Professional Electrician & Installer March 2021 by Hamerville Media Group

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TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

MARCH 2021

BUSINESS ADVICE ARE YOU READY FOR THE IR35 TAX LAWS?

SANITISING SOLUTIONS HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SAFE ON-SITE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: TECHNICAL INSIGHTS | NEW PRODUCTS | INDUSTRY NEWS | PRIZE DRAWS AND MORE…

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Total Average Net Distribution: 64,012 Certification period 1 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

March 2021 Volume 37 No.3

Regulars 5 7 20 29 32 60 72 75

VIEWPOINT NEWS CODEBREAKERS DR. ZZEUS NEW MADE 2 MEASURE PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE CAUGHT ON CAMERA CAPTAIN C-TEC

News & Views 13 How do we tackle the ‘silent pandemic’ affecting construction? 14 The latest updates on Electrical Safety Standards in the PRS

Special Reports 16 Are you prepared for the IR35 tax laws?

How will the Amendment 2 changes to section 433 affect surge protection requirements?

18 How can we improve the levels of competence post-Grenfell?

Products & Business Solutions

Technical & Training

39 We get the opportunity to try out the TIS MFTPRO-EV testing kit

23 How to choose the correct consumer unit blanking plates

40 Is your SRCD protection up to standard?

26 What’s involved with the Experienced Worker Assessment?

42 How the use of UV-C sanitisers can help keep your employees and customers safe from viruses

30 Functional testing: what is required?

44 Getting the lowdown on NAPIT’s latest publication for installers

34 Amendment 2: changes to section 433

47 What price the correct face and eye protection?

36 Why training establishments and product suppliers form the ‘ideal’ partnership

51 We take the new hybrid version of the Ford Transit Custom for a spin

52 A new van alarm system to deter opportunist thieves

The ‘ideal’ partnership?

36 Competitions & Giveaways 48 WIN A CLC tool bag to be won 67 WIN Get your hands on a C.K Sure-Drive Socket Set Hybrid Ford Transit Custom: road-tested

54 Does our industry need to get ‘smart’ if we're to achieve net zero carbon targets? 57 Why electricians have a role to play in improving ventilation and air quality

The deadline is coming for the PRS

62 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

51 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 3

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Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk Editorial Assistant PATRICK SWAN email: pswan@hamerville.co.uk Digital Manager REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk 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. © 2021

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available. Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 9 Solar fitting © Kalou1927 Pg 13 Mental health care © Sewscream Pg 14 April calendar © CN0ra Pg 14 Inspection © Vitalii Vodolazski Pg 16 Tax law © Mongta Studio Pg 17 IR35 graphic © Optura Design Pg 18 Fire safety © AStockPhoto Pg 23 Consumer unit © Stephen Davies Pg 26 Female electrician © Auremar Pg 34 Lightning strike© ThomasEder Pg 35 Client talks © MakiBestPhoto Pg 54 Digital home © Jirsak Pg 55 Fitbit watch © Kryunchka Yaroslav

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Editor’s Viewpoint

Strength in numbers can champion change It's pretty clear that with ambitious Government plans to meet 'net zero' targets in the near future, and a business landscape that could be altered permanently in the post-COVID recovery phase, each and every industry sector will need all the help it can get in terms of the strategic direction it takes and the execution of the plan. Many minds are better than one, after all. With that in mind, the electrical industry has made some positive steps in it's journey for change following news that it will have strong representation within a newly formed group that will share a common goal: to support the delivery of a safer, more productive and sustainable UK built environment. The alliance brings together the leading trade, technology, research and professional bodies within the engineering services sector and will lead the sector’s response to the Building Safety agenda and post-COVID Green Recovery, providing direction and championing the wider industry culture changes needed for their successful delivery. Among the eight organisations, each of who bring a broad range of technical, practical and commercial expertise to the table, are ECA and SELECT, who will no doubt provide a strong focus on the interests of the electrical sector and its custodians. The electrical industry is, at times, criticised for being too insular in it's dealings, so to be able to pick the brains and share ideas with the likes of The Building Engineering and Services Association (BESA), The Building Services Research and Industry Association (BSRIA), The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) and The Scottish and NI Plumbing Employers’

Federation (SNIPEF) is something that I'm sure will be hugely beneficial to the electrical sector over time. There will be an awful lot of discussion around creation and implementation of new technologies and ideas, so to have an inside track on where things might be headed and how electrical industry professionals can prepare for those changes is going to be extremely valuable in the future. Speaking of change, as we went to press this month news was just breaking of Certsure's decision to 'retire' the ELECSA brand, with members encouraged and supported to transition to the NICEIC brand (which will become Cersture's primary brand) over the next 18 months. Certsure's reasoning for the announcement seems sound – a sensible way to centralise resources (inspectors etc. that work on behalf of both brands currently) and a chance to concentrate/focus energies on one single brand, so as to improve consumer awareness in the future. One concern that will always arise when a significant brand is removed from the market or acquired by another company is the effect this will have on 'choice' for the end users – in this case, electricians. A single organisation monopoly of any kind is never a healthy thing in any market sector, so as long as the electrical industry continues to have at least two competitive (separate) organisations working to provide and improve the CPS system, we'll have a healthier landscape than many other sectors. We'd love to hear your views on ELECSA's retirement, or anything else you want to get off your chest this month. Email your thoughts to: pe@hamerville.co.uk Enjoy the issue and have a good month,

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 5

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news @proelectrician

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

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

ELECSA brand to be retired by Certsure Certsure has announced plans to retire the ELECSA brand from all of its schemes. The step, which will see ELECSA customers transferring to the NICEIC brand over a period of 18 months, is a pivotal move for the organisation as it seeks to strengthen its position as a leading certiﬁcation body for the building services industry. Kevan Parker, Managing Director of Certsure, said: “This is the start of a process of working with our ELECSA customers to move them seamlessly to the NICEIC brand. “Historically we've operated the two brands both wedded to our core values of delivering technical excellence and raising standards. However, our assessment processes and the assessors who deliver them are the same. So too is the customer service and technical helpline teams that work behind the scenes.

“In addition, we know that veriﬁers and consumers have tremendous awareness of the NICEIC brand and thus we want to focus our resources and attention on just one brand.” He continued: “Customers who are registered with ELECSA will be contacted six weeks prior to their renewal date. In this discussion they will be invited to transfer and will be walked through the support available. “We will work with our customers to understand how it will affect them and our aim is to make the transfer as seamless as possible. If ELECSA customers want to move across sooner, we will help with that process. “We know that customers from both

ELECSA and NICEIC may have queries about the announcement, so we have set up a ‘frequently asked questions’ page on our website to support them. Our team is also on hand to answer queries directly.” Kevan concluded: “As we begin this process, we look forward to continuing to work together with customers – and continuing to ensure the technical integrity of the profession.” VISIT THE ELECSA FAQ PAGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY001

Free training guide for tradespeople launched A new guide providing tradespeople with training tips and practical business advice has been created to help those who are out of work or are looking to develop their existing skill-set over lockdown. The resource has been published by heating and utilities training provider Skills Training Group and also contains a detailed breakdown of the existing support packages which are available to people across the UK. The shortage of tradespeople has been a well-documented problem for a number of years now with a report into employer skills finding 43% of vacancies in skilled trades are as a result of skills shortages. As a result, the need for existing tradespeople to expand their skill-set has perhaps never been greater than it is today. While some people have remained busy during this third lockdown others have seen work drop-off, meaning they have more free time to invest into their professional development. Skills Training Group’s resource provides people with tips on a wide variety of topics – from gas safety to digital marketing – and even highlights the several upskilling opportunities which exist. Commenting on the release of the guide, Mark McShane, MD of Skills Training Group, said: “The last year has been extremely difficult for all of us with the latest lockdown hitting us particularly hard. Many tradespeople are once

again faced with increasing challenges as a result of the restrictions which have been imposed. “We hope the guide can help people develop their existing skill-sets and support them through these challenging times.” DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY002

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

Scolmore expands technical engagement team Scolmore has strengthened its ranks with the appointment of Jake Green as Technical Engagement Engineer. Jake joins from Certsure (NICEIC/ELECSA), where he worked alongside Head of Technical Engagement, Darren Staniforth, in a number of roles covering technical training and presenting. Together with Darren, Jake will be responsible for engaging with professional contractors and electricians to advise and educate them on the right solutions and products to meet the ever-changing regulations and technical requirements of the industry. He will also have a key role to play in developing and presenting training content across Scolmore’s social media channels, including the SGTV YouTube channel – a key conduit for communicating with industry influencers. Marie Parry, Group Marketing Director at Scolmore Group, said: “For Scolmore, contractor engagement has a vital role to play in helping us to gain constructive insight into how contractors like to work, the issues they face and what they need to help them do their work in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way. “It is valuable feedback from contractors working on the job

and often in challenging environments that helps to drive the new product development programme. With Jake’s training expertise and experience working with contractors over the years, he has all the right skills for this new position.”

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

UK skills-base ‘ill-equipped’ for Net Zero targets Almost half (48%) of electrotechnical and engineering services employers have said there is ‘insufficient training’ available to enable electricians and other installers to deliver the technologies necessary to achieve Net Zero Carbon. The Skills4Climate industry report, which surveyed a range of businesses in the electrotechnical and engineering services sector, showed that despite overwhelming support from respondents (88%) for a green UK economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis, a quarter (25%) said they would struggle to find workers with the necessary ‘green’ skills to meet demand. The report highlights the need for more effective collaboration between installers, manufacturers, the education and training sector and Government agencies to deﬁne and deliver the low carbon skills necessary for Net Zero Carbon. Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Employment & Skills said: “Despite a powerful consensus in favour of transition to a low carbon economy, skills policy and delivery in this area remain sub-optimal, with insufficient engineering services sector input and buy-in. “A more inclusive and strategic approach is required to encourage more engineering services employers to upskill their

current workforce to deliver a low carbon revolution, and to recruit and train the next cohort of school leavers for secure and meaningful careers for the future.”

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

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

SELECT joins appeal to withdraw Reverse Charge VAT legislation SELECT has once again joined forces with more than 40 contractor and trade association members in writing to the UK Government demanding the withdrawal of proposed Reverse Charge VAT legislation. It is the second time the influential trade bodies have felt the need to press the case for a rethink with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, MP, in the absence of a reply to a detailed argument that was sent to him in a letter dated December 20th 2020. The latest appeal, sent earlier this year, reiterates the fact that Reverse Charge VAT will restrict cashflow in a vital and socially contributory industry, especially to the smallest firms, at just about the worst possible time. The letter, led by the Federation of Master Builders, again emphasises that the policy – due to come into force from the beginnng of this month – risks

reversing what modest recovery the industry has made from the pandemic and will limit the scope for protecting and creating jobs at a time when the country needs this most. VAT reverse charging means that businesses which are both VAT and Construction Industry Scheme registered will no longer pay VAT to most of their subcontractors. Instead, VAT will only be paid to ﬁrms which supply only labour (employment businesses) and to the merchants and businesses that sell building materials only without any ﬁx.

Knightsbridge helps the homeless

SELECT and the other trade bodies argue that their member companies are already subject to independent scrutiny which limits fraudulent behaviour, and the introduction of Reverse Charge VAT unfairly penalises those that pay their VAT and comply with their obligations.

Were you a winner? We had a great response to our December issue prize draws, with some lucky winners now chosen by the companies in question.

Knightsbridge has donated a percentage of sales revenue from its weatherproof range to Signposts, a Dunstable and Luton charity dedicated to supporting the homeless in the company’s local area. Signposts doesn’t simply provide accommodation to its clients: it offers a wider range of support that seeks to holistically address the causes and consequences of homelessness, such as social isolation, mental ill health and substance/alcohol abuse, through a strengths-based approach which includes learning, sharing, developing and using skills. The donation will be used as a starting point to set up ‘Knightsbridge bursaries’, a service that relieves the stress of electricity, gas, and food costs for people who have come into accommodation directly off the streets. 10 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Ideal Industries Tool Bag: Lee Barbet, Three Swords Electrical, Haverhill Metabo SpeedMAXX Screwdriver: Tony Porter, Lyons Electrical, Kent Brocket: Stephen Prior, Oakamoor; Steven Astbury, Leicester SolderM8: Gordon Howe, Nuneaton; Mark Eaves, Lutterworth; Mike Terry, Kent; Martin Wright, Swinford; Ali Charlton, Cardiff; Euan Orsborn, Southampton; Colin Nelson, Walsall; Michael Hillsley, Mansﬁeld; Gary Goodman, Coventry; Dennis Tebbs, Lincs Timeguard Smart Switches: Andy Snell, Northwood; Tracy Jenner, Aldershot; Ryan Purnell, Lincs Builder's Tea Box Tea Making Kits: George Neil, Wigan; Ian Buckingham, Norwich; Brett Killpack, Cornwall VIEW AND ENTER THIS MONTH'S PRIZE DRAWS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY003

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COMMENT

HOW DO WE TACKLE THE 'SILENT PANDEMIC'? Amid rising rates of suicide and mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, many construction firms have stepped up to boost mental health support for their employees. Paul Reeve, Director of CSR at ECA, highlights the magnitude of the problem faced by the industry.

n average, two construction workers take their own lives every working day, and 20% of all work absence in the sector is attributed to poor mental wellbeing. The pandemic has further ampliﬁed the factors adversely affecting mental health and we now face an additional ‘silent pandemic’ threatening the lives of owners, managers and other workers.

Business presssures In the months before the first lockdown in March of last year, a survey of construction and engineering services business owners revealed that nine out of 10 suffered mental health issues due to business pressures – including depression, stress and even suicidal thoughts. Of all the respondents, four said they'd attempted suicide. In the past year however, some engineering services businesses have taken huge strides to address mental ill-health. A recent COVID-19 Impact survey commissioned by ECA showed that nine out of 10 large electrical and other engineering services businesses (89%) now train staff as Mental Health First Aiders. Philip Hamblett, Contract Manager at N Smith Electrical, was one of the first to take the Mental Health First Aider course delivered by ECA. Over the past year, 20 of the firm’s employees were furloughed. On their return to work, Philip spoke to each person individually. He said: “A lot of younger staff communicate by text rather than speaking with people. This isn't good if they have an issue concerning them, as they don't tend to discuss it. “By meeting them separately, it gave

me the chance to check they were OK and to discuss any concerns about the pandemic – be it working on-site and ensuring site safety, or discussing the loss of a friend or loved one.” Almost half of those responding to the survey mentioned ‘communication’, or ‘workplace stigma and perceptions’ as challenges to managing mental health. Around a third of respondents referred to the difficulty of measuring outcomes, both in terms of improved mental health and return on investment. Mark Lawrence, CEO of engineering services business TClarke, said: “We've embraced well-being and mental health awareness. We still have a predominantly male working population and death and ill-heath due to mental stress in construction overall is far too high. “As a result, we've teamed up with a business called Green-Hearts Mindfulness and Meditation to roll-out courses, seminars and training. Among other things, this shows that there's someone here to talk to. And there’s been some interesting journeys: some people have shared their stories with us, helping others to open up as well.” The coronavirus crisis worsens

isolation, longer hours and increased job uncertainty. Reﬂecting these increased challenges, it's encouraging to see that large contractors reported signiﬁcant and increasing engagement with employee mental health.

GET SOME SUPPORT If you're struggling with mental health issues of any kind, support services are available for electrical industry professionals through the Electrical Industries Charity.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT EIC'S MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY004

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 13

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COMMENT

THE DEADLINE'S APPROACHING Charlotte Lee, Head of External Affairs at NAPIT, provides an overview of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, and how to remain compliant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ith the April 1st deadline approaching for all homes with an existing specified tenancy required to have in place, or to have carried out, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) which has been completed by a qualified and competent person, the restrictions faced by many due to COVID-19 have caused some concern for landlords and letting agents regarding compliance. These concerns have been exacerbated by the latest National Lockdown, which was announced at the beginning of January and, at the time of writing, is still in force. The Regulations make it clear that every electrical installation in the residential premises must be inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding five years, and if the resulting EICR is found to be 'Unsatisfactory' then remedial and further investigative work needs to be completed within 28 days of the report being carried out. An Unsatisfactory EICR is one which has Observation Codes C1, C2 and/or Further Investigation (FI), which indicate an electrical danger is present, or further work is needed to ascertain whether a danger is present.

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A Satisfactory EICR has observation Codes C3 or no other observation codes. A C3 observation is given when the safety of an installation could be improved if an update was made to the electrical installation, but as it stands the electrical installation isn’t unsafe. Landlords aren't required to take any action to rectify C3 observations, but they may choose to do so. Unforeseeable circumstances The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 were published in January 2020, when the impact of COVID-19 was unforeseeable. The nationwide restrictions have made complying with these Regulations more challenging than was intended, due to restricted access to homes, shielding, isolating and anxiety. However, the safety of people in their homes is paramount, with Government making it clear that all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the electrical safety of privately rented homes. This is set out in Part 3, section 5 of the Regulations. The Government has also made clear that during the current National Lockdown, those who can't work from home (including those in construction) can go to work, meaning that electrical contractors are still able to undertake electrical inspection, testing,

installation and remedial work in dwellings. That being said, the Government has published specific Guidance for Local Authorities on the enforcement of standards in rented properties, which states in relation to the Electrical Safety Regulations: “A landlord would not be in breach of the duty to comply with a remedial notice if the landlord can show they have taken all reasonable steps to comply.” It goes on to say: “A landlord could show reasonable steps by keeping copies of all communications they've had with their tenants and with engineers as they tried to arrange the work, including any replies they've received. Landlords may also want to provide other evidence they have to prove that the installation is in a good condition while they attempt to arrange works.” With the aforementioned in mind, landlords and letting agents need to remain focussed on doing all they can to ensure any property with an existing specified tenancy has an electrical inspection and test carried out or in place for compliance with the Regulations before April 1st. They should, however, be comforted by the Government Guidance which provides a reasonability clause to prevent landlords from facing enforcement action when they've done all they can to comply.

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SPECIAL REPORT

ARE YOU READY FOR IR35?

With the new IR35 rules governing the use of freelancers and contractors expected to come into force from next month, Claire Halle-Smith, partner at law firm Wright Hassall, is urging businesses to start preparing to ensure compliance.

cross all sectors, businesses have traditionally used the services of self-employed contractors, freelancers and consultants to complement their permanent workforce, especially during busier periods when extra help is needed. For contractors or client companies with freelancers on their books, these rule changes should already be on their radar, with the updated rules likely to impact the way services of such contractors are purchased from April 6th. How we arrived at this point Previously, contractors and the client companies using them, were able to enjoy signiﬁcant tax advantages by providing their services via an intermediary – usually a personal service company (PSC). However, HMRC ruled that PSCs were speciﬁcally being used as tax avoidance vehicles, which led to the implementation of the off payroll working rules (IR35) in 2000, designed to address ‘disguised’ employees. In 2017, the IR35 rules were amended. Public sector organisations were made responsible for determining the employment status of those they contracted via PSCs and for paying the income tax and NIC for those deemed to have employee, rather than self-employed status.

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From April 6th, this requirement is being extended to large and medium-sized businesses in the private sector. What now for employers? All client companies in the private sector will have to comply, unless exempted, by meeting at least two of the following criteria: 1. An annual turnover of less than £10.2m, 2. Balance sheet total of less than £5.1m, 3. Fewer than 50 employees Non-exempt organisations must determine the nature of the employment relationship they have with their contractors. This has proved key in a number of recent challenges brought by HMRC, and the four main principles on which the relationship will typically be judged are: 1. Control What control do you have over the contractor? (e.g. what, how, when and where they work) 2. Substitution Can the contractor substitute a suitably qualiﬁed person to act in their place? 3. Financial risk How much ﬁnancial risk is borne by the contractor?

4. Mutuality of obligation Are you obliged to give the contractor work and are they obliged to accept any work you give them? (HMRC's online test to check employment status, CEST, doesn't consider Mutuality of Obligation, assuming that it exists in every contractor engagement). Having assessed the employment status of their contractors, the organisation must issue them a ‘Status Determination Statement’ (SDS) which confirms whether the contractor is genuinely self-employed or now considered an employee, giving reasons for the determination. HMRC will deem the client company liable for tax and NI contributions until the contractor (and agency or other organisation that contracts with the client company) is told of the status determination and reasons for it. When the contractor is deemed to have employee status, subject to tax and NI contributions, both parties will need to consider how to deal with the additional tax cost. Companies must ensure their systems are structured appropriately for IR35 and create a system for addressing any challenges raised by contractors in terms of the employment status determination, with legal advice a helpful step in getting things right.

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Client companies are liable for tax and NI contributions until they tell the contractor and the person the contractor contracts with, of its determination and the reason for it. HMRC shows no sign of softening its stance towards those it suspects of tax avoidance and it will be learning from experience to improve its future success rate in court. Don't be tempted to bypass IR35 by other means and treat any advice to implement a tax avoidance scheme with considerable caution, as most don't work and don't have HMRC’s blessing. If you’re unsure about any of the rule changes and require legal support to ensure compliance, then contact an experienced team of lawyers to adjust your processes accordingly. Drawing the right conclusion If your organisation is actively employing the services of contractors or you're a freelancer providing services to businesses,

either directly or via a PSC, then it's in your best interests to brush up on the IR35 rule changes and review the terms of any existing engagements thoroughly.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT WRIGHT HASSALL AND ITS TAXATION SERVICES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY005

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SPECIAL REPORT

IS THE INDUSTRY ON IT'S BEST BEHAVIOUR?

With fire safety still high on the agenda in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Tim Benstead (Benstead Associates) in association with Trade-Docs, explains why a focus on 'behaviour' (when considering individual competence) will have positive long term implications for the electrical installation sector.

henever a signiﬁcant tragedy occurs, it's right that Government instigates a review of what happened – what were the reasons for the tragedy, what should be learned as a consequence, and what changes must occur to practice and culture? Dame Judith Hackitt issued an interim report in December 2018 and addressed a series of shortcomings of the construction industry, building owners, regulators and Government in relation to high rise residential buildings (HRRBs). These shortcomings were:

There are, however, lessons that can be applied to all dwellings. A culture change cannot happen within one area of the building industry and not spread further aﬁeld. A typical dwelling may not fall within the remit of the Hackitt report, but those working within HRRBs will also be working, at times, in other types of dwelling. What lessons can be learned that will make all dwellings safer and avoid the ‘race to the bottom’ that too often occurs? The report highlights those things that work against good practice. These are as applicable, to a greater or lesser extent, to single dwellings as well as HRRBs and complex buildings:

● A need for a culture change, with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built, ● The current system in place for ensuring ﬁre safety in high-rise buildings is not ﬁt for purpose, ● A clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to must be created.

Ignorance Regulations, standards and guidance exist that are, too often, not read and/or not properly understood by those who are involved with the design, installation, certiﬁcation or maintenance of the system.

This article isn't about HRRBs specifically, but will consider the first of these shortcomings – a need for a culture change – as it relates to the general culture within the building industry. Building a safer future The final report from Hackitt (Building a Safer Future – Independent Review of Building Regulations & Fire Safety) highlights certain key issues that underpin the system failure within HRRBs and complex buildings that led to Grenfell.

18 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Indifference For many businesses and individuals, the ‘race to the bottom’ in terms of cost and quality is apparent. Some believe that a standard is a maximum, something to aspire to, rather than a minimum expectation. The questions are often: ‘How quickly can things be done?’ or ‘How cheap can this be?’ This will, of course, impact upon the safety and quality of dwellings. Lack of clarity Where does the responsibility

for aspects of the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance lie? This lack of clarity is exacerbated by the level of fragmentation within the industry. Who is accountable? Regulatory oversight There's inadequate regulatory oversight and rarely are companies or individuals prosecuted. Based on these issues, a Competence Steering Group was created to work across the industry to create an overarching system for setting and overseeing standards of competence as they relate to ﬁre safety.

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Setting the bar The ‘Setting the bar’ report is a response to the Hackitt report and seeks to answer the challenges raised regarding the lack of consistency in assuring the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours of those working in HRRBs. The report was borne out of work carried out by a number of working groups, populated by people from across industry. As stated earlier, to look only at those parts of the industry that work within the HRRB sector, and only require the levels of competence to apply to them, is to fail to learn the lessons that Hackitt highlights. The industry must look for maximum application, not minimum expectation. Therefore, the lessons learned will be applicable across the wider industry. Working group 2 considered the competence of installers as it relates to buildings’ overall fire safety strategy. The recommendations detailed for installers are: ● The industry should adopt a framework for all sectors and the framework should consist of: ● Accredited third party certification of companies ● Level 2/3 qualification for all individuals ● A card scheme ● Regular CPD to demonstrate ongoing training and personal development ● All installers to have core knowledge of fire safety in buildings, with standardised, mandatory training ● Those installer sectors that currently don’t have the aforementioned must develop such a framework

The practical guide to GRADE-D Fire Alarm Systems – available soon.

● Standardised terminology across the sector ● Industry-wide CPD refresher training programme(s) ● Ongoing work for the working group exploring competence systems for designers and task supervisors. The issue here is that the recommendations of the report dealing with the work of Working group 2 doesn't address behaviours. What is it that makes a properly trained, adequately skilled, ‘competent’ person fail to do that which they know to be right in a particular circumstance? Built environment – overarching framework for competence of individuals The British Standards Institute (BSI) has instigated a proposed framework for competence in a draft standard, BS 8670. This ‘standard’ is only in draft form and subject to signiﬁcant change, no doubt. It's clear, however, that a serious attempt is being made to address certain core issues. The core objectives highlighted are:

● To drive adoption of more consistent good practice in development and use of competence testing across the built environment, ● To enable consistent and objective assessment of different sector-specific competence frameworks against common criteria by regulators, clients and employers, and ● To enable requirements to be set for behavioural competence and building safety to drive improvements in culture and competence for all those working in the built environment. The draft standard goes on to describe specific objectives and core requirements. It also highlights specific behavioural competencies to be included within any definition of technical competence. There's a clear recognition within BS 8670 that an understanding of behaviour is part of the necessary mix when considering competence and, without that, a culture change won't happen. Conclusion Over the next few years, all sectors of the building industry will be forced to address all aspects of competence, including: technical knowledge and skills, experience, and behaviours. It is the last of these that will receive the most attention. GET MORE DETAILS ON 'EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GRADE-D FIRE ALARM & FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS' AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY006

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THE

CODEBREAKERS DAVE BRABANTS: WE FOUND THIS UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS WHILE BREAKING DOWN A REFURB JOB! I’m guessing this was an honest mistake on the part of the original installer. The same person may not have completed the first fix, and the circuit may have been left to extend to another point after further building (but was forgotten about and left), and then the end of the cable was connected to a socket-outlet as if it were in circuit. To be fair, if it was a radial circuit, the test should have been carried out at the furthest extreme of the circuit, and at that point, the fault should have been found. As it was energised, we can assume that the initial verification inspection and tests weren’t carried out correctly, if at all. Either way, the reel has been left energised, and where the cable is attached to the reel at the factory, usually by bending it around an anchor eyelet, the conductors are very often exposed. As we don’t expect the cable on a reel to be energised, the potential for harm if someone were to have accessed it and picked it up could lead to a potentially fatal electric shock; remember, the pick-up area of the reel would be directly where the exposed conductors are. As there is no electric load on the cable on the reel, there isn’t likely to be a build-up of heat from the cable being coiled up, so I do

not see this as an issue here. In the wrong scenario, this could easily cause a catastrophic injury to a tradesman (not necessarily an electrician) and that is unacceptable. We have a responsibility to ensure we are all safe on-site, and that most certainly extends to other trades. I feel, therefore, that the only way to code this is with a C1.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be. Cable reel connected to an energized socket-outlet circuit, leaving exposed live conductors at reel handling point

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134.1.1, 134.2.1, 416.2, 526.5 (i)

Updated 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.

20 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

020_PE_MAR21_Layout 1 02/02/2021 01:29 Page 21

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

IAN LUFKIN: THIS WAS FOUND ON A RECENT EICR. THE NEW SPLIT LOAD CONSUMER UNIT WAS FITTED WITH NO LABELLING OF ANY TYPE AND THE ELECTRICIAN OBVIOUSLY COULDN'T GET THE RHS RCD TO SET. THEY DECIDED TO DISCONNECT IT, REMOVING (BUT LEAVING) ALL THE CONNECTING LINE AND NEUTRAL CABLES IN THE UNIT. THE MOST WORRYING PART WAS THAT THIS PERSON REMOVED THE INTERCONNECT LINE CONDUCTOR FROM THE RCD BUT LEFT IT ON TOP OF THE UNIT, AS THEY NEEDED TO POWER THE SECOND RCD! There are several issues to look at here, so I'll work through them in no particular order. Firstly, an RCD has been purposely disconnected, leaving circuits that may require additional protection without that. Secondly, the connection to the second RCD is still live as it's a manufactured connector and has been left on top of the first RCD, leaving accessible and unsecured live parts. Even though this infringement is in an enclosure that should only be accessed by an electrically skilled person(s) after isolating the supply, it could still pose a threat and should be coded accordingly. Thirdly, the Neutral connector for the first RCD is disconnected from the Neutral marshaling bar and from the RCD, essentially leaving a floating cable (capable of causing a shorting hazard) inside an area with live terminals. Although unlikely in many cases to be a concern, in this instance and with the state of the install, we must look at the overall risk and code accordingly. There could be other issues here, but then I feel the list would be too long for this column to cover, and so I have confined my observations to the Inspector's main query. Incoming tails look to be a little strained, and the number of cables fed from each CB looks suspect and in need of attention. All in all, the shameful thing here is that the CU was probably replaced to increase the safety of the client, when in fact, it has probably detracted from it and made them less safe.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be. RCD designed for additional protection has been bypassed, possibly leaving circuits without additional protection

411.3.3,411.3.4, 411.4.5, 415.1

Unsupported and unterminated RCD Connecting Live conductors not installed taking account of manufacturer’s instructions

134.1.1, 416.2.1(i), 526.1, 526.5 (i)

Loose RCD Neutral conductors inside consumer unit, possible shorting hazard, not installed taking account of manufacturer’s instructions

134.1.1, 527.1.1

The 18th Edition Codebreakers publication is priced at £17.99* (members) or £19.99* (non-members). Hard copies and digital issues are available. * Prices exclude VAT, postage and packaging

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

CONSUMER UNIT BLANKING PLATES

The technical team at NICEIC & ELECSA provide guidance and advice when choosing the correct type of blanking plates to use on domestic consumer units.

he aim of this article is to assist the contractor when selecting appropriate types of blanking plates to be used in domestic consumer units, so that Regulation Group 416.2 – Barriers or enclosures is met. It also provides guidance on the recording details to be used where a non-compliance with Regulation 416.2.1 is identified during a visual inspection as part of a periodic report. Introduction In the case of consumer units that comply

with BS EN 61439-3: 2012 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, they’re intended to be operated by ordinary persons. As such, they’re not typically fitted with any type of locking mechanism for the front lid as shown in Fig 1. To gain access to the fuses or circuit-breakers, the lid is easily lifted without requiring the use of a tool or key.

accommodate any future work. Where extra circuit-breakers are not fitted, leaving gaps in the opening, and live parts contained within are accessible and uninsulated, a blanking plate as shown in Fig 1 must be fitted. However, where the internal bus-bar(s) are insulated and there are no exposed hazardous live parts accessible to the touch, a blanking plate is not strictly

Protection against electric shock Typically, a new consumer unit is provided with a full complement of circuit-breakers, any that are unused are normally marked as spare ways to

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 23

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

International Protection (IP) code Regulation 416.2.1 requires the insulating barrier to have a degree of protection to IPXXB or IP2X.

Fig 1: Typical metal-clad consumer unit used in domestic premises necessary. The insulation on the bus-bar provides the provision for basic protection under normal conditions and as such acts as a barrier (416.1). Regulation 416.2.1 states that where the lid of a consumer unit or other such enclosure can be opened without the use of a tool or key, there shall be a secure barrier preventing persons coming unintentionally into contact with live conductive parts. The degree of protection for the insulating barrier shall be to IPXXB or IP2X, and shall be sufficiently secured as to need a tool or key for removal. Manufacturers of consumer units produce a range of different styles of blanking plates which can be of metal or plastic construction. There is no regulatory requirement for the blanking plates to be of metal construction, since they are intended to be mounted inside a consumer unit, with a closed lid, which should comply with Regulation 421.1.201. The illustrations in Fig 2 show some of the more common types of blanking plates in use today. Blanking methods of the type shown by a) and b) cannot be removed without

first removing the cover plate of the consumer unit. This would require the use of a tool, invariably a screwdriver. The blanks shown should satisfy the requirements of Regulations 412.2.2.3 and 416.2.1 and provide unskilled persons with adequate protection against the risk of electric shock, when lifting the lid to re-set circuit-breakers or replace fuses. However, whilst the clip-in blanking plate of Fig 2c) does not require the use of a tool to place it into position, it does require a certain degree of force to ensure both top and bottom clips are securely located, and an almost equal amount of force is required to remove the clip. Where the clips of the barrier plate shown in Fig 2c) are worn, damaged or loose and no longer provide a secure fit, they should be replaced with those supplied by the manufacturer of the consumer unit to maintain the required degree of protection against unintentional contact with hazardous live parts. The use of insulation tape to secure loose blanking plates or for the sealing of gaps within the front cover is not considered acceptable in providing suitable protection from contact with live parts.

Fig 3: Comment given for a non-compliance detected

24 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

IP2X – this defines the degree of protection required to prevent access to hazardous live parts with fingers and to protect the equipment inside the enclosure against the ingress of solid foreign objects. Protection against the ingress of water is not required. Full details of the testing criteria can be found in BS EN 60529: 1992+A2: 2013 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code). Basically, to verify there can be no contact with hazardous parts, there should be clearance when a test finger of 12 mm diameter has penetrated 80 mm deep into the enclosure. A second check is made to verify that it should not be possible for solid foreign objects, spherical in shape and larger than 12.5 mm in diameter cannot fully penetrate the enclosure at any point. IPXXB – this means protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and water is not required and access to hazardous live parts is protected for incidental contact with fingers. The test for compliance is made with the standard test finger as for IP2X. Periodic inspection Where a non-compliance with Regulation 416.2.1 is detected during a periodic inspection, and it is the considered judgement of the inspector that the use of simple blanking plates is inadequate, the inspector must clearly state the Regulation pertaining to the non-conformance. The inspector should describe the risk presented to the user of the installation within the Observations and Recommendations for actions to be taken of the Report (for example Part 6 of DPN18).

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a) This dummy circuit breaker clips onto the DIN rail of the consumer unit

b) This metal barrier is fixed onto the front cover by twisting into position

c) This barrier clips into the consumer unit cover plate

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Fig 2: Typical example of blanking plates in common usage On the Schedule of Items Inspected, a suitable code would be entered under the heading: 4: Consumer unit(s) / Distribution board(s); 4.3 Condition of enclosure(s), in terms of IP rating. The actual code entered would be based upon the risk presented to the users of the installation. Where it is found that there are lids and/or blanks missing and direct contact with live parts is possible, the risk of direct contact may require a Classification code C1 and possibly, issue of a danger notice. Such a potential risk of electrical shock would need to be rectified and made safe upon discovery. However, where a blank is missing or appears inadequate, but it is not possible for persons to come into contact with live parts, then no code need be issued. A comment will need to be provided to clarify the Classification code given. Such a comment with details may be something similar to that shown in Fig 3.

What are the best financial and technical justifications for replacing large scale installations of fluorescent lights with LED equivalents? I work at a large college and this is a question I'm asked frequently.

LED lighting is increasingly being seen as critical in helping to improve environmental footprints and to reduce energy consumption. As a result, we expect the LED market to continue to grow significantly in 2021 and beyond. There's been a sharp fall in LED prices in recent years, as volumes have increased. Today there are LED replacements for virtually every traditional light fitting available. This makes replacing large scale installations a cost-effective and straightforward process. The case for LEDs versus fluorescent lights is a strong one. Lighting technology has come a long way in the last decade and LEDs are fast replacing conventional lighting. They provide a higher quality light, increased energy efficiency, reduced heat, zero UV emissions and require less maintenance. Retrofitting LEDs in place of an existing commercial lighting system can be a practical and less disruptive option, as well as considerably cheaper than installing a brand new system. It will reduce ongoing running costs, while saving money on annual maintenance, as LEDs have a much longer lifespan. Check out the ‘Tool Kit’ feature on the Scolmore Group App and access the Ovia Lighting Cost Saving Calculator to see cost and energy savings across the product range. Thanks to Dave Headdon at Headdon Electrical, for this month’s question. A special edition Ovia travel mug is on its way to him!

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Summary The fitting of appropriate blanking plates in consumer units is usually necessary in order to comply with Regulation 416.2.1. Preferably, the blanking plates should be of the type requiring a tool or key to remove them. However, this doesn’t preclude the use of clip-in types often provided with new consumer units, providing they have been fitted in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and provide a secure barrier to the live parts inside the enclosure. The blanking plates need not necessarily be manufactured out of steel; they can be of plastic construction. It must be borne in mind that protection against fire propagation is provided by the non-combustible enclosure of the consumer unit in accordance with Regulation 421.1.201. Where non-compliance is detected during a visual inspection as part of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, an appropriate Classification code pertaining to the level of risk is entered and details provided for actions to be taken.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT NICEIC REGISTRATION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY008

01827 300 640 ww w.oviaUK.com www.oviaUK.com

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

GOING FOR GOLD?

The team at The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) explain more about the process involved with the Experienced Worker Assessment and why it has been introduced to the industry.

t’s long been a talking point across the industry that not all electricians are qualified to the same level – some will have completed an apprenticeship or gained a Level 3 NVQ, while some have a range of theory-based certificates. There will be many who genuinely thought their college course led to ‘qualified’ status, only to find it didn’t. Others, worryingly, have undertaken short courses before putting themselves on the tools. Unfortunately, as the electrical industry isn't one that is centrally regulated, the fact that anyone can call themselves an electrician is a continual source of angst for those who may have trained via the ‘proper’ routes and those needing to recruit genuinely qualified electricians. As an industry we can either complain about unqualified electricians indefinitely, or try to do something about it.

A solution to the issue To help address the situation, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has launched the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) for those who have been working as an ‘electrician’ for a

26 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

number of years, but have never gained the full Level 3 qualification. The EWA is based on the same content as the electrotechnical apprenticeship, so new entrants and existing workers are being assessed and accredited against the same industry standard, creating a level playing field for all those becoming qualified. Importantly, the EWA recognises your existing qualifications, skills and experience so you’ll only need to fill in any gaps. What does the EWA entail? To complete the whole assessment, you’ll need to gain the Experienced Worker Qualification, and also take the AM2E Assessment, which mirrors the AM2S assessment taken by apprentices at the end of their training. The Experienced Worker Qualification comprises six Level 3 practical performance units, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and the Level 3 Initial Verification Unit. How does it work? This isn’t a route for new entrants. You need to have worked in the industry full time for typically five years or more, because you're required to demonstrate

comprehensive knowledge and practical skills which is equivalent to the Level 3 apprenticeship in order to qualify. 1. First you need to complete a Skills Scan – this is essentially a self-assessment process that maps out what skills and knowledge you should have already, to work out if the EWA is right for you. 2. If you proceed, you need to contact an EWA training provider accredited by City & Guild or EAL, to register and start the assessment process. You should provide them with the Skills Scan that you’ve completed. 3. The training provider will first go through a process called ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ – this is where your existing qualifications, skills and experience are assessed against the EWA qualification criteria. For instance, if you already hold the BS 7671 and Initial Verification qualifications, you won’t need to repeat these, making for a shorter overall assessment process.

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4. You’ll then fill in any gaps needed to complete the Experienced Worker qualification. This will be done via a combination of on-site assessment, portfolio building and (if required) undertaking the BS 7671 and IV qualifications. The price and duration of the Experienced Worker Assessment will be adjusted to reflect the elements you require. 5. Once you’ve gained the Experienced Worker qualification, you’ll need to undertake the AM2E Assessment at an independent NET centre. Once you successfully gain the AM2E, the Experienced Worker Assessment process is complete. Upon completion of this process, you’ll then meet the criteria for an ECS gold card application.

When is it not the right route? If you’ve got significant gaps in your technical knowledge or practical skills, this isn’t the right route for you. The Skills Scan maps out exactly what level you should be working at and also covers the skills that you’ll need to demonstrate in person during the AM2E Assessment. Candidates need to be realistic – don’t tick ‘Adequate’ or ‘Extensive’ in the Skills Scan if you know you don’t have the breadth of skills or knowledge in a particular area. When it comes to taking the practical AM2E assessment, you’re unlikely to pass. What are my other options? You might need to undertake some further training or study to fill any knowledge gaps. Make sure that any training or qualifications can be recognised against the EWA requirements. If it’s likely to take at least 12 months to gain sufficient practical experience,

consider an apprenticeship. There are no age restrictions, and any training and the cost of the AM2S will be funded. If you can’t get an apprenticeship, think about whether it’s possible to gain the experience by taking on different tasks at work – talk to your employer about possible options. If you’re self-employed, consider whether it’s possible to broaden the work you undertake to fill the gaps. Whilst the ultimate industry goal is for all those working as an electrician to be fully qualified, we also need to recognise that this isn’t currently the case. The introduction of the EWA brings a new solution for those who want to have their skills and experience recognised, so they can become fully qualified in the eyes of the industry. DOWNLOAD THE SKILLS SCAN AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EW ASSESSMENT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY009

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 27/01/2021 11:33 Page 1

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Dr. Zzeus

IN THIS BRAND NEW REGULAR COLUMN, ‘DR. ZZEUS’ TOM BROOKES, md of zzeus training and CHAIRMAN OF THE FSA, WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS RELATED TO FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE. THE FIRST COVERS COMPETENCE... I'm a time-served electrician with 18th Edition and City & Guilds 2391. Am I, therefore, classed as competent to install and maintain fire alarm and detection systems? There's been more written on competence of engineers since the Grenfell fire than any other topic. The best starting point for any electrician is to consider what the BS7671 IET wiring regulations say about fire alarms. BS5839 is highlighted at least seven times in BS7671, however the two most important are in Scope 110.1.3 where it states that “in certain circumstances BS7671 may need to be supplemented by other standards – one of these is (v) Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings”. Chapter 56 SAFETY SERVICES goes an important step further for electricians and electrical contractors. Clause 560.10 within safety systems states that “fire detection and fire alarm systems shall comply with the relevant parts of BS5839 series”. It's crucial for electricians to be aware of these clauses – most have at least the 17th (if not the 18th) Edition wiring regulation exam under their belt, passed by City & Guilds or EAL awarding bodies. You have no excuse for not using BS5839 for fire detection and alarm systems, the document you have passed the exam on states it quite clearly.

So, where does this leave an electrician? Firstly you must have access to a copy of BS5839-1 or part 6, depending on if you're working on non-domestic buildings (part 1 needed) or dwellings (part 6 required). The competent person clause is the same in both standards, and what it states is extremely important for anyone signing any certificate for a system to BS5839. BS5839-1 Clause 3.12 states: “A competent person is someone with relevant current training and experience, with the access to the requisite equipment and tools and information, and able to carry out the defined task”. For an electrician, this means you must have had training on the current version of the standard BS5839-1, plus training on the equipment you're working on and have experience with it. The second part states that you must have the requisite equipment and tools to carry out the specific task. An example would be the correct detection testing equipment, as specified by the manufacturer of the detector. There's a recent claim where a contractor tested multi-sensor detectors with a decorator’s heat gun, damaging 125 detectors that he's now having to replace at a cost of £11,000.

Training Whilst the standard only specifies relevant current training, post-Grenfell working groups were set up after Dame Judith Hackitt’s report. The recommendations have been sent to Government, one of which is that it is recommended that fire system technicians and engineers have a Ofqual approved Level 3 qualification for in-scope buildings. I would advise anyone looking into fire detection and alarm system training to ensure it leads to a Level 3 qualification, as that way you'll be ahead of the recommendations. There are a few options to gain a Level 3 through some of the trade associations such as The British Fire Consortium and commercial training companies like ZZEUS Training. In a court, be it civil or criminal, you may have to justify how you conform to the competent person clause. DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED? EMAIL YOUR QUERIES TO: TOM@ZZEUS.ORG.UK GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ZZEUS TRAINING AND THE RANGE OF COURSES ON OFFER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY010

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 29

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

FUNCTIONAL TESTING: WHAT'S REQUIRED?

unctional testing is one of the sequence of tests for initial veriﬁcation and included for periodic inspection and testing. BS 7671:2018 requirements under Regulation 643.10 for functional testing is often misunderstood in that it only covers the simple operation of checking that devices are able to be switched on and off. In reality, the operation known as ‘functional switching’ can be described as normal control and operation for electrical equipment.

Requirements for functional testing Although not specifically mentioned as functional testing in Part 1 of BS 7671:2018, it mentions operation of devices for a variety of purposes, such as emergency control, disconnecting devices, switches and isolation. Initial verification under Regulation 134.2.1 places a duty on the skilled person to ensure that the requirements for BS 7671 are met and appropriate certification is issued. Further details are within

Chapter 64 and Chapter 65. Definition Part 2 provides definitions within BS 7671. Although not a definitive list, we do have functional switching which states “An operation intended to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ or vary the supply of electrical energy to all or part of an installation for normal operating purposes.” Although not fully explaining functional testing, as part of the requirements for Regulation 643.10, it does indicate that the switching is part of the testing regime to ensure for initial verification that the switches and controls that are part of the installation and operate correctly under normal conditions. Maintainability Chapter 34 requires that the person responsible for the operation and/or maintenance should be consulted to ensure that an assessment is carried out on the frequency and quality of such maintenance.

Fig : Examples of isolators

30 March 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

NAPIT’s Chief Technical Officer, Frank Bertie, discusses the process of functional testing and what is required. This requirement has the effect on the designer/installer/inspector to ensure that the appropriate selection, installation and verification is carried out at each step to consider the effect on the expected life of the electrical installation. Failure to carry this out can lead to a shortened lifespan for part, or the whole, of the electrical installation. Functional switching Chapter 46 covers functional switching, which includes isolation and switching and for any such devices, the requirements of Chapter 53 that apply to the functioning of the device have to be met. Functional switching, as described under Regulation 463.1.1, can be provided for sections of the installation that require to be operated separately from other parts of the installation. Such devices don't need to switch off all live conductors, although neutral conductors can't be used in a single-pole switching device. Regulation 463.1.3 has provisions for each item of equipment and shall be

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protective devices, a circuit-breaker and a fuse, where the circuit-breaker satisﬁes all of the requirements of Table 537.4 including functional switching and a fuse which can only be used for isolation purposes. For socket-outlets with different current ratings, although all can be used for isolation, only those not exceeding 32 A can be used for functional switching and not for emergency switching.

Table 1 - Types of functional switching

MANUAL

AUTOMATIC

Light switches

Thermostats

Switches on socketoutlets

Passive infrared sensor

Integrated switches on equipment

Time switches

Contactor or relay buttons

Float switches

Inspection and testing Within Chapter 46, Regulation 461.1 has the provision that for each type of device they have to meet the intended function(s) where they're provided for isolation or switching, in compliance with Chapter 53. To that effect, functional switching is included within the inspection schedules and checklists listed in Part 6 and in Appendix 6 of BS 7671. Regulation 643.8 covers additional protection, this provides the requirement for confirming the effectiveness of the RCD using a suitable test instrument which includes functional operation. This has various aspects where the correct disconnection of the RCD is in the permitted time and that the operation provides isolation of all live conductors, including the neutral where required. The final operation of the RCD test button is another functional test that is required to be carried out during initial or periodic inspection and testing. Although a fairly new development, Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) can have a manual test button which would also have to be verified under functional testing. Verifying the presence, condition and correct operation in accordance with BS 7671 for the devices such as switchgear, switch fuses, circuit-breakers, RCDs and isolators, is part of the

controlled by an appropriate functional switching device, although this also includes a single device to control several items of equipment. Functional switching devices can be a manual or automatic operation and can control the current-using equipment without necessarily opening and closing the contacts. This places a restriction on certain switching operations, such as the use of semiconductor devices. While they're suitable for functional switching, they can't be used for isolation purposes, as described in Regulation 537.2.2. Table 1 and Fig 1 show examples of the types of functional switching devices. Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring Chapter 46 provides details of the requirements for isolation and switching and Chapter 53 covers further requirements for protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring. Between both of the chapters they go into detail of the nature of the functional switching. To meet the requirements for the various functions, Table 537.4 in BS 7671 lists the range of devices, the product standards they have to comply with, and which operation they can be used for. Table 2 shows the difference between

Table 2 - An extract from Table 537.4 in BS 7671 DEVICE

STANDARD

ISOLATION

EMERGENCY SWITCHING

FUNCTIONAL SWITCHING

Circuit-breaker

BS EN 60898 BS EN 60947-2 BS EN 61009-1

YES YES YES

Fuse

BS 88 SERIES

YES

Device with semiconductors

BS EN 50428 BS EN 60669-2-1

NO NO

YES YES

Plug and socketoutlet (≤32 A)

BS EN 60309

YES

Plug and socketoutlet (≥32 A)

BS EN 60309

YES

Fig : Standard RCBO requirements of Regulation 643.10. Remember, when completing the inspection schedule for initial or periodic inspection and testing, we're confirming that each of the devices are performing to the requirements of BS 7671. Conclusion It's essential when carrying out initial verification or periodic inspection and testing, which includes functional testing, that we have an understanding of the purpose and application of all devices installed within any electrical installation. This includes the correct classification of operation for the devices. NAPIT has several publications that cover the requirements of inspection and testing; these are available in both printed and electronic format via the online NAPIT Direct store.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY011

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN March 2021 31

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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 ask: I’M LOOKING FOR A SIMPLE TESTER TO HELP ME IDENTIFY LIVE CABLES AND FIND CABLE BREAKS. WHAT CAN YOU SUGGEST?

Megger says: Non-contact voltage indicators are very useful devices that, in most applications, will do exactly what you want. Some of them also offer valuable extra features. The new Megger VF5 AC non-contact voltage detector, for example, has both low voltage (12 – 1,000 V) and medium voltage (100 – 1,000 V) detection ranges. In addition, it has a bright white LED torch built in and an additional LED torch at the detector end. When the VF5 detects an AC voltage, the tip LED changes colour, an audible sounder operates and the whole detector vibrates, which is very useful if you’re working in a noisy environment. As well as detecting AC voltage – at, for example, socket outlets, switches, circuit breakers, fuses and luminaires – the VF5 can easily identify cable breaks. When working on any live system safety is key, and the Megger VF5 has a leading CAT IV 1000 V rating. It also has an IP67 ingress protection rating. Another alternative is the Megger VF6 EX. This has all the same features as the VF5 but is ATEX approved so you can use it in hazardous areas such as garage forecourts, petrochemical plants and gas platforms. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT MEGGER'S RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY012

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

AMENDMENT 2: CHANGES TO SECTION 433 Kirsty Johnson, Technical Sales Director at Surge Protection Devices, discusses the proposed changes to BS7671 Section 433, and how this will affect the requirements for surge protection.

or those of you that read my article in last month's issue, you'll have learned that Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition regulations has provided quite a few proposed changes around surge protection. One area which will see signiﬁcant alterations is section 433, which discusses the regulations surrounding the application of surge protection to different installations. The 'shall' regs The current edition of BS7671 has the following regulations under 443.4: “Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage could: i. Result in serious injury to, or loss of, human life ii. Result in interruption of public services and/or damage cultural heritage iii. Result in interruption of commercial or

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industrial activity iv. Affect a large number of co-located individuals” Whereas the proposed Amendment 2 would have this regulation read: "Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage could result in: i. Serious injury or loss of human life ii. Signiﬁcant ﬁnancial or data loss" Note 3 includes electrical safety systems associated with safety services as defined in part 2 of BS7671. BS 7671 defines safety services as: “An electrical system for electrical equipment provided to protect or warn persons in the event of a hazard, or essential to their evacuation from a location” On the surface, those reading these

changes may feel that this is a 'back-track' on the use of SPDs from the wiring regulations committee, but in reality, it doesn’t really change the installations that regulation 443.4 applies to. The proposed Note 3 would mean that an installation with a safety service, i.e. a fire alarm panel, would need to be protected from overvoltage. Realistically, an installation that would require SPDs under the original version, is still likely to require SPDs under the proposed amendment. For instance, an installation that would fall under the original point of resulting in interruption of commercial or industrial activity, would likely still come under the regulation for significant financial loss and protecting safety services. Under the new amendment, there is more emphasis on a discussion with the end user, which is explained in Note 4 (we'll discuss this in more detail later in the article). So, under these proposed changes, an electrical designer would now only need

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any other relevant parties such as the installation owner or end user, to determine what is considered to be intolerable, or in the case of single dwelling units, to determine the total value of loss.”

decide if any of the circuits on the distribution board could cause injury or death or could lose the client money or data at an unreasonable amount for the client to accept, which could potentially make the decision a simpler and easier-to-remember process for the designer. The risk assessment There aren't any significant changes under the proposed Amendment 2 on the risk assessment. So, for all cases, other than covered under 443.4, the risk assessment shall be performed to calculate the risk of damage from an overvoltage from atmospheric origin. Single dwellings are an exception to this (as covered later in the article), although it's worth referring to the proposed regulation 443.4.2 at this point, as the risk assessment only calculated the risk of an overvoltage from an atmospheric origin, not from switching events.

Single dwellings For domestic installations, there's a slight change in the wording around the installation of surge protection. The current edition reads: “Protection against overvoltages is not required in single dwelling units where the total value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify protection.”

“Protection against overvoltages shall be considered in the case of equipment likely to produce switching overvoltages or disturbances exceeding the applicable rated impulse voltage of equipment”

the risk assessment method, consideration must be given to sensitive equipment, where overvoltage protection may be necessary. Note 4, as previously mentioned, encourages discussion between the electrical designer and the client to ensure that no unacceptable losses occur from overvoltage. This is where it would be recommended to ask about any specific sensitive equipment that you may not be aware of inside the installation.

Therefore, under the proposed Amendment 2 of BS7671, if you do use

“Note 4: A discussion will need to take place between the designer, installer and

Proposed regulation 443.4.2 states:

The proposed statement also includes a note: “Protection against transient overvoltages is not required for single dwelling units where the total value of loss therein does not justify such protection.” “Note 5: In practice, most single dwelling units will have equipment rated to overvoltage category level i and/or ii connected to the ﬁxed installation. This equipment, therefore, is potentially at risk from the effects of transient overvoltages.” Under these proposed changes, although the regulation itself is largely unchanged, the appearance of Note 5 indicates that most domestic installations would benefit from the installation of an SPD. Again, referring back to Note 4, this should be discussed with the end user to evaluate if the risk of damage to equipment is acceptable for your client. Obviously, we're currently working with the 'proposed' changes and things may possibly change slightly by time of publication, which is due in March 2022. In the meantime, if you're interested in free CPD training on all things surge protection related, you can register directly through our training academy.

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

THE IDEAL PARTNERSHIP

Brett Smyth, General Manager EMEA of Ideal Industries, looks at why supplier/training partnerships are crucial to harnessing product loyalty and innovation in the future.

any electrical supply chain companies invest in training their own team, but for Ideal Industries, training also forms part of a deeper commitment to the sector and our company’s business development strategy. We know from experience that the products and brands electricians use when they're training are often the products and brands to which they remain loyal throughout their careers. That’s one of the reasons why we've developed a knowledge partnership programme with colleges and training providers. It allows us to contribute to training the next generation of electricians and enables us to introduce them to the benefits of our products early in their careers. We're currently investing heavily in developing a virtual reality platform that will enhance the training support we can offer and enable more training electricians to experience our products using innovative technology.

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When looking at our latest training provider partnership, early career doesn't necessarily mean school leaver trainees. In addition to working with a number of colleges, we've developed a partnership with a not-for-proﬁt training provider in Widnes, Cheshire. Trade Training UK specialises in upskilling electricians and enabling people to retrain for roles in the electrical sector. The training company was the brainchild of Greg Hoonahian, who has worked on the tools and in the vocational training sector and still combines delivering courses at Trade Training UK with work as an electrical tester. “There's currently huge demand for electricians and, with the growth in green technologies, zero carbon and electric vehicle targets, and the appetite for smart buildings, that demand will continue to grow,” explains Greg.

“Meanwhile, those who have lost their jobs or had time to consider their options over the past year are looking for opportunities to retrain. What we've done is to make electrical training affordable and accessible to people who need to

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continue earning while they retrain or upskill, with weekend and evening courses to fit around busy lives.” Greg delivers much of the training at Trade Training UK himself and was already familiar with Ideal Industries’ products from working on-site. After contacting the company for samples of Ideal Industries’ Insure Push-In, Lever and In-Line Connectors to demonstrate the ease, speed and consistency benefits they offer for wire terminations, he was able to develop a wider partnership with the company. Experiencing different installation methods At Ideal Industries, we really admire what Trade Training UK does to make electrical training more accessible and encourage people of all ages to establish a career in the sector, so we're delighted to be able to support them with products for use in training sessions. It’s really important that those training for site roles have access to a variety of products so they have experience of different installation methods and are ready for the diverse range of tasks that might be required of them on different projects. So far, we've provided both In-Sure Connectors and Safe Isolation kits for use by Trade Training UK students and have also visited the training centre to demo a range of other products. The benefits of this type of partnership for us are much wider-reaching. It allows us to gain first hand understanding of installation challenges, which helps guide our product development, and it also gives us access to feedback on new products prior to launch. The knowledge sharing partnership will continue to develop this year as lockdown restrictions ease and face-to-face training is permitted once again. In the meantime, both ourselves and Trade Training UK can already see the benefits it’s had for each organisation. Greg concludes: “We’ve had great feedback from the students on the Ideal Industries products they’ve used and the relationship helps us enable students to use high quality products without increasing our overheads or the cost of courses.”

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT IDEAL INDUSTRIES' PRODUCT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY014 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TRADE TRAINING UK AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY015

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

ROAD TESTING

ue to the massive demand and increase for vehicle charging points, I decided to expand my EVSE testing capabilities by investing in some new equipment prior to a road trip to Scotland, which involved commissioning over 80 new EVSE charger points. I already owned and had experience of some of the other EVSE testing units on the market, but decided to give this latest launch from Test Instrument Solutions a go – with the added advantage of having a demonstration and hands-on training right on my doorstep! The thing that stood out for me initially was the clear separate capabilities of both the TIS MFTPRO and the EVTEST-100 in their own right. So much so that the actual MFTPRO was ‘snaffled’ by one of my colleagues to perform some industrial/commercial testing unrelated to EV! However when using the two pieces of equipment together with the interconnecting communication lead, the

job of testing EVSEs couldn’t be more straightforward and comprehensive. The ‘AUTO EVSE’ mode leaves no stone unturned and makes sure that every parameter of the EVSE is tested and results recorded. TIS has really used the full colour touch screen to its advantage for these new testing procedures, providing ﬂashing and different coloured information as well as on-screen diagrams for when settings and connections need to be changed for the next measurements. For ‘Status’ checks you also don't have to rely on hearing the contactor ‘clunk’ in or out – the MFTPRO will actually measure whether or not voltage and current is being delivered in the event of an earth fault or electrical fault on the vehicle. One other big advantage with this system in comparison to others I've used is the utilisation of the ‘Ramp Test’ feature when it comes to checking the 30mA A Type and the 6mA B Type RCDs. Using this feature means that only the RCDs within the EVSE will be caused to trip and

This month we quite literally have a ‘road test’ on our hands as Michael Halloran of JEM Electrical & EV Charging in Dewsbury tries out the TIS MFTPROEV, EVSE testing kit. not other protective devices ‘upstream’. Other time saving elements that I also found to be useful on-site included the ability to carry out P-N, P-E, PSC and PFC Loop Tests with one connection and key press, plus a similar system for checking the I/R values. The two units can be used separately and in conjunction with other manufacturer’s instruments, but the icing on the cake when used together is that all of the results are stored and can then be downloaded to the accompanying software. This is a massive advantage as the roll-out of EVSE charging points gathers pace. As an added bonus too, if you want to leave a manual certiﬁcate of the EVSE results on-site, then there is the comprehensive TIS1908 EVSE Test Report self duplicating pad available as an optional extra. VIEW THE BRAND NEW TIS INTERACTIVE PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY016

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PRIORITISE YOUR PROTECTION Andy Douglas, MD at Timeguard, asks whether the SRCD protection you install is up to standard.

CD-protected switched sockets and spurs (SRCDs) should at the very least comply with the latest safety standards for improved end-user safety and long-term reliability. You should also make sure you make the right, safe choice between passive and active versions. The safety standard to look for is BS7288:2016: Specification for residual current devices with or without overcurrent protection for socket-outlets for household and similar uses. Don’t just assume that every product marked BS7288 means every device on the market is compliant to the latest standard, as there’s always a lag period while new devices are designed, tooled, and manufactured to the latest standard and old stock is sold through. Any SRCDs you buy now should clearly state BS7288:2016 to be to the latest standard. Timeguard was the ﬁrst company to achieve this ‘pass’ with UK approved certiﬁcation to the new standard at the beginning of 2019 with its Valiance + range of RCD switched sockets and spurs. The standard also calls for much higher levels of testing and performance, to ensure products can withstand years of use and electrical or physical abuse and RF interference.

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Also introduced for the first time in the new BS7288:2016 standard was “Type classification”, in-line with general RCDs. Older devices not accredited to this new standard will either be Non RCD Type classified, or be to the basic AC standard. All Timeguard SRCD products achieve rating certification for both Type A (for single phase DC loads up to 6mA including vehicle charging) and Type AC (for AC sinusoidal waves only). Safe connection The Valiance+ range of wiring accessories come in both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ versions to suit a multitude of installations such as: airports, hospitals, schools, offices, factories, hotels, homes, etc. Wherever they’re used, it’s important to understand the differences between ‘Active’ and ‘Passive’ versions so you can select the most appropriate product for the application. For example, an ‘Active’ SRCD would be more suitable for use with products such as hedge trimmers or power tools where the SRCD needs to be reset physically before it can be used again. This is especially important in the event of a power cut as an unexpected restart of the electrical equipment could present a danger to the user. ‘Passive’ versions are chosen for appliances such as freezers and

refrigerators where, in the event of a power cut, the SRCD wouldn’t require a physical reset as power is re-supplied to the appliance automatically when the power supply returns to normal. Why SRCD wiring accessories? SRCD wiring accessories are speciﬁcally designed as life-saving devices to protect people against the risks of electrocution. They detect earth leakage, which could of course be leakage through a human body, and disconnect quickly enough to minimise the harm caused by such shocks. A miniature circuit breaker (mcb) at the consumer board is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from overloads and short circuits. Installers naturally have many different ideas on where the extra protection provided by RCD sockets and spurs is needed, and Timeguard’s Valiance+ range of single and twin gang SRCDs in metal clad and white plastic versions cover all these applications, and also retroﬁt into a 25mm recessed wall box. Best of all is to make sure the SRCDs you choose are from a trusted source and meet the latest BS7288:2016 safety standards. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT TIMEGUARD’S VALIANCE+ RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY017

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

VIRUS FIGHTING WITH UV LIGHTING The experts at Tungsram explain how the use of UV-C sanitisers can help keep your employees and customers safe from COVID-19 and other pathogens.

ue to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic situation, more companies have realised that to keep their business moving, the most important thing is to make sure their customers and employees are safe. UV light technology is proving to be one of the most effective and popular sanitation tools available today to destroy the new coronavirus and all other viruses and bacteria. The technology's not new; we've known about the disinfectant properties of ultraviolet radiation for nearly 150 years and, for the past 85 years, have used low-pressure mercury arc lamps to kill bacteria and to deactivate viruses. With a pandemic paralysing the world and unknown infectious diseases looming in the future, this clean and safe

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technology offers an effective way to destroy pathogens. Tungsram Group has an almost century-old history with UV lighting. Scientists from its world-famous industrial research laboratory have written publications (in 1933 and 1934) that have described the use in mercury lamps as providing 'healing UV lights'. Since then, generations have grown up in different parts of the world beneﬁting from the sanitation effects of UV lamps. UV-C disinfection for industrial and manufacturing Tungsram's UV-C sanitiser cabinets provide the ability to rapidly sanitise items used by staff and visitors throughout a facility. It allows the rapid sanitisation of shared equipment, such as hand tools, remote controls, key or door access cards,

SIX REASONS WHY YOU NEED UV-C SANITISERS 1. Safe UV-C sanitisers allow businesses to provide a clean and safe environment for their customers and employees by effectively and safely sanitising their products and tools. 2. Reliable UV-C is an effective tool to ﬁght against most pathogens, including SaRS-CoV-2. 3. Fast Based on UV-C radiation intensity measurements within the sanitisers, ﬁve minutes is sufficient to eliminate 99.99% of most common pathogens. 4. Simple Easy to operate by any employee with no special training requirements. 5. Green UV light exists naturally, creating no waste from bi-products. The lamps within the unit are fully recyclable. 6. Non-corrosive No harsh chemicals are used in the process and occasional use of UV-C light is not likely to damage the sanitised objects. safety glasses and other PPE gear provided to employees or visitors. As an additional service, staff can also have mobile phones, car keys for

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personal and pool vehicles, and forklift truck keys all individually sanitised. The speed and efficiency of the sanitiser not only assists staff in keeping equipment sanitised and available for use, but also provides further protection by reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

UV-C chambers are very easy to use and can eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria from products and business tools in as little as ﬁve minutes. You simply place any object inside the UV-C box, switch it on and wait for the item to be cleansed of pathogens.

A size for every requirement The sanitiser cabinets come in several different sizes to suit your business, with radiation time that can be adjusted if increased exposure is required. The clean and safe technology offers an affordable and environmentally-friendly way to kill or deactivate pathogens and is a long-term solution for eliminating viruses. No known micro-organism is resistant to UV-C light, as it breaks through an organism on a cellular level, effectively scrambling its DNA and RNA. These UV-C sanitiser cabinets have been designed and developed with the utmost care for safe usage, with no harm to human or animal health. They're free from chemicals and are compliant with the highest standards and all necessary regulations in the EU.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT TUNGSRAM'S UV-C SANITISER CABINETS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY018

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

BACK TO THE FUTURE

NAPIT’s Technical Development Engineer, Richard Townsend, provides detail on the organisation's latest publication dedicated to initial and periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations.

ith the recent addition of a publications department at NAPIT, we felt it was high time that all of the experience, knowledge, and understanding of our senior technical team was put to good use so we could give some solid advice and guidance back to the industry. Until now, all NAPIT’s publications have centred around its core business, that being site-based guidance for electricians (On-site Solutions), periodic inspections (EICR Codebreakers and Landlords Private Rented Sector Guide), and understanding risk assessments (Risk Management Code of Practice). The one book missing from this list, and enforcing what NAPIT stands for, is a deﬁnitive, purpose-written publication covering how to inspect and test an installation, either from an initial veriﬁcation or periodic perspective.

What’s new? NAPIT’s technical authors have put together a publication – Guide to Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations – that covers everything you need to know about how to carry out an initial or periodic inspection and test a circuit. Back to basics: what is test equipment? The book goes into detail to explain all the separate pieces of test equipment we use. Often taken for granted is a multifunction tester, and we mustn’t forget that individual test equipment was where it all started and is still of great value now. Many electricians new to inspection and testing ﬁnd it difficult to understand the different tests and instruments that give the required measurements. The best way to deal with this is to breakdown each piece of test equipment and the tests they’re used for – something that is covered in the publication in easy-to-read steps.

The new Guide to Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical installations

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Next steps: what are the tests? After the test equipment, the most daunting part of the testing process is understanding the different tests, when to apply them, and how to do them. The new guide gives an in-depth explanation of all the individual pieces of test equipment required to comply with BS 7671, plus a few extras that are important to have, or at least know how to use. Along with individual pieces of test equipment, we also cover the more familiar multifunction installation testers (MFTs) that are most common in our industry today. There are also many different test types required by BS 7671, and we explain what all of these are, how to carry out each one, and when to use them. Time to inspect After explaining all of the different tests and their respective pieces of test equipment, we need to look at the

Section 6 (Standard Tests) of the publication elaborates on ring final circuit tests

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The book explains all of the different test equipment, what they’re used for, and how to carry out all of the required BS 7671 tests

different inspections. Although we technically inspect before we test, we need to know what the tests are before we start, which is why we explain them first. There are essentially two inspections to carry out before any testing takes place: 1. Initial verification inspection 2. Periodic inspection Different inspection schedules cover the two inspections, and although mostly similar, some distinct differences need to be understood. All these differences and schedules are dealt with in detail to give the user an in-depth understanding of the two inspection types and how to carry them out. Pre-inspection and testing Before any inspection or testing is carried out, there are a few things we need to confirm for either initial or periodic inspections. Initial verification is a very different process to periodic, and so are the outcomes and the certificates/reports that are produced on completion. We explain all these differences and the legislation that needs to be taken into account before any work starts. Especially where periodic inspection is concerned, the work that needs to take place before the inspection and any testing starts is very important and can’t just be skipped. Who is it for? As we all never stop learning, the new guide has been written to support those just starting off their journey in inspection and testing, those undergoing any training courses which are specifically for inspection and testing, or for the experienced inspector or tester. It complies fully with BS 7671:2018 + Amd 1 and is a 'must-have' toolbox book for any electrician. ORDER NAPIT'S GUIDE TO INITIAL VERIFICATION AND PERIODIC INSPECTION AND TESTING OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY019

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

FACE: THE FACTS F With eye and face protection requirements often overlooked by individuals as part of their essential PPE, the experts at Hultafors Group explore whether the risk is a price worth paying.

ace protection products such as safety glasses, masks and visors have been brought into much sharper focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re all critical components in the PPE framework that ensures wellbeing and safety at work. In business and industrial environments, the use of face protection products should be second nature. But, believe it or not, a recent report showed that many men are now more concerned about face masks of the cosmetic kind than personal safety and protection on-site. Facial features A poll of 1,000 people found that British males spend an average £760-a-year on 'essentials' to keep their skin in tip-top condition. That’s probably far more than a single person would spend on PPE in a year. What’s more, it’s estimated that the UK market for men’s face care products is

worth over £77 million a year! But anti-wrinkle creams, facial washes, scrubs and face masks will hardly provide proper protection of vital facial features when working in hazardous environments. Sadly, accidents happen all the time, sometimes in the most innocuous situations that we might ordinarily take for granted. Perhaps unsurprisingly, industrial and construction-related work has a much higher rate of facial injuries than any other, with hazards many and varied. Chemicals and extreme heat sources are also dangerous to the face. Splashes, fumes, vapours and irritating mists can scald and burn while welding arcs, UV radiation and intense light can damage your eyes. The consequences of facial injuries are serious, and potentially life-changing. An injury can cause a lifetime of permanent disfigurement, even loss of sight. Surely that’s a good enough reason to use proper eye and face protection products all the time.

What to look for in safety eyewear Comfort and fit is really important, as are lightweight, durable materials to provide complete protection and flexibility of design for combination with other PPE, including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors. Also, look out for specially developed lens technology for impact-resistance, plus anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings on both sides as well as styles that can be worn over prescription glasses. Around the lens, ergonomic designs should incorporate practical features, like a soft nose bridge and ‘adjustable temples’, which ensure the glasses stay in place and fit safely.

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

What to look for in face protection visors BS EN 166:2002 is the International Standard for eye and face protection, covering personal protective eye wear in the form of visors and eye shields. It’s important to look for this standard when you’re choosing what products to use. Think carefully about hazards in the work environment and look for a product that’s designed for a comfortable, tight and ergonomic fit for maximum protection, so that no objects get around the edges of the visor. The visor should cover your face from at least the forehead to the base of the chin. The best quality visors are available in different materials, thickness and size which correspond to specific hazard protection. You can even get visors that are treated with an anti-fog coating. Don’t assume that a basic product that you might use for strimming or jet washing will provide maximum effective protection on a construction site. Polycarbonate provides impact and heat resistance. It’s also used for arc flash, high heat, chemical splash and radiation protection while Acetate also provides excellent resistance to chemical splash. For protection against radiation (IR and UV), look for visors that are made from special tinted and/or coated polycarbonate. Mesh visors are generally used to protect the face from flying debris and large dust particles.

PRIZE DRAW

W IN

WIN A CLC SOFT-SIDED TOOL CARRIER!

We’ve got three to give away this month.

Top quality protection Hellberg Safety specialist PPE products include highly advanced face protection products, noise hazard protection and communication solutions for personal safety and wellbeing on-site. Hellberg’s interoperable face protection products offer helmet and visor solutions to suit a variety of internal and external work situations. With a standard product design across the range, users are able to mix and match visors, carriers, and hearing protectors for complete ‘headband-only’ or ‘safety helmet’ solutions that protect against the hazards faced in differing task environments. Recently added to the portfolio is a range of safety eyewear. With a wide range of street-smart styles, the new range ensures a consistently clear line of sight and safe vision for professionals. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT HELLBERG SAFETY’S EYE AND FACE PROTECTION RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY020

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ew from the Hultafors Group, is the CLC range of tool carriers and accessories. This open top, soft-sided toolbox has a large centre section plus 21 pockets for ample tool storage. It includes an electrical tape strap, tape measure clip, a sturdy bar handle with foam grip, and padded shoulder strap. Designed with integrated, resourceful technologies, the latest tool bags from CLC bring a new level of innovation to the jobsite. When developing products, CLC looks at every detail: the material, the pattern, the backing, stitching, reinforcing, binding, and how the fabric lays. Whether you’re an HVAC technician, electrician, or maintenance repair professional, the range provides the next generation of tool storage.

HOW TO ENTER ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A CLC SOFT-SIDED TOOL CARRIER BY FILLING OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY021 Deadline for entries: 10/04/2021. Usual T&Cs apply.

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Driving an LCV which isn’t powered in the conventional way doesn’t have to be shrouded in stress, thanks to a new hybrid version of the Ford Transit Custom. We took it for a test run.

PLUGGING THE GAP

here’s not many vehicle manufacturers who could even begin to contemplate a £20,000+ price premium on a model which, to the casual observer, pretty much looks identical to its considerably cheaper siblings. But then the Ford Transit is no ordinary commercial vehicle, spanning more than 55 years and with total sales in excess of 8 million. Its latest incarnation is the Transit Custom PHEV, and the only clue of what really lies beneath is a small charging point on the driver’s side. Plug it in and watch it go…. around 340 miles, with 35 of those attributable to all-electric. It’s all possible thanks to a 1 litre petrol engine which connects with a battery pack tucked away under the load bed, so that the vehicle’s cargo capacity of six cubic metres and payload up to 1,130kg remains largely the same as the conventional model. Battery charging can be completed using a standard three pin socket in around four and a half hours, while a 16A charger will give a full charge in just over two and half. The claimed 90+ mpg will, of course, very much depend on how little or often the battery is charged up, but most journeys can be approached without the range anxiety which inevitably accompanies a purely electric vehicle.

Setting off in complete silence can be a little disconcerting to the uninitiated, but it quickly builds up a surprising turn of speed with an only just discernible hum. The surprisingly compact HP engine is used exclusively to charge the electric motor, not the wheels directly, and there are a number of driving modes on hand to make the most of the hybrid set up. One suspects in order to fully maximise every last drop of juice would take considerably more on-the-job driving experience than the COVID-19 restricted test drive we mustered around the roads of Hertfordshire late last year, but at no time did it cross our mind that we wouldn’t be back in time for tea! We've road tested plenty of variants of the ever-popular Ford Transit before, and there is a plethora of reasons why it consistently remains at the forefront of a highly competitive ﬁeld of workhorses. So, it will be interesting to see the take up on a vehicle which has created a niche

between the conventional fuel powered models and the all-electric van options which are coming on to the market. Ford’s own all electric Transit is scheduled to be launched in 2022 and the boffins will have clearly done their homework. So, there may be some who will wait until then before fully weighing up their environmental credentials. Certainly, for now the standard Custom diesel van is the vehicle of choice for most busy tradespeople, but if your business involves rarely leaving town – and you want to improve your 'green' footprint at the same time – this hybrid could certainly plug a very timely gap. VIEW AN INTERACTIVE ONLINE BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY022

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

SOUND THE ALARM With tool theft continuing to destroy the hard work and livelihoods of trade professionals, we quiz Yorkshire-based plumber Mike Horsfall about the alarm system he’s devised to help protect tools from opportunistic thieves. Why is van security an issue that is close to your heart? Van security and tool theft in the construction industry is a real and constant problem. If you’re in any kind of trade you will, I’m sure, have been affected by tool theft, or at least know someone personally who has. It is devastating, particularly for a self-employed sole trader like myself who may have spent years building up a variety of quality tools and kit. One morning you can come down to ﬁnd your van door open, the contents gone and nothing left but the thought of what it will cost to get back on your feet. This is what happened to me. Where did the original idea for the Van Guardian come from? In 2017 I decided to look at van crime from a totally different perspective: from the roof rack/pipe carrier down. I started to develop a solution, with the initial concept of alarming my un-alarmed pipe carrier to stop thieves from targeting copper pipe. It was obvious these unalarmed treasure troves were soft targets, drawing the wrong kind of attention to my van in the ﬁrst place, so it seemed a good place

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to start. After nearly two years in the development process I ﬁnally had a prototype design that I could patent and trademark – Van Guardian. How does it deter would-be thieves? Van Guardian activates on contact, providing an 110dB audible alert to thwart the actions of thieves, prevent criminal damage and ultimately protect your tools and assets from potential theft. It can be used to protect any number of commonly targeted ‘at risk’ zones on and around a vehicle – from the pipe carrier, to prevent copper pipe theft (in my case), or roof rack to protect ladders and assets, to the back door and side door of the cargo areas of a van or truck. How does it work? It uses, at its core, highly responsive tri axial accelerometers to detect minimal contact, and with highly efficient microchip technology we’re able to program it to ignore the rocking from strong wind. Each unit has seven levels of ‘ﬁne tune’ sensitivity for the end user to adjust, to tackle individual levels of exposure and the worst of heavy rain conditions to eliminate false alarms.

It’s important to note at this stage, that when I did my research into van crime it was obvious there were small pockets of organised criminal gangs who would stop at nothing to break into a van to get to its contents. What needs to be clear is that there is literally no alarm or lock upgrade that will deter this level of determined attack. Can van owners fit it themselves? Van Guardian was designed with the end user in mind. The simple installation procedure means your vehicle needn’t be off the road or out of action. There is no additional installation cost, no awkward drilling of your van and no complicated wiring loom to install. The unit, once armed, protects itself and will trigger a two second alarm warning upon sensing any unsolicited attempted removal. It will then activate a 30 second alarm if the action continues. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VAN GUARDIAN AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY023

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

LOOK CLOSER TO HOME

Nico van der Merwe, VP of Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, looks at why our industry needs to start educating homeowners if we're to achieve the ambitious 'net zero carbon' targets in the future.

ver the last few years, we’ve all done our bit to limit our impact on the environment, changing our everyday behaviour to try to reduce global warming. However, we're all limited by our understanding of the real challenges that lie ahead. While individuals have a role to play in tackling the threat, they can’t do it alone. Smart data-driven technology will be essential, and digital retrofits of homes need to become the norm to ensure success. A recent survey by Schneider Electric highlighted how consumers underestimate the potential effect their homes have on the planet. Consumers believe that industry causes 50% of all Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, while homes only emit 7-8%. However, reality provides a stark warning: buildings alone account for a staggering 35% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. What’s more, by 2050 electricity use in homes is set to more than double, outstripping industry as well as commercial and transport use combined. Despite our efforts, it’s clear that household and consumer activity has largely been ignored when it comes to tackling climate change. One thing is certain: to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, our individual homes must become net zero. Introducing a Fitbit for the home It’s no small wonder that ‘energy efficiency’ resonates better with

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consumers than ‘sustainability’ or ‘climate change’. Two-thirds of consumers feel home energy efficiency is important, whereas only half feel carbon emissions are a threat and that reducing their own carbon footprint is important. Sustainability and climate change appear lower in consumer priorities across the US, France, Germany and Sweden. The good intentions are there, however. Over half (55%) of Brits say that it’s important for their home to reach net zero emissions within their lifetime, and that ﬁgure rises as high as 60% for those aged 35-54.

Homeowners now need to adopt sustainable features to address climate change challenges, and aim to generate as much clean, renewable electricity as they consume. Most householders don’t seem to know how to go about this, however, without sacriﬁcing their lifestyles. We know that the most effective ‘diet’ is not the one that limits our consumption. It’s the one where we understand how much energy we're using, and if there's a better way of making a long-lasting change without ‘relapsing’ into bad habits. The role of technology in our homes should be to contextualise and analyse our energy efficiency efforts to come up with a target goal that is achievable and healthy for us. Essentially, we need the equivalent of a Fitbit for our homes to keep us on track.

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Do we need the equivalent of a Fitbit for our homes? Monitoring energy habits at home Smart home technology is already popular. The majority (69%) of US households now own at least one smart home device, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Household penetration in the UK is expected to hit 63% by 2025. What’s more, half of multiple device owners are interested in purchasing a hub. In general, consumers are driven to purchase smart home devices because of ease of use and installation, as well as the beneﬁts they provide in cost and energy savings. Yet what we're seeing is that despite most consumers owning a piece of smart technology, it isn’t revolutionising the way we live and how we save energy. In fact, it may potentially even be adding to our environmental footprint. What consumers need is technology that enables unprecedented visibility over energy habits at home, and which provides objectives that consumers can easily understand and adjust their energy usage to meet. The importance of integrated solutions, which connect and analyse data from a wide variety of smart products in the home, can’t be overstated. Once our homes have become truly intelligent, a realistic path to net zero will be revealed. Some things remain outside of our control. Nearly two-thirds of energy consumption by buildings is supplied by fossil fuels for direct use or for upstream power generation. There’s not much one individual can do to change that, but it’s important to remember that they can have an impact at a more local level. With evidence that individuals now want to prioritise energy-efficient improvements in their homes, the future outlook is more positive. Technology that offers easy-to-understand insights to guide us towards making decisions will be key to the next stage of sustainable development at home.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT SCHNEIDER'S RANGE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY024

A ‘SMART’ FUTURE FOR HEATING?

ccording to the latest Domestic Central Heating market report (2018-2022) from AMA Research, smart heating controls are likely to take market share from conventional heating controls in the longer term. In 2017, it is estimated that around 30% of heating controls sold by value were smart heating controls. This ﬁgure is likely to increase to over 45% of heating controls sold by value by 2022. Smart thermostats prove popular The results of a survey carried out earlier this year are certainly in line with the market report ﬁndings, with smart thermostats voted as the smart home product that Brits most wanted to own in 2020. Sellhousefast.uk surveyed 1,462 UK households to discover the smart home products they planned to purchase this year and a smart thermostat topped the list with 71% of respondents. Sangamo’s Product Development Manager, Matt Parton, commented: “We know that the market for smart home products has exploded in recent years and advances in technology continue to make them much more accessible to everyone. “In the current climate, with concerns about job security and diminished household incomes, it makes sense that people will want to control the heating and manage their bills.” He continues: “A smart thermostat is something that installers can easily add to their customers’ home heating, allowing householders to control and monitor the room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world, via an App on a smart phone or tablet. “The Sangamo Wi-Fi Thermostat, launched last year, offers energy-efficient programming and remote access via the Sangamo Choice App. It has been designed to be straightforward to install and operate and is suitable for electric, gas or oil systems.” GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE SANGAMO WI-FI THERMOSTAT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EY025

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