VOLTAG TECHN WHEN WORKIN BEST PRACTICE RNER PROFESS R’S DEAL? IOCO NA THE ‘REEL’ INVENONTO L PULLING CABLE FOR SOLUTI IS A NEW

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SPECIAL

METREL MFT DOES THE LATESTTHE EV TEST? PASS

L TECHNICANG & TRAINI

EE FR

WYLEX MINI AFDD With research finding that a third of electricians do not install AFDDs because they take up too much space, Wylex has developed a ‘mini-AFDD’ that is much smaller than other models, taking up only one way in a consumer unit. The mini AFDD, has been built and tested to recognised quality and safety product standards, and incorporates three products in a single module: a mini circuit breaker (MCB), a residual-current circuit breaker (RCD) and an AFDD, providing overload, short circuit, earth leakage and arc fault detection. The product is also retro-fit compatible, making it a quick and simple upgrade for existing installations. www.rdr.link/ek017

THE BUSINE SS MAGA ZINE FOR

age 1

PROFESS IONAL

ELECTRIC IAN

E AD E TR TH

What is a Top Product?

Our highly coveted Top Product awards are handed out to those products and services that have made a significant difference to an electrician’s work and have surpassed all levels of reliability, innovation and quality.

So, stick the kettle on, get yourself a choccy biscuit (or two) and take a trip down memory lane as we crown this year’s Top Product winners that have caught the eye of this magazine and thousands of electricians in 2019. Don’t forget to use the Rdr.link codes to find out more details about each of our winning entries!

ELECTRIC IAN TO

It’s been another busy 12 months in the constantly evolving world of the electrical industry, with every passing year exceeding the last in terms of the quality of new products released to the market and the opportunities for contractors to make more money. Over the last 11 issues PE has provided you with information about all of the hottest products available, so what better way to celebrate the cream of the crop than with a bit of awards giving?

3 Page 1

PROFESS IONAL

EE FR

A YEAR OF INNOVATION

g 1

PROFESS IONAL

& INSTALLE R NOVEMBER 2019

2019

GUEST CO MMENT WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER EMPLOY A MATUR ING

E TRAINEE

LIGHTING ENLITE REBRAN DS TO AURORA: PRODUCTS REVEALNEW ED

TECHNICA TRAINING L &

INSULATION RESIST ON LOW VOLTAG ANCE TESTING E CIRCUITS

TECHNICA L & TRAIN ING

TECHNICA & TRAINI L NG WE REVIEW

SAFETY STANDA RD BS 7288-2 WHAT DO THE NEW AMENDMENTS 016: MEAN?

THE 18TH EDITION IET ACADEMY’S ONLINE TRAININ G

ALSO IN THIS

ISSUE: NEWS

NEWS SP ECIAL

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NEW PRODUC TS ● COMPET ITIONS AND

MORE…

ISSUE: NEWS

& VIEWS ●

CAUGHT ON

ALSO IN THIS CAMERA ●

NEW PRODUC TS ● COMPET ITIONS AND

MORE…

ISSUE: NEWS

& VIEWS ●

SHOWCASING THE BEST ‘SAVE OUR SPARKS ENTRIES FROM THE ’ PHOTO COMPE TITION CAUGHT ON

CAMERA ●

NEW PRODUC TS ● COMPET ITIONS AND

MORE…

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ACTI9 ISOBAR P Offering time-, money- and energy-saving benefits, Schneider Electric’s Acti9 Isobar P cuts installation times by around 50% and leverages connected technologies that allow users to instantly monitor the health and energy usage of their distribution boards. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the product delivers enhanced safety and reliability, along with a full five-year warranty. The Acti9 Isobar P is also available in Standard, Split Metered, Meter Ready, Multi-Service and Heavy-Duty variants with full IP2X internal protection. www.rdr.link/ek018 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 23

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TOP PRODUCTS 2019 SNICKERS WORKWEAR PROTECWORK PROTECTIVE WEAR Snickers Workwear further expanded its range this year with the addition of the fully accredited and independently tested ProtecWork Protective Wear for heat and flame, electrostatic and chemical risk environments. ProtecWork clothing is fully accredited to a variety of risk and bad weather working environments, and all the garments are manufactured from tailor-made fabrics designed to respond to the demands of the conditions in which they are worn. There are 60 different garments available in the range, ensuring there is the right protection, visibility, flexibility, comfort and durability on offer. www.rdr.link/ek019

METREL A1532 EVSE ADAPTOR The A1532 EVSE adapter is a special accessory that allows electricians to test Mode E3 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). The product is used for verification of electrical safety and functional testing of EVSE, and is intended for testing Mode 3 EV supply equipment with a type 2 connector. If used together with Metrel’s MI3152 EurotestXC’s AUTO SEQUENCE, the complete EVSE charging station can be tested (state-by-state) electrically and functionally with the push of a button. www.rdr.link/ek021 C.K TOOLS DEXTRO VDE SLIM GLO SCREWDRIVER SET If it’s true innovation you’re looking for, then this screwdriver set from C.K is just the job. Designed for electricians working in domestic, commercial and industrial environments, these clever glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent screwdrivers emit an effective glow in low light conditions, so you need never lose your screwdriver again. Their slim shafts also allow easy access to recessed screws and fixings without the need to remove insulation or compromise safety. www.rdr.link/ek022

CERTON Electricians are well known for their technological creativity and after launching at ELEX Manchester earlier this year, CertOn – the brainchild of electrician Boyd Goulden – continues to make waves in the industry. The system, which offers a unique way of issuing and retrieving important documents and certification, is a paperless document storage solution that helps trade professionals, home owners, housing associations, developers, landlords and maintenance teams to upload and access all important property documents instantly. Using an App and website portal, users can manage all their important property documents easily and efficiently. www.rdr.link/ek020 24 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PC PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT AND SOCKET & SWITCH BEADS Invented by trade professional Pete Carter (PC Products), the spotlight bead and socket & switch bead can help electricians to overcome common issues on-site.

The spotlight bead helps to improve the installation of spotlights and reduces risk to the user, while the socket & switch bead is available in single and double sizes to make it possible to achieve a perfect finish and improve health and safety. www.rdr.link/ek023

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MILWAUKEE M12 FUEL SUB COMPACT ¼” HEX IMPACT DRIVER Featuring Milwaukee's brushless Powerstate motor with faster speed in a more compact size of 130mm, this tool is the ideal solution for those that need top performance from a small package. The Redlink Plus intelligence system delivers advanced digital overload protection for tool and battery and uniquely enhances the tool performance under load, while the four-mode drive control allows the user to shift to three different speed and torque settings, as well as a self-tapping mode to maximise application versatility. The tool's REDLITHIUM-ION battery pack provides fade-free performance to deliver greater run time and more productivity. www.rdr.link/ek024

GRIPPLE FAST TRAK SUSPENSION SYSTEM Gripple's quick installation trapeze bracket solution, Fast Trak, gained a few new family members this year as the company unveiled a host of additions to the portfolio, including both the Fast Trak Side Loading and Bracket Cover, as well as the J-Hook Accessory. Specifically designed for projects where ceiling space is limited, Fast Trak delivers significant benefits with its pre-fabricated short track feature, thus ensuring cable containment supports are tight to the ceiling. Once the tracks and bracket are in place at the required height, tracks can be neatly folded under the bracket, negating the need to trim any excess. www.rdr.link/ek025 TEST INSTRUMENT SOLUTIONS MFT-PRO The TIS MFT-Pro is a professional multifunction installation tester with power quality analysis and Wi-Fi functionality. The unit can carry out all the expected functions of a multifunction tester – including loop, rcd and insulation tests – plus much more. It's main features include phase-to-phase loop testing, a large TFT colour LCD display, and TRMS for accurate measurements on noisy and harmonically distorted circuits. The TIS MFT-Pro also features an accurate Pro-Lock no trip loop test, power quality analysis and harmonics up to the 25th! www.rdr.link/ek026

CATTANO BOXMATE It’s a familiar problem for electricians everywhere. During plastering, wet plaster finds its way into back boxes and dries into a solid mass that the electrician has to remove. But with BoxMate, digging out plaster becomes a thing of the past. The product is a temporary back box cover that keeps plaster out. Thanks to its unique design, BoxMate can adapt to minor variations in box size and shape, ensuring it stays in place when you leave site after first-fix, and can be quickly removed when you return to fit the cover plates. www.rdr.link/ek027 SUPER ROD FERRET WIFI The Ferret WiFi uses the latest technology to stream high resolution video to a smart device in real time, making it the ideal tool for fast and accurate close up visual inspections and troubleshooting in places which are too confined or hard to reach. The camera has six adjustable bright white LEDs on the front to provide crisp, clear 720p images, even in complete darkness. The Ferret WiFi is used in conjunction with a free Android or iOS App, which allows installers to save their videos and photos directly onto their smart device. Other handy features include an IP67 rated camera, a built-in WiFi hotspot and a wireless range of up to 12m. It also comes with a selection of handy accessories. www.rdr.link/ek028 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 25

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THE

CODEBREAKERS JASON BECKLES: I FOUND THIS BUNDLE OF JOY HIDDEN BEHIND A CHEST OF DRAWERS WHEN CARRYING OUT AN EICR. WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE! I can only guess that there was formerly a CU of some description here, judging by the cut-out holes that have been left. I can see no reason for this, other than to extend the circuits in order to move said CU. It's frustrating to see this example, as I feel it’s clearly a DIY effort or unskilled and incompetent labour of some kind.

There’s a lot going on here, the obvious access to live parts, poor terminations, and a total disregard for adequate cable containment. Single insulation is also not taken into a suitable enclosure.

With solid cored conductors that are found in T&E cable, the failure to adequately support them can lead to the conductors cracking and loosening off in their terminations, especially if the terminations can be knocked or moved, as is the case here.

With the risk of terminals being loose, there is an increased potential for fire from conductors overheating, including from ARC faults, in close proximity to flammable material – in this case, the chest of drawers and the stud wall itself.

Altogether a very poor and dangerous effort at electrical installation work.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be.

Access to live parts, from accessible terminations

134.1.1, 416.2

C1

Terminations not made in a suitable enclosure

134.1.1, 526.5

C2

Sigle insulation not taken into a suitable enclosure

134.1.1, 526.8

C2

Unsupported cables, poor cable containment

134.1.1, 526.6

C2

Potential fire risk, including from Arc faults, generated by poor terminations and wiring practices

421.1.7

C2

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

New for BS 7671:2018, NAPIT’s EICR Codebreakers publication is purpose-written to aid contractors, inspectors and clients, and now includes updates to align with the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations. A 2018 Professional Electrician & Installer ‘Top Product’ award winner, the book is the perfect technical aid for electrical professionals and their customers.

26 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

026_PE_DEC19_Layout 1 08/11/2019 13:12 Page 2

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

SID: MY NEIGHBOUR RECENTLY COMPLAINED THAT HIS RCD KEPT TRIPPING. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS? This is a common finding on EICRs and a hazardous one at that.

It's quite possibly a DIY change or extension of a circuit which also has the potential of incorrect installation if this is an unfused spur from an unfused spur. I can’t stress enough that, contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a set way that manufacturers design the termination points for their accessories. Every time a stress change, upgrade, or extension of circuit occurs, it’s vital to check the termination configuration as it may not match the accessory being replaced.

In this case, we don’t know if the installer was a DIYer or an electrician not paying attention, but the end result is the same.

This is a potentially lethal situation, where any Class I equipment with an earthed metal casing or exposed earthed metal parts, used anywhere on this socket circuit, can become live if equipment is plugged into the socket and energised; this is because the cpc is now taking on the role of the neutral conductor, albeit with reversed polarity. The neutral conductors in the earth terminal of this socket now mean

that there could well be a potential difference on any exposed metal parts of Class I equipment, which will also present a serious shock risk.

Without the installation of the RCD serving the circuit, this could have had a potential of a fatal electric shock where all earthed metalwork could have been live!

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be.

Incorrect polarity, risk of electric shock

134.1.1, 643.6 (iii)

C2

CPC used as a neutral conductor and is underrated for current carrying capacity

523

C2

To find out how you can order your copy of the updated 18th Edition Codebreakers publication, priced at just £19.99 (non-members) or £17.99 (NAPIT members), visit: www.rdr.link/ek029

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Technical & training

TAKING YOU STEP BY STEP THROUGH PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Extranaeous-conductive-parts

T

The aim of this article is to provide guidance on when metalwork or other conductive materials are considered to be extraneous-conductive-parts and whether it is necessary for them to be bonded. Carrying out unnecessary protective bonding may lead to a hazardous situation.

an extraneous-conductive-part, because such an item is conductive does not necessarily mean it is liable to introduce a potential. In order to present a risk of electric shock the item must be at Earth potential (in contact with the general mass of Earth) and, most crucially, it must be accessible, as shown in Fig 1.

Alterations within a special location

Regulation 701.415.2 indent (vi), requires all extraneous-conductive-parts of the location to be effectively connected to the protective equipotential bonding of the installation.

Alterations and additions are frequently carried out within locations containing a bath and/or shower for example, the

A conductive part, such as a metal duct or

Introduction

It should be recognised that exposed metallic parts not forming part of the electrical installation are not always considered to be an extraneousconductive-part as defined in Part 2 of BS 7671.

As is the case with every electrical installation it is important to establish whether a particular item is actually an extraneous-conductive-part or not, and to rule out the need for any unnecessary bonding. Provision of protective bonding for items not considered to be an extraneous-conductive-part, under fault conditions, may introduce a shock risk.

Definitions of an extraneous-conductive-part

The requirements contained within BS 7671 recognise an extraneous-conductive-part as: •

not forming part of the electrical installation,

•

conductive,

•

liable to introduce a potential, generally Earth potential.

Regulation 411.3.1.2 lists examples of extraneous-conductive-parts that require protective bonding, but it should be appreciated that this list is not exhaustive nor can it be assumed that all the items identified will always fall within the definition of an extraneous-conductive-part.

Introducing a potential

Although only a conductive part which does not form part of the electrical installation concerned may be considered

Consumer’s Installation

Fuse

U0

Metal case

Fault

Touch voltage

MET

cpc

General mass of Earth

Fig 1

Risk of electric shock under fault conditions

pipe that is covered with, or enclosed by, insulating material, or an item that is out of reach (at a distance where simultaneous contact with either exposed-conductiveparts or extraneous-conductive-parts is not possible) will not introduce a potential.

This also applies where a high electrical resistance exists between the item and its source of potential (Earth).

For example, under normal circumstances, the insulating properties of a plastic pipe will prevent a potential from being introduced by the medium inside the pipe (water, steam, oil etc.). Due to the length of the plastic pipe, the high resistance limits the touch voltage to a safe value and, for this reason. Regulation 411.3.1.2 has been amended to include the following, 'Metallic pipes entering the building having an insulating section at their point of entry need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding'.

conversion from a bathroom to a walkin wet room. This type of work will often involve alterations to the extraneous copper pipes of the location and the relocation of items such as, basin taps or radiators. The insertion of plastic pipe between the existing copper pipe work and the metallic item may be used as a more convenient method of installation; although such a method may mean that the conductive parts are no longer effectively connected to earth.

However, depending upon the length of the inserted plastic pipe, the conductive part may be partially insulated from Earth potential and having a high resistance sufficient to limit the touch voltage to a safe level therefore, removing the need for carrying out unnecessary protective bonding which may inherently introduce a potential shock risk, as shown in Fig 2 .

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN December 2019 29

029_PE_DEC19_Layout 1 08/11/2019 13:13 Page 30

Technical & training Verifying that Rcp >

Uo Ib

ZTL

and substituting for values: 230 30 X 10-30 N N

TEST

The metallic staircase in this example would not be considered to be an extraneous-conductive-part since the calculated value is less than the measured value of 50 kΩ, bonding would not be required.

W Wet et rroom oom ar area ea

0 0

1000 1000 V 500 500 V 250 V

TEST TES ST

OFF

AUTO A UTO NULL

RS ERS VE AV SHA SHAV

1000 ≈ 6.67 kŢ Ţ

Y NL ONLY O

However, for areas where there is a greater risk of an electric shock typically in a wet room or a location containing a bath or shower, due to the reduction in body resistance, it may be more necessary to reduce the value of current (I(Ib) as shown in the expression above to (10 mA) such that (Rcp) must not exceed 22 kΩ. As shown in Fig 2, obtaining a value of 24 kΩ would remove the need to carry out protective bonding.

Decorat ive chrome chrome Decorative metal lic pipe metallic Gr ey plast ic pipes Grey plastic (less tthan han 1 m) Copper pipes

Introducing a hazard

Fig 2

Resistance test carried out between MET and towel radiator within a wetroom

Items not considered to be extraneousconductive-parts

Tyypically, metallic items such as suspended ceilings and floors are insulated from Earth and are therefore, considered to be isolated metalwork and not extraneousconductive-parts. Similarly, an external component such as a metal staircase may be fixed to the building structure but, due to the manner of fixing, typically bolted to the ground, it may be considered to be isolated metalwork.

Other isolated metal work would normally include internal structures such as filing cabinets, racking systems and metallic tables and work surfaces, such as those often found in commercial kitchens, and similar items.

Identifying an extraneous-conductive-part by measurement

To identify whether an Earth potential is liable to be introduced by a conductive part that is connected to the general mass of Earth through a resistance, a measurement of resistance (Rcp) should be made between the conductive part and the main earthing terminal of the installation. If the resistance

• •

Uo

ZTL the conductive is such that: Rcp > I b part can be considered not liable to introduce an Earth potential.

Where: •

Rcp = is the resistance between the conductive part concerned and the main earthing terminal of the installation in ohms.

•

Uo = is the nominal voltage to Earth of the installation.

•

Ib = is the value of current, typically (30 mA) which should not be exceeded through the human body (or livestock).

•

ZTL = total impedance of the human body or (livestock)

For example, in an installation having a 230 V supply and where additional protection is provided by a 30 mA RCDs, there is concern over a fixed item such as a metallic staircase. When a continuity test was carried out using the ‘wander lead’ method, a reading of 50 kΩ was obtained.

Would the staircase be considered to be an extraneous-conductive-part?

As mentioned previously, applying protective bonding to a conductive item which is not an extraneous-conductive-part may lead to the risk of a raised potential under fault conditions. Consequently, persons may be exposed to a touch voltage that otherwise would not have existed for the duration of the fault and the time it takes for the overcurrent protective device to operate.

For example, the protective bonding of an electrically isolated metallic window frame inserted in a brick building may introduce a risk of exposing a window cleaner to a potential that prior to bonding never existed.

Summary

There is no single answer to the bonding of extraneous-conductive-parts. Each installation should be assessed on an individual basis and a careful assessment should be made as to whether a metallic item forming an extraneous-conductivepart within an installation needs to be bonded or not. Undertaking such bonding to an item of equipment electrically isolated from Earth potential may create a potential risk of shock which prior to carrying out the protective bonding may never have existed.

For other guidance and publications please see the NICEIC and ELECSA website.

For information about the NICEIC and ELECSA Approved Contractor or Domestic Installers schemes, visit www.niceic.com, www.elecsa.com or call 0333 015 6626

www www.niceic.com .niceic.com | www www.elecsa.com .elecsa.com 30 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

CPR YOU LISTENING?

How does the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) affect data comms cables? Gary Parker, Technical Manager for ECA, answers the question.

M

ore than ever, data communications and control cables are built into the fabric of our homes and offices, alongside traditional power cables.

However, with more connectivity, there comes a larger amount of containment along which a fire could spread. This is important as data comms, power and control cables come under the CPR, designed to consider the reaction of cables within a fire.

ABCs for CPR The CPR covers all construction products and classifies them by their reaction to fire. It is also the reason behind the CE marks seen on many construction products. To keep up with the new ways cables in buildings are made, installed, used and maintained, the CPR was updated and became a legal requirement in 2017. This development was met with some confusion, particularly over the new European Classification (or EuroClass) system which replaced the old

Construction Products Directive (CPD).

An obvious benefit of the CPR is that it enables designers, specifiers and other industry professionals, as well as consumers, to compare the safety performance of products that may have come from different manufacturers. In other words, it allows easy like-for-like comparison between products.

Stopping fire in its tracks Government statistics between 2017-18 show that, in England, almost 31,000 fires involving fatalities, casualties or rescues occurred in homes, and over 15,000 occurred in other buildings (offices, shops, hospitals, schools, etc.). In approximately 7% of these fires (around 3,400 fires), wiring insulation was identified as the main material responsible for it propagating.

Clearly, the type of cable installed, and the way it reacts to fire, is a critical consideration for designers and installers.

The same statistics also concluded that “the most commonly identified cause of death from a fire incident is being

overcome by gas or smoke.” Data communications cables currently available in the UK are insulated, bedded or sheathed with materials such as PVC, TPE, Nylon, metal weaving and mercerised cotton. Each reacts differently to fire and will have a different EuroClass rating.

PVC, one of the more commonly found materials in buildings, has been used to insulate a variety of cables since the 1950s. In the event of a fire, it produces highly toxic black smoke and acidic gases.

It also acts as a fuel, helping to propel flames along a cable and through a building and its voids. This danger is further exacerbated by falling flaming droplets caused by melting. The smoke and gases given off by burning cables can hinder a building’s occupants from escaping a building in event of a fire. It can also inhibit firefighters by blocking their vision and reducing the effectiveness of emergency lighting.

Another less immediately obvious side effect of acidic gases may be corrosion of other metallic components – often within electrical and electronic equipment. To

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

fully understand the CPR and EuroClass, it’s important to make the distinction between two similar but separate properties of cables when exposed to fire: 1. Reaction to fire – this describes a cable’s behaviour during combustion, as well as how it might contribute to developing or spreading a fire.

2. Resistance to fire – this describes a cable’s ability to continue operating as normal (that is, to maintain a circuit’s integrity) during a fire. This is often referred to as ‘fire survival’.

The CPR only relates to the first characteristic described above – a cable’s reaction to fire. At the time of writing, the CPR in terms of cables and their resistance to fire remains under review. It will likely be a long time before this comes into effect.

Top of the class Under the CPR, European Classification

replaces IEC 60332-1-2:2004, which was the previous benchmark for assessing the flammability of cables.

Since methods of testing cables have changed drastically, direct comparisons to the old standard are not exactly straightforward. The table (above) clarifies the classes.

Some readers may notice that these seven classes broadly align with classes

A to F used for other construction products, and which are already referred to in UK Building Regulations. It is clear that a cable in class Aca would be the best in terms of fire performance, and an Eca cable would be seen as the worst.

Class Fca cables should be used with caution or avoided entirely if possible, as it would be of unknown origin with no identification markings or labelling.

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Technical & training

GAME CHANGERS! NAPIT Chief Technical Officer, Frank Bertie (JPEL/64 Member) explains how the JPEL/64 Technical Committee operates within BS 7671 to drive up standards in the electrical industry.

T

he electrical industry in the UK has BS 7671 at its roots (currently the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations).

Given the crucial importance of BS 7671 to all in the electrical installation industry, we felt that readers would appreciate an article explaining in some detail the procedure involved in producing the finished document.

The UK National Committee, JPEL/64 The joint IET/BSI Technical Committee (the UK's National Committee) is called JPEL/64 and it is comprised of organisations that are stakeholders within the UK electrical industry. The list of participants can be found on Pages 9 and 10 of BS 7671.

JPEL/64 has four sub-committees which assist in the review, comment and updating of BS 7671: ● ● ● ●

JPEL/64/A Verification JPEL/64/B Thermal Effects JPEL/64/C Shock Protection JPEL/64/D External Influences

Developing electrical regulations The process of developing electrical regulations involves two international organisations who work closely together – the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENLEC).

The IEC The Electrotechnical Committee of the IEC is known as IEC/TC 64 and its members are drawn from the national committees of countries throughout the world. There are 86 members of the IEC of which 62 are full members and 24 are associate members.

How are IEC standards created?

For all new standards, a proposal is first raised at the IEC for discussion and agreement to proceed with the development of the new standard. The majority of the work involved for our industry is the maintenance and reviewing of the current standards within the IEC 60364 series of documents.

The stages in the development of technical standards are as follows:

of a first committee draft (CD).

The CD is then circulated to the National Committees for consideration in order to achieve a consensus for further development of the standard.

Before any new or revised standard can pass to the approval stage, the Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) is submitted to all National Committees for a 12-week voting period.

The CDV can only be considered as approved if two-thirds of the National Committees are in favour and if the number of negative votes doesn’t exceed a quarter of the total. A Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) is then circulated to National Committees for a six-week voting period.

Each committee must vote: ● Positive (no comments permitted) ● Negative ● Abstention The FDIS is approved if two-thirds of the National Committees are in favour and if the number of negative votes doesn’t exceed a quarter of the vote. Publication of the approved standard is normally within two weeks of the FDIS approval.

New Work Item Proposal (NP) can be a: ● New standard ● New part of an existing standard ● Technical specification A Working Draft (WD) is created within a project team involved in developing the NP, normally within a six-month period.

This is then circulated to the relevant technical sub or full committee responsible for the area that the NP covers in the form

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CENELEC Following agreement at IEC level, CENELEC may publish either one of two standards – Harmonisation Documents (HDs) and European Norms (ENs). ENs are published by BSI as BS ENs. Harmonisation documents (HDs) When an HD is published, member countries are obligated to implement the standard, at least by public

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“The work involved in the creation and review of the standards within the electrical industry is neither a quick nor simple process.” announcement of the HD number and title and by withdrawal of any conflicting national standards. A member country is then free to maintain or issue a national standard dealing with the subject of the HD – provided that it doesn’t conflict.

The number, title and date of each such national standard must be notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre.

Maintenance teams for IEC and CENELEC standards Within the technical committees of IEC and CENELEC, there are teams tasked with maintaining, reviewing and updating the standards under their control.

The content of BS 7671 JPEL/64 reviews the current versions of IEC/CENELEC standards and converts the electrical safety content into UK

regulations, BS 7671. These documents are part of the HD 60364 series for electrical installations for buildings and represent an attempt to harmonise national wiring standards within Europe.

A list of these standards can be seen on Pages 11 and 12 of BS 7671:2018.

● ● ● ●

How change takes place The process for work within JPEL/64 when new proposals are submitted to the committee to provide comments and vote on is:

The trigger point for considering a new edition of BS 7671 is the status of any of the documents. Unless it is a critical electrical safety issue, only standards at the FDIS stage are considered for the review of our Wiring Regulations.

The main difference between BS 7671 and IEC/CENELEC standards is that, in the UK, we contain all of the HDs in one publication. For the UK this creates an:

Working Draft (WD) Committee Draft (CD) Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) Final Draft International Standard (FDIS)

This process is shown in the diagram pictured below, left.

● Advantage – as we can publish one standard ● Disadvantage – we are subject to piecemeal changes in multiple standards The information is collated into Draft for Public Comment (DPC) for BS 7671 which is then released for the electrical industry to provide comments. This is a chance for the industry to submit comments during the allotted period using the BSI website.

The content of NAPIT EXPOs and webinars is subject to these changes.

JPEL/64 reviews all the comments for consideration, inclusion or rejection. This then leads to the publication of final copy for release as the latest edition of BS 7671.

Conclusion The work involved in the creation and review of standards within the electrical industry is neither a quick nor simple process. Technical meetings are held over several years to allow the documents to reach a mature stage.

NAPIT is pleased to be involved in the production of safer electrical standards.

As a NAPIT Registered Installer, you can access a wealth of technical information, guidance and advice.

If you would like more information on joining a NAPIT scheme, visit: www.napit.org.uk, call 0345 543 0330 or go to: www.rdr.link/ek030

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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 asked: MANY OF MY CONTRACTOR FRIENDS ARE BUYING THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS; HOWEVER, I’M NOT SURE WHETHER THEY’RE JUST A GIMMICK, OR WHETHER THEY REALLY DO PROVIDE USEFUL BENEFITS. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

38 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

We say: They are certainly useful: once you’ve got one, you’ll probably wonder how you ever managed without it! They’re great for quickly surveying an installation to identify potential problems before you start work on it. Amongst the things a thermal imaging camera will help you to spot are: overloaded circuits in a distribution board, terminals that are heating up because they haven’t been properly tightened, and cables that are running hot.

Good thermal imaging cameras, such as the Megger TC3231, will even let you blend a standard picture from a camera with the thermal image. That way, you can easily identify the source of the problem. Plus, you can store the blended images for later reference, or download them into a report. The TC3231 not only offers centre-spot temperature measurement, but it will also track and display the minimum and maximum temperatures on screen.

Therefore, you’ll instantly see where any potential problem may lie. A thermal imaging camera can save you a lot of time by taking you straight to problem areas that would be harder to find using alternative methods.

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

EV CHARGING EQUIPMENT – THE NEW RULES EXPLAINED Dr Chris Horne CEng FIET, Commercial Director at myenergi, looks at the requirements for protection against electric shock following the loss of the PEN conductor in a TN-C-S earthed electrical system.

A

ccording to HSE statistics, each year there are around 400 reported incidents of broken Protective Earth and Neutral (PEN) conductors on TN-C-S (PME) earthed electrical installations, with around 10% of these causing an electric shock (see Table 1). When the PEN conductor is broken, the neutral voltage can rise with respect to true earth and the normal protective earth forms the return path for any current that could flow.

Providing earth rods and making sure they have a low enough earth impedance is time-consuming, can be very difficult (particularly in stony ground), and presents new dangers if there are any buried services where the earth rod is being installed. All this pushes up the cost of the installation.

Clause 722.411.4.1 does allow for protection to be built into the EV charge point, but this protection has often been referred to as the “Unicorn device” – some people claim to have seen one but it’s generally thought to be a myth!

What’s changed?

The new rules mean that, in nearly all circumstances, the installer will need to install a dedicated earth rod for the charge point and connect the charge point as a TT earthed installation.

A typical earth rod installation

Return current path with broken PEN conductor

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Simply measuring the voltage between the live and neutral conductors does not provide full protection. In an unbalanced three-phase system, the line-neutral voltage one phase could remain within statutory limits, whilst the neutral voltage rises above the 70V threshold that the IET requires for

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Line to neutral and neutral to earth voltage due to unbalance on distribution network and broken PEN conductor

Spotlight Whether it’s a new or existing office that requires a lighting scheme or solution, the momentum is gathering from companies looking for the best ways to reduce and maintain low energy usage.

Jeff Richardson, Aurora Lighting’s Sales Director of UK Trade, reveals how solutions these days provide quality, offer various designs and meet low energy criteria.

isolation of the load from the supply, as shown by the blue line in the graph above.

Is there any equipment that meets the new requirements? myenergi has developed a solution that does provide full protection against a potentially dangerous electric shock when the PEN conductor is broken. The patent-pending protection device, which is built into the new Zappi EV charger, isolates the output if the voltage is outside of the statutory limits. Further protection is provided by tripping the output from the charge point if there is any indication of a fault current – extending the concept of RCD protection to this new application.

The result is a smart, OLEV approved EV charge point that is simple to install and is packed with features, such as integration with renewable generation, load balancing and circuit overload protection. Zappi is available in tethered and untethered versions, and for single phase (7kW) and three phase (22kW) installations.

Energy Savings a High Priority for Business This year the UK became the first major economy to legislate for net zero emissions by 2050. And in October there were proposals to dramatically improve commercial buildings in the private rented sector, with businesses set to benefit by saving up to £1 billion per year in energy bills by 2030. This includes a consultation on plans to improve the energy performance of rented commercial buildings.

Energy savings can be made in various ways and lighting and technology can contribute, making a significant reduction. Aurora’s commercial range has always been popular with companies that want to save energy whilst maintaining a professional image. Aurora, who was one of the first to introduce LED lighting to replace halogens and fluorescents, has continued to upgrade and make enhancements to its commercial product range, including its popular and ever expanding range of panel based products.

New & Upgraded Panels Aurora’s successful and comprehensive LED panel range, which now has over 25 products, has always provided a solution for all applications. We are now pleased to reveal that all panels are TP rated and that there is a new addition to the range - the BackLite.

Aurora’s new backlit panel, BackLite, has been designed without a light guide, removing any risk of panel discolouration. Furthermore, uniquely lensed LED’s have also been engineered to ensure maximum light output, which at 100lm/W is additionally a great energy saver! This new product has been designed for a wide range of applications, including office, education and commercial spaces. Aurora’s hugely successful edge lit panel range, Troffer, and IP65 panels, which were in the Enlite range are now all available under the Aurora brand.

Go Smart for Further Energy Savings

myenergi has published more extensive details about PEN protection and the requirements for installers, which can be found at: www.rdr.link/ek031XXXXX UNIQUE READS

Smart technology will play a big role in the future when it comes to companies managing their energy consumption. Aurora’s AOne is the world’s widest range of smart lighting. Compatible with SmartThings, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant it can easily make any office smart. The AOne covers power, lighting and control, is easy to install and extremely cost effective when compared with traditional smart lighting systems.

Available in more than 70 countries worldwide, Aurora’s trade solutions are the ‘smart’ choice for both electricians and wholesalers alike.

auroralighting.com

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

TRAINING COURSES: ONES TO WATCH

HAMILTON SMART LIGHTING CONTROL CPD Hamilton Litestat has launched a CPD training programme, entitled: An ‘Intelligent’ and ‘Smart’ approach to lighting control.

Accredited by The CPD Certification Service, its aim is to educate about new technologies and help trainees and qualified electrical installers up-skill in the area of smart lighting control.

With technology moving at such a fast pace, CPD training helps to ensure that academic and practical qualifications do not become obsolete.

Hamilton’s CPD focused on smart lighting control is designed to encourage proactive learning, as well as to help identify and capitalise on valuable new business opportunities within the growing smart control sector.

The CPD provides: an overview and history of the lighting control sector, an appreciation of where it can be used, an introduction to smart lighting control and the different protocols currently on offer, the integration of other smart control applications, such as blind control, and an introduction to smart audio control.

Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s Head of Marketing, said: “During its 50 years, Hamilton has played a leading and forward-thinking role in the development of lighting control technologies – from the simple switch through to intelligent dimming and today’s smart controls.

“The CPD training provides details on the latest lighting technology to suit the residential, hotel, commercial and retail sectors, as well as exploring smart audio control solutions too, which are increasing rapidly in popularity.”

The programme, which takes one hour plus questions, is delivered by Hamilton’s knowledgeable staff and can be undertaken at the company’s Bristol headquarters or London showroom. Its training courses held at its Mere facilities in Bristol contribute four CEUs towards the 30 CEUs that CEDIA-certified professionals need within three years.

For more details on the CPD training programme on offer from Hamilton Litestat, visit: www.rdr.link/ek032

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VENT-AXIA NICEIC DOMESTIC VENTILATION TRAINING COURSE Vent-Axia has announced its NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course, held at its HQ in Crawley.

The two-day course is aimed at anyone with an interest in installing ventilation systems, specifically experienced electricians, plumbers, ventilation installers and heating engineers looking to improve their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems.

The course provides the necessary skills in system design, installation, testing, commissioning, handover, servicing and fault-finding of ventilation systems in accordance with the latest National Occupational Standards and Minimum Technical Competency documents. It also looks at legal requirements, why ventilation is important, and the different types of ventilation available. At the end of the course, delegates will have received both theoretical and practical training, including the commissioning of a working MVHR system.

The course is recognised by all Competent Persons Schemes (CPS) within the industry, and it aims to trains installers to safely and competently fit, inspect and test any of the four common domestic ventilation systems: individual extract fans, passive stack ventilation systems, continuous MEV systems and continuous MVHR systems.

Once candidates have completed the course and enrolled with a CPS, they will be able to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

They will also benefit from not having to notify a Building Control Body in advance of doing notifiable work, they just have to notify their work online with the CPS. For more information on how to sign up to the NICEIC-approved training course from Vent-Axia, visit: www.rdr.link/ek033

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

GOOD EGG

W

hat were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, we were a B2B infrastructure specialist, and a large percentage of our work was installing cabling and supporting containment materials. It was a steady and profitable business and we naturally became established as voice and data experts.

This quickly led to bespoke connections and building automation projects.

What challenges were on the horizon?

Feeling like we had cabled half of the UK, building controls and automation were gaining appeal, so we started to install single room solutions. At this point, our preferred solution was built around retrofit wireless lighting. The system used US shape backboxes and needed a central control unit in close proximity. The design was very limiting and, within 10 months, we found ourselves in an awkward

Luke Newland, owner of New Land Solutions, answers questions about how training in KNX building technology opened the door to a realm of exciting residential projects for his company.

position after the manufacturer announced the end of the range.

What prompted you to make the move to building automation?

We were involved in a large project on a listed building that needed a solution to make use of the existing wiring. The design specification also included antique bronze push button switches. After researching and testing many products, we discovered and installed KNX. The project was a huge success and grew to over 400 lighting circuits.

However, we were inexperienced with the vast product range at the time of design and were in desperate need of support. Ivory Egg, our local KNX supplier, came to the rescue. Its friendly services not only included training, but full support and KNX design services.

Having received lots of recommendations from our completed installs, and with our confidence in the products running high, we continued to focus on KNX as our core offering.

any environment (KNX is compatible with other 400 different manufacturers), ● Bus cable system, which can be installed next to the power cabling, ● Advanced heating and BMS controls, ● Completely transparent feedback from KNX devices, allowing for fast and logical fault finding.

Eight years later, our installs continue to grow and we are taking further control of the buildings, including window treatments, energy monitors and replacing large trend platforms. Each emerging building technology trend expands our business, and KNX has been a great success story for us.

Why did you train in KNX rather than other systems?

KNX has many benefits, making it very hard to recommend any other systems.

A few of the positives include:

What advice would you give to other electrical contractors?

My first tip would be to get yourself and your key engineers trained. Ivory Egg provides a range of courses to suit different levels of knowledge and roles within your business. You should also purchase a small system to practice on. Also, don’t be scared of the programming tool. This aspect of early installs is easily outsourced to KNX partners until you are sufficiently knowledgeable and confident to take it on yourself. Finally, research all the KNX products – they have more than one use!

● 25 years of consistency, meaning considerable peace of mind for clients, ● Unlimited options and styles to match

To find out more about Ivory Egg’s range of KNX training courses and dates, visit: www.rdr.link/ek034

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

MYTH BUSTING:

SMART TECHNOLOGY With the smart home market set to grow rapidly throughout the next few years, Lightwave RF sets about busting some popular myths surrounding this emerging sector.

S

mart lighting is the number one category that consumers are looking to invest in after the purchase of a smart speaker – the common entry-level device.

However, growth is not just confined to the retailing of smart

gadgets. Electrical installers could be set to cash in on a growth in demand for tech that requires some professional attention. Once upon a time, smart home installs would have been seen as a specialist job, but now that’s not always the case.

MYTH 1: Smart homes are too complex Historically, yes, this assumption would be correct. However, the days of rack-mounted banks of computers, miles of cabling, and the need for a degree in computer science are firmly in the past. The rapid evolution of the smartphone and wireless technology has revolutionised the way that we can communicate with and control smart devices.

Data cables have been replaced by wireless signals.

MYTH 2: Home automation isn’t affordable Again, this may have been true in the past, as very well established brands don’t come cheap.

But, this space is being disrupted by new retrofit technologies, pioneered by brands such as Lightwave, which are able to enter the market at a much lower cost by simplifying the install proposition without compromising performance.

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Rack-mounted computers have been replaced by smartphones and miniaturised computer chips that are now implanted into individual devices. Most households already have smartphones and/or tablets, along with a wireless network. So, all that is needed is the smart device (typically a retrofittable switch or socket) and, in most cases, a small gateway hub plugged into a WiFi router, to send and receive messages.

MYTH 3: Smart homes require very specialist training When carried out properly, retrofit smart tech means that existing switches and sockets can be substituted for existing ones (or fitted as standard to a new build) without any extra cabling or changes to wiring plans. This means that a competent, qualified electrician won’t need a wealth of training to install what are otherwise familiar trappings of the trade. However, a bit of advice on how to get the best out of new smart functions is perhaps a good idea (for example, Lightwave recommends that installers attend its one-day training sessions to get to grips with all the tricks of the trade). Certsure HTI also provides training for electricians on smart home technology.

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MYTH 4: It’s all about smart bulbs Smart bulbs certainly have a place, and the most popular brand products will perform well whilst providing satisfying results in limited room-based scenarios. However, performance limitations, including wireless range, lack of ability to extend the system and true integration with existing fittings can mean that they are not a serious proposition for the professional smart home installer. Installing switches and sockets with smart tech in-built remains a neater and cleaner way to go smart.

MYTH 5: A lot can go wrong with ‘smart’ installs What about maintenance hassles? Future-proofing? Internet connectivity? Compatibility with other new technologies?

Well, these are always concerns when it comes to the introduction of new technologies, and they remain valid.

However, whilst not eliminating the issues, the move towards simpler retrofit technology is drastically reducing the amount that can go wrong with a smart install.

Intelligible controls – a smart light switch looks very similar to a traditional one – mean that clients shouldn’t be calling up because they can’t understand how to turn their lights on.

Updates and tweaks to clever features, such as timers, grouping and energy monitoring, can be done at home from an App, or by a simple update without the need for a site visit.

MYTH 6: Decent, retrofittable options aren’t readily available With rising demand for smart tech, more wholesalers are beginning to stock these kinds of retrofit devices, so they’re easier to get hold of than ever before. Lightwave has smart home switches and sockets that are now fully stocked in the UK. Lightwave has been pioneering and perfecting retrofit smart devices since 2008, and it offers a path into smart home installation for qualified electricians. There is expert over-the-phone advice on offer, as well as in-person training, for those who are interested.

Lightwave RF has a full array of videos covering smart installation and the best ways to get the most out of its products. To view these, go to: www.rdr.link/ek035

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PAT TESTING: 3 KEY QUESTIONS Darren Bakewell, Applications Engineer at Seaward, answers some of the most common questions from professional electricians looking to carry out PAT tests for their customers’ or their own electrical tools and equipment.

1. SHOULD I BE PAT TESTING MY POWER TOOLS, AND HOW OFTEN?

Working in the electrical sector as we do, we see the need for electrical safety every single day. But even some of us who know what should be done, don’t ensure the safety of the electrical equipment we’re responsible for; electrical equipment should be maintained in a safe condition. Through regular inspections, relevant tests and the keeping of records we won’t only reduce the risk, but also have proof that inspections have been carried out.

Most portable power tools can be tested with a standard Class I or Class II test, depending on the unit itself. Don’t forget to inspect any cordless tools, such as battery powered drills. Although the units themselves may not require testing, they have safety related components, such as guards, which can be checked at the same time. The frequency of the inspection and test should be based on a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and, of course, the battery chargers that connect to a power source require inspection and testing to be carried out in line with the risk assessment.

a connection to earth via the transformer socket outlet, using the test probe. Turn your PAT tester on, and carry out a Class I test to take the transformer through earth continuity, load, insulation resistance and alternative leakage tests. If it passes, apply your label.

Don’t forget to test all sockets on the transformer and plug an appliance into each socket to make sure they're working correctly. It’s also worth remembering that 110V tools need to be inspected and tested in line with the risk assessment and that adaptors can be used to connect them to a tester that may not have a built-in 110V socket.

3. SHOULD I OFFER FIXED APPLIANCE TESTING? HOW EASY IS IT TO CARRY OUT A FIXED APPLIANCE TEST?

2. SHOULD I BE TESTING 110V TRANSFORMERS? AND HOW? The 110V transformer has 230V input voltage and carries risks like any other piece of equipment.

Providing the 110V Class I transformer has passed a visual inspection, plug the transformer into your PAT tester and make

48 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Due to the competence required to safely isolate the supply to the fixed equipment and the higher charges being levied for testing fixed appliances, when compared to equipment connected by plug and socket, the professional electrician might find this an attractive service to offer.

The starting point for testing fixed equipment must be a thorough risk assessment. The inspections and tests that are carried out on fixed equipment are the same as those used for equipment connected by plug and socket, but the key challenges are in the areas of safe isolation and connection to the test equipment.

Once safely isolated you can then carry out a full visual inspection as detailed in the IET Code of Practice 4th Edition. Once visual inspection has been passed, make a temporary connection between the equipment and the PAT tester (best practice would be to use a point-to-point tester). Make sure the correct test connections are in place and there is no risk of shock during the test.

Seaward’s PrimeTest Series is ideal for electricians who aren’t testing hundreds of appliances at a time, but need an easyto-use, accurate PAT tester that can easily handle power tools and 110V transformers.

To download a copy of Seaward's ‘Guide to PAT Testing’ practical guide, go to: www.rdr.link/ek036

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LEADING THE CHARGE! Brendan Beaver, UK Sales Manager for Metrel, takes a look at the options available to installers that want to test EV charging stations.

T

he unreliable charging infrastructure is preventing the EV (electric vehicle) roll out, according to an article in Autocar published earlier this year. This is hardly surprising given the ad hoc manner of the development of the infrastructure and the lack of strategic control in Britain.

Apparently, there are in the region of 28,000 charging stations in the UK today, of which 10,000 are privately owned.

To add an additional level of confusion, there are at least ten manufacturers of vehicle charging equipment approved by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Each manufacturer is required to train electrical engineers on the installation of their equipment, but this can be as cursory as working through a web-based programme and answering some questions.

Meanwhile, the 18th Edition requires that each charging point “shall be protected by either a RCD type B or a RCD type A, and appropriate equipment that ensures disconnection of supply in case of a fault current above 6 mA DC.” From the beginning of this year the 6mA DC fault current protection has been

built in to the charging unit. There is no comment on how this should be tested on installation or how to ensure proper functioning and reliability in the future.

According to a survey run by one of the prominent test instrument manufactures, half of all installers have experienced out-of-the-box failure of new RCDs, so for safety’s sake it is valuable to test newly installed RCD protection.

‘Twixt charger and tester, the interface Strangely, whilst the charging station product market is relatively well developed, the equipment market for testing them is not.

At the last count, few manufacturers have produced interfaces for testing the roadside chargers without opening it up. To aid this process, Metrel has developed an EVSE adapter, A1532, that can interface between any charge point and their own (or any manufacturer’s) tester.

The adapter facilitates the testing of single and three-phase chargers and can test its functionality. It simulates the charging state of the vehicle – disconnected, charge ready, active charging (with and without ventilation) and

pilot error – permitting the system to be tested as a whole, and not just discrete parts. And, because there’s no need to open the box, testing is quick and there are no warranty implications.

Testers – the options Returning to the 18th Edition stipulation, the electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) must be protected by a type B RCD or a type A RCD and something to disconnect the supply when more than 6mA of DC fault current is present.

Any all-in-one tester will test type A RCDs, whilst premium testers will test type B RCDs. Out on their own currently, Metrel’s range of multi-testers – MI3125BT, MI3152 and MI32155 – will test type B RCDs and those that offer a standard 6mA DC disconnection test (classed as type EV RCDs) to confirm all types of charger protection conforms to the 18th Edition.

Furthermore, all three testers are capable of offering a reliable loop test through the 6mA DC protection.

To download a data sheet with more details about Metrel’s A1532 EVSE adapter, go to: www.rdr.link/ek037

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Products IN PRACTICE

Scolmore provides solution to Grand Designs Project Living with a suppressed immune system following a bone marrow transplant and treatment for Leukaemia, Toby Leeming was determined to fulfil his long-held ambition to build his dream family home.

This would require careful consideration, particularly when it came to choosing materials and fittings that wouldn’t compromise his health, and Scolmore’s Mode antimicrobial wiring accessories provided a fitting solution for the electrical installation for his ambitious build. The house was designed to incorporate features beneficial to Toby’s on-going well-being and health. With some 370 square metres of accommodation to contend with, a substantial quantity of wiring accessories was required for the electrical installation.

After much research, Scolmore’s Mode wiring accessories were personally chosen by Toby, specifically for their antimicrobial benefits, and switches and sockets have been installed throughout the six-bedroom, single-storey courtyard house. This included: more than 80 x 13A sockets, 22 x 5A sockets, plus a quantity of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-gang switches, dimmers, new media sockets, shaving sockets, oven switches and extractor fan overrides. For a couple of feature walls, Toby opted for black switches from the Definity range to provide a contrast.

Toby commented: “I had been considering other options to work with the interior décor, such as copper accessories. However, as well as being very expensive, they didn’t provide the crucial protection health-wise that Scolmore’s Mode accessories offered. As well as meeting those vital health requirements, they are very smooth, stylish-looking products that suit everywhere we have had them installed. We are grateful for all the advice and support we received from Scolmore to ensure we selected all the right products for the different functions required.”

All of Scolmore’s white moulded and Mode Part M wiring accessories are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases. All products that were independently tested achieved a 99.9% kill-off rate across all four types of the strains of bacteria – MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella Pneumoniae.

For more information on Scolmore’s Mode range of wiring accessories, visit: www.rdr.link/ek038

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sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

MEGAMAN CAE GLAS PARK Megaman has had a number of its lighting solutions installed at Cae Glas Park. The new lighting design is part of an important refurbishment project in Oswestry, Shropshire, with the focus placed on the public toilets in the park. Highline Electrical, the electrical contractor for Oswestry Town Council, used Megaman’s low-energy lighting solutions to replace the lighting units in the toilets. The new lighting solution emitted the appropriate lux levels, but also helped to significantly reduce energy consumption. The products used were Megaman’s RICO LED Downlights and its FONDA Integrated LED Bulkhead.

Furthermore, the new system was designed to run off a dedicated solar panel, which was installed at the top of the structure. The ease of installation facilitated a quick turnaround for the development team. The project, which broke ground in February 2019, was completed just one month after the units were installed. Andy Vaughan, Director of Highline Electrical, commented: “Thanks to Megaman’s low-energy lighting solutions, the toilets are operating more efficiently, which is helping to reduce the council’s energy bill.” www.rdr.link/ek039

PROLIGHT MONTGOMERY THEATRE, SHEFFIELD Prolight has enhanced the lighting at the Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield, for Splinters Theatre Group’s performance of Sister Act with products from Prolight’s eLumen8 and LEDJ brands used.

Tom Dyson of Tom Dyson Lighting (TDL) added an array of moving heads and battens to improve the show’s backdrop and musical numbers. He utilised numerous eLumen8 Kudos 350ZS fixtures for multiple scenes, including highlighting key actors, set lighting and effect lighting for musical numbers. In addition, LEDJ Pixel Storm 12 Quad MKII Battens were used to create eye-catching effects for the musical numbers, as well as uplighting the back wall of the theatre. The wide, ellipsoidal beam angle made wall-washing easy, covering the 8 x 10m space with an even wash of colour. Tom used these in 48-channel mode, which allowed him to run smooth pixel effects. “The use of the backlight on the Kudos 350ZS moving heads, along with the beam projected, helped create some new and different effects that both myself and the show directors were really impressed with,” he commented. www.rdr.link/ek040

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

DIGGIN’ SOME ‘CERT Reece Fitzhardy gets to grips with Tysoft’s EasyCert Electrical Software.

I

f you work as a professional electrician/engineer, it’s almost a certainty that you’d have encountered some form of electrical certification along the way. And, if you’ve filled these out by hand, you’ll know just how time-consuming they can be.

In recent times, solutions have arrived that have made life much easier for us sparkies, and the EasyCert Electrical Software from Tysoft is a great example of this.

The product does have the option for mobile use, but the version I’ve used for this review is purely the desktop package, which is run on Windows. The software is very easy to use and I had no problems with getting started with it almost immediately.

A whole plethora of pro-forma certificates to cover every eventuality are available to users, with each contained within their own relevant categories to help you find what you need quickly. Options include: Domestic (installation certificate, installation condition report, minor installation works, minor installation multiple works and visual condition report); Industrial & Commercial (installation certificate, minor installation

certificate, minor installation works/multiple works and electrical danger notification); Emergency Lighting (installation certificate, periodic inspection, commissioning modification and verification, and fire extinguisher report); and Solar PV (checklist, client handover, inspection report, verification certificate and small electrical generation commission report).

The main screen is simple to navigate and gives you options to create a new certificate, open an existing one, save one you’re working on, or print out directly.

The website also gives some useful screenshots to help explain this process and what you need to do.

Also included within the programme are sheets of standard devices’ BS/EN numbers, along with capacity ratings/timings, which is particularly handy and makes the need to refer to BS 7176 less urgent.

The software is suitable for both sole traders and larger firms, offering options for different named test engineers who may be

using contrasting sets of kit. This can then be self-authorised, or deferred for signing.

Overall, the real beauty of this system comes in its simplicity. We all understand and recognise the value of having accurate, professional-looking electrical certification, and the EasyCert software allows all sizes of business to achieve this.

Company logos can also be copied to the form, colours set and headers/footers inserted to personalise the certificates even further. There’s even the option to add an electronic signature, if desired.

The process is very easy to follow and, once you’ve entered the required information, you move on to the next page before printing your completed certificate.

I’ve been really impressed by the EasyCert software and the high quality of the certificates available to the end user. I shudder to think about the time I’ve spent manually hand-writing certificates over the years but, thanks to this software, that process is taken care of in half the time. A simple but excellent solution to a task that can be a real headache for electricians, I’d recommend that you give EasyCert a go.

For more details about the EasyCert electrical software from Tysoft, go to: www.rdr.link/ek041

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

STRIP SEARCH Gary Fisher of Lougar Electrical takes a look at the Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper (T1260) from C.K Tools.

M

any years ago, I had a pair of wire strippers that one of my contracting mates kindly let me borrow, but I have to admit that back then I struggled to grips with using them. As such, I was really keen to have a play with the new Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper tool from C.K to see if it overcomes the same issues that I’d encountered all those years ago. I’m very pleased to say that it has…

It’s a simple but very effective device which strips back the sheath and insulation from certain-sized cables – the smaller the cable, the easier the job.

Thicker wiring might require you to revert to the old fashioned way of stripping.

To operate, you simply close the handle, which then grips down on the cable and, in turn, cuts into the outer sheath and pulls that part forward. Depending on how much outer sheath you are trying to strip, you may have to just pull that part off as it strips about half an inch or so. After this, you strip the inner

cores using the same process.

As I was mainly working with twin and earth cables from 1-4mm in size, the wire cutters had no trouble in stripping the outer sheaths, and it was just as easy for the inner insulation as well. I was also working with some smaller flexible cord as well, and this was equally simple.

The wire strippers themselves are very lightweight, made of plastic, and have a very easy action. They might not last as long as a more robust, steel pair of hand tools, so my key advice would be to look after them. However, what I did like about this pair was that you can thread the T&E cable through the middle of the strippers, making this process even simpler.

Before, I had to carry around separate cutters and strippers, but this device does the work of two tools. It does take a little bit of getting used to, in terms of knowing where to position the device to initially strip the outer sheath, followed by the inner cores. Once you get the hang of it, however, it’s an incredibly easy method.

56 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

This tool’s big advantage comes into play with things like second fixings on-site when cables are identical in size, for example, working 2.5 T&E on power outlets and then connections of light switches, and fitments using 1.0/1.5 T&E. It saves on time and labour, and is especially useful for new build properties.

When using individual tools, mistakes can happen – for example, biting into the insulation or into the copper conductor.

There are no such issues with this C.K unit, however, as it helps the operator to limit any common errors.

If you’re in the market for a tool of this kind, then I’d recommend you have a look at these wire strippers. Speaking as someone who’d previously struggled to use other types, I’m now very happy and comfortable using them alongside my other tools on a daily basis.

For more information on the Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper (T1260) from C.K Tools, visit: www.rdr.link/ek042

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Products round up

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Hoodies and Sweatshirts Range Snickers Workwear has introduced a range of Hoodies and Sweatshirts for craftsmen and women. The Full Zip or Overhead Sweatshirt and Hoodie choices can be ideally combined with Snickers’ First and Second Layer Undergarments and can be comfortably worn under a jacket on chilly days. Street smart and great for wearing on-site or for leisure activities, there’s a range of styles and colour options to choose from. The range is made from a durable polycotton fabric for extra ruggedness and has a soft-brushed finish on the inside for extra comfort, plus handwarmer pockets at the front. www.rdr.link/ek043

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC LOK6W Lock-off Device The LOK6W from Martindale Electric is a locking off device for use on Henley and Lucy Service Cut Out fuse carrier holders. It has been designed to restrict finger access to live contacts and prevent the reinsertion of a fuse whilst maintenance is in progress. The extendable design also makes it suitable for larger Red Spot fuse holders rated at 63A and 100A, and other similar designs. Manufactured without any metal parts – to reduce the risk associated with use in live working environments – the LOK6W is constructed from a resilient, flame-retardant blend of Polycarbonate and ABS for high-impact strength and long-term durability. Designed in Martindale’s distinctive yellow casing, the locking off device is quick to install, without the need for any tools. The LOK6W is suitable for use with a wide range of locking padlocks with wire shackles up to 7mm in diameter. www.rdr.link/ek044

PREFECT CONTROLS PrefectIrus System Prefect Controls has announced that its PrefectIrus system has been listed on the Energy Technology List (ETL), which entitles buyers to claim an Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA).

The ECA scheme means that a business can invest in energy-saving plant or machinery that might otherwise be too expensive. The first-year allowances let businesses set 100% of the cost of the assets against taxable profits in a single tax year. This means the company can write off the cost of the new plant or machinery against the business’ taxable profits in the financial year the purchase was made. There are also significant energy savings, as PrefectIrus is a Building Management System specifically designed for multi-occupancy properties, such as student accommodation or hotels. PrefectIrus ensures energy is only used when heating is required; if rooms are empty or windows are open, the system automatically reverts to lower settings. It also controls and monitors humidity, light, CO2, decibel levels and hot water – even alerting management if leaks are detected. www.rdr.link/ek045

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Products round up

CED Meridian LED Track Lighting CED has expanded its Meridian brand with the addition of black fittings to its Track Lighting range. Round, hexagonal and square designs are available in the Track Lighting range – which was initially only available in white – and it all comes in high quality, IP20-rated steel. The range is RoHS compliant and meets BS EN 60598 Part standards. Fittings use GU10 lamps up to 50W, but are designed for energy saving LED options. Single circuit 1 and 2 metre fully-wired track, plus accessories including couplers, single, 3- and 4-way track connectors, end caps, and bends make this range highly flexible and easy-to-install. www.rdr.link/ek046

ARISTON Velis Evo Water Heaters Ariston has expanded its range of electric storage water heaters with the additions of the Velis Evo and Velis Evo Wi-Fi. Boasting an ultra-slim twin tank design for up to 16% more hot water availability, the units are available in capacities of 45 and 80 litres. Designed for use in residential apartments, studios, holiday homes, and glamping pods, the water heaters offer rapid reheat times and are shower-ready in as little as 30 minutes. The Velis Evo Wi-Fi has the added benefit of being controlled through the Aqua Ariston Net App. It enables users to shuffle through modes and turn the unit on remotely, and offers energy savings of up to 25% through daily and weekly programming. Shower-ready alerts are also displayed in the App, as opposed to the Velis Evo units which indicate this on a built-in touch screen. All units are supplied with an unvented kit and have a five-year warranty as standard. www.rdr.link/ek047

UNILITE HL-7R Headlight Unilite has released a new generation of powerful LED headlights – the HL-7R – bringing a perfectly poised combination of power and features that electricians will love. The HL-7R has a sensor mode, enabling it to be turned on/off just by swiping your hand in front of it, meaning you don’t have to fiddle around looking for a switch when both hands are full.

Additionally, there are five lighting modes, with a choice between either a focus or flood light, with one mode combining both together for a 475-lumen burst of lighting power. A lithium battery provides the capacity for such a bright output and this can be charged easily and quickly with a USB-TYPE-C charger. A red to green charge light ensures you’ll always know when the headlight is fully charged.

To download a technical data sheet offering more specs and details go to: www.rdr.link/ek048

SAXBY LIGHTING Trade Essentials Booklet Are you looking for the latest innovative and easy-to-install lighting solutions? Look no further than Saxby’s recently launched Trade Essentials booklet. Including 14 new lines, the booklet gives you a sneak peek at a few gems that are in stock now or available very soon. Saxby’s new signature downlight – the ShieldPRO – features a detachable connector, fast fix connector block and is colour selectable with three colour temperature choices. The ShieldECO range has also had an upgrade, now featuring an anti-glare option without sacrificing any features of the standard ShieldECO range. Of course, you’ll also find a selection of everyday best sellers, ideal for domestic and commercial use, plus the booklet includes products from Saxby’s top categories, including commercial, exterior and recessed lights. A handy reference guide for all your lighting needs – ranging from panels to battens and downlights to lamps – makes this booklet a must-have for any trade professional.

To view a copy of the Saxby Trade Essentials Booklet, go to: www.rdr.link/ek049 60 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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Products round up

TOE GUARD Shoes & Boots Range Part of the Hultafors Group, Toe Guard’s range of shoes and boots delivers great value safety footwear for all kinds of working environments and weather conditions. With an RRP that starts at only £31.45+VAT a pair, this footwear is one of the fastest growing brands in Scandinavia where demands for safety, quality and value keep the brand’s shoes and boots one step ahead of the competition. With a variety of shoes and boots available in the range, every product delivers S3-certified comfort and safety that includes robust fiberglass toecaps, shock absorption, flexible puncture resistant composite plates, ESD protection, oil resistant friction soles, and water resistance. www.rdr.link/ek050

SCOLMORE Hotel Accessories Range Scolmore has added new plates and modules to its hotel accessories range. Illuminated blank modules have been added to the GridPro range, as well as an accessory plate that allows two single modules or a twin width module to be situated next to two GridPro switches in order to build a plate specific to hotel requirements. The illuminated blank modules are available in both red and green and available in all 11 of Scolmore’s finishes.

Also new to GridPro is an illuminated switch locater module, which provides a solution for the location of switches in the dark, such as hotel rooms during the night. There are three new modules available in Polar White and Black finishes with a blue neon indicator. The one and two-way switches illuminate when the switch is in the OFF position and the double pole switches illuminate when the switch is in the ON position. www.rdr.link/ek051

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LUCECO LuxPanel Extra Luceco’s LuxPanel family has recently seen the addition of the LuxPanel Extra. Designed to give optimal lighting for areas using computer screens, LuxPanel Extra is UGR19-compliant for low glare applications and comes with a TPa diffuser as standard. The diffuser has an improved spread of flame rating, whilst the range also has a refined microprism film to reduce the glare with a PMMA Crystal light guide. It offers variants of 50,000 or 100,000 hours of maintenance-free life, and has lumen output alternatives ranging from 2,000 lumens up to 4,200 lumens. The LuxPanel Extra is available as fixed output, DALI dimmable, emergency back-up options, PIR, and LiteIP. It is also available in either 600 x 600mm or 1,200 x 300mm variants. All current LuxPanel accessories will work with the range and it is suitable for 15 or 24mm exposed T-bar ceilings as standard. www.rdr.link/ek052

FLUKE Ti300+ Thermal Imaging Camera Fluke has introduced the Ti300+ professional 320 x 240 resolution thermal imaging camera. The unit has the resolution and accuracy needed to clearly reveal temperature differentials or demonstrate progressive heat changes over time. Equipped with LaserSharp AutoFocus, the Ti300+ ensures focused images every time and enables the user to get clear images whilst maintaining a safe distance from operating equipment. This system uses a built-in laser distance meter which can pinpoint the target whilst the camera focuses on the object. The camera can measure temperatures up to 650°C, is tested to withstand a 2m drop, and has manual or automatic focus. The Ti300+ is compatible with Fluke Connect, which helps to: manage data, capture multiple measurements (mechanical, electrical and thermal), and organise them by piece of equipment into professional reports. www.rdr.link/ek053

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Products round up

RED ARROW Discus Range Red Arrow has announced the Discus range of luminaires, designed to deliver energy, labour, and cost-saving advantages to both the user and installer. The luminaire features a chamfered ultra-thin profile that is only 18mm deep. It can be mounted onto a suspended or monolithic ceiling and wall-mounted, but is also ideal for retrofit applications to replace recessed downlights, thanks to the smart adjustable mounting bracket. The design also facilitates screw fixing, but has retaining springs with slide adjustment to fit any ceiling cut-out between 65 and 205mm. In addition to an 18W dimmable version, the Discus range includes a wattage selectable option. A simple switch behind the bezel trim allows the wattage to be set at 10, 15 or 18W. On top of saving energy, the switch also adjusts the light output. Discus also has the option of an integral PIR motion sensor with photocell override. www.rdr.link/ek054

FINDER 7H Series Panel Heaters Finder’s 7H PTC self-regulating panel heaters help prevent the formation of condensation and ensure optimum temperature within electrical enclosures (with the assistance of 7T thermostats). The 7H has an operating temperature ranging from -45°C to +50°C, allowing flexibility within your control panels.

Furthermore, it has heating power options of 25, 50, 100, 150, 250 and 400W, and a power supply of between 110-230V AC/DC. It also has a 35mm rail mounting with a clip, which is compliant to BS EN 60715. www.rdr.link/ek055

C.K TOOLS Electrician’s Premium Kit Pro The Electrician’s Premium Kit Pro (595008) from C.K Tools is a 25-piece tool kit acting as an all-in-one solution for professional electricians and features the C.K Magma Pro Tool Case Plus. It also includes the C.K Automatic Wire Strippers, C.K Redline VDE Combicutter 3, a selection of Dextro VDE Screwdrivers, plus a selection of other products. The C.K Magma Pro Tool Case Plus provides over 60 vertical storage pockets and holders for easy access and organisation. The case has heavy duty pierce-protected zips and a 100% water- and crack-proof base. There’s also a choice of short carry handles and shoulder straps for easy portability. The C.L Magma Pro Tool Case Plus measures 430 x 280 x 340mm and weighs in at just 2.86kg. www.rdr.link/ek056 64 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

BOSCH 18V Cordless Combi Drill Bosch has introduced the GSB 18V-55 Professional cordless combi drill, offering a brushless motor in the entry-level segment for the first time. With a high level of efficiency, brushless motors are more durable than DC motors and are maintenance free at the same time.

The combi drill has a maximum torque of 55Nm and achieves up to 1,800 RPM. It is suitable for mid-range applications or screw diameters of up to 8mm, drill diameters up to 35mm in wood and 13mm in metal. It also reliably drills up to 1mm in masonry. It is the only cordless combi drill in the entry-level market with a metal drill chuck, ensuring it’s more robust, whilst the two-speed gearbox is also made of metal. The equipment also comes with an integrated work light and a belt clip. Powered by 18V batteries, tradespeople can use batteries between 2Ah to 5Ah to suit their needs. There are 4Ah, 8Ah and 12Ah options available in the ProCORE18V range for jobs requiring longer run-times. www.rdr.link/ek057

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Products round up

LEGRAND IP55-rated Distribution Trunking Following increased demand for a trunking system that is suitable for more challenging environments, Legrand has introduced IP55-rated distribution trunking to its renowned Salamandre range of cable management solutions. Featuring a clear powder coating (CPC), the system offers extended life expectancy over traditional pre-galvanised trunking by presenting greater protection and resistance to corrosion. Salamandre IP55-rated distribution trunking is ideal for external applications, particularly where cabling could potentially be exposed to splashing liquids and dust ingress. For product longevity, there are outward return flanges for greater strength and neoprene gasketed trunking lids. The trunking has achieved 672 hours of performance in a salt spray test in Legrand laboratories and is also independently tested for resistance to fire to BS EN 50885-1:2005. The product features pre-punched lids, shake-proof screws and pre-assembled captive bushes for faster fixing of lids and couplers. All the couplers are supplied complete with all required fixings and earth links.

To download Legrand’s IP55-rated Salamandre distribution trunking catalogue, go to: www.rdr.link/ek058

ARMEG Mag-Bit Multi-packs After the successful launch of Armeg’s 14 Piece Twister Drill-Drive set, the company is excited to announce that the 50mm Mag-Bits are available to purchase in Tic Tac multi-packs. Perfect for use in an impact driver, each Mag-Bit features a strong magnetic collar which locks onto the fastener, holding it firmly in place at any angle for no more dropped screws. A range of Mag-Bit sizes are available, including the electricians’ favourite – PZ2. Each size is packaged in a great value six-piece multi-pack Tic Tac box which can be stacked and locked together to provide a versatile and safe storage solution.

To download a technical data sheet, go to: www.rdr.link/ek060

KNIGHTSBRIDGE 230V CCT Adj Circular LED Panel Knightsbridge has expanded its range of LED panels with the addition of the 230V CCT Adj Circular LED Panel. It is available in four sizes – 6, 12, 18 and 24W – and has been designed to suit multiple applications. It has an adjustable fixing bracket which features fixing clips mounted on a rail-type mechanism. It also allows recess mounting into existing apertures with a cut-out radius anywhere between 55mm to 250mm (depending on the product size chosen). The panel can be adjusted to three colour settings – Warm White, Cool White, Daylight – with the chosen CCT locked in place via a simple switch on the rear of the product.

There are also optional Polished Chrome and Brushed Chrome bezels available that can be easily fitted onto the product thanks to an easy-fit magnetic construction. www.rdr.link/ek059

ARMOUR HOME Premium Audio Installation Solutions Installers and integrators will now have easier access to a comprehensive range of award-winning commercial and residential audio products, as part of a new venture launched by Armour Home. ‘Premium Audio Installation Solutions’ will consolidate a group of leading install products from Armour Home brands, whilst prioritising the customer experience through a new online support service. Premium Audio Installation Solutions brings together the high-quality products previously offered by: Q Acoustics Install (installation speakers for indoors and out), Systemline (single room installed audio), Audica (audio systems for commercial installations), and QED Pro (specialist cables and accessories). The consolidation of these four brands is designed to make life easier for installers and integrators by simplifying the portfolio and providing greater flexibility. This will enable partners to search for, identify, and order a wider range of residential and commercial products quicker than ever before. www.rdr.link/ek061

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Did you know...

C-TEC’s new HAK/1 Hush-ActiV Grade C domestic fire alarm kit is now available?

Designed to lift the level of fire protection in flats, apartments and other residential dwellings, the kit includes everything you need to create a typical LD2 fire alarm system to BS 5839-6 (2019).

Key features include an attractive Central Controller with accessible HUSH and TEST buttons, comprehensive monitoring of open circuit, short circuit, battery and power supply faults and only one rechargeable 72 hour standby battery for the entire system.

Manufactured by C-TEC in the UK, the fact the Controller's HUSH and TEST buttons can be operated whilst standing at floor level also helps facilitate full compliance with the Equality Act.

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www.rdr.link/ek000

Products round up

Outdoor security floodlights are a PIR-fect solution V-TAC has introduced a new range of PRO Series floodlights with built-in PIR sensors. Featuring LEDs provided by Samsung, the new series incorporates security functionalities and outstandingly efficient LED technology for an even greater, high-end performance whilst retaining its competitive specifications to provide sufficient lumens with the proper beam angle required in most outdoor areas.

Adjustable sensitivity, delay and daylight setting: The sensors can be rotated 360° to adjust the scope of detection to the preferred direction. Easy-to-access dials at the bottom of the sensors allow for various settings and adjustments.

Lux setting: The floodlight can be set to switch on/off automatically based on the current natural light available.

Adjustable sensor: For low sensitivity with 2m for detection distance, set the SENS knob to (-); for High sensitivity of up to 8m, set the knob towards (+).

Time delay: Can be set according to the user’s preference to a minimum of 12 seconds and a maximum of six minutes.

Manual override: Can be activated by a series of on/off patterns on the switch without the need for an extra 4th cable. Easy to

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activate on those rare occasions when you need the floodlight to constantly be on.

IP65 body with efficient heat sink: This new series of floodlights are engineered with efficient heat sink vanes to constantly regulate the luminaire’s temperature to optimal levels and ensure a long life span. The airtight, IP65-rated diecast aluminium body also makes the built-in sensors water and dustproof, making this luminaire fully functional – even on very rainy days.

Easy set-up and installation: The series comes with a one-metre flex as standard for quick and cheap installation, avoiding the need for extension and connector terminals. The bracket and rotatable sensor makes it fully adjustable and easy-to-install in any location.

V-TAC’s new PIR floodlight is available in 10, 20, 30, and 50W models to meet any lighting requirements in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It comes with a guaranteed five-year warranty.

You can view the complete range of V-TAC outdoor lighting by downloading the new catalogue at: www.rdr.link/ek063

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Products round up

D-LINE D-Fixings

XCITE EM Bulkhead

The D-Fixing is fire-rated, with the 40mm long shaft and close threads combining to provide exceptional performance.

It is tested and certified to hold D-Line’s Safe-D clips and cable loads up to 970˚C for two hours, even after withstanding stress vibrations and water sprays. The D-Fixing screw threads remain securely embedded with no need for anchors or plastic wall plugs.

The product is ideal for securing D-Line fire-rated Safe-D ranges and other electrical installation equipment in popular substrates – including masonry, plasterboard/breeze-block, concrete, brickwork and wood. www.rdr.link/ek064

With a polycarbonate body and diffuser, the xcite EM bulkhead achieves a rating of IP65, making it suitable for many arduous and external environments. The IP65 rating ensures that it withstands both water and dust ingress that could be encountered in such installations. Its slim robust profile also makes it suitable for areas such as sports, as the unit is able to withstand ball impact without compromise to its crucial operation. The EM bulkhead is available in both maintained and non-maintained modes, thus being suitable for many applications. In the event of mains power failure, the bulkhead will achieve a three-hour duration of escape/emergency lighting. This allows for an efficient, safe evacuation of the building for occupants.

As standard, the EM bulkhead is surface-mounted, though it’s also available with a semi-recessed metal bezel. This allows for alternative install, with connections via rear or end conduit entries. www.rdr.link/ek065

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Products round up

LINIAN caters for your cable fixing needs LINIAN has enhanced its portfolio of 18th Edition-compliant single component fixings, as its three ranges – FireClips, SuperClips and T&E Clips – can now assist you with the installation of even more cable types, including SWA, twin and CPC cabling, conduits, and PVC trunking. LINIAN clips can be used as an anchor fixing for wire suspension rope and stainless steel cable ties. They boast a tensile load of 24kg across the FireClip and T&E Clip ranges and 44kg for SuperClips.

The LINIAN SuperClip, released in March 2019, is a more robust fixing for heavier armoured cables (SWA), grouped, or bunched cables. It is a direct replacement for traditional PVC or metal conduit saddles. Since the introduction of the 18th Edition, it is evident that plastic cleats will no longer suffice in installations. Therefore, the SuperClips provide a versatile substitute and eradicate the need for screws, plugs, and plastic or wrap-around cleats. Plus, the 44kg pull-out force of the LINIAN SuperClip lends well to the suspension of various items from secondary supports for lighting, lighting trunking and other services where it will act as an anchor fixing.

LINIAN developed the T&E Clip to withstand the most difficult fire testing conditions, including mechanical shock, to provide its customers with a robust solution for their installations. The LINIAN T&E Clips for Twin and CPC cabling are available in sizes between 1-10mm.

The design allows the Clips to comfortably sit within PVC mini trunking to retain the smallest of cables and trunking in one swift motion.

LINIAN’s products provide a faster, safer, and simpler installation, and its streamlined product range has a whole host of alternative uses. Suitable for use in all substrates, the versatility of the portfolio means that only one type of fixing is required for a wide range of applications across a project.

For more information on the LINIAN range of single component fixings, visit: www.rdr.link/ek066 72 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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Products round up

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC Test Equipment Catalogue

TIMBERLAND PRO Refreshed Workwear Range Timberland is reinvigorating its workwear range, Timberland PRO, in the UK, including the launch of new products spanning footwear, trousers, tops, jackets, and accessories. All products benefit from the brand’s latest innovations in workwear, such as new fabrics designed to offer optimum durability and comfort throughout the working day. Examples in footwear include Timberland PRO’s Anti-Fatigue Technology, which absorbs shock with each step while returning energy back to the foot in key zones, plus its Independent Suspension Network Technology – a multi-density outsole used in one of the new footwear styles. Clothing technology developed by Timberland PRO includes Rain Repel, a fabric with an outer layer that resists moisture penetration, plus WickWork, which is used in t-shirts to help pull sweat away from the body and move it to the shirt’s surface for faster evaporation. www.rdr.link/ek067

The new catalogue from Martindale Electric is now available. It enables you to find out more about the latest equipment designed to keep maintenance and installation teams safe when working on or near electrical installations. With 16 additional pages for new products, the latest edition includes useful guides and selection tables to find the best test tools for the job.

There is further information on Martindale’s new socket testers, voltage detectors and proving units with unique CALCHECK functions for verifying the performance of 18th Edition testers on-site.

To see a copy of the catalogue, visit: www.rdr.link/ek068

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DIGITAL DIGEST

PE ONLINE'S TOP 5 TECHNICAL HITS OF 2019

S

ervicing all your electrical needs, PE's supporting website is packed with up-to-the-minute, relevant information for our readers. As always, our Technical archive continues to prove incredibly popular, so to celebrate 2019 coming to a close here's our run-down of the technical tips that proved most popular with visitors this year: 1. HOW TO DETERMINE EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE A look at why it is necessary to determine the values of earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for new installations and for those in service that are being inspected and tested to establish their conditions. The article also discusses the use of calculation as an alternative to loop impedance measurement, as permitted by BS 7671. www.rdr.link/ek069

24,451 HITS

brief look at five important amendments to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. www.rdr.link/ek070

16,352 HITS

outlined in BS 7671:2018, then NAPIT has all the information you require in this technical advice column. After all, it is more important than ever for installers to understand the RCD function of RCBOs. www.rdr.link/ek072

10,859 HITS

3. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN THE GARDEN ELECSA offers support and guidance for electrical garden installation, with information on all areas of the process, including what you need to protect against, the regulations that must be adhered to, and the different considerations for buried and surface-fixed cables. www.rdr.link/ek071

13,360 HITS

5. 18TH EDITION: HOW ARE CABLE SUPPORTS CHANGING? Are you up-to-date on the revised 18th Edition requirements regarding wiring system supports and their premature collapse in the event of a fire? If not, the rules are clarified in this informative article. www.rdr.link/ek073

10,525 HITS

2. 18TH EDITION: 5 KEY CHANGES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Need to brush up on your 18th Edition knowledge? Schneider Electric takes a

4. CHECKING THE RCD FUNCTION OF RCBOS If you need a reminder of the necessity for RCD protection, as

HUNDREDS OF TECHNICAL ARTICLES AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON! An archive containing all the technical content that you see each month in PE, plus exclusive online-only articles, can be found at: www.rdr.link/ek074

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digital round-up

IDEAL Industries EMEA launches new website

IDEAL Industries has launched a new website which enables customers to quickly access all product ranges, resources such as videos, brochures and safety datasheets, as well as news about products and services. Brett Smyth, Business Unit Manager for IDEAL Industries, commented: “The website includes our complete product offering listed in ten key areas, so it is easy to find the product you are looking for. It has been designed to ensure that buyers can identify the best product for their specific requirements as easily as possible with a dedicated ‘where to buy’ page that lists our valued distributors and electrical wholesalers throughout EMEA.”

The new IDEAL Industries website is available at: www.rdr.link/ek075

Seaward PAT App now even slicker

Ever turned up to site and been caught out when asked for a copy of your PAT records?

Seaward’s PATMobile App literally puts them in the palm of your hand.

Released in 2014 as the world’s first ever mobile PAT testing App, PATMobile is now even slicker, with a makeover and some improvements to the App’s user experience.

When used alongside Seaward’s PrimeTest range of manual PAT testers, the App gives users the tools to scan barcodes, take photos, store PAT test results, print labels and generate PDF reports on the spot; options usually reserved only for those with downloadable testers.

With the ability to print labels via Bluetooth and generate professional looking PDF reports or CSV files, the App is the perfect companion for electricians looking to increase their PAT testing offering. Built-in calculators for risk assessments and cable resistance, and the ability to take photos for inclusion in reports mean that PATMobile isn’t just a tool for storing electrical test results, it enables better management of the entire testing process, including risk assessment and visual inspections.

The PATMobile App is available for free download on Android from Google Play.

To find out more about the PATMobile App and Seaward's PrimeTest range, go to: www.rdr.link/ek076

Rointe unveils multi-national website

The new site from Rointe, designed for both customers and professionals alike, combines user-friendly information with tools and resources to ensure the right heating system is selected.

For example, the new heating calculator means the correct size is selected for installation, ensuring the best consumption for the space required. The site also includes various points of contact for customers if they have queries and the new Live Chat feature can provide quick information from the Rointe team in real time.

The site not only features the usual product information, but also dedicated sections for Projects, Professionals and Rointe’s new CPD offering for RIBA and CIBSE members. It also offers a rich library of downloads (manuals, catalogues, technical sheets etc.) alongside videos, calculation examples and BIM files.

Laura North, Marketing Manager for Rointe, said: “It has made it easier to showcase our innovative ranges, alongside practical tools that customers need, like registering products for guarantees and purchasing products directly from our site.”

To see the redesigned website for yourself, visit: www.rdr.link/ek077 76 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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Vent-Axia announces Knowledge Hub App

Vent-Axia has launched an App to provide comprehensive product information at the touch of a button. The Knowledge Hub App offers quick and easy access to a whole host of information, including: product brochures, datasheets, technical manuals, Building Regulations, downloadable leaets on condensation, mould and indoor air quality, and ventilation guides.

The App offers users up-to-the-minute product information thanks to quick and immediate updates each time users log on. This means that, unlike printed materials such as brochures, the Knowledge Hub will not go out-of-date.

It is available on iOS and Android platforms, whilst an in-App menu allows users to choose from three categories: brochure, datasheet or manual. Each subsequent visit from the user to the App will result in an alert if documents have been updated. Documents can then be shared immediately via Airdrop, email etc. The App also allows the user to bookmark documents so they can be sorted to meet the user’s requirements.

Knowledge Hub allows access to product information even when users are offline, which is essential for installers who often have poor or non-existent internet access when on construction sites.

To download the iOS App, visit: www.rdr.link/ek082, or for Android, go to: www.rdr.link/ek078

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VIDEO WATCH

Aurora Lighting

Introducing the mPro Fire Rated Downlight One of the latest additions to the Aurora Lighting stable is the mPro Fire Rated Downlight.

This fixed, integrated, fire-rated 6W LED downlight features a unique convertible design to fit ceiling voids as shallow as 47mm. A miniaturised NanoDrive power supply is incorporated within the unit, which is available in 2700K, 3000K and 4000K. Impressively, mPro delivers up to 107lm/W, making it one of the most efficient fire-rated downlights on the market. Interchangeable bezels are available in White, Matt White, Polished Chrome and Satin Nickel colour variations, while the FastRFix rapid install system connector is also included for faster installation.

The product is rated to 30, 60 and 90 minute fire ceilings.

This recently released video offers a quick look at all of the features and benefits available from the range.

To view the video go to: www.rdr.link/ek079

C-TEC

WORTH A LOOK!

Hush-Pro Fire Alarm Solution Marketing Manager, Andy Green gives a quick demonstration of C-TEC’s Hush-Pro Grade C fire alarm solution for flats and apartments and explains how multiple stand-alone Hush systems can be interfaced to a communal fire alarm system to enhance the Stay Put policy.

www.rdr.link/ek080

Snickers Workwear

Discover AllroundWork Trousers (6251) These quality loose fit trousers from Snickers Workwear are designed for comfort and mobility during intense work. In this promotional video you'll learn more about the full-stretch material and soft fabric used to provide extra comfort, and you can also witness the Holster pockets that offer convenient storage for tools and equipment.

www.rdr.link/ek081

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CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A SOCIAL SNAPS!

Pete (via Facebook): Here’s a plug-top that someone had wired to an 8-gang trailing socket. It was plugged into a regular socket outlet, as the RCD protected socket below it was tripping (rightly so) every time anything was plugged into the trailer!

Wayne (via Facebook): Discovered this in a loft space trying to find a no continuity fault on the ring main. This is where the 'electrician' has spurred off for the boiler! The same installation contained about 30 spotlights, all with the cpc cut out.

Peter Beale (via Facebook): What a crispy state behind this light in a bathroom – no earth, singles running through the loft for the fan.

I wouldn't like to imagine what could have happened had this been left on overnight.

Ben East (via Twitter): That will be why the electrics keep going off!

This has been tripping a 6A mcb and the main elcb on the house electrics periodically.

Stirling Electrical (via Twitter): The hidden dangers of poorly terminated cables on low voltage downlights. This was smouldering away in a roof void on halogen lights in a family home!

Roger Jones (via Twitter): When long screws aren’t an option!

80 December 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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ADVERTISER INDEX Aico Ltd........................................................................... Page 22

Lightwave ....................................................................... Page 65

ALL LED Ltd ................................................................... Page 32

LINIAN Supply Co Ltd.................................................. Page 77

Ariston ............................................................................. Page 39

Logic4training................................................................. Page 81

Aurora Ltd ...................................................................... Page 65

Manrose Manufacturing.............................................. Page 74

Brother UK Ltd............................................................... Page 67

Megger Ltd .................................................................... Page 28

CED ................................................................................... Page 71

Metrel UK Ltd................................................................. Page 57

Consort Equipment Products Ltd.............................. Page 81

Mitsubishi Motors .......................................................... Page 15

C-TEC Ltd .................................................................. Pages 7,79

ML Accessories Ltd .................................. Inside Front Cover

DANLERS Ltd.................................................................. Page 81

Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd .................................................. Page 16

D-Line (Europe) Ltd ....................................................... Page 13

PASS (Portable Appliance Safety Services) Ltd ... Page 78

Draper Tools Ltd........................................................... Page 78

Philips .............................................................................. Page 49

Electrium Sales Ltd.................. Page 54, Inside Back Cover

Prefect Controls Ltd ..................................................... Page 74

Electrorad UK Ltd ........................................................... Page 11

Rointe UK........................................................................ Page 43

ELEX................................................................................. Page 68

Saxby Lighting................................................................ Page 19

Elite Security Products Ltd......................................... Page 67

Schneider Electric ........................................................ Page 59

Emelux Lighting Equipment....................................... Page 78

Scolmore International Ltd......................................... Page 34

Energenie ....................................................................... Page 58

Seaward Electronic Ltd............................................... Page 44

Engex................................................................................ Page 18

Super Rod Ltd ............................................................... Page 63

Ford Motor Co Ltd .......................................................... Page 6

Test Instrument Solutions Ltd ................................... Page 35

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd .................................... Page 73

Trade Skills 4U .............................................................. Page 77

Gira.................................................................................... Page 31

Tungsram UK Ltd ......................................................... Page 62

GreenBrook Electrical plc ........................................... Page 61

Tysoft Software Ltd....................................................... Page 81

Hamilton Litestat........................................................... Page 53

V-TAC UK Ltd .......................................... Outside Back Cover

Hultafors Group UK Ltd................................................. Page 4

Webfleet Solutions ...................................................... Page 50

IDEAL Industries Networks Ltd ................................... Page 9

Wiha Tools Ltd............................................................... Page 47

LEDVANCE Ltd.............................................................. Page 74

Wise Controls ................................................................. Page 81

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