Professional Electrician & Installer June 2023

ELECT RICIAN &

INSTALLER

ENTER THE CPD ZONE

YOU COULD EARN 1 X CPD CREDIT THIS MONTH

TASK MASTERS

FROM APPRENTICE TO EXPERT – WHY SCHNEIDER HAS A SOLUTION FOR ALL

Products & Business Solutions

51 Why the future looks bright for electric heating

52 The need for construction professionals to invest in advanced knee protection on-site

54 What developments in the lighting sector have been gathering the most momentum recently?

84 Which products have been specified, and where?

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

EV Charging & Renewables

57 The reasons why prosumer installations will write a new chapter in the ‘Net Zero’ story

60 Why a lack of proficiency in smart energy management systems (SEMS) could negate the benefits of solar installations

63 Key pointers that professionals should remember before installing photovoltaic solar panels

64 Could the switch to solar lighting future-proof you and your business?

66 Is a career in offshore renewables a potential path for you?

68 How to get it right first time when installing EV charging systems for your clients

70 What do the Part S regulations mean for you and your customers?

72 EV load balancing: which applications require a more dynamic approach?

75 Discovering more about how Wallbox has added a ‘Pro’ to its charging ranks

76 An installer’s guide to the BEV revolution

78 Why a flexible approach to training will benefit electrical professionals that want to make the transition to EV

79 Catching up with all the latest news from the world of EV charging and renewables

23 WIN A Virgin

voucher could be yours

93 WIN Get your hands on a quality C.K Tools bundle

Meet the team

Editor RICHARD BOWLER

email: pe@hamerville co uk

Digital Manager

REBECCA MCGEOCH

email: rmcgeoch@hamerville co uk

Digital Assistant

ADAM ROBERTS

email: aroberts@hamerville co uk

Advertisement Manager

ANTHONY SCOTT

email: ascott@hamerville co uk

Assistant Advertisement Manager

IAN TURNER

email: ianturner@hamerville co uk

Design ADEEL QADRI

Production Assistant

KERRI SMITH

Group Production Manager

CAROL PADGETT

Distribution Manager

KARL CLARK

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 © 2023

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available Please contact us for rates

Emissi o n statem e nt

This year will see an expansion of the ULEZ initiative to every one of the capital’s boroughs, and if you believe that’s just a London thing then think again A similar scheme is inevitably coming to a town or city near you, with some of our biggest urban centres are already subject to charges – and more still to come.

For the uninitiated, the Ultra Low Emission Zone is an area where a daily fee applies to vehicles that are deemed to be too polluting All Euro 6 diesel vans and, of course, electric vehicles are exempt from the London ULEZ charge. In practice, that means that diesels older than 2015 will be subject to a £12 50 tariff, and failure to pay will result in a fine.

Whilst no-one would disagree that aspiring to improved air quality is a worthy ambition, the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone has become a very big stick with precious little carrot currently on offer

For any small electrical business, a van will likely be the biggest single investment they make in their company Upgrading their existing four-wheeled workhorse with a cleaner, greener machine will not be done lightly, but a more generous commercial vehicle scrappage scheme would go some way to mitigate the financial implications

Transport for London (Tf L) has allocated £110 million to just such an initiative but, given the number of non-compliant units still on the road, this is widely deemed to be unsatisfactory

Then there’s the not inconsiderable issue of actually finding an ULEZ friendly van Supply chain issues means sourcing a new LCV is a protracted process with almost all manufacturers still reporting significant leads times and that, in turn, has pushed up the cost and availability of second-hand Euro 6 vehicles. At the same time electric vehicle prices are still prohibitive – the range in some of the larger 3.5 tonne units remains relatively low, and the charging infrastructure is insufficient

from central London to the North and South Circulars motorists had over two years to make the adjustment

The current changes coincide with a period of inflated material prices, increased labour costs, and squeezed margins So, what’s likely to be the impact on electricians in our biggest metropolis? Some will simply have to account for the extra outgoings or steel themselves for some difficult conversations with clients about increases on invoices

Many micro and SME firms who currently ply their trade in the surrounding Home Counties will, however, almost certainly vote with their foot pedal and drive their business right out of town, eschewing work in London’s boroughs in favour of less costly climes in the suburbs A scarcity of tradespeople means higher prices for homeowners, and a longer wait to find a decent trade professional

At a time when the repair, maintenance and improvement of our existing housing stock is becoming more pressing – not least from an environmental perspective –that’s hardly good news in the content of the climate change agenda Moreover, many SMEs and their employees are in the business of building much needed new homes, or bringing empty and derelict properties back to habitability, an increase in both of which happens to be an avowed policy of City Hall

It is often the case that where London leads the rest of the country will follow and that is certainly the pattern with clean air zones. The dilemmas that tradespeople face in the south-east will be replicated wherever an ULEZ is implemented

The army of sparks up and down the land for whom their van is not just their mode of transport but a mobile office, and tools and materials carrier, will most certainly need greater support and consideration than they’re currently finding in our capital.

Have a good month and enjoy the issue

Image References (Adobe Stock):

Pg 12 Danger Asbestos © Chrispo

Pg 34 Sales funnel © Terminator 3D

Pg 40 Bereavement © Photographee EU

Pg 57 Prosumers © New Africa

Pg 66 Wind turbine © Leungchopan

Pg 90 Phone light © Ilias

More time would equally not go amiss. The Mayor of London made his announcement in November of 2022, with the changes due to come into force in August of this year By contrast, the last time the charging zone was expanded

NICEIC appoints new Technical Director

NICEIC has announced the appointment of Paul Collins (pictured) as its new Technical Director, replacing John O'Neill, who retired at the end of March.

"I want to congratulate Paul on his new appointment," said Certsure Managing Director, Richard Orton “Having been with the organisation for 13 years and successfully heading up the Technical Services Division for the past four, I have no doubt Paul will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this important role.”

Having started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1990, Paul moved on to become an NICEIC Qualified Supervisor gaining vast experience in the electrotechnical, gas, plumbing, heating, and renewable sectors before joining NICEIC in 2009

Since this time Paul has held an number of positions within the organisation including Helpline Engineer, Head of Consulting, Head of NICEIC, Head of Operations and most recently Head of Technical Services

In his new role as Technical Director, he will continue to represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups

Paul said: “I am delighted to take on this new role I am passionate about our industry, and I am committed to pushing it

forward, raising standards, and ensuring technical integrity remains at the heart of everything we do

“There truly has never been a more exciting time to be involved in our industry and I am excited to be part of the team who will continue to develop and cement NICEIC’s leading role within it ”

IET & BSI publish Corrigendum to BS 7671:2018

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI have announced the release of a Corrigendum to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

The Corrigendum will make changes to five areas of BS 7671 and will come into effect immediately It will be available for free to download from the IET and BSI

Areas of change include:

- Regulation 422 2 has been amended to clarify the scope of the provision

- Indent (ii) of Regulation 443 4 1 has been removed The term safety service, formerly included in Regulation 443 4 1 (ii), encompassed a wide range of systems The provision, therefore, had unintended consequences for improvements to fire safety systems within installations

- Table 443 2 and the Note to Regulation 534 4 1 1 have been amended to remove examples of equipment

- Regulation 701.1 has been amended to remove the reference to birthing pools

- A new Regulation, 710 422 2 201, has been included in order to modify requirements in Regulation group 422 2 for protected escape routes in healthcare facilities

Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the National Wiring Regulations Committee carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry

“This Corrigendum is intended to correct misunderstandings, remove perceived barriers and ensure that peoples’ safety comes first.”

Dan Palmer, Associate Director, Committees, at BSI, said: “BSI is proud of our longstanding relationship with the IET to support high standards of safety

“We’ve been partnering with them on the regulations for more than 30 years and recognise the importance of keeping them updated ”

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

Last call for ECA Apprentice of the Year Award entries

Entries are open for this year’s ECA Apprentice of the Year Award, with a last push expected this month.

The winner will receive an array of prizes including £3,000 cash, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a unique study trip in Dornbirn, Austria, sponsored by manufacturer ZG lighting They will also receive a Certificate of Commendation and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner

For over 45 years, the ECA Apprentice of the Year Award has been widely recognised as the premier training award in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. It aims to showcase the very best talent across ECA’s Member businesses

There are also great prizes for two runners-up, including a £1,500 cash prize, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a Certificate of Commendation

Finalists will not only have good technical skills, but also be role models for others in the industry Eligible applicants will have completed their AM2 since April 2022

The winners’ employer will be awarded a year’s subscription to the BSI library and a year-long licence for Electrical OM software, as well as increased company profile, press coverage, and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner

The runner-up’s employers will also be awarded a year-long Electrical OM licence, increased company profile and press coverage

2022 Apprentice of the Year Veronica Jennings of Imtech Engineering Services (pictured below), commented: “Since receiving the ECA Apprentice of the Year Award, I’ve been working hard on sites to move up in the company Imtech has also invited me to join its core ED&I group, which focuses on support of the next generation and taking positive steps in the workplace.

“I wish this year’s entrants luck, and encourage any electrical business with one or more bright sparks to enter!”

The final entry deadline is Friday June 9th

FOR MORE ON THE AWARDS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS002

HSE campaign warns of asbestos dangers

Electricians and electrical contractors across the UK are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos.

The warning comes as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today

Around five thousand people a year die from asbestos related illnesses and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000 But HSE is warning that despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age

Tim Beaumont, HSE’s Acting Head of Construction Policy Sector, said:

“Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely.

“All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed Younger professionals need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life, like it is affecting older tradespeople now ”

Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR, said: “We actively support HSE’s campaign to

help get the vitally important message out that, despite being banned in the UK today, asbestos is still encountered by those who work in older domestic, public and commercial buildings ”

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS003

Scolmore builds on supporting cast

Scolmore Group continues to invest in its technical support department, where a number of promotions and a new appointment have been announced.

Scolmore Group’s technical support team now numbers eight, with the Head of Technical Engagement, technical engagement engineers and technical support engineers, working to support all companies in the group

Having joined the company in 2021 as Technical Engagement Engineer, Jake Green soon took on the role of Technical Engagement Manager and has since been promoted to Head of Technical Engagement

Neil McManus joined the expanding department towards the end of last year as Technical Engagement Engineer A TMIET member (Technician Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology),

Neil has more than 20 years’ experience teaching and managing a large provision at Leicester College, where he delivered all the electrical qualifications as well as implementing the provision of T Levels qualifications

James Hannon joined the Ovia division of Scolmore Group as a Senior Technical Lighting Engineer in 2021 and has since been promoted to the position of Technical Engagement Manager James’ previous experience includes five years working as a qualified electrician and eight years as a Senior Site Services Engineer with a leading manufacturer of commercial and industrial lighting systems

Group Marketing Manager for Scolmore Group, Katie Plumstead, comments: “The business has been enjoying significant

growth in recent years, and it is important that we maintain the level of excellent customer service that we’re valued for The expansion of the technical department with high calibre, qualified team members will ensure that we can continue to build on the support we offer to our customers.”

Leeds College of Building celebrates electrician training milestone

100 electricians have benefitted from free Level 3 18th Edition training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas.

Since July 2020, 100 employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at Leeds College of Building Re[boot] funding from July 2020 to March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians; a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding from January to March this year, with the latest cohort

completing in spring

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations

Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as Digital, Engineering, Manufacturing, Green Skills, and Construction sectors

Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, said: “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through

our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)

“Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks As a result, uptake for the training has been superb This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these ”

Following a record breaking 2022, which saw THE WIRE achieve over 100,000 views via its live broadcasts and on-demand service, NICEIC is plugged in and ready to deliver even more valuable content.

Free and exclusive to NICEIC certified businesses and their teams, the new series, which kicked off in April, has the following episodes lined up for this month and next:

l The Role of a Qualified Supervisor –June 21st, 8pm

l Fundamentals of Electrical Energy Storage Systems – July 12th, 8pm

Paul Collins, NICEIC’s Technical Director, said: “It is clear to see THE WIRE is

something our customers truly value and with this new series we strive to raise the bar even further.”

If

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS004

Armorduct joins BEAMA to support best practice guide

Armorduct has joined BEAMA to help develop the trade association’s next best practice guide for cable containment design, specification and installation.

Dave Taylor, Technical Manager for Armorduct, said: “This next best practice guide will be a significant document because, since the last version in 2014, there have some big changes in the standards

“Large volumes of cabling run through buildings to provide both electrical and data connections but the heat of fire can cause cable housings to fail and hidden cables to fall and become a hazard.”

He adds: “Since 2019 you have to adequately support all cables using non-combustible fixings to prevent

premature collapse in the event of a fire, not just those on escape routes It means that specifiers and installers must select high quality products that will perform if there is a fire This guide will provide advice on preventing such premature collapse ”

Armorduct will also be involved in two further working groups as part of the cable management cable tray and trunking group One will be involved in product fire resistance testing and the other in the development of the revised product standard BS EN 50085

Dave continues: “As a proud British manufacturer we felt that it was vital to be involved in developing best practice and also in setting future standards and

regulations for cable management products As such, we’re delighted to be joining BEAMA and adding our voice to those of other responsible manufacturers to help maintain standards in modern installations.”

BROWSE ARMORDUCT’S FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS005

How can we divide and conquer to tackle the skills gap that exists in electrical installation? Steven Heathcote, Head of Channel Marketing at Schneider Electric, shares his thoughts.

TASK MASTERS

on the brink of a new landscape where buildings must become more energy efficient, the UK is facing a major skills shortage in the construction industry.

Specifically, there is a dearth of electrical installation experts who have the know-how to drive us into a greener age of energy, which could hold us back from any real change

Indeed, the UK Skills Index has reported that just to keep up with the pace of demand, almost a quarter of the workforce needs to be qualified apprentices to bridge the growing skills gap – that’s 24,000 apprentices that must qualify year-on-year

Obviously, training is key but there are ways we can ensure the specialist skills currently available are used efficiently –assigning them to the right tasks that best matches their skills sets This may sound obvious, but one way to facilitate this is by using an easy, flexible, and scalable kit

that is not too complex to install This means assigning trainees or apprentices to basic tasks, whilst their more experienced colleagues are diverted to work on the complex jobs.

Thinking out-of-the-box

Leaders in the electrical industry are now providing out-of-the-box products aimed at light commercial use cases, including multi-storey residential buildings, schools and public buildings, and high-end property installations, which arrive ready-to-install

This is ideal for the new wave of developing electrical talent to install and build their experience, whilst freeing up the time of experienced colleagues to focus on the more challenging tasks And whilst the equipment is easy to install, this doesn’t take away from its reliability and functionality, removing the need for lengthy ongoing maintenance and fewer costly repairs

One real-world example of this is

Schneider Electric, which has outlined the tools and solutions to help the new age of electricians migrate to these commercially minded use cases As one of the leaders in digital transformation, energy management and automation, the company has built a suite of easy solutions designed specifically for these kinds of light commercial applications

Schneider Electric’s range offers contractors and electricians different options to help meet their electrical design requirements It spans from entry-level, targeted at the new wave of electricians and contractors who are picking up a slew of new work in the wake of a revitalised energy landscape, to more established applications that are suitable for larger and more complex buildings

Whatever the case, these products can become the ‘go-to’ tools for more established firms relying on ready-to-install applications that will ensure their workforce is efficient and consistent

With these lines of products, electricians can fast-track their skillset by installing standalone solutions or using them as integrated components in modular assemblies, delivering reliable connections, peace of mind, and safe circuit protection What’s more, Schneider Electric is also committed to delivering modern tools for energy management by including metering kits, allowing contractors and end-users to measure and regulate power consumption with ease

Examples of these solutions include:

i-Line Panel Boards

Suitable for both industrial and commercial installations and compliant with building regulations, the units are prefabricated and can be mounted quickly The i-Line panel boards are available in three categories (250 A rated, 400 A rated, and 630 A rated) and different pole variants to meet each size and specification needs. Furthermore, the i-Line plug-and-play system makes it simple to install and fit correctly with reliable connections so that the board is ready for cabling

KQ load centre

The KQ product range is a well-established, 3-phase application distribution system that will cater for most installations The KQ load centre with metering and integral control supports a modular and flexible solution that can be deployed as a single distribution board, or as multiple boards that make up a more complex system. Answering the call for scalability, KQ also has a comprehensive range of devices that support any number of applications

PowerPact 4

Powerpact 4 MCCB panel and power boards are ideal for installations where space is restricted or where few outgoing circuits are required These are durable and easy to install, offering superior protection from excessive current loads and short circuit faults.

Easy9 Compact and Multirow Consumer Units

Available in a range of sizes, from a compact consumer unit for standard household requirements to a multirow unit that supports higher-density circuits for larger buildings and properties, the flexible multirow units can scale to support even more devices within the range

It is down to leaders in the electrical industry to provide easy and scalable products that help nurture electricians’ skills and ensure they have the knowledge and decision-making capabilities to deliver reliable, scalable products across smaller commercial and larger residential projects

By entrusting in a specific provider like Schneider Electric, businesses and electricians can ensure a consistent quality of service across all installations, which in time can help deliver a new wave of skilled tradespeople

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S FULL PRODUCT RANGE AT:

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS006

WIN

WIN A £200 VIRGIN EXPERIENCE VOUCHER!

Unicrimp is offering one reader the chance to win a brilliant prize.

Unicrimp continues to expand its comprehensive range of cable accessories and earlier this year introduced a new category of products to its portfolio

Marketed under the Q-NECT brand, the range comprises lever connectors and connection boxes, bringing together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that will offer them versatility when carrying out their everyday tasks

Ten products make up the full Q-NECT range, which comprises:

2, 3 and 5 way lever connectors – suitable for solid, stranded and flexible cable types They use screwless spring clamp technology, so no need for any tools

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

QHOW OFTEN DO YOU UPDATE YOUR PRODUCT LISTINGS AND ARE YOUR CATALOGUES AVAILABLE IN HARD-COPY VERSIONS?

Jason Wood, AJ Electrical Services

When we first launched in 2019, the aim was to bring to the mar ket an extensive range of high quality products that are competitively priced and available through the reliable wholesale channel

From day one, we’ve continued to invest in the Ovia range to bring the latest products and technologies to mar ket to meet the growing demand from contractors. We now have more than 900 individual products and they cover a wide range of sectors including commercial, industrial, utility, amenity, emergency lighting and floodlighting, as well as a full range of lighting controls

We regularly update our product listings and produce a new catalogue once a year. The latest version showcases the entire Ovia product range and includes the most recent additions, such as the Inceptor Duo – a sleek up and down dimmable linear luminaire which offers a complete custom dual lighting solution that is perfect for accentuating design features both high and low; Inceptor Hi-Lite –a range of IP65, CTA switchable black LED highbays (100 W, 150 W or 200 W) that are compatible with the 5 W 3-hour maintained IP65 emergency packs and come pre-wired with 3m of flex; Inceptor U-Lite –a slimline, non-corrosive utility LED luminaire with an integrated diffuser and gear tray anchored to the base to ensure a hassle-free installation

IP66 weatherproof junction box

designed to make installations more efficient It can house four of the 3 port lever connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires.

IP connection boxes – the range comprises a 4 pole 2 way 24 A IP68 inline connection box, 4 pole 3 way 24 A IP68 (M16+M20) connection box, and 3 pole 2 way 16 A IP66 connection box 5 pole, 3 way IP68 ‘T’ and 2 way inline connectors – boasting high quality and robust materials to ensure connectors can withstand the harshest environment

A comprehensive Q-Nect brochure can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website as well as from the Scolmore Group App.

HOW TO ENTER

You can download the catalogue from the Ovia website as well as on the Scolmore Group App Visitors to exhibitions we attend, including the ELEX shows, can pick up a catalogue from our stand

PUT

YOUR QUESTION

TO THE ASK

OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS008

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:

WHEN I’M TESTING RCDS, I REALLY LIKE THE CONVENIENCE OF AUTOMATIC TESTING BUT NOW THAT THE REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED, I FIND IT ANNOYING TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE FULL SEQUENCE OF TESTS EVERY TIME WHEN I ONLY NEED SOME OF THEM. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?

Megger says:

There is if you ’ re using the new Megger MFT-X1 tester This has an RCD test configurator that lets you choose which tests are included in the automatic sequence The tests available are 0 5 x I, 1 x I and 5 x I at 0º and 180º, and also a ramp test With the configurator, which is easy to use, you can set up your own automatic test sequence The 1 x I test always has to be included, but you can choose to include or omit any of the other tests to suit your own requirements Never again will you have to waste time while the instrument carries out tests you don’t want This isn’t the only way that the MFT-X1 saves you time and trouble For example, how about loop tests on ‘quiet’ circuits in as little as seven seconds?

BROWSE THE MEGGER MFT-X1 PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS010

ENTER THE CPD ZONE AND EARN 1 CPD CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR PROFESSIONAL RECORD!

continuing professional development (CPD) can be broadly defined as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role.

To help professionals to better document and prove this process, our brand new CPD Zone contains content and articles that have been checked, verified and accredited by a third-party specialist organisation

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

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

professional’s ongoing CPD record

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

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

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

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

NEW USERS – ACCESS YOUR BESPOKE CPD CERTIFICATE IN FIVE STEPS

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

2. Find the QR code with the last article in this section and scan

3. Enter your email address.

4. Fill out your details on the contact form.

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

PREVIOUS USERS – ACCESS YOUR CPD CERTIFICATE IN FOUR STEPS

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

2. Find the QR code with the last article in this section and scan.

3. Enter your name and email address.

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

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

pe@hamerville.co.uk

THE CODEBREAKERS

Unfor tunately, this is a commonly found misdemeanour in many proper ties, especially kitchens. This type of problem was a key driver for implementing Par t P in England and Wales in 2005. It was the reason an MP ’s daughter sadly met her death when coming into contact with a metallic utensil rack that had been installed in an area where cables weren’t expected to be

However, the wiring installer had not taken note of safe zones, and the utensil rack fixing penetrated a hidden live conductor When the MP ’s daughter touched the utensil rack while simultaneously being in contact with a piece of ear thed white goods, she received a fatal electric shock.

There is a ver y impor tant reason we have safe wiring zones: they are critical and must never be overlooked or ignored Safe zones are fundamental requirements, and the lack of understanding or following them led to the single biggest Regulation change in the electrical industr y for some years, with the implementation of Par t P of the Building Regulations

Where a cable is installed in a wall at a depth of less than 50 mm, Regulation 522 5 202 requires that they be installed in safe zones. The only way this would not be the case is if the installed cables complied with 522.6.204, which they evidently don’t, as the type fitted here are flat twin and ear th.

Failing to comply with this Regulation is only going to have one outcome on an EICR, given its potential for danger, especially where multiple fixings for shelving and wall units have been drilled in the unexpected cable routes

ASHLEY MOORFIELD: THIS WAS DISCOVERED ON A RECENT JOB: A SELF-BUILDER WHO KNEW ALL ABOUT ELEC TRICS! I’ VE NEVER SEEN ANY THING LIKE THIS BEFORE!

Regulation infringements

applicable

this observation would

liable to damage, installed at a depth of less than 50mm from the surface of a wall not in safe zones

Need help with cracking those all-impor tant EICR codes? Ever y 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 pic tures through to us at: pe@hamer ville.co.uk

One of the biggest problems we face as an industr y is duty holders and clients not understanding the risks to them, their employees or the general public from poor electrical work Dangers arising from unskilled and shoddy workmanship coupled with a lack of knowledge and understanding of BS 7671 are risking lives

Here we have access to live par ts from the terminals of the connector block, not taken into an adequate enclosure, which may also have a mechanical strain on them from a lack of adequate containment for one of the cables connected to it.

Add to this the lack of mechanical protection for unsheathed and single -insulated cables, and we have the makings of a significantly dangerous modification to an existing installation

Even though LED strip lights of this type often do not require or have a facility for ear thing them, they must have mechanical protection for the supply cable, which is

usually a supplied flex There is a requirement for cables to have a cpc throughout their length and be terminated at ever y point in the wiring, but that can be relaxed where the manufacturer supply cable is of a shor t length and not buried in a wall

Installing this LED using a junction box and appropriate connecting flex would have been a simple and safe method, yet we find cost-cutting to the degree of danger a common occurrence.

Duty holders and clients should always use a competent and registered installer to

protect themselves, their employees and the general public from these kinds of dangerous installation practices

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

Access to live parts from terminal block screws not taken into an adequate enclosure

Possible strain on terminations from unsupported cable

Single insulation not taken into an adequate enclosure

LED light connection not connected in accordance with manufacturers instructions, exposing single-insulated cables

134.1.1, 416, 526.5

134.1.1, 526.6

134.1.1, 526.8

134.1.1, 526.8

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

C1

MIKE GOHL: WE FOUND THIS WHILE REMOVING SOME LIGHTS, DUE TO THE RELOCATION OF A COMPANY THAT WANTED TO SAVE THE LED LIGHTS SHOCKING!

CABLES EMBEDDED IN THIN WALLS OR PARTITIONS

This

Acable embedded in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface can be vulnerable to penetration by nails, screws and the like, leading to a risk of electric shock or fire It is therefore important that cable routes are properly planned and adequate measures are taken to ensure that cables are installed to meet the requirements for protection against impact and, in particular, those of Regulation Group 522 6 of BS 7671

Where a wall or partition contains significant metallic parts, such as a metal-framed structure (see Fig 1), there is a greater risk that, as a result of damage to a cable, all the metallic structure of the wall or partition may become live For this reason, BS 7671 treats walls or partitions containing significant metal parts

differently to those with a traditional construction using timber studding.

General requirements for positioning and protection of cables

Regulation 522 6 202 of BS 7671 deals with the requirements for cables installed in a wall or partition of traditional construction (for example brick, block or timber) at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface of the wall or partition

Where the position of an accessory, point or item of switchgear can be determined from the reverse side of a wall or partition less than 100 mm thick, then the zone also extends to the reverse side

Cables intended to operate at low voltage not incorporating mechanical protection, or not provided with such a

means of mechanical protection sufficient to satisfy the requirements of regulation 522 6 204, must be protected by an RCD with the characteristics specified in regulation 415 1 1

Prescribed zones in accordance with 522.6.202

When planning cable routes and installing cables within a prescribed zone, consideration must be given to both sides of the wall or partition, especially where the thickness is less than 100 mm and there is access to both sides.

Consider a building, for example, where proprietary panels less than 100 mm thick are used to form a partition wall within a room and where access is available to both sides Such panels may incorporate vertical service routes (channels for cables or pipes), positioned midway between the surfaces

Cables installed in these routes will not be more than 50 mm from either surface of the partition Therefore, unless an accessory, point or item of switchgear is mounted within a prescribed zone, such as:

l within 150 mm of the top of the wall or partition; or

l within 150 mm of an angle formed by two adjoining walls or partitions;

article from the experts at NICEIC will remind contractors of the need to apply due diligence when installing cables in thin walls and/or partitions, especially where there is access to both sides.

Fig 1 The internal construction of a metal-framed partition wall

then a cable not meeting the requirements of regulation 522.6.204 must be routed to the point, accessory or item of switchgear, only in a zone running horizontally or vertically, as shown in yellow in Fig 2

Note: This zone will also extend to the reverse side of the wall or partition, where the position of the accessory, point or item of switchgear can be determined from the reverse side

Satisfying Regulation 522.6.202 by other methods

Where a cable is installed outside a prescribed zone, as shown in Fig 2, the requirements of regulation 522 6 202 may also be met by complying with one or more of the methods given in regulation 522 6 204, including:

Cables incorporating an earthed armour or metal sheath

Where a cable such as mineral insulated copper sheathed or steel wire armoured is employed, the earthed metallic sheath or armouring of the cables is required to meet the requirements for a protective conductor for the circuit concerned relating to electrical continuity and cross-sectional area

Cables enclosed in earthed conduit, trunking or ducting

In principle, an earthed steel conduit, trunking or ducting utilises the same method of protection as a cable with an earthed metallic covering and, by construction, provides a higher degree of protection against mechanical damage

Cables with mechanical protection sufficient to prevent penetration

Cables may be provided with mechanical protection sufficient to prevent the penetration of the cable by nails, screws and the like The mechanical protection, normally metal and approximately 3 mm thick, need not be earthed

However, in some circumstances, such mechanical protection may not be sufficient to ensure that a cable cannot be penetrated, for example where the fixing methods of other trades employ nail guns

Mechanical protection would therefore be unacceptable, as metallic capping and often proprietary protective plates would not provide sufficient protection against such an impact

Cables forming part of a SELV or PELV circuit

A cable forming part of a SELV or PELV extra-low-voltage circuit meeting the requirements of regulation 414.4 may be used as an alternative to minimising the risk of electric shock in the event of impact to the cable

However, the cable must still be installed in a manner that minimises damage from impact, abrasion, penetration, tension or compression during the installation or maintenance process, whilst also satisfying the requirements of regulation 522 6 202

Additional protection by means of an RCD

Additional protection by means of an RCD with a rated residual operating current (IΔn) not exceeding 30 mA (415 1 1) must be provided in all cases where a cable not complying with regulation 522 6 204 is installed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface.

It should be remembered that, as well as being provided with additional protection by an RCD, a cable not complying with regulation 522 6 204 must still be installed in the ‘prescribed zones’ as described previously and given in indent (i) of regulation 522.6.202.

Additional protection to cables

installed in a wall or partition including metallic parts

Regulation 522 6 203 requires a cable installed at any depth in a wall or partition with internal metallic parts, excluding fixing items, such as nails, screws and the like to be provided with either:

l additional protection by an RCD with the characteristics described previously, or l one of the measures described in regulation 522 6 204

In addition, regulation 522 6 203 also requires a cable installed at a depth of 50 mm or less from the surface of a wall or partition with internal metallic parts, to meet the “prescribed zone” requirements of regulation 522 6 202

Other considerations to protect cables against damage

Where cables fixed on walls or partitions will subsequently be concealed by “wet” building materials such as plaster or mortar, consideration should be given to the provision of a protective material such as capping to minimise the risk of damage caused by trowels and the like during the application process (522.8.1).

Summary

In order to minimise the risk of impact and the resultant danger, cables embedded in walls and/or partitions at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface must be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of BS 7671, and in particular, those of regulation group 522 6

Fig 2 Prescribed zones for cables

BUSINESS MATTERS

TREAT OBJECTIONS AS REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

This month’s spotlight is about the all-important sales sector. Sales is all about building relationships, and managing your pipeline, process, and automation This is the left arm of our human body model that we use to describe our Bright Business Advice 7-Sector Orbit

The word we use to represent the five levels in the sales sector – from basic to advanced – is C.L.O.S.E.

The first letter is C, which stands for

CONSISTENCY

A key reason for low sales is the absence of consistency The manner in which you and your team handle clients is a critical aspect of the sales process Having spent a decade in corporate sales and a furth 18 years coaching, I’ve developed a sales process that we use with our clients – the R.A.P.I.D. sales process. It is also an acronym:

R

= Relationships

Establishing strong relationships cultivates trust, leading to more enjoyable business interactions with individuals It's worth investing time in building authentic connections with your prospects, as they may eventually turn into customers who also become friends. These are the kind of people that you genuinely enjoy doing business with, so invest in those relationships for long-term success

A = Ask

The way you delve into the fear, frustrations, or desires of those potential customers demonstrates your knowledge by showing you know the right questions to ask and that you’re doing the groundwork.

= Decision

This is all about getting the potential customer to make a decision and then move them on to the next step of the sales process. I recommend using the method in the book The Perfect Close by James Muir

Now back to the second letter of C.L.O.S.E, which is L. This ands for LITERATURE

P = Present

H o w w i l l y o u p r e s e n t t h e s o l u t i o n?

W i l l y o u p u t i t i n a f o r m a t t h a t t h e y w a n t t o l o o k a t ? W i l l i t b e a w r i t t e n t e n d e r o r q u o t e, p r e s e n t a t i o n o r c o m m u n i c a t e d v e r b a l l y ?

I = Identify

Whenever you provide a solution to a customer, you should always give them three levels in your offer: Silver (economical), Gold (middle ground), and Platinum (top end) This way, they feel they have a choice and it’s not just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision

you got literature to back up ales, that will position you as the and represent the quality of your business? This could be case studies, company information folders or brochures, testimonials, product specs/demos, etc

By compiling quality literature you can prove to your prospects that your product or service is the best choice The more evidence you can provide, the easier it is to take away the hesitation that potential customers may have about investing in your product or service.

If your sales are lagging, it may be worthwhile to evaluate the literature you provide to clients Does it

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

effectively educate them towards a purchase, or are they left with unanswered questions?

The third letter is O, which stands for OUTPUT

To increase sales output, it's essential to have an effective CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to manage all the opportunities in your pipeline That's why we developed the Bright Marketing Machine software, which helps us and our clients manage the sales process more efficiently.

With a CRM system, you can measure your sales progress, track completed surveys or tenders, and assess your conversion rate You can also monitor your prospects as they move through the stages of the sales pipeline, set reminders to follow up, and keep client notes to remember specific project details

Remember, what gets managed gets focused on and ultimately gets improved To stay on track, it's crucial to set monthly, quarterly, and yearly targets for your business and for each targeted salesperson With the right CRM system in place, you can streamline your sales process, stay organised, and meet your goals

The fourth letter is S, which stands for SALESPEOPLE

As you expand your business, you need to bring the right salespeople in; those who can open opportunities and close sales Nowadays these types of individuals are also know as Estimators, Contracts Managers or Project Managers, but whatever we call them, we all know their job involves bringing in new business and winning new jobs

The final letter is E, which stands for ENERGISER

A Sales Director, sometimes called a Pre-Contracts Manager/Director or Commercial Director, is an important part of the business and their skillset should also include being able to energise the sales team You’re looking for someone who can get them motivated and excited about going out there and selling your products and services, as well as achieving targets

DON’T BE CON-FUSED

NAPIT’s Principal Technical Author, Richard Townsend, takes a closer look at selectivity requirements for distribution circuits.

One question that I have been asked numerous times over the years is: “How do I achieve selectivity in a residential property between a service cut-out fuse and a switch-fuse used for a sub-main without limiting the supply capacity considerably?”

This is a common situation concerning consumer units which are designed to be located in a different position to that of the intake position The electrician understands the supplier/DNO restrictions for consumers meter tail length and rightly

chooses to install a switch-fuse

In this article, I will explain how to achieve selectivity and discuss whether or not it’s actually required.

Selectivity

Previously known as discrimination, selectivity is the ability of the protective device to operate in preference to another device, which is in a series connection configuration. For correct device coordination, short-circuits, overcurrents and residual currents will need to be considered

Fig 1 shows a scenario where four protective devices are installed in series (identified as A, B, C and D) as well as the position of a fault which has occurred downstream of protective device D In order to achieve selectivity, only the protective device immediately upstream of the fault should operate

BS 7671 Part 2 also makes reference to partial selectivity

and total selectivity, as follows:

l Partial: Selectivity up to a given overcurrent lower than the breaking capacity of the downstream device

l Total: Selectivity for all overcurrents up to the value of the breaking capacity of the downstream device

Regardless of which aspect of coordination is being studied, BS 7671 provides general requirements for selectivity in Regulation group 536 4, as summarised below:

l Desk study utilising product standards and manufacturer’s literature, or

l The use of appropriate software in conjunction with manufacturer’s data, or

l Tests in accordance with the applicable product standards, or

l Manufacturer’s declaration.

The worked example given in this article relates to device coordination between fuses From this, it can be seen that it’s not just a case of simply stepping down one fuse size to achieve selectivity The actual characteristics of the devices used will need to be examined.

Fig 1: Selectivity achieved with only protective device D operating

With higher loading requirements in properties, supply capacity cannot always be reduced

Coordination between fuses

For the correct coordination between fuses, there are two aspects to consider:

l Selectivity in the case of overloads, and

l Selectivity in the case of short-circuits.

For overloads, selectivity is validated by comparison of the time/current characteristics of the fuses concerned

We’re looking to ensure that the total operating time of the fuse positioned on the load side is lower than the pre-arcing time of the up-stream fuse on the supply side.

For short-circuits, selectivity is validated by comparison of the I2t values As a designer, we are looking to achieve a maximum operating I2t value of the fuse positioned on the load side being lower than the minimum pre-arcing I2t value of the fuse on the supply side

Total selectivity can be achieved for most practical situations, where fuses are of the same utilisation category with a rated current of 16 A and above if a coordination ratio of 1 6:1 or greater is applied

For example, an upstream fuse rated at 160 A will coordinate with a downstream fuse rated at 100 A

Worked example:

Using the coordination ratio 1 6:1, what fuse size is required for the switch-fuse, feeding the consumer unit sub-main? The service cut-out fuse is rated at 100 A

Answer:

100/1 6 = 62 5 A

In order to satisfy the 1 6:1 ratio, the sub-main fuse would need to be rated at 60 A to ensure total selectivity

Depending on the maximum demand for the installation, it’s likely that limiting the homeowner to 60% of their supply capacity will be unacceptable, especially with today’s trends requiring more loading than ever, for example, by electric vehicles and heat pumps

So, is selectivity compulsory?

No, not in all cases Regulation 536 3 refers to coordination requirements and asks that the interaction between devices shall be considered so they do not affect

the safety of the installation

For simple installations such as the example given in this article, there are no safety concerns regarding selectivity requirements not being met. Let’s say you have selected a 100 A fuse for your sub-main supply; under fault conditions, if either fuse blows, there would be a bigger issue to worry about than selectivity

The requirements of Regulation group 536 4, which outlines the requirements for selectivity, only need to be applied where the designer decides that selectivity is required Examples may be commercial installations where safety could be affected or processes disrupted

Of course, if selectivity is called for as part of a specification or BS 7671 states that it shall be provided, it must be. Regulation 711 536 4 1 4 is an example of where selectivity must be provided between RCDs for exhibitions, shows and stands

Selectivity between RCDs

The same general requirements can be applied as previously mentioned regarding the use of software, manufacturers’ checks, desk studies, etc Selectivity, in the case of residual currents, is as follows:

l The upstream RCD should be suitably time delayed, and

l The ratio of upstream to downstream residual current rating should be at least 3:1

See Fig 2, which illustrates these requirements.

Conclusion

Where selectivity is required in any design, desktop studies using product standards may not provide the most accurate results The best approach will be contacting the protective device manufacturers, who provide tables based on tested results

Often manufacturers’ device selectivity figures offer the most accurate and sometimes more advantageous values than those found elsewhere

Fig 2: RCD selectivity achieved with S Type RCD upstream and 3:1 current rating ratio applied

MANAGING EMPLOYEE BEREAVEMENT

As an employer, at some point, you’ll ultimately have to deal with a worker who has lost a loved one, since grieving is inescapable

In situations like these, striking the right balance between protecting a worker's mental health and maintaining corporate operations may be tough But what legal responsibility do employers have in these types of cases?

Bereavement law

Bereavement and compassionate leave aren’t clearly defined under UK employment legislation (outside of statutory parental bereavement leave) But employees do have the right to take ‘reasonable time’ off work to deal with problems involving ‘dependents’, such as a spouse, civil partner, child, parent, or anybody else who needs on their physical care, according to the Employment Rights Act of 1996

What constitutes ‘reasonable’ isn’t defined by law unless it is incorporated in an employment contract or a separate policy, however it is commonly regarded to be between two and five days However, each case should be evaluated

on its own merits, taking into account the employee's relationship to the dead as well as the circumstances surrounding their death

Employees who require additional time off beyond what has been agreed upon should do so as soon as possible.

Extensive bereavement leave is frequently unpaid and granted at the discretion of the employer Employers, however, should be aware of their legal obligation to protect an employee's well-being under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This includes not rushing a return to

work if mental health is an issue. However, if the employee's lengthy absence is due to sadness or anxiety as a result of the bereavement, a fit note should be issued since the employee may be entitled to sick pay

Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers on bereavement leave aren’t treated unfairly The bereaved must be given the same opportunities for development or training as everyone else, and they cannot be fired simply because they’re physically absent. If an employee believes they’ve been marginalised as a result of their absence, they may have grounds for a tribunal claim

When determining leave length, religious beliefs and customs must also be considered Under the Equality Act 2010, for example, denying an employee adequate time to undertake religious mourning rites might be deemed indirect discrimination.

Parental bereavement

Under UK law, parents or primary carers who have lost a child under the age of 18 are treated differently People affected are entitled to two weeks of parental bereavement leave and/or statutory parental bereavement pay under the

Hassall, offers her advice to employers when dealing with a member of staff who has suffered a significant loss.

“The bereaved must be given the same opportunities for development or training as everyone else, and they cannot be fired simply because they’re physically absent.”

Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act

Employees who have worked for at least 26 weeks previous to their bereavement are entitled to statutory bereavement pay of £156 66 per week, or 90% of their average weekly wages (whichever is lowest). Those who’ve not satisfied this service requirement are eligible for two weeks of unpaid parental bereavement leave

The legislation also protects the rights of employees who have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy by providing them with 52 weeks of paid maternity leave

During this time, the employee's usual job rights are also preserved, including the right to pay raises and accumulate annual leave

Bereavement policies

Some firms will have a unique bereavement policy in place to avoid unnecessary negotiations during a tough period

Such policies should state:

l How the time off will be handled;

l How much time off is reasonable to expect;

l What will be paid to the employee during bereavement leave;

l Procedures for reporting a bereavement;

l The employer's position if the deceased isn’t considered a ‘dependant’ under the Employment Act;

l How the return to work will be handled

Return to work

Be mindful that a loss might cause substantial changes in a person's personal position, such as a change in childcare needs or greater financial demands

Employees may need to adjust their workload or tasks in order to manage their new circumstances

The best approach to cope with this is to be flexible Part-time hours, flexible or hybrid working arrangements, or a phased

return to responsibilities might all be recommended

Routine one-on-one meetings should be held after returning to work to track progress This ensures that any issues are brought to light as they develop. Bereavement should be considered while conducting performance reviews to prevent unjustly damaging a person's work history

Empathy is necessary for effectively addressing a worker's bereavement The most practical way to show your support is to treat people in the same way that you’d like to be treated if the tables were turned The establishment of a safe and supportive environment for the bereaved will help to ensure their sustained participation, loyalty, and integration into the team

WHOSE FAULT IS IT?

AFDDs

An arc fault detection device (AFDD) is a safety device which activates in the presence of series and parallel arc faults by monitoring the waveform (signature) of an arc It does this by electronically analysing the waveform and ‘trips’ when the waveform falls outside of predetermined values

The first Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) was patented in the US in 1980 and was described for use in the US National Electric Code (NEC) in 2008. In 2013 the Product Standard IEC 62606 was introduced and became a UK Standard that same year

BS EN 62606: 2013+A1: 2017 General requirements for arc fault detection devices states that the purpose of an AFDD is: ‘ to mitigate the risk of fire in final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effect of arc fault currents that pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions if the arcing persists’.

Electric arcs

The phenomena of electric arcing were first demonstrated to the Royal Society in

London by the chemist and inventor, Sir Humphrey Davy in 1801 Other studies followed and an electric arc can be considered to be:

‘An electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged discharge between two means of conduction ’

There are instances where arcing is a desired effect, such as when welding or plasma cutting However, uncontrolled arcing due to a fault is undesirable

Causes of arc

Contact arcs can result from either direct or indirect contact between metal parts which are moving relative to one another or have little conductivity, such as a loose electrical connection or a break in conductor

To generate an arc is a complicated process, but principally an arc fault is a function of the voltage and the distance between the two points of contact Initially, an arc is composed of metallic vapours (for example, carbon) and current can flow through the damaged section. As the current flows through a material that is a relatively poor conductor, heat is built up due to the heating effect

Series arc

Whilst it is possible for a stable arc to be formed with low currents, say less than 2 A, there is insufficient energy to ignite the cable and hence, the probability of ignition is severely limited

Most arcing faults detected by an AFDD exist in currents ranging from 3 A to 10 A, and these values reflect normal operating currents in domestic installation circuits Causes of series arc faults vary but include damaged conductor cores and loose connections.

Parallel arc

In a parallel arc, insulation breaks down between two or more conductive parts that are normally separated: line to neutral, line to earth and neutral to earth It is more likely that a parallel arc fault will operate a typical overcurrent protective device, such as a circuit-breaker or fuse than a series arc

Parallel arcs may be formed by tight bending radius of cables, twisting and bending of flex (perhaps by being trapped under a door), crushing, other mechanical damage and tracking

AFDDs have been getting a lot of attention following the publication of Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018. Jake Green, Technical Engagement Manager with Scolmore, looks at the technologies associated with AFDDs.

The heat generated by arcing can rapidly increase and create a fire Series arc fault

Means of detection of arc faults

Manufacturers differ in how they choose to conform to the requirements of the Standard. Scolmore applies three characteristics in complex algorithms which, when taken together, will cause its AFDD to trip These are:

l Noise – HF noise in the high kHz to the MHz region This ‘noise’ is generated by the movement of the arc roots at the cathode Whilst there are other sources of ‘noise’ which are naturally generated by electrical equipment operating normally, these are of a different nature and the algorithm filters them out

l Continuous – ‘noise’ must not be of a brief duration or very intermittent It is only a continuous process that will lead to the creation of a fire risk and, therefore, where ‘noise’ is intermittent

this will not lead to the operation of the AFDD

l Current variation –erratic variations in current and waveform distorting the typical sinusoidal waveform of the normal supply A series arc will have an impact on the nature of the load current within a final circuit. At the point of arcing there will be an increase in heating with a corresponding variation in current The AFDD algorithm will sense this changing current

Parallel arc

Unless all three elements are present the AFDD will not operate, as it is unlikely a true series or parallel arc will be present

Conclusion

It is well recognised that arcing can, and will, lead to fire. An AFDD provides additional protection against fire and is particularly beneficial when protecting final circuits supplying socket-outlets

BROWSE THE ELUCIAN ONLINE PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS016

MEASUREMENT OF MAXIMUM DEMAND

In this article Julian Grant, General Manager of Chauvin Arnoux UK, will look at one of the most important, but often overlooked, parameters associated with electrical installations big and small.

In simple terms, the ‘Maximum Demand’ of an electrical installation is the maximum amount of current it is ever likely to draw from its supply

This is expressed as a current in Amps in most cases, such as on EICs and EICRs, but for some installations it may be specified as a Power value in kilowatts or kVA.

Maximum demand is addressed in Part 3 of the Wiring Regulations (Section 311), which states that for economic and

reliable design of an installation the maximum demand shall be determined This is an interesting, but important, use of these two terms and illustrates the balance that must be struck Installing a huge supply that isn’t needed will not be cheap (economically) but installing a small supply when you know it will be inadequate will not be reliable So, essentially, the electrician is tasked with determining the correct demand and then specifying the smallest

supply capable of reliably delivering this The important point, though, is how?

Determining maximum demand can be achieved in many ways and each method has its pros and cons What they all have in common is that the more data you have about the installation and its usage the more accurate the final figure will be.

Before we look at the methods available to us, it’s worth adding a quick note on what we must avoid Superficial and basically incorrect methods like just

writing down the main fuse rating or simply adding up the current of all the MCBs are not based on the installation usage and are a sure sign that the electrician stating them has little idea what maximum demand is, or how a fuse works for that matter.

Given that maximum demand is based on gathering data about the installation and its usage, the Wiring Regulations also introduce the idea of ‘diversity’, and state that this must be used when determining maximum demand

Artificially high maximum demand

Diversity is the concept that not all circuits will be fully loaded at the same time, and if they are it will likely only be for a very short time It’s a sort of averaging effect and is the reason why just adding up all the MCB ratings is a bad idea, as it fails to consider diversity, resulting in an

artificially high maximum demand

The method used often depends on the point at which the determination is being made, i e is it a design for a new installation before construction, before an addition or alteration to an existing installation, or is it to evaluate the suitability of the supply, maybe as part of an EICR?

For a completely new installation we will have to rely heavily on calculation, using diversity values from Table A2 in the IET On-site Guide, or figures chosen by the designer based on their assumptions about how the installation is to be utilised

Calculation is, however, likely to be less accurate than measurement-based methods, and as with all design assumptions it is recommended that these are checked by measurement after the

installation is complete

This will confirm that they were indeed accurate within the tolerance required

When assessing additions, alterations and existing installations we have the option to carry out measurements to determine the maximum demand with a greater degree of accuracy

This is achieved by measuring the current (or power) consumed by the installation.

This could be a single ‘spot’ reading taken with a clamp meter at the origin of the installation, but that will only show the current at that moment It is unlikely to represent the maximum and doesn’t show the full picture of demand over time.

The solution is to use a Power and Energy Logger, or PEL, which can log current and voltage over a given time – say a day, week or longer, dependent on the installation The PEL will record the installation current throughout this period and can be set to also record other parameters such as power and even harmonic content

This will give the designer a clear and highly detailed view of the usage of the installation which can be used to assist in determining the true maximum demand Where micro-generation, such as PV, is

installed a PEL can also allow you to factor this into the maximum demand

The current log shown with this article (bottom left) is typical for a 3-phase industrial installation and was performed over a week The current can be seen to peak at about 250 A Such detailed information enabled the designer to make an informed judgment about the maximum demand of this installation, with the PEL data and graphs to back up their decision

It is hard to imagine in a modern installation how this level of analysis could be achieved by calculation alone, making a PEL an almost essential piece of kit for all electricians

BROWSE

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS017

CPD ZONE!

SCAN THE QR

CODE TO CLAIM

YOUR CPD

CREDIT FOR THIS EDITION OR VISIT:

WWW.RDR.LINK/ EAS018

CHAUVIN ARNOUX’S LATEST TEST AND MEASUREMENT BROCHURE AT:

STA TA RUNDE

TION TALOTA

UNDERSTANDING TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

CHAUVIN ARNOUX - your guide to navigating the subject of Power Quality and Energy E iciency.

y. icienc y E

vic s and de eanc , appli s t oduc

t ion and e ater t the op ec s

eat s gener e

f an y o icienc

Modern world electronic products, appliances and devices generate current harmonics which can a ect the operation and e iciency of an installation and the equipment in it.

y f uppl f the s s o tiple st ical sy tr c s in an ele urrent e c

srequencie em at f

,ds ther wor n o . I y y. I quenc

. z2500H , h y y, h allener and so on. G p

o the 50th or p t d u eiderons e c s ar monicar , h at c ar rmonic der or o 0H 0

Put simply, harmonics are currents in an electrical system at frequencies that are whole-number multiples of the supply frequency. In other words, if the supply is 50Hz, the harmonics are currents at 100Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz and so on. Generally, harmonics are considered up to the 50th order or 2500Hz.

z00H , 2 z50H , 1 z

u f s io o at his is a r T monic dis ar f h nt o the amou ent dis urr monic c ar

e use asur HDi me ion T t tor 2 2 + + I I

ical ins tr c sent in an ele e ion pr t tor

Total harmonic current distortion or THDi is a measure used to indicate the amount of harmonic distortion present in an electrical installation. This is a ratio of the sum of all the harmonic currents to the current at the fundamental frequency, and is described by the equation:

quat y the e d b eibscr , and is de y y, de o c s t urrent monic c ar f the h m o

S7 o B ding t cor s ac esiz quipment and b e

or cable op f tage dr vol

A installation

atminter d in the de eiderons e c

s add t urrent monic c Har eat s r t ar i ing ne ater quipment op e

HDi. s T eencefer , which r s ying cap r ent car rr x 4 Cu endipp 1 - A 67

y taci f cable ion o s and

Harmonic currents add to the fundamental (50Hz) current in cables and equipment and should be considered in the determination of cable sizes according to BS7671 - Appendix 4 Current carrying capacity and voltage drop for cables, which references THDi.

currents low at THDi percentage

ion: ent at urr o ion.attall e o indicat d t f e e o c or cable pie f e p n, wher eronc tle c tli

ent in cable urr ) c z50H amental ( und o the f s y. taci d cap oblem ajor pr of be may or

e a m ould b HDi c entage T cer e

THDi needs to be viewed in relation to the current flow and the circuit or installation capacity. A high percentage THDi at low currents may be of little concern, where a lower percentage THDi could be a major problem for a cable or piece of equipment operating near its rated capacity.

Lets us know about any topics you want covered at:

: d at eerov ant c s you w opic y t an

WWW RDR LINK/EAS019

annel a ch di r me t ou iVis

Visit

t an ouab s tLe ion:

mator e inf or mor f

WWW RDR LINK/EAS020

www.chauvin-arnoux.co.uk

www

01924 460494

info@chauvin-arnoux.co.uk

CURRENT THINKING

In the 12 months up to January 2023 gas prices rose by 129 4% while electricity was just over half this amount at 66 7% However, apply monetary values, and a different picture emerges – per kWh (at time of writing) gas is costing domestic customers

10 3p, while electricity is 34p Similar differentials apply, dependent on tariffs, to commercial customers.

On this basis, it costs more to run electric heaters than gas-fired ‘wet’ systems But can we take these figures at face-value? Many factors will affect how the most cost-effective heating solution is determined: how the heating is used, the type of building, new-build or retrofit, etc

False economy

For non-domestic situations, such as student accommodation, other determinates arise. These include occupancy patterns and demand for heat and hot water – very different from the domestic scene Likewise, occupants’ attitude to energy consumption is different, if they’re not directly responsible for paying the bill

It’s a common misconception that leaving the heating on at a low level, all the time, works out cheaper than a heat-on-demand principle In the case of student accommodation this would, for the most time, see empty rooms heated This heat would dissipate throughout the day with no benefit Wet systems with slower heat-up rates and lower heat output are more likely to operate in this way, but the occupant has limited control in raising the temperature on demand.

Electric systems with instantaneous boost are more flexible and efficient –heating the space only when necessary Reduction of heat input to empty rooms, and if windows are open, are control features that help to lower operational costs A unit of gas might be considerably cheaper than electricity, but boilers aren’t totally efficient. Even the most technologically advanced have an ‘energy input to heat output’ conversion rate below 90%, compared with 100% efficiency of electricity

Updated Regulations

June 2022 saw the Building Regulations Part L updated It covers the conservation of fuel and power, and energy efficiency for new and existing buildings. The Standard Assessment Procedure is the methodology used by government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings

The most significant difference is that carbon factors have been changed in the Target Emissions Rate calculations Illustrations show grid electricity produces 136 grams of CO2/kWh compared with

210 grams for gas. Electricity now has a lower carbon factor

New non-domestic buildings require a building automation and control system if they include a heating system of 180kW or greater A minimum standard is introduced to ensure that new buildings with wet heating systems operate a maximum flow temperature of 55°C, and all space and water heating installations in existing non-domestic buildings must now include controls.

The effect is that electrically heated buildings now comply more easily with the updated regulations This drive to energy efficiency, and cutting CO2 by 27% compared with 2013 levels, sees consultants prioritising a fabric-first approach

Installation and maintenance costs are another consideration Wet systems cost more to install and have the added, regular costs of maintenance, boiler servicing and potential risk of leaks Electric systems have a longer life-expectancy, and failing components are easier to replace without having to ‘drain down’ the system

So, considering the future direction of Building Regulations, it’s understandable that developers of student rooms are turning away from gas in favour of cleaner, greener, easier to install and more efficient electrical solutions, using specialist control systems to ensure energy isn’t used unnecessarily

Adrian Barber, Marketing Manager at Prefect Controls, explains why the future looks bright for electric heating.

I KNEEL GOOD

Hard-working craftsmen and women put more pressure on their knees than many top athletes That’s why the risk of knee injuries is far higher among trade professionals and manual workers than other occupations

Knee injuries are common in the workplace Sore and swollen knee joints are something that most tradesmen and women suffer from at one time or another and bumps to the knee can be innocuous but troublesome They’re a perennial problem and can be highly aggravating, but prevention is far easier than cure by taking the proper steps to look after your knees

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body and there are different types of injuries that are of particular concern to anyone who works on their knees for any length of time.

The most common ailment is Housemaid's Knee or Bursitis, which is caused by kneeling for long periods of time and by repetitive knee movements such as crouching down and standing up Fluid builds up in the Bursa – which is the sack of fluid that cushions the knee joints – causing swelling, soreness and stiffness in the joint

So what’s the answer?

The most effective knee protection in the workplace is, as you might expect, covered by legislation and PPE certification standards The EN 14404 Knee Protection Standard deals with the size, force-distribution and penetration-resistance of kneepads

Type 2, Level 1 protection ensures reliable knee protection for workers in a mobile working environment that involves

regular kneeling to perform their job. This protection level is designed to protect the knees in all types of working environments where you find rough, hard and damp surfaces as well as ground debris up to 1 cm thick The Type 2, Level 0 standard designates effective knee protection for those people who need to work on their knees indoors – but only occasionally There have been various types of knee protectors available over the years such

Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, discusses the need for construction professionals to invest in advanced knee protection on-site.

as inflexible strap-on pads that cut into the back of your knees, causing bruising and potentially impeding blood circulation

Effective protection really only comes from combining properly designed work trousers that use high quality fabric technology with a knee protection system that has been thoroughly tested, manufactured and certified using materials that perform to the highest standard day in, day out

The most effective kneepads are those that work efficiently and in tandem with the design of the work trousers they’re used with – staying in precisely the right position all the time to ensure reliable and comfortable knee protection.

What should you look for?

Properly designed and certified trousers and kneepads will have a pocket design that has special seams which allow the wearer to adjust the kneepads for individualised comfort and protection

Such a design makes the kneepads ‘flex’ when you walk, which also ensures they automatically mould around your knees when you kneel down

Most workwear manufacturers supply kneepads for their work trousers and they vary in price, quality and effectiveness. It will come as no surprise to most that some have no guarantee of comfort or protection

However, the more discerning professional tradesmen and women –those particularly concerned with their health and welfare on-site – will invest in ‘active’ kneepads that are proven to last and protect The top-performing ‘active’ kneepads take cutting-edge knee protection to a completely new level with materials like the revolutionary D3O compound

D3O is an impact protection material with a variety of sports and outdoor activity applications It’s an active and specially engineered rubbery material comprising intelligent molecules which

‘flow’ with you as you move On shock they lock together to absorb the impact energy which provides high-frequency protection

T h e d u r a b l e D 3 O m a t e r i a l a l s o f e a t u r e s a n e x t r e m e l y s l o w c o m p r e s s i o n r a t e, e n s u r i n g t h a t t h e k n e e p a d s k e e p t h e i r s h a p e d u r i n g h a r d w o r k a n d f o r l o n g p e r i o d s o f t i m e W h a t ’s m o r e, g i v e n t h a t k n e e s a r e n o t f l a t , t h e e r g o n o m i c s o f D 3 O k n e e p a d s i s i m p o r t a n t i n p r o v i d i n g c o n t i n u o u s c o m f o r t a r o u n d t h e p r o f i l e o f y o u r k n e e S o w h e n y o u ’ r e b u y i n g w o r k t r o u s e r s a n d e s p e c i a l l y t h e k n e e p a d s , l o o k f o r t h e o n e s t h a t a r e t e s t e d a n d c e r t i f i e d f o r p e r f o r m a n c e, e f f i c i e n c y a n d p r o t e c t i o n t o d e l i v e r c o m f o r t a n d w e l l b e i n g , d a y i n a n d d a y o u t

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE SNICKERS WORKWEAR D30 RANGE OF KNEEPADS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS022

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

HEALTH SERVICE

Fresources in technologies, solutions and products that fulfil our visual needs It was not until the discovery of a third photoreceptor (besides rods and cones) in the human eye and the evidence of the biological influence from light that the lighting community began to relate human health and well-being to light.

Human centric lighting

The finding on non-visual effects of light since then has challenged the industry to take a more holistic approach that simultaneously considers both the visual and biological needs of humans What is now commonly known as Human Centric lighting (HCL) takes up this challenge and opens up a whole new world of opportunities with the advances in LED lighting and Internet of Things (IoT)

Human centric lighting is a lighting concept that puts the focus on bringing the dynamics of natural daylight back into people's everyday lives through biologically effective artificial lighting HCL goes beyond the basic visual needs of

the human being has been conditioned throughout its history

The human body’s daily sleep/wake cycle patterns, referred to as circadian rhythms, are to a great extent dictated by biochemical reactions triggered by our exposure to light As humans have evolved, daylight has been the primary regulator of this cycle, however as we’ve moved to the point that we typically spend around 90% of our time indoors, we can become starved of this natural light

No more constraints

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

on the light sources themselves The lamp and/or luminaire in which the light source(s) are installed will also have some influence on the quality and quantity of the light output The development of LED technology has revolutionised the lighting sector and LED lighting is highly amenable to spectrum and dimming control.

There are now many different distributions of light output possible due to the flexibility in assembling the light-emitting diodes in various configurations to create LED modules Furthermore, the spectral output from LED light sources can be varied across a very wide range of correlated colour temperatures (CCT) Adjustment of light fixtures between 2000K and 7500K to suit occupant needs are not uncommon today, whereas traditional light sources are much more limited in these aspects

Control strategies

Lighting controls can be used to provide an individualised lighting level for a particular user whilst also providing a dynamically lit appearance to increase

visual interest In order to provide a truly Human centric derived lighting scheme there is the need to acknowledge that individuals have preferences, which may be lighting levels, colour, controllability, and the

absence of glare and flicker, for example

The quantities, distributions and spectral qualities of light that are required from a lighting design/installation vary considerably according to multiple factors These include the tasks that are being carried out at any point in time as well as the visual acuity and preferences of the individuals in the space at the time

Unnecessary light levels

Traditionally, lighting designs have attempted to accommodate this by providing for the worst-case scenario, leading to unnecessarily high light levels across the entire space and with limited visual comfort Of course, this also has a material effect on increasing the power consumption of the lighting installation

As well as saving energy, personalisation and optimisation via

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

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

BROWSE THE OVIA ISSUE 4 LIGHTING CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS023

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Luke Osborne, Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, identifies the reasons why prosumer installations will write a new chapter in the ‘Net Zero’ story.

The deployment of renewable energy sources such as on and offshore wind generation, solar photovoltaics (PV), and even biomass plants and anaerobic digestors has boomed in recent years

Renewable energy accounted for nearly 40% of the energy provided to the UK electricity grid in 2022, just drawing ahead of fossil fuel energy Electrotechnical contractors have a major role to play in continuing this transition, and a key driver will be Chapter 82 in Part 8 of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2022)

Chapter 82, introduced as part of Amendment 2 to the Regulations in 2022, covers the key considerations for designers and installers working with prosumer technologies such as onsite generation and storage

New challenges, new concepts

The concept of the prosumer (an energy producer and consumer) lies at the heart of Chapter 82, and ties together many different technologies that will become integral to our homes and offices

Buildings will increasingly be active components of the energy network, and the flow of energy will be bidirectional –moving to and from the grid, rather than unidirectional – only moving from the grid to our buildings

It is important that our buildings, infrastructure and grid are equipped to handle new energy demands, low-carbon installations, and fluctuating loads, the likes of which our current network is not accustomed to Lack of proper regulation around this would present obvious supply and other risks

We all know that solar or wind can’t deliver when the sun doesn’t shine, or the wind doesn’t blow However, it’s entirely possible to mitigate against these practical outcomes by pursuing various options:

l install more renewables than we might need at any given time;

l build more battery and other storage solutions for any surplus energy;

l make the grid more flexible; and/or

l make our buildings more energy efficient

In practice, the UK needs a combination of all four options, including giving more

attention to boosting energy storage (batteries) and energy efficiency Proper implementation of low to no-carbon technologies across the grid could represent savings of £30 - £70 billion for the UK economy, as pointed out in the recent BEIS publication, Transitioning to a Net Zero energy system: Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan 2021

Why did we need a new Chapter?

To help deliver part of the required energy solution, Chapter 82 explains how smart grids and Prosumer Electrical Installations (PEIs) can interact. The smart grid will need to adapt to prosumers’ energy needs, and PEIs need to be able to reduce loads and provide a selection of power sources through Electrical Energy Management Systems (EEMS) which are set to become common in our industry

The flexibility afforded by PEIs allows end-users to better control their energy usage and lets them take advantage of variable energy pricing, which is becoming a popular feature of supplier tariffs.

Smart, fully connected PEIs

The PEI plays a critical role in enabling the smart grid to accommodate the prosumer's energy needs, while also reducing loads and providing a selection of power sources through electrical energy management systems

The PEI is a fully connected system that includes on-site generation, energy storage, heating systems, electric vehicle

charge points, and home devices To optimise the PEI's components, an EEMS is needed to allow all the components to work collectively, managing energy demand from local consumption and any generated energy Depending on the system employed, the EEMS can learn or be programmed by the user to time-shift devices to make use of any excess generation or store it in the battery for use at a later time

In communicating with the grid, the EEMS can ‘load shift’ non-essential items during periods of high demand, reducing stress on the electricity network This can include short-term switching-off of non-essential items, such as EV chargers or heating systems, with negligible impact on their overall operation

When considering a PEI, it is useful to start by considering the building's local distribution and how this connects to the public supply via the building's origin of supply. Connected to the local distribution

are the building’s appliances and any motorised devices, lighting and heating.

The implementation of circuit-level and appliance level metering is critical to PEI operation Whilst common within the commercial sector, through Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Building Automation Control Systems (BACS), these technologies are set to cascade through to domestic installations

Detailed guidance for Members

Chapter 82 of the Wiring Regulations introduces contractors to a future of smart grids and a low carbon electricity network With the inexorable rise of renewable energy and the increasing need for flexible and efficient energy systems, many more Members will be investigating how they can contribute to, and benefit from, the transition to a low carbon energy future

ECA provides a range of more detailed technical guidance and resources for Members Our Zero Carbon and ICCT groups, for example, meet regularly to discuss the changing landscape, new technologies and enable the creation of resources to help contractors stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this rapidly developing area

In addition, our in-depth guide to Chapter 82 offers Members more detail about different PEI configurations, considerations for overloads and short-circuits, isolation, earthing arrangements, and much more

IT PAYS TO BE ‘SEMS SAVVY’

smart energy management systems (SEMS), installers and homeowners will miss out on some of the benefits of solar. Eugene Lucarelli, Marketing Manager at GoodWe UK, delves deeper.

In all residential solar PV systems, there are two main components: the panel array and the inverter The solar panels are made up of a number of photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight as DC current while the solar inverter converts that into a form of electricity that can be used in the premises – AC current

But, along with panels and inverters, there’s also the smart energy management system (SEMS) – an important tool that can help users make the most out of their systems and better understand the benefits of solar energy

What is a smart energy management system (SEMS)?

SEMS are relatively new and many solar customers aren’t yet fully benefitting from them. As the industry matures and more companies offer energy management systems, it will be important for installers to be able to offer guidance on how to use them so homeowners can make the most of their investment

In basic terms, SEMS is the control system installed within a solar setup Most SEMS are now available as a phone or

tablet App, making it possible to monitor, regulate and manage the power generated ‘on the go’ These energy management systems allow homeowners to track the performance of their systems and make adjustments to maximise available energy

In practice, this might mean using power-hungry devices like dishwashers and tumble-dryers in the middle of the day when sunlight is in abundance, rather than early-morning or overnight hours which is often recommended for appliances reliant on the grid Along with efficient practices, SEMS provide notifications about errors and warnings, making them critical to ensuring PV equipment is performing at its peak at all times

Accurate forecasting

Without an energy management system, it can be difficult to track how much energy is generated and consumed which can lead to missed opportunities for maximising the energy and economic efficiency of solar equipment It can also make planning for installations of additional solar arrays difficult as less data is available for accurate projections

On the other hand, an effective energy management system provides an intuitive user interface, simplifying the key information users need to know about their solar setup

By displaying real-time production and consumption figures on an easy-to-read display, SEMS makes it easy to monitor energy usage and identify any problems as they arise. It also means that a system’s performance can be tracked over time to identify energy harvesting and expenditure patterns and capitalise on opportunities to improve efficiency

Additional advantages of SEMS

While day-to-day use of an energy management system offers advantages to solar users, there are other common situations that a system like this can help to improve.

Many people still don’t realise that solar panels can generate electricity on cloudy days In these cases, SEMS can help homeowners understand the benefits of solar energy by showing them how much electricity their panels are harvesting, even when the weather is overcast

Some electronic devices use significant

energy when they’re not being used, especially if they’re faulty Fortunately, an energy management system can help solve this problem by allowing users to view the amount of electricity being consumed in real time

While some solar systems allow for people to be entirely ‘off-grid’, most

residential installations still use a small amount of grid-provided power to ensure a household’s energy requirements are met, meaning they won’t lose power if they use more energy than they generate With the high cost of electricity being a pressing concern for many, SEMS allow users to spot anomalies If there is unusual

power consumption – due to wiring that needs maintenance, for example – the user can identify the issue and have it resolved before needing to rely on the grid for their electricity

For installers, SEMS offers the ability for them to monitor all the installations under their account, meaning they can remotely check for any issues and even remotely diagnose problems without having to visit the site This can save a significant amount of time for installers and improve overall client satisfaction

Every GoodWe inverter comes with free access to the GoodWe SEMS portal and, as the renewable energy industry continues to expand, installers would be wise to arm themselves with comprehensive SEMS knowledge, sooner rather than later GET

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS025

OVER TO THE PANELS

In order to achieve a successful upgrade to clean energy, it’s important that installers take note of some useful information that will help them in the process of installing solar panels. Explaining these things to customers before starting any project can help with making the whole installation process seamless and less overwhelming

Project size/budget

After determining the size of the roof and the budget for the project, planning the possible solar system setup should be based on the energy requirements, the target daily average, the amount of sunlight in the area, and the clients’ specific preferences Installers can then proceed to calculate and estimate the number of panels needed Doing this on both high and low wattage options will allow you to create a range of sizes and arrive with realistic expectations in relation to the number of panels required to achieve your target.

Regulations and DNO applications

One of the many benefits of installing a solar panel system is being eligible to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for selling energy to the grid This requires a certification from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) so as to ensure that all installations are

compliant with local grid regulations, and that the extra load and strain can be managed safely and effectively

DNO G98. For small scale systems (16 A per phase), an Adequacy of Supply (AoS) test will be undertaken to check if the existing electricity supply is enough for the additional load Within 28 days of commissioning the solar system, a notification should be submitted to the DNO If the current supply isn’t adequate, upgrading the electricity supply is required

DNO G99. For larger scale solar systems with >16 A per phase, a DNO approval will be required before any installation can be made. If you’re installing Distributed Generation equipment rated at 50kW or higher, you’ll need to complete a Standard Application Form (SAF)

DNO G100. A G100 application is required if your G99 application comes back and the system’s export needs to be limited

Types of solar PV panels

Different solar panels have different efficiency rates which are based on the quality and type of cells equipped on the panels themselves

Thin-film

These are a type of photovoltaic technology that is made from thin layers of photovoltaic material deposited on a

substrate Their flexibility makes them ideal for curved or irregularly shaped surfaces. This characteristic is useful in the application of solar panels in roofing, where the panels can be easily integrated into the roof design

Monocrystalline or black

Easily recognisable by their uniform black colour and circular cut edges, monocrystalline solar panels are made from single, large silicon crystals and are the most efficient type of solar panel on the market. They can generate more power per square metre compared to low-efficiency panels, are more durable, have a longer lifespan, and perform well in low-light conditions

The new V-TAC Energy catalogue includes a selection of scalable monocrystalline panels for various load requirements Engineered for a positive power tolerance, they produce power equal to or greater than their rated power while PID resistance makes sure the solar panels maintain their power efficiency in spite of high voltages, temperatures, humidity, and other potential factors

The team at V-TAC provide some key pointers that professionals should remember before installing photovoltaic solar panels.

SWITCH TO SOL AR

e move towards greener construction sites and why the switch to solar could future-proof you and your customers.

There’s no doubt about it; we’re witnessing an exciting time of incredible uplift and entrepreneurial spirit across the renewables sector as the demand for solar energy continues to soar.

Solar technology is clean, quiet and sustainable – with significant carbon emission savings and reduced environmental impacts And, with energy prices rocketing and the cost of living continuing to present many difficulties for households and businesses across the UK, solar is increasingly seen as a safeguard and an effective way to future-proof.

Green construction sites

In the UK and Europe, many major projects are being positioned as green construction sites, which means they must comply with low emissions, pollution and noise whilst also realising significant operational cost reductions This has affected all aspects of construction, but the response has been nothing short of illuminating when it comes to lighting.

Prolectric’s solar technology, for example, provides a practical way for businesses to achieve their carbon-reduction commitments, enabling them to move away from polluting fossil-fuelled or mains powered systems

Our solar lights, hybrid generators and CCTV provide high-performance

temporary and permanent site lighting, power and security – with minimal environmental impact and low running costs In particular, our lighting systems produce zero carbon, no noise, need little maintenance and require zero fuel.

Lighting the way

When it comes to solar lighting, we’re proud of our heritage Prolectric was the first to introduce all-in-one solar street lighting to the UK in 2011, and our technology has been specifically designed and developed for UK weather conditions. To date, we’ve successfully installed over 8,000 units across the UK, providing high-quality, reliable, low-voltage LED lighting

Prolectric’s specially developed smart light controller and Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors work to provide maximum lux level lighting when motion is detected but dim for safe ambient lighting that lasts from dusk until dawn

Our solar streetlights and bollards are simple, quick and economical to install With no need to dig

trenches or install trunking for cables, installation costs are minimal compared to conventional mains power alternatives They’re also low maintenance, with no need for PAT testing and a long operating life.

Backed by a specialist lighting design service, our engineers work to the latest lighting regulations and British standards, including BS 5489, and provide detailed

site lighting plans to meet lux and aesthetic lighting layout requirements

This ensures our proven technology is expertly specified to meet, and often exceed, the demanding requirements of green construction sites and increasingly complex environments.

Solar skills shortage

With solar demand reaching a fever pitch over the past year, solar firms have reported a scarcity of skilled workers to deal with the boom effectively Even global brands such as Tesla have hit the headlines in the urgent quest for skilled solar technicians to step into the breach. If the UK is to fulfil its ambition to produce net-zero emissions by 2050, the solar skills shortage is another piece of the jigsaw that needs swift and ongoing action

Huge opportunity abounds for traditional electricians to transition seamlessly into the solar industry, bridging

the critical gaps whilst providing electrical contracting businesses prime diversification options to increase their overall profitability

Tax deduction for UK businesses

Companies that use solar temporary lighting or solar hybrid power could look to take advantage of the government’s recent tax deduction scheme

In a bid to boost investment and drive productivity growth, the 2023 Spring Budget announced that companies could claim 100% capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery through the introduction of full expensing and the continuation of the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) It gives companies a 100% first-year relief on qualifying main rate plant and machinery investments made between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2026

This means businesses that make use of the full expensing policy can reduce

their corporation tax by up to 25p for every £1 they invest The UK government wants to stimulate investment to help improve productivity and increase economic output, so by introducing this policy, the hope is to encourage businesses to bring planned investment forward and make additional investments What sets it apart from other capital allowance schemes is its 100% first-year relief and its uncapped nature

We see this as a huge benefit for renewables, with solar lighting and equipment becoming more affordable over the next three years At the sharp end, we can also predict an even greater boost to our UK electrical contractor businesses as a direct result

IS ONLY GETTING STARTED” “OFFSHORE WIND

In the final part of a series of articles looking at opportunities for electricians in offshore renewables, we put the questions to Chris Snell, Head of SIT UK/FR at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, as he provides advice for professionals who are

QWHAT

YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

IS

I’m the Head of Site Installation Technicians UK for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, responsible for all of the Siemens Gamesa construction technicians and their line managers within the UK and France.

QWHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

I’m a time served electrician, earning my way onto an apprenticeship aged 18 after sweeping floors for two years From there I worked in industrial automation, building

and designing electrical systems for automated packaging machinery before working in a concrete tile manufacturing plant and then in a bulk handling facility I really loved fault finding and enjoyed the pressure of trying to find the fault while the factory was stood still.

QWHY DID YOU MOVE INTO OFFSHORE WIND?

The renewables industry looked exciting and I associated the name Siemens with quality When I read the job advert it seemed like an amazing opportunity, and after doing some research I learned that

my skills as an electrician transferred perfectly, especially as the wind turbines I started on 15 years ago were heavily electrical I also felt that I might do well in a bigger organisation and that there would be opportunities for progression and travel if I worked hard.

QWHAT HAS YOUR CAREER PATH IN RENEWABLES LOOKED LIKE?

I joined Siemens Wind Power as a Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician in the service side of the business, adding to a cohort of around 10 individuals From there we undertook technical product training in Denmark, which now takes place in Hull.

I was not long into my career when the Site Manager role came up for the windfarm I worked on, and I ended up successfully running the site for four years Since then I’ve worked in various management roles within the renewables industry including, service, production and construction My electrical background has stood me in good stead and really

considering making the switch.

helps when I’m talking to technicians; I have a great respect for the job they do and the care that they take in their work

QWHAT

HAS BEEN POSITIVE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE RENEWABLES INDUSTRY?

I’ve loved almost every minute of my time at Siemens The investment in training and competence management is excellent and the industry is having a positive impact in towns across the UK; bringing jobs, opportunities and investment in the areas, as well as through apprenticeship programs

Offshore wind is an ideal place for an electrician, as the skills and competencies required transfer well in this industry; all the electrical principles basically remain the same

QWHAT DEVELOPMENT CAN THE RENEWABLES INDUSTRY OFFER IN TERMS OF LONG TERM PROGRESSION FOR INDIVIDUALS?

If I use myself as an example, I joined as a technician in 2008 and from the day I started I’ve benefited from investment in my learning, and through access to some of the best courses available – both as a technician and as a manager I’m now head of a department that has 200 employees (the people who are actually building all the new turbines).

This industry is still only just beginning and we need technicians and leaders of the future; there is not only progression to management but also to engineering departments, project management, health & safety and quality

QGIVEN THAT SOME OLDER ELECTRICIANS MAY WISH TO TRANSITION AWAY FROM BLUE COLLAR WORK, DOES THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY HAVE A SHELF LIFE IN TERMS OF AGE?

We have technicians of all ages in the teams and I would say the role is not typically strenuous We even have lifts in the turbines so you don’t always have to climb the ladders

If people do want to move off the tools and into more supervisory positions then we have that natural progression to some of our

installation lead roles – there is no large cut in salary when you move to a management position but these roles do tend to be salaried with no overtime and allowances

I would warn, however, that as much as I love my job, I don’t get the same practical satisfaction as I did when I was on the tools Luckily, I have renovation projects at home to help fill that gap!

QAS

THE SENIOR UK LINE MANAGER WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN APPLICANTS?

We require electrically skilled individuals for most of our roles Having qualifications is essential but we also need to know about other factors such as safety (safe isolation, understanding limits and an appreciation of the environment), which is something we discuss during every interview

We’re looking for team players and people who care about their colleagues. Additionally, I always like to see a covering letter with any application which expresses personal interests and relates to our team

QWHAT

DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR OFFSHORE WIND?

As I’ve mentioned previously, I believe we’re just at the beginning for this particular industry Global installed offshore wind capacity is expected to reach 630 gigawatts by 2050 (it is currently around 55 gigawatts) which means the industry has a lot of wind turbines to install As such, we’re going to be very busy for a number of years to come

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CURRENT ROLES AND VACANCIES AT SIEMENS GAMESA BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS028

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

The requirement for both domestic and commercial EV charging installations continues to rise as more drivers and businesses make the switch to electric vehicles As EV charging systems play a critical role in a journey, getting the installation right the first time round is paramount

The not so brief, brief

To truly understand the requirements of your customers, a brief is essential; a thorough brief of what your customer needs and wants will shape your installation journey

There are some key questions to ask your customers here, including:

- What’s your supply?

- Do you require load balancing/managing?

- What type of charging do you require –is it AC or DC, or both?

- Who will be using the charging points?

- How do you wish to finance the purchase and installation of your charging infrastructure?

- Will you be taking advantage of grants?

- Does a maintenance package appeal?

- Do you foresee the requirement for more

EV charging points at your property?

- Will you be opening the EV chargers up to the public, or are they for private use?

Whilst all these questions may seem extensive, it is better to know more than lacking an understanding of your customers’ objectives Knowledge is power and in this circumstance, it will inevitably save time, money and manpower, in turn

allowing for an efficient installation process.

Site surveys are a must

Without them, you risk spending more time and money than you need for a seamless EV charge point installation In conjunction with the brief, site surveys form the crucial foundations for a straightforward installation; a site survey solidifies your approach to fulfilling the

Simon Crangle of Sevadis advises on how to ‘get it right first time’ when installing EV charging systems for your clients.

requirements of your customer, whilst also enabling you to understand and solve any challenges you may encounter.

If conducting the site survey and you predict potential obstacles along the way, it is worth liaising with key stakeholders who are involved in the installation journey, for example, your technical point of reference at your EV charging point provider More than often, your peers can also support as some may have encountered similar challenges in their EV charge point installation careers.

Facebook pages such as UK EV

Installers are the perfect place for such queries, encompassing a community of EV charge point installers who are quick to support with advice and feedback on all aspects of EV charging

Choosing a quality solution

It goes without saying that getting it right

the first time relies on the quality of the solution you choose to implement for your customers. Due diligence on EV charge point providers is advised to understand whether the EV charging point is fit for purpose, reliable and future-proof for your customers’ lifelong experience with EV charging

Naturally, we’re led to opt for options that are cost-effective and those that don’t break the bank, but be sure to understand whether the solution delivers on the brief. The last thing you want is to encounter a scenario where you’re required to revisit your installation for repairs, or worse, replacements

With the Sevadis MaxiCharger, both domestic and commercial applications can benefit from a quality solution without breaking the bank Backed with its 0 76% fault rate and its feature-packed design, there is a solution for every location and requirement, accommodating all scenarios, whilst also providing one of the easiest installation processes in the industry Quality solutions matched with easy installation makes for the perfect recipe for an efficient EV charge point installation journey; providing confidence from initial installation and beyond, and eliminating the requirement for costly call-outs

Paired with a future-proofed back-office

Most, if not all customers, opt for the integration of a

smart EV charging portal in the form of a back-office management system Ensuring that you choose a hardware solution that can be matched with a back-office is crucial as this provides end-users, as well as charge point operators, with complete control over their EV charging points. OCPP compliant solutions are paramount in the future of EV charging due to their flexibility in offering a future-proof interoperable solution

Before choosing your back-office solution, refer to your comprehensive brief and understand whether your chosen provider is capable of fulfilling the requirements of your customers. Whilst most back-offices offer similar functions, there may be specific requirements for unique features, such as charging without an App, scheduled charging, fleet solutions, multiple tariff setting and queuing/booking systems

Maintenance and beyond

Particularly in the case of commercial EV charge point installations, your services don’t simply stop at installation of the charge points. More often than not, commercial customers will opt for a maintenance service to ensure their EV charging points are still fit for purpose throughout their lifetime Upon consultation with your commercial customers, it is always worth discussing the potential of a maintenance package as this opens up further business for you down the line

If maintenance packages aren’t part of your portfolio of services, liaising with your EV charge point partner, or third party maintenance providers, will provide you with options to present to your customers

Don’t forget your training

Getting it right the first time is fuelled by product and technical installation training so it’s important to get your hands on your chosen EV charge point solution and really understand the ins and outs of the charger. For the best return on your money and to deliver a seamless EV charge point installation, pour your mind into education; knowledge is power, especially in the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles

PLUG IN TO PART S

The government’s Part S regulations came into force in December of last year, but what does this mean for you and your customers? The team at Rolec EV sheds some light.

One of the newest developments in the UK government’s road to net zero has been the introduction of the Part S regulations Aimed at making electric vehicle infrastructure more accessible and increase the appeal of EVs to promote better uptake, this ambitious plan accompanies the government’s transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030

Minimum requirements for an electric vehicle charge point

Potentially the most intriguing section of the Part S regulation refers to the requirements for EV charge points. The government has outlined certain expectations for new EV technology to support this widespread installation, to maintain a certain level of quality throughout This should also ensure that units are as future-proof as possible

What do you need to look out for when

choosing an EV charging solution? Along with the recognised standard features of an EV charge point, such as a minimum power output of 7kW and a universal, untethered power socket, its also mandated that your unit must be ‘smart’. Essentially, this means that it should be able to schedule charging during off-peak hours or when demand is at its lowest to reduce pressure on the national grid The EV charge point should also have the capacity to measure, record and transmit usage in units of energy or time

Other features to include are:

l A minimum of Mode 3 specialised system, running from a dedicated circuit, as specified in BS EN IEC 61851,

l Charging status indicator,

l Designed and installed as prescribed in BS 7671,

l Follows the requirements of the IET’s Code of Practice: Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations

Cable routes and locations for electric vehicle charge points

Part of the focus of the Part S regulations is on building supporting infrastructure for future EV charging development This means that developers/builders will have to supply cable routes to all parking spaces that are capable of sustaining EV charge point installations in the future

With this in mind, there’s a list of considerations when installing cable routes to help accurately locate potential future units, making yours and other future installers’ jobs easier

Specified future connection locations must consider the following:

l Must be suitable for use by electric vehicles, even with charging inlets in different positions.

l At least one accessible parking space should have either an EV charge point or a cable route suitable to support the installation of one in the future

l Units can be placed to provide access to more than one parking space, but cable routes should be suitable to

sustain the charging capacity for such a unit

l Must be in a suitable location to function correctly (especially if it has multiple sockets) –all charging sockets should be feasibly accessible Don’t position a future unit backed against a wall if it is needed to supply charge from all sides, for example.

l Sufficient space for electrical connection to a metered supply

l Cable should be supplied with a committed safe and unhindered route to a metered electricity supply

l Don’t leave too little space for the future unit – there needs to be room not only for the unit to be situated but

also a feasible amount of space for the actual install

l You must specify a future connection location

QUBEV Smart

Rolec EV meets all Smart Charge Point and Part S regulations across its range and the new QUBEV Smart is no exception Universally compatible with all BEVs and PHEVs, solar compatible and fitted with an LED status indicator, the unit has all the features a home owner is looking for in a domestic EV charger

It is also paired with a free Wi-Fi App that meets all the Smart Charge Point regulations: allowing users to schedule charging, view energy usage and receive live security alerts

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ROLEC’S QUBEV SMART EV CHARGER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS030

A HEALTHY BALANCE

There is growing awareness of the importance and benefits of load balancing in EV charging installations, but less so about the advantages of dynamic load balancing over static Installers designing an EV charging system can encourage their customers who are hosting new installations to consider the plusses of load balancing in general, and dynamic in particular

Load balancing increases the cost of the install (and, hopefully, the profit for the installer) – and even more so for dynamic – but it’s an investment for the long term that makes the system more efficient and futureproofed for expansion

The balancing act

Common to all load balancing is a smart EV charging network that protects the main fuse by measuring the power entering the local grid and controlling the power outlets in the charging station(s).

In static load balancing, maximum total current available for all charging stations is fixed Say there is a commercial building with a 300 A supply with ten charging points to be installed The building’s peak demand is 100 A, so 50 A are set as a spare buffer in case of any anomalies or future improvements, and 150 A are allocated for EV charging The ten charging points will

share only the allocated 150A between themselves, depending on configuration

If a dynamic load balancing solution is installed in that property, the overall power consumption of the property would be monitored and all of the spare capacity can be allocated to EV charging For example, if the building is using 100 A then 200 A would be available for charging, and if the building’s consumption increases or decreases throughout the day, so will the EV charging allocation It is an efficient system that constantly extracts as much power as possible for charging EVs.

Dynamic load balancing should be considered for larger installations, particularly where the network is part of a building’s local grid This includes workplaces such as office buildings and factories, blocks of flats and other multi-unit residential buildings, shopping and other leisure destinations.

Such locations often have significant other power requirements, for instance for heating, air conditioning, lifts and other machinery

Connecting dynamic load balancing to the wider building management

system enables real time information flow to the charging network about the variable demands elsewhere and how much power the chargers can draw. If there are renewable energy sources present, such as solar, that power input can also be communicated to the load balanced charging network

Static balancing is suited to small charging networks, particularly those that will remain small and do not have the potential for significant expansion as EV ownership continues to grow

For the installer, a small or medium sized project involves configuration of a controller device, which may be one of the charging stations or an additional piece of equipment, and connecting all charging

Viktors

Nikolajevs, CTEK Skillbase

Manager, takes a closer look at EV load balancing and

identifies which applications

require a more dynamic approach.

Dynamic load balancing

stations to the internet or Local Area Network via ethernet cables or Wi-Fi. The specific requirements will vary between manufacturers

Dynamic load balancing solutions are the only available option for domestic environments Their main role is to protect the incoming supply fuse, so the overall load of the property should be monitored

Installation typically involves fitting Current Transformers (CTs) or an additional energy meter

Go to the Grid

For larger installations, dynamic load balancing units such as CTEK’s Grid Central use an energy meter and CTs to inform its charge control technology which is in communication with the charging units. This approach typically involves a separate cabinet device that contains all the load balancing technology, and in the case of Grid Central, each unit can manage up to 500 charge points For those rare applications requiring more than 500 EV charging spaces, duplicate units can be added in as needed

Installers will need to complete an EVCP & HP Connection Form, obtainable from the local Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), which will help them to determine if a DNO permission should be sought prior to the installation of EV charging points. For the permission to be granted, DNOs may require load balancing solutions to be installed and, in most cases, dynamic load balancing solutions are preferred

Static load balancing is a useful addition to many smaller scale EV charging installations But a growing number of hosts will continue to see increased need for additional EV charging on their sites, and dynamic load balancing is a good investment for them in the long term

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT CTEK’S RANGE OF EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS031

Home load balancing

SHARE OPTIONS

Specifically designed for shared spaces such as apartments, condos and workspaces, the latest addition to the Pulsar ranks, Pulsar Pro, includes features such as 4G connectivity and RFID reader to fit perfectly into such environments

Alan McCleave, Director of UK and Ireland, said: “We wanted to offer customers who may be looking for a solution for shared spaces the same compact design that has made our Pulsar family so popular

“Pulsar Pro has been created especially for shared spaces to provide independent communications via the 4G connectivity and the ability to add tariffs or limit access (if required) for B2B installations ”

Improved installation and service

Pulsar Pro has been designed to reduce costs for charge point operators and installers, achieving this through a more

intuitive installation and set-up process, including a backplate design to make installation quick and easy and the preconfigured 4G that enables faster commissioning Pulsar Pro will also support power balancing between up to 100 chargers for improved grid management, translating into more energy efficiency and lower costs.

Prevent unathorised access

Recognising that on-site visits can add to the lifetime cost of chargers, particularly in shared spaces, Pulsar Pro has a number of new security features to prevent unauthorised access, physical damage and cyber security attacks 4G connectivity also enables over the air software updates which translates into lower on-site visits.

It is well known that physical damage is a pain point for EV charging in semi-public spaces, so Pulsar Pro has a robust design, with IK10/IP55 protection to protect

We discover more about how Wallbox has added a ‘Pro’ to its ranks with the expansion of its Pulsar family of charge stations.

against impacts and water or dust, and an easily replaceable charging cable in case of damage

Simplified payments

Pulsar Pro is designed to offer a simple and accurate payment experience for users. It comes with an internal meter with less than 2% error that improves accuracy of energy transfers. The inclusion of 4G also ensures improved up-time, both for users and operators

Sophisticated business software

In addition to the unit itself, myWallbox Business software is also included, allowing administrators to group chargers by location, as well as managing them securely. In addition, users can be organised into groups and assigned chargers or locations with ease, thanks to a flexible user definition system, all monitored through a charging reporting system

Flexible solutions

Several payment solutions are available, such as the monthly option that is most convenient to tenants/employees and is accessible via App and RFID, or the pay as you go option which works when you want it to be available to the general public and is accessible via a QR code from the myWallbox App

IT’S A TOOL ORDER

This month (June) sees the arrival in the UK of new electric cars from Lexus, Lotus and Peugeot, following hot on the heels of launches from Skoda, Mercedes, Volvo and Honda earlier in the year There are more electric cars on the road than ever before, with a growth of more than 40% between 2022 and 2023.

The Accelerating to Zero coalition (A2Z) launched at COP27 in November announced a goal that all sales of new cars and vans would be zero emission by 2040 or earlier, or by no later than 2035 in leading markets

Meanwhile, DAF trucks will launch two battery electric trucks this year, heralding “new standards in distribution” as online retailers making deliveries seek to drive down their emissions. A glance at job listings shows that manufacturers are

searching for electric talent to accelerate battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology, and software developers to take on the challenge of cyber security in electric vehicles, including in commercial fleets

Charging points are appearing across the UK at a similar rate to vehicles on the road, increasing by 35% between 2022 and 2023.

The electric revolution is here

And so, change is well underway in the electrical trade Universities and colleges nationwide are offering courses in electric vehicle engineering and maintenance and a skills-led green labour market will soon be upon us There will be no shortage of demand for installers, with great opportunity to either switch career focus or supplement the existing workload. But what do installers need to do their job? What tools and accessories? How does it differ from a standard electrician’s or electrical contractor’s kit?

As we do with most of our product research and development, we spent some time with our panel of electricians and installers to develop tools and kits specific for this job, to ensure clarity, comfort, control and efficiency As a result, we’ve assembled two high quality EV specific kits

for both existing and newly qualified installers – an EV Hand Tool Kit and EV Power Tools Accessories (PTA) Kit Combined, they provide an easy one-stop-shop for any installer.

This is a collection of premium hand tools that provide everything needed to get the job done efficiently and professionally It includes a state-of-the-art C K Magma Technician’s Wheeled Case packed full of 25 premium hand tools that are designed to complete the stages of inspection and quotation, routing the cable from MCB to charger, mounting the charge point, fitting the cable to the charger point, terminating to MCB, fitting an earthing rod, and re-assembling the charge point

Available to purchase separately, this provides a great range of power tool accessories including quality drill bits, driver bits and hole saws to help complete the installation of EV chargers with the minimum of fuss.

The new C K EV specific kits offer everything needed to complete the steps involved with providing an efficient and professional installation

C.K EV Hand Tool Kit (T5984)

C.K PTA Kit (T5985)

Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Product Marketing Executive at C.K Tools, provides an installer’s guide to the BEV revolution.

FLEXIBLE FRIENDS

As the UK aims to become the fastest G7 country to decarbonise its roads by ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, electric vehicles are seen as their natural replacement It is estimated that this year, 27% of all new vehicles registered will be battery powered As technology improves range and reduces charge times, EVs are becoming more usable on a day-to-day basis for their users

In order to keep these vehicles running, the UK needs to continue to expand the EV charging network In February of this year, it was reported that 1,250 new charging points were added to the Zap-Map website for publicly available charging, and this figure doesn’t consider the amount of new private chargers installed in homes and offices around the country EV charging is potentially big business for any electrical contractor

Standards need to improve as the network expands

As with any rapid growth area, potential for disaster also comes hand-in-hand A OZEV audit, detailed by the IET website,

highlighted that almost 18% of the 371 installations checked were shown to have dangerous or potentially dangerous issues Unfortunately for an industry that prides itself on quality, only 32% of the charge points sampled were deemed to be ‘satisfactory’

Options and opportunities for qualified electricians

In order to improve the standards of installations, City & Guilds has updated its Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charging Installations qualification to include more depth than before with regards to designing EV equipment and selecting appropriate protection for the safety of the user

There is also a focus on the innovations made within the new Prosumer Installation chapter of BS 7671 A major change to the entry requirements for this qualification, unlike previously, is the need to be a qualified electrician in order to undertake the course

XS Training is looking to provide a more flexible approach to achieving the City & Guilds 2921-31 Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations qualification by offering an

online version of the course.

This development will allow delegates to work at their own pace, with up to six months from the time of registration to complete the course Upon completion, one day of attendance to the XS Training Centre in West Yorkshire will be required so that participants can complete the online exam and written assignment in order to gain the certificate

This modern approach to course delivery and completion will be of particular benefit to electricians that want to upskill without a need for time away from site XS Training’s expert team of qualified staff are on hand along the way to offer help and advice to make the process of completing the course as smooth as possible

This qualification has been approved by ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme), allowing existing gold card members to add it to their card in order to showcase their recognised ability to carry out EVC installation services across domestic and small commercial sites

The team at XS Training explain more about why a flexible approach to training will benefit electrical professionals that want to make the transition to EV.

Deta continues to evolve with eVolo range introduction

Deta Electrical has announced the launch of a range of EV charge points for residential and commercial applications under its new sustainability brand – eVolo.

eVolo EV charge points are fitted with cutting edge technology, offering smart, safe and secure charging solutions for residential (single dwelling and communal) and commercial (workplace and public) parking.

Simple to install and easy to operate, the units provide end users with a best-in-class charging experience An intuitive charge App provides drivers with a convenient solution for managing their charge point(s) either in-situ or remotely from the palm of their hand

Jason Peters, Commercial Director of Deta Electrical, says “Following regulation changes for new builds and existing homes, we recognise the UK’s growing demand for future-proofed EV charging solutions. Through our established UK distribution network, we’ll be able to present housebuilders, contractors and end users with a stylish, compact and feature-rich range of EV charge points.”

Innovative mounting solutions are in the ‘post’

With over 30 mounting options available and a bespoke manufacturing service on offer as well, the new UK-manufactured EV charger post is sure to provide the right solution for your charger mounting needs.

The range is constantly expanding to keep up with industry trends, with recent additions that include a value range which is made from carbon steel to offer a cost-effective option, the wall bracket that is designed to be mounted on a low wall for an easier installation, and the ground-box which can be fixed in place prior to installation of the charger

Each product is supplied with an installation kit so there is no requirement to purchase any extra parts A user-friendly website and dedicated workforce aims to deliver the highest quality products at incredibly competitive prices.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE EVOLO RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS035

Webro is willing and cable

Webro Cables and Connectors has launched a new range of EV cables, specially designed for EV charging points with integrated data connectivity.

The new line-up features a fully screened Cat 6 A cable, along with 0 6/1kV power cores, precision bundled to ensure that fast, accurate data and power can be maintained at the same time With both power and data combined in one cable you get an easier and neater installation that takes far less time to complete

The Cat 6 A cable is fully screened, with an individual pair foil and a collective foil screen, so data is passed interference-free The power cores include premium quality bare copper conductors with class 2 stranding to IEC 60228 Overall protection is provided by a black UV-stable Low Smoke Non-Halogen (LSNH) jacket that provides more resistance to sunlight, and ensures that the sheath retains its structural integrity much longer than standard PVC.

The new Webro EV Charging Cable range is available from stock in four different sizes, as a 4mm² or 6mm² cable – all with a Cat 6 A F/FTP cable with 3 or 5 power cores In terms of CPR-compliance, the EV charging cables are CPR/UKCA classified to Eca and are fully LSNH throughout

BROWSE THE FULL EV CHARGER POST RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAS036

Meeting the demands of the green economy: new retrofitting qualifications

City & Guilds has announced the introduction of new retrofitting qualifications to help with upskilling trade professionals.

With net zero rules in place and consumer interest in sustainable options increasing, adapting to the new green economy is becoming a major priority across every trade The race to acquire green skills is on and as most of the people who will be helping us to reach net zero are already in their industries, upskilling current professionals is the next big step

In the UK, where the push towards carbon neutrality is accompanied by rapidly rising energy prices in some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe, the retrofitting industry has become a key area of focus Retrofitting is the process of upgrading existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency and it has the potential to make a significant impact

There are big opportunities for people with the right training and City & Guilds has developed new retrofitting qualifications,

Audi chooses Ohme as smart

charge partner

Smart charging company Ohme is a new official charging partner for Audi in the UK

The agreement will see Audi recommend Ohme chargers for all its electrified vehicle sales with an Ohme Home Pro charger in showrooms for customers to view

“Our partnership with Audi underlines Ohme’s position as one of the UK’s fastest growing smart charging companies,” said David Watson, CEO at Ohme “Audi has been leading EV introduction in the UK with its e-tron range and continues to be at the forefront of the new technology with its Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron models and e-tron GT sports coupe

“We’re looking forward to introducing Audi drivers to the benefits of smart charging with reduced running costs and working with Audi’s retailers to help their customers through the entire process with our bespoke dealer portal ”

Ohme’s dynamic smart chargers can connect with the national grid in real time and automatically adjust its charging for drivers to take advantage of all the times of low price charging with smart off-peak tariffs.

including the Level 2 Award & Certificate in Retrofit, to support workers in this changing skills landscape. The qualification is suitable for anyone who wants to work in retrofitting, whether it’s as an electrician or an assessor.

City & Guilds is committed to providing learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. With these new qualifications, including the Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications coming later this year to offer progression for learners, individuals can move forward in their jobs while making a positive impact on the environment

Test equipment is solar so good

Power Quality Expert has introduced a new range of Sonel test meters for solar PV electrical installations to help test and inspect in accordance with Section 712.

The Sonel PVM-1020 kit contains a solar voltaic meter and irradiance meter for the testing of solar PV panels and installations in accordance with EN-62446-1 The Sonel MPI-540-PV prosumer multifunction tester also conforms to EN-62446-1 with the addition of power quality logging and solar PV measurements referenced to STC (Standard Test Conditions)

Data logging of current is possible with the Sonel CMP-1015-PV graphical clampmeter which can make accurate measurements downstream from variable frequency converters.

Vestel sets sights on European domination

Vestel has launched a range of Vestel EV chargers in an attempt to establish the brand as Europe’s leading supplier of affordable EV charging solutions.

The Turkish manufacturing giant, best known for being the OEM partner behind 1 in every 3 TVs and display screens sold in Europe, has been designing, engineering and producing EV charging solutions for household name brands for over five years. From small residential chargers to the largest commercial units, a broad range of charging devices already installed in homes, car parks and service stations across the UK are “Powered by Vestel”.

With the European EV charging market set to grow exponentially over the next decade, Vestel is leveraging its manufacturing economies of scale to launch a range of its own brand charging solutions, set to significantly lower the cost of EVC installation. With the new products covering home users, commercial premises and infrastructure hubs, Vestel’s capacity to produce over 700,000 EV chargers per year will underpin the aim to become Europe’s leading supplier of affordable EV charging solutions.

At the residential level, the new products will give EV charger installers and electricians new lower-cost, high-specification charging solutions. Integrated features include Wi-Fi, App control, LCD displays, PEN fault detection, and both tethered and socketed options, including a cable locking feature.

Vestel’s EV charger range will be further expanded throughout 2023 to encompass dual-socket commercial AC chargers, rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers.

Your LUX in with new Indra smart charger

Developed in-house using Indra’s smart charging expertise and experience, the all-new Smart LUX EV home charger has been built with installers and EV drivers in mind.

With a profile of just 78mm, the Smart LUX is is designed for easy installation It contains easy-to-fit connectors and has ample space within the unit to enable fast, simple and safe fitting of all components

The unit will appeal to EV customers seeking a minimalist home aesthetic as well as for installations in narrow driveways or in locations where space is limited The product comes with a 6m charging cable and the option to upgrade to a 10m cable, giving increased flexibility and access to the charge point.

Available in four elegant colours (Symphony Black, Indra White, Elgar Grey and Malvern Stone), the Smart LUX Turbine Lights illuminate sequentially to create a visual handshake and indicate the charger status

Developed by Indra’s team of experts, the Smart LUX has been designed to withstand whatever life throws at it, boasting

‘Appy days for JUICE users

Juice Technology AG has further improved the JUICE BOOSTER 3 air with the latest release of the j+ pilot App.

The new features – unlocking the charging coupler from the JUICE BOOSTER 3 air, and a receipt function for accurate charge billing

offer further convenience for users of electric vehicles.

With the JUICE BOOSTER 3 air, there’s no more fumbling about in the vehicle cockpit: to disconnect the charging coupler from the socket after charging is finished, all you have to do is press a button on the plug of the unit

The App also enables you to easily combine multiple Booster units into a load management group, in which the available electricity is distributed equally to all charging vehicles or prioritised to certain vehicles This can also be done directly in the j+ pilot App Operators of multi-tenant buildings who are hesitant to make large investments in a fixed installation can thus quickly implement a smart, future-proof solution for their residents

IP67 rating for water and dust protection It also features a IK10 impact rating, meaning it’s built to resist the bumps and knocks from a typical family environment, along with a five-year warranty Complementing the sleek design and high-quality hardware, Smart LUX technology is optimised for both installer and end users Once installed, setting-up the unit is quick and easy via the Indra DynaMO portal

Marley charges ahead

Marley has announced the introduction of a new EV charger. Further enhancing a holistic package of renewable products that includes SolarTile, its integrated solar PV solution, the launch of Marley’s brand new EV charger meets both Part S demands to support housebuilders with the creation of sustainable homes, whilst providing homeowners with a cost-effective way to harness solar generated power from the roof and put miles in their new electric cars

Coming complete with a three-year warranty, the EV charger has attractive slimline aesthetics that can be fitted discreetly on the exterior of the property for kerbside appeal or within interiors, such as garages, if required, avoiding the need to install unsightly earth rods due to its built-in open PEN conductor protection

The sleek and compact 7kW wall mounted socketed charging unit provides high charging performance, and the ability to connect to solar panels on the roofscape so homeowners can access renewable and cheaper energy in the home

Electrotechnical Apprenticeship sets gold standard for green skills

T h e I n s t a l l a t i o n & M a i n t e n a n c e E l e c t r i c i a n A p p r e n t i c e s h i p h a s b e e n h a i l e d b y t h e g o v e r n m e n t a s a ‘ g o l d s t a n d a r d f o r g r e e n s k i l l s’.

To mark the announcement, electrical apprentices and representatives from industry employers Clarkson Evans and SJD Electrical met with the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, alongside other representatives from the selected apprenticeship standards

The electrotechnical industry has worked hard in recent years to develop formal green skills training routes, in recognition of that fact that many low and zero carbon technologies use the core competence of an electrician as the basis from which to upskill.

Both the revised Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard and the new Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard equip apprentices with the skills to safely install and connect a range of low carbon technologies, with EV charging skills embedded into the qualification Existing qualified electricians can readily upskill in technologies such as EV charging point and Solar PV installation

Jamie Bryan, Head of Lecturing at Clarkson Evans and Chair of the apprenticeship employer group, said: “We’re delighted and honoured that the role of qualified electricians at the forefront of green skills has been recognised in this way. Apprenticeships play a key role in delivering the workforce to achieve net zero ambition – safely and competently With developing and

Fluke unveils new EV adapter

The FEV300 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Adapter from Fluke is designed to simulate an electric vehicle for AC charging Mode 3 with connector types 1 and 2, allowing the output of an electric vehicle charging station to be efficiently and safely tested.

Designed to simulate an electric vehicle attached to the EVCS, the user-friendly tool allows for the output voltage of an AC charging station Mode 3 with connector types 1 and 2 to be safely and accurately tested in accordance with IEC/HD 60364-7-722 and IEC/EN 61851-1

Testing of EVCS must be performed at regular intervals

There are local safety regulations, international and European standards, including the IEC/HD 60364-6, IEC/HD 60364-7-722 and IEC/EN 61851-1, to which installation and testing must adhere too Both the safety and communication functions of an EVCS must be accurately tested to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electric system for use by owners of electric vehicles

The tests required include continuity of conductors, insulation resistance, automatic disconnection of supply (loop impedance, RCD or RDC-DD test) and functional tests All of

emerging technologies there has never been a more exciting time to become a qualified electrician.

“It's still vitally important that more employers recruit apprentices to support this green growth – I call on fellow electrical contractors to realise the benefits of apprenticeships and the return on investment they bring ”

An official King’s Coronation emblem is being issued for use by employers to promote the electrotechnical apprenticeship, reflecting His Majesty’s longstanding commitment to renewable energy sources and applying sustainability into every aspect of the economy

these can be performed using a multifunction installation tester (MFT), such as the Fluke 1663 or Fluke 1664FC

The FEV300 Adapter is compatible with Fluke’s leading MFTs used in the installation and commissioning of EVCS as well as routine maintenance tests The unit can also be paired with Fluke’s range of multimeters or scope meters for investigative troubleshooting

SJD Electrical apprentice Brandon Hussein meets with Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP

Royal appointment for Sigma luminaires

Luceco has recently supplied its Sigma luminaires to the Royal Liver Building The building overlooks the River Mersey from its waterfront location on the Pier Head and forms one of the 'Three Graces' along with the Port of Liverpool Building and the Cunard Building.

CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has managed the refurbishment of the iconic Grade I Liver Building to create a ‘best in class’ office and leisure destination The 8th floor is home to The Bank of New York Mellon which now benefits from a significantly improved, energy efficient lit environment.

Tom Francis, Luceco Project Manager, said: “We worked alongside CorEnergy, part of the SureServe Group, based in Manchester, a renewables specialist in the sustainability and low-carbon sectors Sigma was selected for this impressive office environment due to its advanced technical performance and the client’s need for a direct/indirect recessed luminaire for low glare applications designed to assist with LG7 compliant settings ”

Backlit LED technology and a central Tp(a) microprism optic ensured suitability for this office environment offering UGR 19 compliance and less than 3,000 cdm2 at 65° Platinum Mini downlighters were also used to light circulation spaces alongside Sigma. A recessed luminaire offering an efficacy up to 117 Llm/cW, Platinum Mini features a unique swing tab design for quick and easy installation

Sigma is engineered to be installed in the traditional lay in method or pulled up to the ceiling using specially designed swing tabs. The luminaire has a range of mounting accessories for solid or plasterboard ceilings and is also suitable for non-standard ceilings in commercial applications As well as offering an efficacy of 130 Llm/cW and excellent photometric performance, Sigma delivers over 100,000 hours of maintenance-free, operational life.

James Burton from CorEnergy, part of the SureServe Group, said: “The successful completion of this lighting improvement project at the Liver Building is a great example of CorEnergy

working in partnership with Luceco to provide an enhanced lighting solution within a prestigious building In a time where all businesses are striving for carbon neutrality whilst also facing the impact of rising energy costs, our lighting solution will result in a significant return on investment for the client and deliver ongoing carbon savings ”

DP World completes its journey with NVC

g p g solutions, DP World has a range of facilities that includes two deep water ports with freight rail terminals at London Gateway and Southampton, a rapidly expanding logistics park and an advanced software business providing online links to customers and border control

Each year, the company transports around 3 6 million containers – enough to stretch from London to Buenos Aires and back, and carries over £43 billion of goods to and from countries beyond the EU

To

e s a i d : “ N VC w o r ke d w i t h u s t o p r o v i d e t h e r i g h t p r o d u c t s t h a t w e r e s u i t e d f o r D P

Wo r l d ’s a p p l i c a t i o n a n d w e r e c o s t c o m p e t i t i v e t o o ”

A variety of NVC fittings were installed by Premium’s team They included OREGON IKO9, IP20 rated industrial luminaires, some of which required scissor lifts to access the warehouse’s 20m ceilings, as well as GREENLAND IK 10, IP66-rated non-corrosive, impact and chemical resistant, industrial LED luminaires and LYNX IK08, IP66 rated

Atom launch will go like a bomb!

The latest addition to the All LED stable is the Atom, a 5W IP65 CCT selectable dimmable LED fire rated downlight

This product boasts a range of features that make it stand out from other downlights All LED’s proprietary OptiDim advanced dimming technology which is compatible with 99 1% of dimmers is a great feature of the product, ensuring that the light can be dimmed smoothly without any flickering or buzzing sounds This feature is especially useful in creating a relaxed and comfortable ambiance

One of the most notable features is the easy to access CCT selectable switch, which allows you to choose between different colour temperatures with just the flip of a switch Simply pull down the fitting once installed to access the switch This is particularly handy in areas where different lighting temperatures are required for different tasks

Atom is available in both fixed and adjustable versions, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your setup Furthermore, this product is insulation coverable, making it ideal for use in insulated ceilings With the adjustable version it can be tilted to a maximum of 20°, which provides you with the flexibility to direct the light in the direction you need it the most Additionally, the loop-in loop-out terminals make it easy to connect multiple downlights together, reducing the need for additional wiring

The ultra slim low-profile bezel is a great design feature that ensures the downlight is sleek and stylish, blending seamlessly into the ceiling Having the DiamondTec Lens ensures that the light output is evenly distributed, providing a smooth and consistent lighting experience Additionally, the product is available in Polar White, Carbon Black, Polished Chrome, and Satin Nickel, allowing you to choose the finish that best suits your needs.

As the fitting is IP65 rated for both fixed and adjustable versions this means that it is resistant to water and dust, making it ideal for use in areas with high humidity or exposure to water The Atom downlight is 30, 60, 90 minutes

timber joist, 30 minutes Staircraft i-Joist and metal web joist rated, it is also compliant with Part B - Fire, Part C - Moisture, Part E - Acoustic & Part L Leakage building regulations This ensures that you can use this product with confidence, knowing that it meets all the required safety standards

ELUCIAN Pattress Mount Kit

The latest addition to the Elucian by Click consumer unit range is a new pattress mount kit which allows cables to be fed from the top, bottom and either side of the consumer unit With the pattress mount secured to the wall and attached to the back of the consumer unit, the electrician has space between the mount and the unit to neatly feed cabling from the trunking through the rear knockouts The mount allows for a maximum of 16mm trunking which would slide behind the consumer unit. Because the mounting kit comprises two separate parts – a left and right mount – it can be used across any size of distribution board and is therefore compatible with the full Elucian consumer unit range – 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 22 way

SWITCHTEC Citel LSCM-D SPD Monitoring Device

Designed for use within a lightning protection system where overvoltage and surge protection devices are used, the Smart SPD monitoring device is a cutting-edge solution that allows users to continuously monitor, record and analyse the performance of SPDs in real-time By providing early warnings of potential issues, the device enables quick and effective action to prevent damage to power systems and ensure continuous power supply The LSCM-D Lightning Counter is designed to detect and record the impulse current conducted by the down conductor of the Lightning Protection System or by the ground wire of a protective surge protection device This Smart SPD monitoring device is equipped with advanced features such as remote access, predictive analytics, and automated alerts, allowing for quick and easy monitoring of SPDs from any location.

Make your phone smarter with HIKMICRO

The Mini2 series of thermal imaging solutions has now become even more convenient and compact thanks to the launch of the Mini2Plus, offering a cleaner and crisper view of smaller, hard-to-detect objects – all through your mobile phone Key applications include: home inspection, electrical inspection, PCB board detection and automotive inspection.

Multiple product options

The Mini2 series offers wide-angle and manual focus options Thanks to its 50° wide-angle lens, it is ideal for quickly scanning walls, facades, and large objects Additionally, the Mini2Plus with manual focus lens provides users with a clear view of smaller objects such as electronic components or ‘distanced’ larger objects like electrical or mechanical equipment This is all achieved from a safe distance for the user

Superior image clarity and video

With 256x192 IR resolution/49,152 pixels and thermal sensitivity <0 04°C sensor, the unit provides higher definition images, making it easier to spot subtle heat loss or gain in the electrical system that wouldn’t normally be visible to the naked eye

The 25 Hz image refresh provides a smooth image and video while panning across scenes or viewing moving items

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

- Mini2 - Mini2plus

- Thermal imager

- Protective case

- Quick start guide

- Extension chord - USB adaptor

Professional Viewer App

Compatible with HIKMICRO’s free Viewer App for Android (Type-C) smartphones or tablets, the Mini2 series provides a user-friendly interface and powerful temperature measurement and analysis functions including Infrared/Fusion image mode, 15 colour palettes, nine measurement areas, and image share facility

User-friendly experience

The product instantly attaches to your Android smartphone or tablet and is ready to go in seconds It’s also battery-free so you’ll never need to charge it up or find a charger cable It’s powered by your phone, and is designed to run on very little power to maximise your mobile device run time, and be ready whenever you are An iPhone version is scheduled for releas later this year

Portable yet durable

Designed to fit in yo pocket, tool bag, or anywhere convenien for quick and easy access, the product’ IP40- rated aluminiu

alloy housings have passed strict drop tests up to 1 metre (3 3 feet), allowing you to work with confidence in most work environments.

Multiple practical accessories

A 40cm (15 75”) extending chord connects between your device and the camera allowing remote viewing, and inspection through narrow, confined openings, or difficult-to-reach places Also included is an 18mm extended connector to accommodate smartphones or tablets. A protective case is provided for storing your camera, keeping it free from scratches

CAUGHT ON CAMERA:

The HIKMICRO B11 is equipped with a 192 × 144 resolution thermal detector and a 2MP optical detector while the thermography ranges from -20°C to 550°C (-4°F to 1022°F), which meets the requirements of most situations The tool helps users to quickly find the fault according to accurate temperature measurements of high-temperature targets in the environment It also provides assistance with decisions and ensures safety for operators. The unit can connect to mobile devices via built-in Wi-Fi, while the HIKMICRO Viewer App allows you to quickly share images

B11 Handheld Thermal Camera

CED ELECTRICAL Axiom Updated Type A Consumer Units

The new updated Axiom range of Type A consumer units includes main switch with optional SPD along with RCD standard and split load boards with selected fully loaded options, garage and shower units and the very latest in supporting devices All boards have a robust steel compact construction built for ease of installation, use and safety. Solid drop down covers protect against dust and fire entry whilst generous internal cabling space, easy all-round knockouts and large terminals simplify installation In support of this updated range, the Axiom portfolio also includes timers, contactors, AFDD modules and new SPDs which no longer require MCBs alongside – thus allowing for an extra free way in the board

ESP New Catalogue

ESP has released the latest update to its comprehensive catalogue, bringing together all products from its extensive portfolio in one, easy to access reference guide

This latest edition features a raft of new additions across the company’s product portfolio, including the 24/7 colour CCTV range, as well as the addition of a brand new category of EVAC products The new 264-page catalogue provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects It is divided into eight main product categories – Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting, Essentials and Sangamo timers and heating controls

Introducing the App that works for you

ROBUS is continuing its mission to make life easier for electrical contractors with the launch of the new MyROBUS mobile App, which will allow you to run your business from anywhere

Whether you want to create a quote request, claim the two-year on-site warranty, calculate energy savings or order a bespoke lighting design, ROBUS has you covered You can also browse the entire catalogue at the touch of a button, redeem rewards and even plan projects when you’re on the go

MyROBUS – rewarding you for doing what you do best

MyROBUS acknowledges you for purchasing ROBUS product by offering rewards that are accessible for everyone – from £5 for your breakfast roll to £2,500 towards your next family holiday and beyond Every time you purchase a ROBUS product you simply upload your invoice through the App to earn loyalty points. You can then redeem these for gift cards from Deliveroo, Tesco, Adidas, Nike and many other top brands It’s an easy win, and it’s on ROBUS What’s more, new users get 100 points just for signing up (terms & conditions apply)

Lighting design in the palm of your hand MyROBUS helps electrical contractors create the perfect lighting design for every project, allowing them to connect directly with an experienced team of lighting designers through the App Simply fill out the form with the specs you need and ROBUS will create a tailored solution within 24 hours for standard designs, saving you time and letting you focus on your business.

The lighting design team are experts in

transforming ideas into inspirational designs across all industries They’re specialists in lighting design for health and well-being, and are compliant with all relevant regulation and design standards

Ensuring contractors are covered Professionals deserve after-sales service that makes life easier, and ROBUS has got you covered in this area as every single ROBUS product you buy now comes with a two-year on-site warranty In the unlikely event that you experience a failure with a ROBUS fitting, just fill out the form on the MyROBUS App, and call your local ASM or the technical team They’ll then get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a resolution – no fees, no fuss.

1. Sign-up to MyROBUS

2. Register your claim via the MyROBUS App – alternatively, you can contact your local Area Sales Manager

3 Your local ASM will be notified of the claims submission and attend site (if necessary)

4. If the product is deemed faulty, replacements will be provided, and additional costs are agreed upon

HAMILTON LITESTAT Sheer G2 Collection

The latest addition to Hamilton’s popular G2 ‘push-to-fit’ screwless range, the new Sheer G2 plate features on-trend pointed 90-degree corners instead of the original Sheer design rounded corners The 1 5mm thick plate fits snugly against the wall retaining the hallmark flat-plate appearance A budget pleaser – made from pressed metal rather than cast, Sheer G2 delivers a significant cost reduction without compromising the quality or finish It’s available in 11 on-trend finishes, offers a choice of three insert colours (white, black and quartz grey) and benefits from Hamilton’s ‘Paintable’' colour-match service The range features dual 2 4 A USB double sockets as standard, new supercharged 45 W combined USB-A&C double switched sockets, plus Grid and EuroFix options Sheer G2 also comes with a 25-year guarantee for extra piece of mind

TOUGHBUILT Magnetic Box Levels

ToughBuilt's full range of spirit levels includes a robust collection of illuminated box levels that offer exceptional visibility, a die-cast pocket level with a 360-degree rotation, and a sturdy billet-aluminum torpedo level The Pro Line of Lit Levels adheres to strict standards to ensure clear readings in tight spaces or low-light conditions. They boast a fool-proof one-button user interface and innovative design features Brilliant LED-lit vials remain visible in low-light environments, providing sustained clarity throughout the workday ToughBuilt's Magnetic Billet Level is a versatile tool with a securing top groove that can be used on pipes or conduits

Precision-milled edges and a high-contrast ruler surface ensure legibility, while four onboard high-visibility vials are precision-set at zero, thirty, forty-five, and ninety degrees The 360-degree Pocket Level delivers unrivalled accuracy and performance on the job site Weighing just seven ounces, it's ideal for portability and quick access

Wireless control looks like a ‘Wise’ decision

In celebration of 20 years of the Wise Box, the Wise Box Version 4 receiver has been introduced to offer users more functionality and features than ever before

Widely regarded as one of the leading wirelessly controlled boxes in the UK, this updated version offers the same great features of wireless switching for lighting and controls but with the added capability of adding the Wise WiFi Direct Chip into the circuit board

Using the Wise Direct App, users can then control the Wise Box directly from their phone, see the status of the lights, and program time lag and timers, including ‘dusk till dawn’ settings

How does it work?

The Wise Box Four receiver will control lights, water features, electric shutters and gates etc. Once programmed, the indoor wireless switch is placed in a suitable location and the installation is complete, allowing the user to switch circuits from anywhere in the garden or home through the use of a remote control. Suitable for outdoor use, it boasts a IP56 protection rating

The receiver has four fused 5 A circuits with a maximum amperage of 20 A across the whole box. Any circuit can be increased to 10 A as long as the box itself doesn’t exceed the 20 A limit The receiver can achieve up to a 200m range with a clear line of sight, and these circuits can be changed from switching to an open circuit

As well as the standard on and off mode, the Version 4 receiver features four PIR timer dials – one for each circuit –which will allow you to set times for Wise Box’s wired 2 channel PIR modules for sensor control

What is Wise Direct?

Wise Direct is a standalone chip that allows for direct WiFi control, without the need for a Wise Daisy hub.

Users simply download the free Wise Direct App and they’re all ready to go Multiple users can utilise the App, no account is required nor a WiFi router needed. Once the simple set-up is complete users can gain instant feedback of circuit status, preset the time-lag function and utilise the seven-day timer which includes ‘dusk till dawn’ function. No programming is required.

For hygienic washrooms, turn to ATC

the ATC range of HEPA filter hand dryers

ATC HEPA filters capture 99 9% of harmful particles, offering a seamless and hygienic hand-drying experience.

A common misconception about hand dryers is that they are filled with bacteria which is passed on to our hands as we dry them. However, this misconception fails to consider the evolution of hand drying technology

Over time, hand dryers have evolved to dry hands at high speed, in as little as 12-15 seconds. They’ve also evolved to be more hygienic for users, thanks to the HEPA filter

HEPA stands for ‘High Efficiency Particle Arrestor’, which works to trap tiny particles (up to 0.3 micrometers in diameter) found in the air ATC HEPA filters are composed of thin fibres of glass and carbon-activated material The result is a thick, paperlike material arranged in pleats. Particles passing through the air are trapped within this material

Hand dryer options include:

Panther: Suitable for high traffic areas and available in brushed stainless steel. The Panther HEPA filter comes complete with an anti-bacterial layer, and stylish stainless steel outer casing for a sleek finish Simply slide in or out for install and removal!

Tiger ECO: Suitable for medium traffic areas and available in brushed stainless steel or white.

Premium Blade: Suitable for areas of high traffic, in a sleek silver design.

WIN

You could bag a full Fast4Access wood bit set, alongside a standard set of Fast4 bits, and a C.K Tools tool wallet.

WIN A FANTASTIC C.K TOOLS BUNDLE!

The Fast4 and Fast4Access range gives clean, accurate holes at speed, and thanks to its four-flute design it also ensures the rapid removal of wood chips and debris

The high-performance drill bits additionally boast a threaded screw tip for faster drilling speeds

The new Fast4Access range, just 80mm in length, allows users to drill through wood to create clean and fast holes in very limited space 50% shorter than the existing Fast4 range, and 30% shorter than similar products on the market, Fast4Access is ideal when space is too tight to drill a hole head on, or accuracy is essential Designed for tight corners, smaller joists, and jobs where a smooth run is critical – for example, installing pipe through multiple joists –Fast4Access promises fast, tidy results when drilling into wood.

Crafted to C.K Tools’ trademark high standards, Fast4Access is made from high carbon steel with black oxide coating, making it jobsite ready and safe from corrosion For added durability, it can also be sharpened by the user Its 6 35mm hex shank and range of core sizes (16mm, 20mm, 22mm and 25mm) add to Fast4Access’ ease of use

A handy little tool from Makita

cordless collection

The versatile 18V DAS180 LXT Brushless Blower is the latest product from the leading power tool manufacturer that is also capable of inflating and deflating, simply by changing the nozzle tip

The unit is powered by a brushless motor with variable speed control Suitable for a wide range of applications, from cleaning off workbenches, machinery, general cleaning and blocked filters, through to inflating inner tubes and play pools, this handy tool makes a useful companion to any tool bag

The body is designed with an ergonomic rubberised grip and weighs only 1 7kg, making the unit easy to operate with

one hand Despite its compac the unit is extremely powerful a maximum sealed suction of 4-stage air volume settings de blowing force of up to 2 8N w maximum 200m/second air ve volume of 1.1m3/min.

Other features include a on nozzle attachment to quickly a each application The variable trigger comfortably controls th blowing force and can be lock the ‘on’ position for extended A tether feature offers a safe hanging point to secure the to in overhead applications

With the launch, Makita has added a number of compatibl nozzle accessories to offer a wealth of uses for blowing, inflation and deflation applications This includes a flexible nozzle set with a ø6.0x800 hose which is ideal for blowing out debris in narrow spaces where the machine cannot fit

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, said: “This useful tool will make a super work companion, where users can quickly switch between tasks simply by changing the nozzle Powered by our innovative lithium-ion battery technology the new DAS180 is compatible with almost 300 products within our ever expanding 18V and 36V LXT platform ”

MEGGER

LA-KIT Lamp Adaptor Set

The new LA-KIT lamp adaptor set makes it safer, easier and faster to test low voltage electrical installations The kit includes five adaptors which plug directly into light sockets in place of the lamp, allowing connections to be made to the lighting circuit in seconds – without the need to dismantle the sockets to access the terminals. Not only is this a big time saver, it is also much safer, especially when working at height Suitable for use with almost all types of installation tester, the Megger LA-KIT lamp adaptor kit includes adaptors to suit B22, B14, E27, E14, and GU10 lamp holders Each adaptor has two sockets that accept standard 4mm test plugs and, for the E27 and E14 types, the sockets are colour-coded for polarity As the other adaptors are reversible, polarity coding is not possible.

CONSORT CLAUDGEN 2023 Heat Brochure

Consort Claudgen has launched its 2023 ‘Heat’ brochure featuring new products and innovations. Included within is the new Consort Connect App which allows complete remote control over heating via smartphones or tablets. The PVE panel heaters have a timer battery backup that retains all settings when turning off the heater They’re also more affordable and have the same features as the PLE panel heater range The CHMC controller offers energy-saving features like an electronic lock to prevent unauthorised changes and accurate temperature control When used with the CHES occupancy sensor, it conserves energy when it detects no movement within a given range

RING Inspection Lamps

Ring, a leading inspection lighting brand for mechanics and technicians, is now making its lamps available to electricians and other trade professionals In addition to the existing classic black, Ring’s MAGflex Mini LED Inspection Lamp, RIL6100, will now also be available in blue and yellow, so tradespeople can easily and quickly find it The RIL6100 projects 250 lumens, is robust to withstand tough working conditions and has multi-angle positioning, so that users can rotate the lamp to point it at the exact spot needed. Helpfully, the lamp has a fantastic battery life, with up to six hours operating time from just a single charge, and it also features a charge level indicator so the electrician can see when it needs to be recharged

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC BZ701 Socket & Supply Polarity Tester

This new socket tester offers advanced 13 A socket testing capability in a wide variety of applications and gives trade professionals a safe and reliable method of testing outlets while also having the additional capability of identifying reversed live and neutral, a function not featured on many commercially available socket testers The unit not only detects 28 different socket wiring fault conditions and checks the mains voltage level, but it also safely identifies Line-Neutral reversal or cross polarity at the incoming supply The polarity swap test detects fault conditions on PME/TN-C-S systems (the most common type of supply) that cannot be identified by normal socket testers, making it an invaluable addition to any toolbox The BZ701 is incredibly user-friendly – simply plug it in and activate it with the touchpad Correct polarity is indicated by three flashing green LEDs, while a fault condition is immediately highlighted by three red LEDs and a warning buzzer The red/green LEDs, buzzer and the ‘N E L’ labelled LEDs make it easy to pinpoint the source of common faults, while the tough and sculpted design ensures it is both durable and easy to remove It is ideal for checking polarity after smart meter installation

HOYLES

HobWatcher & DorWatcher

Students can be vulnerable in many ways, so universities strive to provide safe and secure environments for young people

Although full blown fires in student accommodation are extremely rare, propped open kitchen doors and unattended pans on hobs are a cause for concern With a student’s habit of late-night cooking this can be an accident waiting to happen, and it can happen very quickly!

Now installed in universities up and down the country, HobWatcher ensures hobs will only operate for a pre-set time if left unattended. Additionally, DorWatcher prevents the spread of cooking smoke and, in the worst case, allows kitchen fires to be contained by ensuring kitchen fire doors are kept closed

IDEAL INDUSTRIES

Contractor Pro Lockout Kit

For the fully approved contractor working on industrial, commercial and domestic installations, the 44-995 Lockout/Tagout kit from IDEAL INDUSTRIES contains a broad range of devices that allow you to lock off most breakers on the market

OVIA Pathfinder Floodlight

Pathfinder from Ovia is an extensive range of powerful and robust, metal LED floodlights, providing a modern solution for retrofits and new installations alike. The range comprises standard floodlights as well as versions with Photocell and PIR sensors In total the Pathfinder range offers 40 floodlight options from 10 W – 300 W, with fittings up to 50 W available in both black and white finishes and in Warm White and Cool White colour temperature options This modern range has high quality LEDs installed, offering 30,000 hours (L70) lifetime and 100,000 switching cycles The design incorporates a prismatic diffuser which produces a more even spread of light All standard Pathfinder floodlights are IP65 rated, while those with sensors are IP44 rated. The more industrial 100 W to 300 W range are also IK07 rated The standard range can be used with remote sensors, PIRs (indoor and outdoor) or microwave sensors (indoor only) as well as with smart control systems

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Summer Topwear

These lightweight, functional tops are designed for work in warmer weather and come in a range of over 50 T- and polo shirt styles From the new Khaki to Class 1, 2 and 3 high-vis options, Snickers Workwear has tops and colour choices for those professional tradesmen and women who want to look and stay cool on-site this summer. Look out for the LiteWork tops, all made from a functional and quick-drying polyester fabric that delivers everyday comfort and UPF40+ protection in sunny weather They also have a bio based anti-odour finish for cool, ventilating comfort when it’s warm on-site.

CHAUVIN ARNOUX

CA 6161 & 6163 Machine Testers

The new CA 6161 and CA 6163 machine testers from Chauvin Arnoux provide, in a single unit, all of the facilities needed to carry out comprehensive testing in line with IEC standards on low voltage industrial installations and machines These compact instruments, which incorporate a large colour touchscreen and a user interface optimised for speed and convenience, support individual tests, user-defined test scripts, and customised visual inspections In addition, they have internal storage for up to 100,000 test results Among the users for whom the CA 6161 and CA 6163 will provide an attractive and cost-effective testing solution are electrical equipment manufacturers seeking to demonstrate standards compliance, industrial maintenance companies, companies that service and repair industrial equipment, training institutions and educational organisations

C AM E RA CAUGHT

SOCIAL

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