Professional Electrician & Installer March 2023

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

WHY THERE’S FAR MORE TO SOME PRODUCTS THAN MIGHT MEET THE EYE

MARCH 2023

BRAND NEW FOR 2023 – YOU COULD EARN 1 X CPD CREDIT THIS MONTH

Regulars

Special Report

Electrical Accessories

45 Two common scenarios where the use of Quickwire’s latest junction box will come in handy

The CPD Zone

28 NAPIT’s Richard Townsend ‘codebreaks’ more of the latest reader submissions

30 Dr Zzeus, Tom Brookes, answers your latest fire safety compliance questions

32 Understanding the function(s) of a communication Bus system and its ability to permit interconnected control of devices using twisted multi-pair cable

35 Five ways to improve your business cashflow

36 Understanding the requirements for maximum demand

38 Considering the necessity of maintaining signal integrity for life safety services

40 What is a ‘hazardous area’?

42 The dangers involved with electric arcs and the considerations electricians must make in their choice of protective wear

46 Why a luxury Icelandic hotel has made the switch to Hamilton’s decorative wiring accessories

48 Which styles and finishes are proving most popular with electricians and their customers?

51 Could home entertainment systems offer the perfect domestic accessory for your customers?

52 Why four-way junction boxes can help ensure safe, reliable and compliant installations

55 What are the benefits of streamlining your supply chain of products?

56 Its ‘three and easy’ to make the switch with the latest smart solutions

59 Why Deta’s products were specified and installed on a couple of recent high profile projects

What will drive the EV revolution in future?

Products & Business Solutions

61 Why All LED’s Caterham GU10 lamp represents a step-change for both product(s) and packaging

62 We hear more about a workwear brand from across the pond that is looking to make a big splash in the UK

64 Why ToughBuilt’s latest product range is taking the brand to new ‘levels’

66 Recounting a recent project where the use of energy logging equipment assisted in avoiding an expensive mistake

69 Will the utilisation of renewables drive the EV revolution in the future?

70 What are the benefits of going ‘solar’?

72 Casting a glance at the latest projects and the products installed as part of them

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

Prize Draws

21 WIN! A solid silver bar and coins are up for grabs with Knightsbridge

63 WIN! Get your hands on a C K Mighty Scope inspection camera

Switches and sockets: going a step further

The need to maintain signal integrity

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

Managing Editor

TERRY SMITH

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

Head for Quality Street

There are, of course, a great many conundrums and unprecedented influences to this current global economic crisis but surely one of the most intriguing is that those businesses you would expect to be suffering from a profound shortage of customer cash – those at the so-called top end of the market – are actually performing rather well. A perfect case in point is that great British institution, Rolls Royce, which has just turned in its bestever results, selling more than 6,000 cars for the first time ever

Admittedly, the majority of its increased sales have occurred abroad – mostly notably in the Middle East – and to the burgeoning number of entrepreneurial billionaires being created in China and India but, even so, with cars costing well in excess of a quarter of million pounds each, it is a pretty remarkable achievement Luxury rival, Bentley also announced record sales. A hundred plus years of trading has clearly not diminished the prestige of owning an RR but it's also testament to the absolute rule that quality must not be compromised, however fraught the market conditions may appear

extension or refurbishment project with a reduced life span, costly call backs and, worse still, a very unhappy customer

The key to all this is, of course, good marketing and your skill as a communicator You must be able to explain to the customer exactly what they are getting for their money It used to be the case that a client, often through ignorance, would happily have settled for whatever was put in front of them, unaware of the myriad of alternatives. Today, through the wonders of modern technology, customers are much more well informed and clued up, will have done their own homework and have a much greater awareness of being sold a potential pup

The alternatives may well be significantly more expensive but if the benefits are backed up and fully explained – such as longer life or something that simply looks visually more appealing – then the chances are the customer will believe they are getting better value in both the short and long term And that, from what we are seeing in the wider business market right now, is what you should be selling on your forthcoming projects

Image References (Adobe Stock):

Pg 9 Smart EV © AS

Pg 18 Feedback © WSF-F

Pg 27 CPD sign © TreenaBeena

Pg 38 Fire hazard © Gorodenkoff

Pg 40 Danger area © EvanNovostro

Image References (Others):

Pg 59 Ridgeway Views © Barratt London

Pg 72 Specialized Store © Tom Bird

This total commitment to employing only the best materials and skills is something we believe can provide important lessons within our own hardpressed sector. For instance, talking to some contractors, we are aware that there are still some out there who are convinced that, in the present climate, the only way to be sure of winning a contract is to bang in the lowest price Yet increasingly there is contrary evidence to suggest that, while money is extremely tight right now, customers are prepared to pay extra for top class products backed up by a professional and reliable service

Those manufacturers who have a proven track record of built to last products are ideally placed to reap the rewards associated with a long wellestablished big brand name. For tradespeople, it's becoming increasingly obvious that it is no longer a good strategy to just specify the cheapest product. The end result could well be an inferior

So how can the average electrician know that the products he/she specifies are actually top quality? The old adage of you get what you pay for is always a useful rule of thumb but clearly your experience as a tradesperson will go a long way to determining which products you feel most comfortable with and have stood the test of time. Almost certainly they will be the ones backed up by various British Standards and Third Party accreditations

Beware the unrelenting tide of cheap foreign imports and counterfeit products.

To sum up then, if you haven’t done it before, make a concerted effort this year to really sell quality. It's easier than you may actually think and will produce more satisfied customers who feel you have given them real value for money

Have a good month and enjoy the issue

ECA calls for swift action on ‘batteries on wheels’ OFGEM plan

E CA h a s w e l c o m e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s E V S m a r t C h a r g i n g a c t i o n p l a n , a n d i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o d e v e l o p B r i t a i n’s s m a r t e l e c t r i c i t y n e t w o r k .

The aim of OFGEM’s plan is to make public EV charging easy, affordable and sustainable for consumers It offers a vision – EVs as ‘batteries on wheels’ – transferring electricity back to the grid at peak demand.

As more of our buildings are adapted to the energy prosumer model – where energy is given back to, as well as taken from, the grid

renewable generation, storage, load shifting, and time-of-use tariffs will all come into play Electrical contractors will be instrumental in installing and maintaining these new systems

ECA Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, Luke Osborne, said: “Developing a smart and flexible electrical grid is essential to reach our Net Zero commitments Smart EV charging is a major component of this.

“Government’s goal of installing 300,000 EV charge points by 2030 is ambitious But, with a joined-up strategy for the country,

NICEIC launches Electrical Energy Storage Systems training

NICEIC is expanding its training portfolio by adding an all-new course focused on Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Available to book now, the one-day classroom-based course explores the fundamentals of small scale Electrical Energy Storage Systems and their role in creating an ‘energy hub’ to allow users to better manage their energy usage

Delivered by industry-leading experts, the course will consider both installations with and without installed generation, such as Solar PV

Nik Mitchell, NICEIC’s Technical Training Manager, said: “As the nation grapples with soaring energy prices and the race to reach net-zero, consumers are looking for ways to utilise energy more efficiently

“Many have already taken steps towards stabilising and securing their own electricity supply by installing technology such as Solar PV Panels, while others are considering measures to better utilise the supply delivered by the grid

“In either scenario, Electrical Energy Storage Systems have a pivotal role to play, and correct design and installation is vital.

“Our newly developed course will give certified electrical contractors the tools they need to confidently carry out this work ”

which includes investment in infrastructure and talent, it is something that can be attained ”

No Letting up for Aico

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has announced a new partnership with Aico.

UKALA is a professional association that supports letting management agent members to be successful, stay compliant and provide a high-quality service The organisation represents members’ interests across the UK, works constructively with various government departments and sits on many committees and policy input bodies

Ever-evolving legislative changes require all rented accommodations in England to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted to a fuel-burning appliance In rented domestic premises, a category LD2 fire detection system must be installed within the residence. A Category LD2 system, as defined by BS5839-6 2019, means that mains-powered alarms with a sealed tamper-proof battery backup should be installed in the living areas and escape routes, with a heat alarm in the kitchen, and all alarms should be interlinked

Tony Boyle, National Sales Manager at Aico, said: “We’re delighted to be working with an organisation like UKALA, which strives to improve standards in the private rental sector through professional development and provision of information and help.

“With over 4 million privately rented homes in England alone, it’s encouraging to see organisations like UKALA improving standards within the sector.”

Milestone year for Niglon’s founding family

T h e f a m i l y b e h i n d t h e N i g l o n b r a n d i s c e l e b r a t i n g 8 0 y e a r s

i n b u s i n e s s .

The firm, which now supplies more than 4,500 products to wholesalers across the UK, can trace its roots back eight decades to 1943 when Stanley Douglas Hinley began working as a manufacturer’s agent under the trading name S.D Hinley.

At the time, he made a commission for selling Cryselco, Grelco and Contactum products.

Over time, his sons, grandson and eventually his great-grandchildren joined the company, which took on the Niglon name in 1966

Several moves were also made during the time – although the company has always been proudly based in the Midlands

before the team found a permanent home in its purpose-built

headquarters in Solihull in 2016

The third and fourth generations of Hinleys still work for Niglon today, ensuring the business has retained a family-feel while modernising the firm and its processes to ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry.

Operations Director, Oliver Hinley, said: “We’re hugely proud to have been part of the electrical industry for 80 years The success of the company is undoubtedly due to the hard work and family values instilled by my great-grandfather Stanley Hinley which have remained a strong part of our company identity to this day We also pride ourselves on having a wealth of experience across the entire team

“We’ve grown as a company and celebrated many milestones along the way, meaning we’re well prepared for the next 80 years!”

M+E contractor puts steps in place to support growth

A leading UK mechanical and electrical contractor has achieved a crucial milestone as it targets further growth and expansion in 2023.

ASH Integrated Services, which was founded in 2019, increased turnover to £4m in 2022 and aims to hit £5 5m in its current financial year

A key part of its plans includes securing further contracts within facilities management and maintenance, and the firm has attained ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to support this goal

The North West firm, which was awarded the certificates in just four months following significant investment, counts Lancashire County Council, a hotel chain, and a university as clients in its maintenance division

The ISO certificates will play a major role in assisting ASH win new maintenance work in 2023, says Gary Zetter, Operations Manager, who was recruited to lead on the ISO journey

He said: “It’s highly unusual to find a company of our size offer truly integrated M+E services in-house, and adding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 further cements our position in the market as an innovative business

“It also strengthens our message that we genuinely care about improving our

people and service

solutions

“While we believe we operate and work within a good company, how do we actually know? This auditing process tells us, and there is no hiding place ”

ASH, which employs 45 engineers and office support staff, delivers M+E projects across the UK in industries including education, hospitality and the public sector Its maintenance work is predominantly in the North West, North Wales, and the Midlands

Antony Grace, co-founder and Director at ASH Integrated Services, said:

“To secure the certification in just four months is a testament to the foundations already in place at the business as well as how every employee bought into the journey and played a vital role

“We have already received positive feedback from current and potential clients, and I’m excited about the opportunities ASH Integrated Services will now have ”

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

RMS to showcase cabling management expertise at data exhibition

RMS, part of the Hudson Group, is set to showcase its specialist cable management systems at Data Centre World on 8-9 March.

The team will be exhibiting a range of products designed to boost efficiency and quality for those responsible for building data centres The display will be modular solutions, such as corridor frames comprising pre-installed cable containment, as well as the Dataline EMT system, which securely transports fibreoptic cabling

RMS has more than 30 years’ experience of the data centre industry in the UK and Europe, and specialises in manufacturing containment modules and risers off-site This prefabrication generates significant benefits for contractors, slashing installation times, on-site labour and cost. The manufacturing process, which takes place in a controlled factory environment, also enhances quality and eliminates the need for hot works on-site such as welding

Peter Willsher, Managing Director at RMS, said: “Data storage is becoming increasingly more complex, driving the need for more innovative cable management systems when constructing

data centres Data Centre World is an opportunity for us to demonstrate how RMS is responding to this demand ”

NAPIT launches 2023 EXPO Roadshow with renewables focus

NAPIT has announced details of its 2023 EXPO Roadshow, this year with a focus on renewables.

Confirmed headline sponsors include MCS, Rolec, Hager, Megger and Surge Protection Devices who, along with NAPIT’s technical experts, will be sharing expertise on renewable technologies in the home, microgeneration products, EV charging, and EICR Coding Sessions Other confirmed exhibitors include TIS, Luceco, Chint, Aico and more

The cost-of-living increase is having a direct effect on consumers sourcing and purchasing alternative methods to heat and power their homes The EXPO Roadshows are an

opportunity to learn, train, and develop the skills needed to progress in this rapidly growing sector

Locations/dates:

l Milton Keynes – 20th April

l Epsom – 17th May

l Chelmsford – 7th June

l Manchester – 12th July

l Newcastle – 6th September

l Leeds – 11th October

l Cheltenham – 15th November

l Leicester – 30th November

The day includes:

l Three hours of CPD with dedicated live questions and answer sessions,

l Money-off voucher to be redeemed on the day, this can be used in any NAPIT training courses, publications, FastTest Licences and more,

l Breakfast rolls and refreshments available throughout the day,

l Bag of free goodies to take home,

l Exclusive access to on the day discounts, prizes and giveaways,

l Access to industry-leading exhibitors showcasing new products

BOOK YOUR NAPIT EXPO TICKET BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP004

@proelectrician professionalelectrician pe@hamerville co uk

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

CONTINUE YO UR P ROF E S SION A L DEVELOPMENT AT ELE X SHOW!

Taking place across two days, at six regional venues, ELEX is back for 2023 – starting with Bolton this month. Furthermore, we’ve got great news for visitors that are serious about their CPD!

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR S H OW, NEA R YO U. . .

l At a venue near you

l Across two days

l Free parking (van friendly)

l Free entry

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

l Show bargains

l Hands-on demos

l Meet manufacturers

l Networking opportunities

l CPD accredited seminars and certificates

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

ELEX’s first stop is later this month at the Bolton Arena (March 9th/10th), with visits to Alexandra Palace, Harrogate, Coventry, Exeter and Surrey later in the year

MORE THAN MEETS

Embracing feedback from the contractors installing our products is what drives product development across the Scolmore Group of companies

We’re constantly looking at ways to innovate the professional electrical contracting sector and our wiring accessories ranges have continued to benefit from significant investment and development over the years It doesn’t have to be revolutionary, but attention to detail is always at the forefront of the design process and a number of new features or benefits have been introduced to further enhance and improve some of our most popular wiring accessory ranges.

Deco range offers so many Plus points

The demand for matt black wiring accessories has been on the rise in recent years, as installers working on domestic and specification projects look for an alternative premium finish for interiors We’ve taken this feedback on board and have extended the popular matt black finish to our Deco and Deco Plus wiring accessories collections to meet this growing trend

The new matt black finishes are available across all products in the extensive Deco and Deco Plus ranges – to help add the perfect contemporary look to any interior space Deco Plus is a comprehensive range of premium decorative metal wiring accessories that

was first launched in 2003 to build on the huge success of the classic Deco range Deco Plus introduced smooth, contemporary curves that have wide-ranging appeal with contractors, specifiers and end users alike

D e c o a n d D e c o P l u s s w i t c h p l a t e s a r e a l l m o d u l a r a s s t a n d a r d a l l o w i n g t h e c r e a t i o n o f v i r t u a l l y a n y s w i t c h p l a t e d e s i g n r e q u i r e d . W i t h a w i d e r a n g e o f M i n i G r i d a n d N e w M e d i a p r o d u c t s a l s o a v a i l a b l e i n t h e r a n g e, t h i s g i v e s i n s t a l l e r s t o t a l f l e x i b i l i t y t o c u s t o m i s e b e s p o k e d e s i g n s a n d s o l u t i o n s q u i c k l y a n d e a s i l y o n - s i t e

The addition of the new matt black finishes brings the number of finishes in the Deco Plus range to eight – polished chrome, satin chrome, polished brass, satin brass, antique brass, stainless steel, black nickel and matt black The Deco range is also offered in pearl nickel and Georgian to bring the total number of finishes available to ten

Definity Complete – the all in one solution

Having listened to comments from some of our customers, we’ve taken our popular Definity screwless wiring accessories range and simplified the ordering process

Up until now, the Definity screwless wiring accessories range has been supplied as two separate elements –insert and cover plate – with each requiring its own separate product code In a move to simplify the ordering process – particularly with online ordering in mind – Definity inserts and cover plates will now be supplied and packaged together as one unit with one product code

Definity has evolved from Scolmore’s well-established Define flat plate accessory range and features all of the same attributes, including modular switching but without the visible fixing screws Definity goes one stage further by incorporating screwless, push-fit face plates in a range of finishes Because the face plates are supplied independently of the electrical inserts it means that the initial installation of the product can be carried out and any subsequent maintenance or decoration completed before the final fixing of the face plate

The inserts are available in black, white and grey and there are now eight cover plate finishes to choose from

Is there more to the humble switch and socket than you might think? Scolmore Group looks at the reasons as to why this is certainly the case when it comes to its own range of products.

“ ... attention to detail is always at the forefront of the design process and a number of new features or benefits have been introduced to further enhance and improve some of our most popular wiring accessory ranges.”

THE EYE

Grey is the new black

It is now three years since we first introduced grey inserts to some of our wiring accessories ranges on the back of a growing trend among end users and consumers for stylish finishing touches for their interior décors From a recent poll of some of our customers, it seems this trend is showing no signs of abating. Whilst decorative finishes such as satin chrome continue to be the number one choice for many, demand for grey inserts and matt black finishes continues to gather momentum

Today we offer grey inserts across three of our most popular wiring accessories ranges – Deco decorative metal, Deco Plus premium decorative metal and the Definity screwless range. The grey inserts are offered in addition to black and white, with Deco and Deco

Plus products in the stainless steel and satin chrome finishes and Definity products in the brushed steel and stainless steel finishes

FOR FULL DETAILS ON THE PRODUCTS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP008

2ND THOUGHTS

Almost a year on from the publication of Amendment 2, Hager has conducted a survey to find out how those in the industry are navigating the changes. Paul Collins, Technical and Training Manager, discusses the results and outlines the resources available for further support and guidance.

QWHAT HAS THE RECEPTION BEEN LIKE FROM THE INDUSTRY IN THE WAKE OF AMENDMENT 2?

As with any changes, we’ve received a lot of questions from contractors looking for advice and technical support. To better understand the areas they wanted to know more about, we recently surveyed a select sample of members of the Hager Insight Team and contractors on social media

Encouragingly, a huge 96% of respondents said they were aware of the changes outlined in Amendment 2, while 100% said they felt confident about the changes and their responsibilities. This is testament to the hard work of the entire sector, from industry bodies, employers, and manufacturers in working to ensure the changes outlined in Amendment 2 were delivered successfully

QWHAT CHANGES ARE CONTRACTORS MOST INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT?

The main changes of interest to contractors were arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) and electric vehicle (EV) charging points, both of which were selected by over one-third (36%) of all respondents, followed closely by surge protection devices (SPDs) with 24% and finally, the topic of documentation and identification, which was highlighted by

just 4% of those polled

At Hager, we’re continuously looking at how we can work to support those in the industry by providing access to relevant information, technical expertise and product guidance. For those looking to enhance their knowledge on Amendment 2 related information, our 18th Edition Amendment 2 Hub, which includes our handy 18th Edition Bitesize Guide, outlines all the major changes

We also have an experienced and dedicated national support system – our field sales team, telephone account managers and technical experts – so electrical contractors can be assured they continue to comply with the regulations, benefiting from the expertise and guidance they receive

QCAN MORE BE DONE TO SUPPORT CONTRACTORS WITH NAVIGATING THE CHANGES?

While our survey found that contractors are confident of the changes, that doesn’t mean our job is complete. It’s important that the supply chain continues to work together to educate and inform those working in the industry, offering valuable expert advice in the form of training, events, and online resources This is particularly important given that over two-thirds (67%) of contractors we surveyed said they felt the responsibility

for navigating the changes lay with them, with industry bodies, manufacturers, and CPDs following with 17%, 12% and 4% respectively.

QWHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES SURROUNDING AMENDMENT 2 AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION?

As with any change, there of course will be challenges, but this is where the industry needs to work together to ensure electrical contractors are equipped with the confidence and knowledge to implement the changes outlined in Amendment 2.

Again, confidence and knowledge are even more important when you consider that when we asked this question to our select group of contractors, the biggest challenge they identified was their clients’ understanding of the changes (44%) By investing in ongoing product and solution training and leaning on expert advice, contractors will not only be ensuring their work remains compliant with the latest changes, but they’ll also be able to confidently explain the changes, and why they’re needed, to their clients

PUT A SILVER LINING ON 2023 WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE!

It’s a hi-ho silver jubilee for Knightsbridge, with the chance for readers to win a solid silver bar and coins.

this New Year sees Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and lighting – celebrating its silver jubilee: the 25th anniversary of its foundation in north London in 1998.

Since then, with 25 years’ experience within the electrical industry behind it and more than 3,000 quality products on its books, Knightsbridge has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular brands, not least because of the high level of service offered by its customer team.

Always a pioneer in terms of both style, design and innovative technologies, Knightsbridge’s comprehensive product ranges will enhance the amenity and finish of any d commercial or industrial space; a the company has evolved to become a major supplier of some of the highest quality solutions on the UK market today

For the latest introductions and innovations in the Knightsbridge collection, grab a copy of the newly published 2023 catalogue, featuring over 3,000 lines for all applications and demands.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

To help celebrate its special Silver Jubilee, Knightsbridge has teamed up with PE to launch a stunning prize draw with silver bars and coins, totalling thousands of pounds in value, to be won

One lucky verified electrical contractor

WIN

stands the chance to win a 1Kg bar of solid silver from the Royal Mint, worth (at the time of writing) over £850, plus nners-up prizes of 10 ounce Britannia silver orth around £35 each

HOW TO ENTER

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A SILVER BAR, OR ONE OF 10 SILVER BRITANNIA RUNNERS-UP PRIZES, ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW BY FILLING OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP010

Deadline for entries: 30/04/2023.

Usual T&Cs apply

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:

MORE AND MORE OF MY CUSTOMERS ARE ASKING ME TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGEPOINTS. IS THERE AN MFT THAT CAN PERFORM THE TESTS I NEED FOR THIS?

Megger says:

Indeed there is! The new Megger MFT-X1 multifunction installation tester has dedicated functionality for EV charger testing and is designed for use in conjunction with the Megger EVCA-210 (Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Adaptor) With this combination, you will be able to test chargepoints protected by Type B RCDs and also those protected by RDC-DDs This test sequence is automatic and the MFT-X1 includes earth-loop impedance, protective device operation, phase sequence (where appropriate) and proximity pilot (PP) state (via the EVCA-210) The EVCA also offers a manual PE pre-test to check that there are no dangerous voltages present on the PE conductor The EVCA is supplied with a Type 2 plug for charging points that have a tethered or panel mounted Type 2 socket outlet and also a Type 1 connector/adaptor as used, for example, on Mitsubishi PHEVs This means it can be used for testing all EV charge points that are currently in use in the UK (except for specialist fast chargers), as part of the installation checks and for maintenance purposes In short, you can be sure that the MFT-X1, together with an EVCA-210, will meet all of your EV testing requirements

BROWSE THE MEGGER EVCA-210 PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP011

AM2

PREPARATION IS KEY

At NET we really try and encourage all candidates to prepare as much as possible before going into the assessment so there are no surprises on the day The checklist is just the first step in ensuring you’re armed with all the relevant information before sitting your AM2

We strongly recommend you read the AM2 Pre-Assessment Manual which goes into a deeper level of detail in terms of what you’ll cover for each section of the assessment

It provides an overview of the centre induction process, information about what will happen on the day and what will be in your assessment area You can also see which publications and other documents you’ll have available to you during the assessment

After giving detail on each section of the assessment and the tasks you’ll need to complete, the manual lists common errors made during each section and how to avoid them This is hugely valuable information as it can help you avoid the same mistakes that many others have made

Importantly, it mentions the template inspection and testing forms on the NET website that are used during the assessment – take a look at these so you know what to expect during this section.

We’ve recently made some changes and updates to the Pre-Assessment Manual so make sure you’re using the version with 2023 on the cover The NET website is the authoritative source of all information relating to the AM2 – make sure you download all documents from here to avoid being misinformed

Q I’ve got my AM2 assessment coming soon - I’ve seen the checklist of what knowledge and skills I need to have, but what else can I do to prepare?

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

NOEL GAY: I SAW THIS IN A MARINA WHILE OUT SAILING LAST WEEK!

Leaving the lack of competence shown by the initial installer of these floodlights aside, more so than ever, we can see why regular periodic inspection of electrical installations is necessar y

There are numerous infringements of BS 7671 here, so I’ll tr y and deal with them on a sequential basis.

Firstly and most serious is the access to live par ts from the termination blocks that are exposed. In extreme cases of weather, these could easily contact the post and cause a potential shock risk for anyone touching it As the terminal block is not suppor ted in any way, the strain on terminations could cause the live cable to fall, leaving a dangerous scenario where live accessible par ts of a cable are on the floor in a public area

As mentioned previously, the lack of cable containment is a serious issue and could easily cause collapse issues in this scenario Where black insulation tape has been used to secure a plastic conduit box, it must be remembered that this is not designed for this purpose and will eventually harden, crack and fall away, again exacerbating the lack of proper containment.

Lastly, the supply cable hanging from the terminal block needs to be contained and suppor ted adequately Without any suppor ting containment, the likelihood of cable collapse is high in this scenario

I think there is only one way to code these obser vations

Insulation tape used as cable containment: This product is not designed for this purpose

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

Continuing this month’s theme of dangerous findings in public spaces, we have this offering. There’s no excuse for not dealing with this, as it ’s fully visible from a public viewing area Fur ther aggravating any issues found is the external influence of an ice rink which tends to be quite damp and constantly wet in many areas due to the temperature requirements of that type of installation.

We have accessible live parts from terminal connector blocks, not taken into an adequate enclosure, which could easily come into contact with an exuberant hockey fan

The trunk ing lid missing is now giving access to single insulated cables. Coupled with the access to single insulated cables, there is now a potential collapse issue, as par t of the wiring has already star ted to give way and fall away from the trunk ing

Where the single insulated cables have begun collapsing, there could be damage to cables from their weight being pressed against the trunk ing lid securing points.

A big issue here is also the danger to fire and emergenc y personnel from fur ther cable collapse in the event of a fire

Although the fire alarm sensor is not entirely within the remit of a BS 7671 periodic inspection, its supply cable is and appears to be unsuppor ted. Being an unsuppor ted cable may cause strain on terminations and possible premature collapse The sensor itself cannot be inspected or commented on from a BS 7671 perspective; however, an obser vation and note can be made on the EICR, highlighting to the Client or person ordering the work that a BS 5839 inspection may be prudent

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

Terminations in connector block not taken into an adequate enclosure: Access to live parts

Connector block not adequately supported: strain on terminations

The re alarm sensor supply cable is unsupported, causing possible strain on terminations and risk of premature collapse

Trunking lid missing allowing the partial collapse of single insulated cables, and potentially endangering emergency services in the event of a re

134.1.1, 416.2.1, 526.5

134.1.1, 526.6

134.1.1, 521.10.202, 526. 6

134.1.1, 521.10.202, 651.2(V)

(Although the collapse of cables, per se, is not directly accessing live parts, the danger to the life of emergency service personnel in the event of a re, in my mind, allows the escalation from a C2 to a C1)

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

* Price is VAT exempt and excludes postage and packaging.

KEN DRYDEN: I FOUND THIS GEM AT AN ICE RINK, AS A SPEC TATOR!

Dr. Zzeus

‘DR. ZZEUS’ TOM BROOKES, md of zzeus training and CHAIRMAN OF THE FSA, ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS RELATED TO FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE.

Q. I’m a sub-contractor and like to keep up-to-date with my qualifications and requirements. However, I’m getting confused with all the claims by training providers stating they have a Level 3 qualification When I look into it, it’s not an official qualification, but more CPD. Post-Grenfell, we all saw the ‘Setting the Bar’ government report recommending Level 2 or 3 qualifications for individuals for installers. What’s available, and how can we check if it really is a government-approved qualification?

You’ve picked a subject that drives me mad most days; only yesterday, a manufacturer put a comment on a post on LinkedIn where an individual was asking for a BS 5839-6 Qualification

The response he received was along the lines of: “Why don’t you do our qualification? We let you undertake the first few modules free of charge.” Big and bold was their company’s claim to a ‘City & Guilds Assured Qualification ’ To the non-educational specialist, it sounds like it fits the question

What does ‘City & Guilds Assured’ actually mean, and what is the ‘Assured Benchmark’?

The Assured Benchmark is a quality assurance framework which evaluates eight areas of programme design and delivery, called the Benchmark Standards, to confirm that an organisation has met the global quality standard set by City & Guilds and ILM

So, is that an official City & Guilds government-recognised qualification?

No, it is that particular manufacturer’s

own qualification, however the training is approved to a certain standard by City & Guilds.

Is that being a bit picky?

Although the standard of training may be excellent, it is not on the government ‘Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations’ register as an official qualification All City & Guilds official qualifications have the Ofqual logo

You can check every official qualification using the following web link: https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/. If the one you’ve been recommended is not on this register, employers and companies may not accept it as a qualification For example, the ECS card scheme will only accept official qualifications on the OFQUAL or SQA (Scottish Official Qualifications)

Is the manufacturer’s qualification useless?

Not at all. It is good proof of ongoing CPD that all installers should undertake, as recommended post-Grenfell

How do you check if you’re getting an official qualification?

Either ask the question directly: “Is this qualification on the Ofqual Register” or you can check the company in question on the Ofqual register?

If you look at the government’s ‘Setting the Bar’ report, it asks for quite a few requirements and qualifications (one of them is highlighted here); so it is becoming more critical for individuals to have official qualifications and CPD

Recommendations

243 Recommendation: The industry

should adopt a framework for all the installer sectors working on in-scope buildings that can be applied to other project types The framework will consist of:

l Accredited third-party certification of companies

l Level 2 or 3 qualifications for individuals

l A card scheme such as, but not limited to, the CSCS

l CPD refresher training and the maintenance of individual skills

l All installers have a core knowledge of fire safety in buildings – training to be standardised and made mandatory

Ofqual has tightened its application process to stop just anyone from getting approval; an awarding body has to prove many things, including quality and financial stability For a qualification to be officially recognised in England and Wales, it will have the Ofqual logo, and in Scotland, it will have the SQA logo

All Zzeus Training qualifications are by the awarding body EAL and are fully Ofqual registered As part of this you get a Zzeus CPD certificates plus an official Ofqual-approved qualification certificate, which is accepted for the Fire Operative ECS card

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED?

EMAIL YOUR QUERIES TO:

TOM@ZZEUS.ORG.UK

INTRODUCTION TO SMART BUILDINGS

This article considers the function(s) of a communication Bus system, such as KNX, and its ability to permit interconnected control of devices using twisted multi-pair cable (KNX TP)

KNX is a control system based on a common standard for commercial and domestic building services automation that allows products from various manufacturers to work seamlessly together Communication between devices is achieved using the dedicated KNX protocol, guaranteeing interoperability between the many manufacturers signed up with the KNX Association

The KNX standard allows communication through other types of media, offering a higher degree of flexibility in system design, however, only KNX TP will be considered in this article

Cables used with KNX systems are similar in construction to that of Ethernet cables, typically incorporating a foil screen

protecting the twisted pairs1 from interference

The conductors are terminated into dedicated connectors allowing for termination into any KNX device, as shown in Fig 1

The use of cable Bus systems is more often associated with larger installations such as commercial and industrial type premises However, such use is becoming increasingly popular when designing new installations for larger domestic premises

As shown in Fig 2, local lighting and shutter radial circuits can be connected directly into their output channels of the associated actuators which incorporate switching and dimming functionality, therefore negating the need for a conventional type localised wall switch2 Although actuators often have many channel outputs facilitating control of multiple circuits, consideration should be given for the provision of separate lighting circuits within larger installations over multiple actuators.

Some devices offer means to measure current, switching cycles and power consumption within a circuit Additionally, a back-up function is often provided with manual on/off switching in case of communication failure on the Bus

Generally, some form of training in the installation and application of the chosen equipment will be necessary

The KNX system

The wired KNX system operates on a series of British Standards, BS EN 50090 and International Standards, BS ISO/IEC 14543-3 Each KNX device has the ability to function independently, thereby removing the need for a centralised control system. Because KNX is an open protocol3 , communication between devices on the cable Bus is possible using around 6,500 products from 400 assigned manufacturers on any particular system

Many of the devices are typically DIN rail mounted in an enclosure often located adjacent to the consumer unit Although, flush type devices are also available, and commonly used in metal back boxes and ceiling voids within existing installations

All input/output devices, including wall switches, sensors and actuators are interlinked to the KNX network Bus via a dedicated cable

Cabling

Regulation 557 6 2 of BS 7671 recognises the need to take into consideration the characteristics of a cable when used in auxiliary circuits for the control of relays

This article from the experts at NICEIC discusses intelligent cable Bus technology, such as the KNX system, for the connection and control of smart devices within a building, and as an alternative to using wireless devices.

Fig 1 Typical KNX cable and device connections

(actuators) The rated voltage of an auxiliary circuit, and the components used, shall be compatible with the supply to that circuit Excessive voltage drop in an auxiliary circuit may reduce the reliability of operation of the actuators and other components within the system (Regulation

557 3 5 1)

In-line with the KNX standard, manufacturers of such control systems often specify a dedicated type of cable and a maximum length, to ensure signal quality and system reliability against issues such as voltage drop and, consequently, non-functioning devices

Although most commonly used cables incorporate two twisted pairs, the distribution of power and data signals (telegrams) within a KNX system typically share the same two-conductors, red (+) and black (-) A secondary pair, yellow (+) and white (-), is often included for the distribution of auxiliary power

The cable’s inner foil screen protects the conductors from external interference, and is not to be considered as an exposed-conductive-part It is therefore, not necessary to connect the protective screen to the installation’s Main Earthing Terminal for reasons of safety

Furthermore, as the system operation is not reliant upon a 0 V reference point, no such connection is necessary for functional purposes

Typical devices

Devices connected on the cable Bus typically receive a 21 V

30 V DC supply from a DIN rail mounted SELV power supply Unit (PSU). A commonly used 640

mA PSU is normally capable of supplying up to 64 devices, although an increase in connected devices across separate Bus lines and line couplers in a system will typically require separate PSUs.

Typical devices connected to the KNX Bus line include:

l IP interface module, a DIN rail mounted router allowing communication with the KNX Bus, required for all systems and used for programming and system configuration

l Single or multi-gang retractable wall switch, click for (off/on) or hold for dimming Touch screen wall controllers are also available

l Actuators, remote contactors rated at 10 A – 20 A, consisting of 2 – 15 individual channels capable of switching and dimming including those used for RGB(WW)(CW)4 LED lighting

l Individual lighting sensors/heating thermostats

l Dedicated controllers and binary actuators allowing interlinking between third party non KNX devices

KNX cable Topology

Cables are generally arranged in radial circuits or Bus lines interconnecting devices throughout the installation (see Fig 2). Ring circuit arrangements are not supported

The wired network can be formed with line, tree and star topologies and can be mixed throughout an installation Branches can be added to any point within the line, for example, during the extension to a building. Additionally, devices can be

connected and arranged in any order on the cable Bus with the final configuration of each KNX device carried out via application software

Each Bus line is capable of hosting a maximum of 64 devices. Although a line can be extended using ‘line repeaters’ to accommodate a further 191 devices However, such a configuration may reduce the system response time due to the increase in data traffic For this reason, using separate ‘line coupler modules’ as an alternative for additional Bus lines takes advantage of the in-built filter function, for prioritising and organising data traffic (telegrams) for improved response time

Summary

The benefit of the KNX system is its ability to operate on the basis of a decentralised structure Each intelligent device is processor controlled and can operate and monitor a circuit independently, removing the need for a centralised control, although this can be included if necessary

Using the KNX control system within an installation allows for the interlinking of a variety of different products from many manufacturers

The ease with which new devices can be added and integrated into the system make it a popular choice for new installations, irrespective of size and complexity

Key references:

1 Cables are available in single-pair or two-pair with a screen or un-screened

2 Flush mounted modules, wired or Rf, are available as an alternative to using DIN rail mounted actuators

3 An open protocol permits different manufacturers’ devices to interoperate without the need for a proprietary interface or gateway In short, they talk the same language

4 LED lighting comprising either a combined red/green/blue/warm-white/cool-white chip or a red/green/blue chip and a separate warm-white/cool-white chip These combinations provide the richest colour mix when compared to other LED chip arrangements RGB(WW)(CW) requires five mixing channels and is often referred to RGB+CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature)

CASHFLOW IS KING

Having a positive cashflow indicates that your business has money left over after receiving payments on invoices and by paying all expenses incurred. On the other hand, a negative cashflow often suggests that the company is in a dangerous financial position as it may not be able to cover all associated running costs

Monitoring your cashflow position is crucial to the success of your business It enables you to meet your financial obligations and to better plan for the future Unfortunately, many businesses have trouble managing cashflow for a variety of reasons, as it’s usually the last thing on their mind at the end of a busy day Using a system to keep on top of your cashflow will help ensure your business is staying on track

Let’s look at five ways you can better manage your cashflow:

1. Have a financial plan

Setting a budget makes a huge difference Establishing a budget for the various costs over the year (such as marketing, supplies, transport, wages, etc ) can help to reduce on-the-fly decision-making and allows you to see if you have room in your finances to spend money in a certain area (or not)

2. Track your money

Avoid any nasty surprises by tracking your finances Knowing where your money is coming from and where it is going can help you identify where you can cut costs each month or where you may be underquoting without realising.

The best way to track your money and stay on top of business finances is with job management software, allowing you to gain real-time visibility of your business finances at a glance

3. Chase up invoices

Your positive cashflow will really suffer if clients aren’t being timely with payments. Aside from gaining a visual into your overall finances, job management software can encourage faster payments from customers by offering a variety of payment options

A platform such as Fergus can also send automatic email or text alerts to remind customers of their overdue payments, all the while giving them the option to select their preferred way to pay. This helps you to get paid on time, speeding up your cash flow

4 Plan ahead

Unfortunately, a lot of professionals end up with cashflow issues because they’re owed a lot of money from other construction firms who are lagging on their payments – not just clients and

customers One way you can save money, time and improve your cashflow is to talk to their suppliers prior to purchasing materials and negotiate their terms

Enquire about product discounts, whether you can return materials that are unused or no longer needed and whether you’re applicable for longer payment options

5. Forecast your cashflow

Cashflow forecasting involves estimating your future sales and expenses The aim is to help you predict your cashflow on a month-to-month basis or for the whole year. Forecasting your cashflow can help to recession-proof your business because it will tell you if you’ll have enough money to run your business or expand it in the next 12 months

Cashflow forecasting manually, without help from job management software, often leaves businesses encountering shortcomings as they don’t have sufficient data to properly predict rapid changes

In essence, tracking cashflow and implementing a cashflow forecast helps to predict your future incomings and outgoings based on your current known costs and past revenue data

James Chillman, UK Country Manager for Fergus, offers five ways to improve your cashflow and looks at why job management software can better help you achieve these goals.

ON DEMAND

When carrying out any new work, whether it is a brand-new building or an addition to an existing installation, BS 7671 requires an assessment of the proposed installation works.

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

In this article, I’ll cover this process and provide a reminder of the assessment

requirements for any new electrical work.

Considerations for new electrical installations

BS 7671 Part One, Chapter 11, lays out the scope for electrical installations The first step is to determine if the proposed design meets the requirements within Regulations 110 1 1 to 110 1 3 This lists each of the type of electrical installations where BS 7671 applies and includes those details covering a wide range of electrical work that electrical installers will normally be involved in designing.

Regulation 110 2 provides the exclusions from the scope of BS 7671 for which other requirements would have to be considered when designing electrical work in these areas

Once the type of premises or locations have been established, we can move onto the other considerations that will have to be included in the design New electrical installations have a very straightforward assessment process, since the building or premises has been created, the use has been identified, and all of the work will be completed with new products and materials

Within Chapter 13, Regulation 131.1 provides the requirements that the essential part of the design is to ensure the safety of persons, livestock and property from any dangers which may arise from the reasonable use of the electrical installation.

In the following list, we outline the areas within an electrical installation where the risk of injury may arise:

l Shock currents

l Excessive temperatures

l Ignition of a potentially explosive atmosphere

l Undervoltage

l Overvoltage

l Electromagnetic disturbances

l Mechanical movement of electrically actuated equipment

l Interruptions of power supplies and/or safety services

l Arcing or burning

In the case of existing installations, where additions and alterations are proposed, the designer has extra considerations to make, especially if the installed equipment and services have not been subject to full scrutiny during the initial or subsequent work

If the original design details are not available to determine the use and loading requirements for which the existing installation was intended to be used, it does place additional responsibility on the new designer to attempt to interpret the original designer’s intent

Assessment of the installation

Regardless of the installation being new or existing, the designer has to carry out the assessment of the general characteristics of the installation

BS 7671, Chapter 30, provides the following installation characteristics to be considered:

l Purpose(s) for which it is intended to be

Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer at NAPIT, looks into understanding the requirements for maximum demand.

BS 7671 requires an assessment of the proposed installation works for new and existing builds

Solution

40+

x

= 76.8 A

Therefore, the 100 A rated main switch is satisfactory for the loading for the existing installation.

Adding the new EVCP circuit to the above worked example

If an EVCP circuit of current rating, say 7 kW, is to be added, the additional current load would be:

Ib = W V Ib = 7000 230

used;

l General structure and supplies;

l Any external influences;

l Compatibility of its associated equipment;

l Maintainability;

l All recognised safety services; and

l Assessment for continuity of service

B a s e d o n t h e a f o r e m e n t i o n e d d e t a i l s , i t i s v i t a l t o a s s e s s w h a t t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n w i l l

b e u s e d f o r b e f o r e y o u c o m m e n c e t h e d e s i g n p r o c e s s , t o e n s u r e t h e r e a r e n o

i n h e r e n t p r o b l e m s r e s u l t i n g f r o m

e xc e s s i v e l o a d i n g o r i n a d e q u a t e p r o t e c t i o n f o r t h e c i r c u i t s

Maximum demand

Throughout Chapter 31, the term maximum demand is used, and in particular, Regulation 311 1 states how the maximum demand shall be determined It further expands on this where diversity may be considered for the entire installation or part of the installation

There is a requirement in Regulation 641.2 that an assessment of the electrical installation is provided to the person carrying out the inspection and testing, which includes the items mentioned previously regarding the installation’s safety and general characteristics

The Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) has a box that requires information to be inserted for the maximum demand either in kVA or Amps It is often listed on the EIC as a figure, but there is very seldom any calculation provided to show how that figure has been determined, or if diversity has been used to calculate.

In some cases, the figure recorded on

Ib = 30.43 A

the EIC may refer to the rating of the service cut-out fuse

So, how do we assess this maximum demand and take into account diversity for an electrical installation?

A typical example of this can be the increased number of electric vehicle charge points being installed, and this type of electrical installation requires additional notification to the distributor In reality, all installations that can increase loading that affects the distributor’s or supplier’s equipment may also require notification

Assessing maximum demand for the installation of EVCPs

For EVCP installations there is a requirement to assess the maximum demand of an existing installation. The maximum demand is the connected load, including any allowance made for diversity, which is referred to as the maximum anticipated load or the actual load The existing maximum demand must be reviewed as the EVCP electrical load cannot take diversity into account.

To determine the maximum demand of an installation using diversity, Fig 1 shows an example assuming the circuits of a 10-way consumer unit with a main switch rated at 100 A It has four spare ways and supplies six circuits as follows:

One 40 A cooker circuit

Two 32 A ring final circuits

One 16 A immersion heater

Two 6 A lighting circuits

The calculation in Fig 1 shows there is no allowance for diversity, therefore the EVCP

full load shall be used, which is 30 43 A

The inclusion of the EVCP creates a new maximum demand of 76 8 + 30 4 = 107.2

Therefore, the new maximum demand exceeds the current rating of the consumer unit This arrangement is unacceptable and would require an application to the DNO for assessment of the service intake equipment

I n o r d e r t o r e d u c e t h e l o a d i n g , l o a d c u r t a i l m e n t w o u l d b e a n o p t i o n , w h i c h c a n b e u s e d t o d e t e r m i n e t h e m a x i m u m d e m a n d

As you can see in the example in Fig 1, detailed information will be required on the electrical equipment installed within the premises in order to determine the maximum demand figure and insert this figure into the EIC

Conclusion

B y c a r r y i n g o u t t h e r e q u i r e d a s s e s s m e n t o f t h e e l e c t r i c a l i n s t a l l a t i o n , t h e d e s i g n e r w i l l h a v e t h e n e c e s s a r y i n f o r m a t i o n t o c o m m e n c e t h e d e s i g n , a r r a n g e a n y a d d i t i o n a l w o r k r e q u i r e d t o i n c r e a s e t h e s u p p l y t o t h e p r e m i s e s , a n d t h e n i n s t a l l t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k T h i s w i l l e n s u r e t h e c l i e n t h a s a n e l e c t r i c a l i n s t a l l a t i o n t h a t w i l l m e e t t h e i r o p e r a t i o n a l a n d s a f e t y r e q u i r e m e n t s .

[0.4

[32+32+16+6+6]]

F i g 1 C a lc u la t io n s h o w s e x i s t in g i n s t a l la t io n lo a d a n d t h e EV C P p r o p o s e d a d d it i o n a l l o a d

SAFETY SERVICES –

MAINTAINING A SIGNAL

In any electrical installation, it is necessary to give adequate support to cables The reasons for this are twofold: a) maintenance of the signal pathway, and b) reduce the risk of premature collapse to protect firefighters accessing a premises during fire

Three specific life safety standards to be considered are:

l BS 5266-1: 2016 Emergency lighting –Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises;

l BS 5839-1: 2017 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises;

l BS 8519: 2020 Selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety, fire-fighting and other critical applications – Code of practice

Other relevant references will be made to the requirements of BS 7671: 2018 Amd 2: Requirements for Electrical Installations

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting systems require installed cables to be able to withstand the effects of fire as well as remain in-situ for a period necessary to ensure safe egress of persons To address these issues, Clause 8 of BS 5266-1 covers wiring systems and circuits in general For self-contained emergency luminaires, there is no recommendation for

fire-protected cables (clause 8.1), and the general requirements of BS 7671 will apply These include the need to support the wiring system in such a way that it is not liable to premature collapse (521 10 202)

However, where the emergency lighting system consists of a central battery, it is of critical importance that the quality of the installation, the fire-integrity of the cables and their supports is maintained. The risk of a loss of signal, and hence illuminance, is increased where poor installation practices are carried out (Note 1 Clause 8 2 1)

Clause 8 22 of BS 5266-1 details the nature of cable types recognised as being acceptable This clause details minimum cable survival times, ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes

Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement with Scolmore Group, considers the necessity of maintaining signal integrity for life safety services such as fire alarm systems and emergency lighting systems.

Without suitable survival times for the support of such cables, it will be impossible to ensure circuit integrity The methods of cable support and fixings should be non-combustible and such that circuit integrity will not be reduced below that afforded by the cable used (Clause 8.2.3). This means, for example, that where a cable is rated as ‘enhanced emergency lighting cables with inherently high resistance to attach by fire’, the support means should also be capable of performing its function for 120 minutes

Furthermore, where cable management system support is provided by drop rods, the drop rod size should be calculated in accordance with the recommendations of BS 8519

Fire detection and fire alarm systems

The commentary to clause 26 of BS 5839-1 recognises that all interconnections must operate correctly at the time of a fire Clause 26 2 recommends that cables forming part of the critical path conform to certain standards These include mineral insulated copper sheathed cables, cables conforming to BS 7629-1, and the like

Like the recommendations of BS 5266-1, clause 26 2f ) of BS 5839-1 recommends that methods of cable support should be non-combustible and such that circuit integrity is not reduced below that afforded by the cable used, and that they should be able to withstand a similar temperature to that of the cable being supported. This recommendation, in effect, precludes the use of plastic cable clips, ties and trunking as means of cable support

Installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety systems

As with both emergency lighting systems and fire detection and fire alarm systems, BS 8519: 2020 addresses the need to ensure cable support systems are adequate to meet the fire survival times of the cables they support.

The recommendations found in BS 8519 are like those detailed in both BS 5266-1 and BS 5839-1 However, additional guidance is provided where a bracket and rod system is used to support safety critical cable systems Clause 16 of BS 8519 recognises that the strength of steel is adversely affected by fire such that great care should be taken in determining the cross-sectional area of the steel rod drops

Conclusion

It is essential that great care is taken when installing cables supplying life safety systems, such as fire detection and fire alarm systems, emergency lighting systems and fire-fighting lifts The installer must use appropriate cables and support systems to ensure that critical systems continue to function during fire

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS AREA?

In terms of explosive risk, a hazardous area is an environment in which an explosive atmosphere is present (or may be expected to be present) in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment In this article we explore the challenges faced in the workplace, the risk control measures, and the required competencies to work safely.

Defining and mitigating risks

Fire and explosion are, without doubt, a major hazard and one that electrical contractors may face in a range of projects and working environments

It is a consequence of modern life that we manufacture, store or handle a range of gases or liquids that are deemed

flammable, and a range of dusts that are deemed combustible. These substances can, in certain conditions, form explosive atmospheres and these can have major and tragic consequences

Most of us are familiar with the fire triangle – remove any one of the three elements and the fire cannot occur, but what does this mean in the context of hazardous areas? When breaking this down into its simplest terms it is essentially:

l a combination of a certain amount of release or leak of a particular substance or material,

l mixing with ambient oxygen, and

l the presence of a source of ignition

While we can introduce various measures to prevent an unintended release of a

flammable or combustible material, we cannot completely rule this out. In most instances, we can do little about the levels of oxygen in the air, but we can have significant influence on sources of ignition, for example electrical equipment

Hazardous areas are documented on the hazardous area classification drawing and are identified on-site by the triangular “EX” sign Here, amongst other key information, zones are split into three types depending on the hazard, the likelihood and duration that an explosive atmosphere will exist; Zone 0 or 20 is deemed the most hazardous and Zone 2 or 22 is deemed the least

It is in these areas that we find specific requirements for the types of electrical equipment and installations that are designed not to present a source of

Paul Hague, Technical Authority at CompEx, and Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager at ECA, discuss the importance of recognising and identifying hazardous areas, and creating a suitably skilled and competent workforce.

ignition

The methods by which this is achieved can vary so it is critical that the special features of this electrical equipment and installation is not compromised

Have you heard of terms such as “flameproof ” , “increased safety” or “intrinsic safety”? Identified by special markings, these are just a few examples of the types of protection (or protection concept) employed by the electrical equipment and installation

To preserve these special features requires a combination of the correct design, equipment selection and installation techniques. This is then verified through inspection and testing and is preserved throughout the life of the installation by employing the correct maintenance techniques, supplemented by periodic inspection

When all these measures are taken, they should also be documented The verification dossier includes information

such as the hazardous area classification drawing, manufacturers’ documentation, equipment certification, design drawings and calculations, inspection records, and records of a person’s competency and continuing professional development (CPD), such as via ECA’s eCOMS software.

Creating a skilled and competent workforce

Given the potential consequences of an explosion and the specialist nature of these activities, it is vital that those undertaking this work are competent to do so CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of those who work in explosive atmospheres, offering a range of qualifications to develop and verify a person’s knowledge and skills through a combination of training and assessment

The scheme has qualifications for a variety of employees working in all industries at varying levels Non-technical

staff may attend a Foundation Course (ExF) to gain an overall appreciation of the hazards and control measures, whilst technicians may undertake a more specialised qualification This addresses the requirements associated with equipment selection, installation, maintenance and inspection

CompEx also offers qualifications aimed at those who are responsible for the design and management of installations and the persons employed at hazardous installations

The subject of hazardous areas is a very serious one, with some unique challenges. CompEx, therefore, provides a methodology that can offer verifiable core competency validation against a range of activities and hazardous areas

GET

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP018

Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of

Hultafors Group

of

ELECTRIC ARC

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Whilst it’s an employer’s legal responsibility to ensure that staff have the right level of protection and training against risks on-site, employees have a personal responsibility to be aware of risks and potential injuries to ensure adequate protection for themselves, their safety and wellbeing

Depending on the job task to be performed, PPE for electricians generally includes safety glasses, face shields, hard hats, safety shoes, insulating (rubber) gloves and flame-resistant clothing.

Protective wear vs standard workwear

In terms of clothing, there’s a big difference between conventional workwear and specialist protective wear Over the years, workwear has evolved to make the working day more comfortable and efficient, with built-in functionality for tools

and fixings, as well as protection against cold, rain and the effects of warm weather

Protective wear, which can have one or more CE (European Conformity) marks, has been designed and developed to protect the wearer from serious risks such as heat, flames, electric arcs and hazardous chemicals

Risk environments and CE protection

In order to meet the protective requirements of a specific risk area, protective wear is divided into three categories – the higher the category number, the higher the level of protection.

Category I covers exposure to minimal risks, and for this category there are CE standards such as EN 343 (rain protection) and EN 14058 (cold protection)

Category II includes exposure to medium risks, for instance EN 20471 for high visibility clothing

Category III covers exposure to serious

risks, which include major hazards such as electric arcs and molten metal splashes or liquid chemicals

What protection do electricians need?

To be able to properly identify what protection you need, you have to know what risks you, your employees or your workmates face

Never assume that a Category I garment will protect against the more serious hazards and risks defined in Category III It won’t, and you’ll be putting yourself at serious risk if you think it will.

That means understanding the hazards and risks of a specific electrician’s working environment or knowing the risk level before you start work

That risk assessment and the determination of the ‘calorie levels’ required in the clothing needed has to be carried out by the company buying the clothing

Importantly, each working situation will have

the

UK, owners

Snickers Workwear and its ProtecWork range, discusses the dangers involved with electric arcs and the considerations electricians must make in their choice of protective wear.

its own required minimum protection, depending on the risk situation

How do I know the protection level of my outfit?

It all starts with having working clothes with the appropriate CE mark for the specific risk environment

In work locations that involve a risk of electric arcing, you must also ensure your clothing offers a level of protection that corresponds to the risk level – Category III

You do this by adding up the total number of ‘calories’ of all the layers of your outfit and it’s important to remember that high-risk environments require that all the clothes you wear, including underwear and base layers, provide protection against heat and flames

What is a ‘calorie’ in the context of PPE?

In PPE terms, calories are used to define the protection level of a fabric, an item of clothing or the system of materials/garments

When an electric arc is triggered, different types of energy and risk factors are created, such as arc power, arc energy and incident energy, all of which are measured in calories This is why calories per square centimetre (cal/cm2) has become the unit used to measure a fabric’s or garment’s level of protection

What sort of electric arc risks do electricians have to deal with?

Arcs due to electrical faults can cause severe injuries and damage such as thermal injury, serious burns, electric shock, noise, UV emissions, pressure and shrapnel, as well as toxic exposure and the impact of physical and mental shock

What sort of burn injuries can occur?

A burn to the skin or other tissue is caused by heat or hot substances in a solid, liquid or gaseous state They can cause tissue damage to various degrees, depending on the nature, intensity and duration of the damage. Burns are classified into four types:

First-degree – results in damage to the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin), which normally heals in a couple of days

Second-degree – damages the dermis (thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis), usually causing skin blisters and major inflammation

Third-degree – causes total damage to skin/tissue and is characterised by hard, white skin resembling parchment In a full-thickness skin injury, sensory receptors in the tissue are damaged, meaning no pain will be felt in the damaged area

Fourth-degree – extends through the entire skin into underlying fat, muscle and bone and, as a result, the skin is black and charred with dead tissue

The injury area is defined as the TBSA (Total Burn Surface Area) percentage, which expresses the size of the burn as a percentage of total body area For instance an arm is approximately 9%, and a leg 18%

Avoid injury with proper protection

Based on independent tests and reports coupled with our years of experience, we recommend that you should never wear garments that offer total protection of less than 11 calories/cm2 if you are going to work in or near a high-risk environment.

This calorie level doesn’t provide total protection, but should be seen as a minimum level Different jobs require different levels of protection, and the higher

the calorie level your clothes (or outfit) have, the better protection you get That’s why you should know the risk level before you enter a specific risk environment, and wear appropriate clothing

Wear layers to increase your protection

One of the best ways to improve your level of protection is to wear layers – base-, mid- and top-layers A fundamental requirement is of course that all the garments are certified and flame retardant

The main benefit of wearing layers is that the air gap formed between different garments provides increased protection

There is no general rating for how much increased protection the air gap between layers provides We have, however, conducted a number of tests that show that the air gap increases protection by more than 5 calories/cm2

The calorie level of the extra protection depends on a variety of factors, such as fabric structure, thickness and construction – and for a precise value, combined tests on each layer must be performed.

We discover more about two common scenarios that installers face where the use of Quickwire’s ‘Switch & Load’ junction box will really come in handy.

‘SWITCH’ PICKINGS

At Quickwire, we like to think we’re revolutionising the electrical industry with our clever and innovative fast fit junction boxes British made, and designed to save valuable time for the installer, our products boast a unique solution that streamlines the installation process for electricians

In case you’re new to the system, we’ve put together a couple of scenarios where our products can help the installer to save time, money, and effort. This month’s spotlight is on our ‘Switch & Load’ junction box

SCENARIO 1:

Adding a modern decorative light fitting into an existing three plate set-up

A Quickwire Switch & Load has many uses, but this is a problem that it will solve particularly well

Many UK homes have electrical wiring from the 1960s or later, where lighting circuits are installed using the three plate method within a ceiling rose

Although this is actually quite efficient as it allows for less cable runs, and avoids back boxes stuffed full of connections, you can encounter problems when you turn up to a job and are asked to fit a modern light fitting into a three plate

set-up Often, new fittings do not come with a wiring compartment with the space or ability to allow you to recreate the three plate method.

This is where a Quickwire Switch & Load comes to the rescue It is equipped with a loop in, loop out, switch and a load connection which means you can simply disconnect the old ceiling rose and reconnect the existing cables into the Quickwire junction box

For the load output, simply connect an additional piece of T&E and wire this into the light fitting. It only takes a few minutes, and best of all, a Switch & Load is so tiny it can be pushed up into the ceiling void without having to widen the existing hole more than 35mm It also conforms to BS 5733-MF, making it a maintenance-free junction box

SCENARIO 2:

Adding a new loft light

Let's be honest, nobody wants to be crawling around in loft spaces Freezing in winter, a sauna in summer – there are better places to be spending your time So, when it comes to adding a loft light into a previously unlit loft space, you’ll be thankful for having a Quickwire Switch & Load ready to hand

Locate a supply from an existing cable

in the loft and after safe isolation, chop it in half Now, strip the cable and connect into the loop in, and loop out of a Quickwire Switch & Load

At this point the original circuit you tapped into is sound once more, but you also now have a switched live and a load output for a new light, courtesy of the Switch & Load. All that remains to be done is to connect up a new light switch to the switch input and your new loft light to the load That’s it, you’re done

Now quick get out of that loft!

SAND AND DELIVER

We discover more about why a luxury Icelandic hotel has made the switch to Hamilton’s decorative wiring accessories.

Situated in downtown Reykjavik, Sand Hotel sits right in the heart of the Icelandic capital’s cultural action – a perfect location for guests to enjoy the social, arts and cultural highlights of the city and the natural wonders beyond. Tucked behind one of the city’s oldest and most cherished institutions –Sandholt Bakery – Sand Hotel ranks perfection as its ultimate priority

The project

With this relentless drive for excellence and with the ambition to remain at the forefront of Reykjavik’s hospitality offering, a renovation of the hotel was undertaken As part of this, Hamilton Litestat was selected as the decorative wiring accessories supplier of choice

The vision of the project’s interior designer and architect, Gudbjorg Magnusdottir, was to create the perfect combination of architectural history, culture and contemporary design flair Drawing on the building’s 1920’s heritage, the designs evoked a subtle Art Deco quality, with faultless attention to detail throughout.

From the beautiful oak floors to the stunning marble bathrooms, stylish furniture and contemporary artworks adorning the walls – it was imperative for the electrical wiring accessories to align with this vision

The solution

With 53 guest rooms and suites and a number of communal spaces including the

hotel’s reception and bar areas to complete, a discrete yet stylish solution was required

Selected for its flat, elegant design with firm edges and concealed fixings, Hamilton’s Sheer CFX plate collection was chosen as the basis for all plates – with a number of custom-made solutions as well as standard plate formats throughout the hotel All plates were finished in Bright Chrome with black inserts to complement the interior theme

A touch of elegance

With the Sheer CFX plate delivering an almost flush-to-wall appearance and with a nod to the Art Deco theme, lighting control throughout the hotel is via Hamilton’s standard (T21) 2 way on/off toggle switches, with a mixture of 1, 2 and 3-gang plates used throughout

Simple dimming is achieved through a push-to-make (PTM) (TRT) retractable toggle switch, providing the user with enhanced control when it comes to scene setting and mood lighting

Key services

Providing the high standard of service and reassurance demanded by the contemporary traveller was a prerequisite of the refurbishment of Sand Hotel’s electrical service provision and so a number of conventional plates were selected to deliver stylish solutions in-keeping with the interior scheme

These included:

l Key card entry switches with blue LED locator light for every room/suite

l Single and double plates, with single or twin EuroFix 50x50 16A German Schuko power socket modules.

l Telephone and data services delivered using EuroFix RJ45 CAT 5E unshielded modules

Bespoke design

With the desire for personal lighting control and the charging of USB devices from each side of the bed, each room required a left and right-handed custom-made plate

A double plate containing a standard On/Off T21 toggle switch plus a PTM (TRT) retractive toggle for bedside dimming, and dual 2 1A USB-A charging ports was developed, again with the Sheer CFX as the basis for its design

The results

Working closely with EMEA Sales Manager, Albert Valdes in Barcelona, Hamilton delivered some 2,500 wiring accessories, including light switches, electrical sockets, telephone and data sockets and key card entry switches throughout the hotel renovation

BROWSE THE HAMILTON 22/23 WIRING ACCESSORIES

CATALOGUE ONLINE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP021

With a myriad of styles and finishes available for wiring accessories, Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager with Scolmore Group, shares some of the feedback the company has received on the styles and finishes that are proving most popular.

THE NEXT GENERATION

There’s never been a wider choice of styles and finishes in wiring accessories available, giving designers and end users the opportunity to reflect the latest trends for interior design in the switches and sockets that they choose Once considered purely functional items, wiring accessories have become an essential design feature contributing to the overall style and finish of a room

Scolmore supplies a comprehensive wiring accessories collection, with something to suit all levels of budget, style requirements and finishes – from the Essentials basic range through to the Deco Plus premium, decorative metal collection

Following a recent poll of some of our customers in a number of regions around the country, we’re able share feedback on what is proving most popular

Back to (matt) black

For decorative finishes satin chrome continues to be the number one choice for many installers/end users. Demand for matt black and grey finishes continue to gather momentum and a number of projects planned for 2023 are specifically calling for matt black accessories

Scolmore first introduced matt black as a finish to its Definity screwless wiring accessories range in 2008, with the matt black finish option recently extended to include a metal matt black version The launch was in response to feedback from installers working on domestic and specification projects who were looking for an alternative premium finish for interiors The matt black metal finish sits alongside the white metal plates that are part of the range

It would appear that the trend for rose gold that was there a few years ago has all but disappeared, however in some areas it

seems there is a desire to go back in time with brass and antique brass continuing to remain extremely popular Square edge white accessories such as Scolmore’s Click Polar premium bright white range are still popular in the local authority sector where the replacement of existing products remains a major requirement

From a USB charging point of view Scolmore has found that there is still a lack of understanding when it comes to USB charging products, with a lot of demand still for the USB C product However, once the benefits of a USB A and USB C combined socket are explained as a future-proofing option, this is helping to drive demand

The uptake on smart home accessories has been slow to take off as many homeowners still see it as a high-end product However, we’re finding that the Click Smart+ range is starting to get more traction as the end user and contractor

get more of an understanding of how the whole “Smart Home” system works within everyday life

A la Mode

The backdrop to all of this is that our Click Mode range of white wiring accessories remains Scolmore’s best-selling wiring accessories collection to date The Mode range was conceived and developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution for virtually any

domestic wiring requirement The smooth, contemporary lines of the accessory plate fits easily into traditional and contemporary designs alike and the modular design allows installers flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions to deal with specific wiring needs

When selecting wiring accessories installers have often had to compromise their schemes as they’ve been unable to identify a suitably modular solution to satisfy their ideas

Mode accessories have been providing that flexibility, with a comprehensive selection of products that range from the humble light switch and socket outlet through to more specialised products that deal with the latest developments in telephone and satellite products

Investment and innovation

Scolmore has continued to invest in this range since it was originally launched,

introducing products in visually contrasting versions to meet with Part M regulations, adding the Mode locating plug socket soon after This was followed by USB sockets available in one and two-gang, and single and twin USB options, with integrated Type A and Type C charging ports on the same socket

The latest development to the Mode range saw the launch of lounge combination plates, giving the installer the flexibility to configure any combination of audio, video, data and media connection on one plate as required Products from the range have been specified and installed across a huge range of applications including schools, hospitals, care homes, hotels, offices and leisure complexes

BROWSE THE

CATALOGUE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP022

SCOLMORE ONLINE WIRING ACCESSORIES

TIME TO JOIN THE ‘Q’?

Some years ago, the concept of having technology and entertainment systems installed into the home was the preserve of the rich By ‘installed’ we mean equipment fitted into the fabric of the home, such as in walls and ceilings

Systems were generally supplied by specialist installation companies and involved whole house wiring, a large rack of equipment and someone to spend many hours or days configuring the system to make it work. When finally complete, these systems were often complicated and not very user friendly Something had to change

Changing perceptions

Q Acoustics led the way in changing this perception some years ago with the introduction of the ‘E’ series installed audio systems (‘E’ standing for ‘Easy’). This offered an easy to fit and affordable solution, with prices comparable to mass market performance audio systems

E120 is the latest model in Q Acoustics’ easy install range and includes digital radio (DAB +), Bluetooth wireless audio and auxiliary audio input (typically from TV sound) as well as two ceiling installed speakers for true high performance stereo

sound With prices starting at just £450 (including speakers), that really does challenge the misconception about installed home entertainment systems.

Radio days

For the homeowner, E120 is easy to use with five configurable one touch radio presets, a colour display, remote control and touch sensitive buttons This set-up will be very familiar to those who have used a car audio or other digital radios in the past

Everybody loves listening to music and radio, especially in areas such as kitchens, dining areas and bathrooms E120 is designed to enhance these spaces, providing a high-performance sound without the visual clutter on precious table or worktop spaces that other standard systems can occupy

In the past many hours (or days, even) were needed to install and then configure complicated whole house systems, and, of course, time costs money Q Acoustics recognised this fact when it first introduced its easy install range, and so E120 builds on this philosophy by introducing an all-in-one wall panel the size of a double gang light switch

There is no configuration or tricky set-up at all: you simply first fix the speaker cables, DAB antenna and power supply, fit the back box, cut in and fit the speakers and then plug it all into the main panel and switch on That’s it!

So, it’s time to think again about installed entertainment systems when planning your next electrical project or building renovation From a single room rewire such as a kitchen, an extension, or a complete house, an entertainment system like E120 can be included as part of the offering, giving your clients something special and unique that they will enjoy every single day

Installed home entertainment systems are simpler and cheaper than you think. Paul Hilditch, Product Manager at Q Acoustics, looks at why they could offer the perfect home accessory for your customers.

CONNECT-4

ns more about why 4-way junction boxes can help you ensure safe, reliable and compliant electrical installations.

Electrical installers, whether working within domestic or commercial settings, are having to deal with increasing numbers of electrical and electronic devices or fixtures – from LED up- and down-lighting to all kinds of smart home and building automation functionality This often increases the time, complexity and cost of installations, as well as the risk of quality and compliance issues

One of the essentials

Junction boxes are an essential piece of kit for electrical installers, functioning as intersections of wiring between fittings or devices and the mains power supply, helping protect and isolate electrical connections By providing mechanical strength, enclosure and durable electrical continuity, they help wiring installations comply with regulations

However, not all junction boxes are created equal – and installers must take care they are used in a way that ensures consistently safe, reliable and compliant electrical installations

Hylec-APL’s in-line junction box series, Debox, which includes 4- and 5-pole models up to 32 Amps, plus the new IP66/67-rated Debox 11 for exterior projects, has been designed to make installers’ lives easier and save installation time by including everything they need –

from integrated terminal blocks with rapid connections and cable clamps to tool-less closure and maintenance-free operation

So, what should electrical installers and contractors look out for when purchasing junction boxes?

1 Is the junction box supplied with a UL/VDE-approved terminal block?

Not all junction boxes come supplied with a terminal block In fact, contractors often make up kits – sets of boxes, screws, cable ties and terminal blocks – for installers But there’s always a risk that the installer ends up short of a kit component – and then simply resorts to using whatever connector they have to hand in their toolbox, which then may not be fully compliant With Debox, integrated UL/VDE-compliant terminal blocks are included

2. Have the cable clamps been screwed tightly enough?

Across multiple installations, can you be certain that every cable clamp has been secured sufficiently to anchor the cables?

To eliminate this concern, Debox SL features quick and easy-to-use push-fit cable clamps, compliant with the EN60670-22 Pull Test

3. Has the lid been secured correctly? Junction boxes help conceal and protect electrical connections, as well as protecting users from potentially

hazardous wiring

It is therefore vital to ensure that the lid of the junction box is safely secured If not, the box and its wiring might be accessible, even without tools. Some junction boxes require a cable tie to secure the lid, but this relies on the installer having these to hand – and using them consistently Debox features an integrated locking clip, for tool-less closure – as well as a spare clip, in case you need to re-visit the connection

4. Have any of the screws been misplaced during installation?

At the top of a ladder or in poorly lit locations, fiddly parts such as screws can easily be dropped and lost. If they are, will the installer have an exact replacement screw – or will they substitute something else from their toolbox, or even simply skip that one? Debox features an all-integrated design, with no loose components, such as screws or cable ties, that can be accidentally dropped or lost

So, for busy electrical installers, looking to quickly and methodically wire up multiple devices or fittings on-site, Debox’s integrated design simplifies and guides them through the process, saving time and money – and crucially, ensuring consistently safe, reliable and compliant installations

LESS IS MORE

If you’re moving into bigger jobs, with the opportunities for greater margins, perhaps the first step is to take some inspiration from larger businesses and simplify your own supply chain

Indeed, rationalising the range of products you offer makes it easier to know their specifications, capabilities and compatibilities inside out Choosing a few trusted brands, which themselves have a smooth supply chain into the wholesaler, can also make it easier to order ahead and call products off as/when needed

Value for money

Don’t expect bigger commercial clients to be less price sensitive than any other customer. You need to be ready to justify your recommendations and demonstrate that you’ve optimised pricing and not cut corners

A trusted brand name with a broad range will enable you to pick and choose the ideal product for the job at hand For example, does the back entrance really

need an ‘aesthetically pleasing’ designer LED floodlight? Perhaps a lower-cost bulkhead design will be better there Will a more-basic PIR floodlight really suit the client? Or is it better to fit a higher spec product to cover a much wider area, and offer more features/functions?

That brings us on to how easily you can check specifications Many specifiers and contractors use e-PIM, a trusted Product Information Management system developed for the electrical and construction industry Timeguard is committed to making standard e-PIM datasheets available on demand via its website

Risk and method

Larger clients will almost certainly require a risk assessment and method statement In practice, these are pre-start processes you should go through for any job, but be sure to check what format the client is going to need

In the simplest terms: a risk assessment analyses the risk in the workplace, while a method statement is a logical sequence that details exactly how a job is to be carried out. This also helps the customer to plan their own business around the job and know when power will be off, when they may need to move staff out of the area, etc

There are free templates online and the ECA also has an online system that is free to members which lets you add graphics and your own logo

Time management

By streamlining your own supply chain you’ve made a big step towards better time management Just make sure you also know where to go for technical support if an issue arises.

Another big ‘time thief ’ can be the installation process. Lots of products claim to be installer-friendly, but that needs to be more than a couple of screws and rawl plugs in the box Look for spring clips and larger, more accessible terminal blocks, as well as spare terminals ready for looping out

Also make use of clever combinations like Timeguard’s Fused Spur Timers This offers fused spur protection with time control in one unit that fits straight into an existing back box – a real time saver!

Smart thinking

Remote and WiFi control is a low-risk, lower budget solution that will introduce users to smart control and meet most customers’ needs for now

Here, I’d recommend taking a look at Timeguard’s options for professional-quality WiFi control of timing for outdoor and indoor lighting, HVAC and our combination of a stylish LED floodlight and security camera, plus new WiFi controlled PIR detectors

Andy Douglas, Managing Director at Timeguard, explores the benefits of streamlining your supply chain of products – especially when working on those bigger jobs.

A NICE TOUCH

With smart technology continuing to grow at a rapid rate, and its use extended to many elements of domestic and commercial electrics, we find out more about the latest ‘smart’ solution that is making life easier for electricians and their customers.

The biggest growth area for electricians to keep on top of is, in our opinion, smart home voice- and App-controlled technology, as evidenced by the increasing number of homeowners requesting smarter, more efficient homes and the accelerating development of new and improved smart home devices

This growth is not limited to smart security, heating and doorbell systems, it is now very much present in the electrical accessory sector – such as smart light switches/lighting systems

Smart switches such as the range offered by innovative UK lighting brand Retrotouch, have been developed to meet consumer demand for voice-controlled lighting systems The good news for electricians is that these are extremely easy to install It’s the same wiring –

you’re simply adding more technology with the same install.

This simplicity and ease-of-install makes these types of smart switches an easy up-sell opportunity for electricians to any consumers concerned about complicated and time-consuming installation The switches fit a 35mm back box using standard wiring with no neutral required

They’re also highly desirable and super-stylish with attractive glass finishes and a range of colour options. They add the perfect finishing touch to any room, while delivering smart features in one easy-to-fit unit

For electricians installing the Philips Hue lighting system, Retrotouch also offers a Philips Hue smart light switch that is literally ‘stick anywhere’ These are not dependent on a ‘whole home’ smart lighting system but can be used in the kitchen alone if required

The wireless, stick-anywhere, battery-free switches can control up to 50 Philips Hue lights and lamps simultaneously They ensure that the Philips Hue lighting system is always-on and smart, working seamlessly from the switch, via motion, voice and App controls

B y l i n k i n g t h e k i t c h e n l i g h t s w i t c h e s t o a p h o n e a n d H u e m o t i o n s e n s o r s , u s e r s c a n t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h e e xc e l l e n t a u t o m a t i o n c a p a b i l i t i e s w i t h o u t r u n n i n g a n y w i r e s . F o r m o r e s u b t l e l i g h t i n g , i t ’s p o s s i b l e t o p l a y a r o u n d w i t h c o l o u r s o r t u r n t h e s w i t c h i n t o a n a u t o m a t i c l o w e r - l e v e l n i g h t l i g h t T h e s w i t c h e s l o o k g r e a t t o o, w i t h a p r e m i u m g l a s s f i n i s h t h a t b r i n g s a s t y l i s h d e s i g n e r - f e e l t o a n y k i t c h e n

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HOW TO INSTALL A SMART SWITCH – 3 EASY STEPS!

STEP 1

Dependent on the model, the glass panel may come attached If so, using a flat wide screwdriver, align to the aperture on the bottom of the switch and twist and lift to un-clip Be careful not to damage the glass.

STEP 2

Connect the live feed to the L Port and the Switch Live to the L1 Port If a Neutral cable is not installed within the property, you can use the Wi-Fi adaptor provided as an alternative Easy to retrofit and install, a 35mm depth back box is required

STEP 3

Once the switch is powered and operating with the lamp, you can add the switch to the Smart Lithe App Press and hold the button for 10 seconds or until the LED starts to flash purple. Press the + button and select ‘add device’ on the App Select the switch you want to add and it will add the selected switch to your network

SLIMLINE’S THE TONIC

Deta’s range of products are regularly specified on a wide range of projects. Here we learn more about a couple of recent high profile cases.

OXBOW – EAST LONDON

EcoWorld London and Poplar Harca

Oxbow – East London, an award-winning development in Poplar, is injecting new life into an exciting London neighbourhood just 15 minutes from the City of London.

C a r e f u l l y d e s i g n e d t o m a i n t a i n t h e a r e a’s v i b r a n c y a n d c o m m u n i t y f e e l , t h e d e v e l o p m e n t w i l l p r o v i d e u p t o 1 ,6 0 0 h i g h - q u a l i t y n e w h o m e s a n d a h o s t o f p u b l i c s p a c e s a n d a m e n i t i e s o v e r t h e n e x t t e n y e a r s

To complete the latest residential phase, EcoWorld London and Poplar Harca chose Deta’s Slimline and Slimline Décor ranges to exemplify contemporary city living at its very best. The pioneering development offers a selection of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments boasting a modern design and open-plan living

Deta’s Slimline range of switches and sockets was chosen for its slim and curved profile, suitable to meet the demands of this

RIDGEWAY VIEWS

Barratt London

Set within Mill Hill Village, Ridgeway Views is an exclusive development of 460 apartments by leading new build developer

Barratt London

W h e n i t c a m e t o s e l e c t i n g w i r i n g a c c e s s o r i e s t o m e e t t h e h i g h s p e c i f i c a t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s o f t h i s c o n t e m p o r a r y c o l l e c t i o n o f n e w h o m e s , D e t a’s S l i m l i n e a n d S l i m l i n e D é c o r r a n g e s w e r e c h o s e n .

T h e h o m e s a t R i d g e w a y V i e w s b o a s t o p e n - p l a n l i v i n g a r e a s w i t h s p a c i o u s , f l o w i n g i n t e r i o r s K i t c h e n s a r e e q u i p p e d w i t h a f u l l r a n g e o f m o d e r n , i n t e g r a t e d a p p l i a n c e s , p r o v i d i n g a n e f f i c i e n t a n d m o d e r n d e s i g n

D e t a’s S l i m l i n e r a n g e o f s w i t c h e s a n d s o c ke t s w e r e c h o s e n f o r i t s s l i m a n d c u r v e d p r o f i l e, s u i t a b l e t o m e e t t h e

contemporary application

Slimline Décor were selected for upgraded apartments, providing complementary elegance and sophistication to the high-quality design The developer was able to choose from chrome or stainless steel finishes with either black or white moulded inserts with matching metal rockers on all switched accessories, for clean contemporary styling

A key reason for the selection of the Slimline ranges is the simple and straightforward installation, due to high visibility terminal markings and colour coded terminals Slimline Screwless offers a further advantage to the installer, as accessories can be fully installed and tested before the front plate is fitted, enabling an effortless installation

Liam Atkinson of RB Electrical Contractors, said: “We have nothing but praise for Deta’s Slimline ranges They’re stylish and fit the high specification of the

d e m a n d s o f t h i s c o n t e m p o r a r y a p p l i c a t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , D e t a’s S l i m l i n e D é c o r w e r e c h o s e n f o r t h i s p r o j e c t , p r o v i d i n g c o m p l e m e n t a r y e l e g a n c e a n d s o p h i s t i c a t i o n t o t h e h i g h - q u a l i t y d e s i g n T h e d e v e l o p e r w a s a b l e t o c h o o s e f r o m c h r o m e o r s t a i n l e s s s t e e l f i n i s h e s w i t h e i t h e r b l a c k o f w h i t e m o u l d e d i n s e r t s w i t h m a t c h i n g m e t a l r o c ke r s o n a l l s w i t c h e d a c c e s s o r i e s , f o r c l e a n c o n t e m p o r a r y s t y l i n g .

A ke y e l e m e n t t o t h e s e l e c t i o n o f b o t h S l i m l i n e r a n g e s i s h o w t h e i n s t a l l e r b e n e f i t s f r o m a s i m p l e a n d s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d i n s t a l l a t i o n T h e r a n g e s i n c o r p o r a t e a n u m b e r o f f e a t u r e s i n c l u d i n g c a p t i v e b a c ke d o u t t e r m i n a l s c r e w s , h i g h v i s i b i l i t y t e r m i n a l m a r k i n g s a n d c o l o u r c o d e d t e r m i n a l s , e n a b l i n g a n e f f o r t l e s s i n s t a l l a t i o n

apartments perfectly We were impressed with the high quality of the products when it came to installation too We fitted the Slimline Décor range in the kitchens, and they look flawless against the tiling ”

THE TOTAL PACKAGE

When the team at All LED decided to start work on the new Caterham LED GU10 lamp, there were some key objectives that it was crucial to achieve: quality, consistency, innovation, dimming performance, look/feel, design and an entirely new approach to creating a green and eco-friendly product

The lamp had to meet strict standards, of course, complying to the latest UK and European standards, as well as being produced on a fully automated production line to allow zero scope for human assembly error

One of the biggest issues that has plagued the LED industry for years is dimming The fact that we’re often forced to rely on expensive LED dimmers which

create a lot of waste and extra labour, is an ominous sign that the industry really has failed to take the right approach to dimming.

Dimming was a major focus when producing the Caterham GU10, with All LED solving this potential issue through the creation of Opti-Dim, an advanced dimming protocol and method that is unique to the brand In turn, this has helped to create a product that dims to zero on almost any dimmer

Packaging pioneers

The innovation continues through an overhaul of the often-wasteful GU10 lamp packaging All LED revolutionised the packaging structure by creating packs of ten, reducing the physical space taken up by the products by 33%, making it smaller than conventional packaging

The significant advantage of this is that it eliminates labour intensive opening of packaging, removing the need for electricians to waste valuable time opening boxes To open 50 Caterham lamps takes approximately ten seconds, whereas opening regular packaging can take as long as 15-20 minutes That’s infinitely faster, offering as much as 20 minutes that can be spent on another revenue generating job

The outer carton not only doubles up as the products’ shipping box with extra impact protection but also as a countertop display solution, all whilst remaining 100% plastic-free and fully recyclable

The huge environmental savings of the Caterham lamp take place throughout its entire journey, negating the need for tonnes of ink and paper, the fuel to transport it, travelling to and from manufacture and across the globe to make packaging that is ultimately destined for landfill or energy hungry recycling centres Furthermore, this significant leap in design and innovation has taken place here in the UK by All LED’s skilled and innovative R&D team

With each box containing ten lamps, users will no longer need to carry several boxes of lamps up a ladder, discarding messy empty cardboard boxes everywhere while the installation takes place. Instead they can now carry ten at a time, all securely encased and easy to remove and install with minimal waste

Simply put, there’s almost zero clean-up and no more skips filled with cardboard!

We hear more about the inspiration behind the launch of All LED’s Caterham GU10 lamp and why it represents a step-change for both product(s) and packaging.

With a focus on protecting trades professionals while they go about their everyday work, we hear more about a workwear brand from across the pond that is looking to make a big splash in the UK.

HARTT FOUNDATIONS

Carhartt is an authentic workwear brand that was originally founded in 1889 in Detroit, Michigan For over 130 years the company has been known for its rugged construction, innovative designs, exceptional quality standards, durability and comfort – gaining almost legendary status among skilled trade professionals.

The Carhartt workwear offering varies from tough and comfortable work trousers, rugged and durable work jackets as well as fast drying and cooling work T-shirts through to certified safety shoes and work boots

The company also designs workwear specifically for women These designs fit and protect the body better and are therefore much safer. The rugged women’s workwear collection is designed to ensure that the modern woman is prepared for any job, whatever the weather

Leaving a legacy

The Carhartt legacy brand was established in 1889 when Hamilton Carhartt & Company was founded by its namesake (known affectionately as “Ham”) and began

producing overalls with two sewing machines and a half-horsepower electric motor in a small Detroit loft

Under the motto, “Honest value for an honest dollar,” the iconic Carhartt bib overall was created and rapidly evolved into the standard for quality workwear

Carhartt set a new standard of performance and continues to meet the evolving needs of hardworking people by weather-proofing its product line to provide the 24/7, year-round solutions they need in the rugged outdoors.

The increased focus in the United Kingdom includes the opening of a head office in Newark, Nottinghamshire with a team dedicated to growing the number of stockists across the country

Nick Poulson, UK Sales Manager, says: “UK tradespeople can rely on Carhartt to protect them while looking great out

on-site Designed specifically for the tough construction site, our workwear is strong enough to get you through any working day, no matter how tough it is

“Our heritage is built on tough workwear specifically designed for hard working professionals and is suited to the exacting standards tradespeople need Whatever construction work you’re doing, we’ve got your back ”

GET YOUR DUX IN A ROW WITH NEW ACTIVE JACKETS

Specially made for hard-working professionals who have to keep going no matter what the elements throw at them out on-site, the Super Dux Jacket collection from Carhartt has got their back

Every jacket in the new Super Dux collection features Carhartt's Rugged Flex, Rain Defender and Wind Fighter technology, which allows for optimal movement with extra protection against the elements.

The Sherpa Active Jacket (105001) comes with Wind Fighter technology that blocks the wind effectively, repels light rain and has a sherpa lining for extra warmth Its relaxed fit allows more flexibility and movement on-site without compromising on strength or comfort

The super duck fabric of this jacket is 35% lighter than traditional duck material and the 3M Thinsulate also provides extra warmth The nylon is also stronger than usual, providing the necessary durability and comfort for those days when you're out and about. This men's jacket continues the Carhartt tradition by adding technical outdoor features to the classic active work jacket The result is a stronger, warmer and lighter jacket

There are two specifically designed jackets for women in Carhartt’s Super Dux range too, including the Relaxed Fit Insulated Traditional Coat (104926) and the Super Dux Relaxed Fit Lightweight Hooded Jacket (105343)

The Traditional Coat has all the technical features to keep you warm through winter It keeps you dry in light rain, it’s wind-resistant and is insulated to protect you against the cold. The nylon is lighter and stronger than traditional duck, so you never feel weighed down

The Lightweight Hooded Jacket is made from lightweight nylon with the water-repellent Rain Defender that shrugs off light rain and wind Plenty of pockets inside and out enable you to keep tools and supplies at the ready

WIN A C.K MIGHTY SCOPE INSPECTION CAMERA!

We’ve teamed up with C.K Tools to give one reader the chance to win a ‘Mighty’ prize this month.

CK Tools has launched an inspection camera that promises big results in extremely small spaces. The brand new Mighty Scope is a compact but high-quality camera, designed to give eyes in hard-to-reach locations.

The unit bears CK Tools’ trademark reliability, durability and innovation, filling a gap in the market for small, easy to use camera equipment for both the professional and home user

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

Operated through a free and intuitive App, the camera live streams 720p HD video, with a digital zoom feature and adjustable bright white LED lights giving excellent clarity With a useful ‘always up’ viewing mode, the Mighty Scope’s ease of use makes light work of navigating difficult and tight spaces, ensuring that the image on the App is always the right way up, regardless of the camera position Users can store footage straight to their device camera roll

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

HOW TO ENTER

As a brand that is respected for offering the professional user innovative, productivity enhancing hand tools and jobsite equipment, ToughBuilt’s latest product range takes those qualities to new levels – literally. We find out more.

THE NEXT LEVEL

Most, if not all, companies talk about a commitment to ongoing product research and development At ToughBuilt, however, its focus on this business area is so unrelenting that it is less of a commitment and more of a way of life

Innovation and inventiveness are at the heart of the US manufacturer’s entire approach As a result, an already impressive range continues to expand with a steady stream of new products that redefine possibilities and expectations

“Every new product development journey at ToughBuilt starts with several all-important questions,” explains Vahe Der Kureghian, Managing Director at ToughBuilt Europe

“These questions include how can we make the existing design of this product even better? Where are the opportunities to increase output and reduce inefficiency? And what learning can we apply from the many hours of research we spend talking to and observing professional tradespeople at work?”

He continues: “People could be forgiven for thinking that because hand tools and jobsite equipment are long established that there’s no longer any

room for further improvement and that the market is already saturated. Perhaps, for ordinary products this is true – but at ToughBuilt we don’t build ordinary We never have – and we never will ”

That’s the spirit

ToughBuilt’s latest introduction fully embodies the brand’s unique design philosophy with a new range of spirit levels which benefit from a rich array of features – all enabling users to work faster, smarter and with greater accuracy.

Specific products available in the range include a new ToughBuilt Magnetic Lit Box Level Offering three sizes – 23cm, 60cm and 120cm – this level has LED lit vials for easier reading as well as a precision milled base for optimum accuracy and shock absorbing endcaps for maximum durability

The new range also includes a convenient and portable, pocket-sized 360° Pocket Level. This product benefits from a robust, heavy-duty die cast construction and a highly accurate rotating vile which can be used to set and identify any angle

In addition, ToughBuilt has launched a new 23cm Magnetic Billet Torpedo Level Featuring an aluminium frame, the level is both exceptionally durable and light

weight. It has four vials which are precision set to 0°, 30°, 45° and 90° angles and a top groove working edge which enables accurate alignment on pipe or conduit

All five new levels employ rare earth magnets ensuring superior holding strength They’re also backed by a two-year guarantee as standard, which can be extended to 25 years if users register their purchase

“The new ToughBuilt levels join a full eco-system of hand tools and jobsite support equipment that enable trade professionals to work smarter,” adds Vahe “This includes our leading Sawhorses, our popular QuickSet Workbench and our ClipTech system of interconnectable tool bags, totes, belts and pouches

“Given our dedication to product research and development, our new levels will be followed by other new product ranges and range additions throughout 2023. Trade professionals can rest assured that all these introductions will benefit from the same intelligently designed, carefully considered approach that are at the heart of ToughBuilt’s DNA ”

ALWAYS QUESTION, ALWAYS CHECK!

It doesn’t happen very often, of course, but sometimes when a client asks you to quote for a project, they have every bit of information you need to get on with a job Or do they? It’s always worth asking where the information came from, and checking whether it really is reliable, as is shown by this cautionary tale

Solar so good

Nimbus Hosting, a specialist in eco-friendly web hosting, had installed solar panels on the roof of its premises and the installers had, as you would expect, provided a monitoring system so that Nimbus could see just how much of the company’s energy requirements the panels were providing The news was good – most days there was apparently a big surplus of energy from the panels

Rather than re-export this surplus to the grid, Nimbus decided to install a battery system to store the surplus energy so that it could be used to power the company’s

operations through the night

To provide the battery system, Nimbus called in Cambridge-based Artisan Electrics, providing Artisan’s engineers with a full year of data for energy usage and solar panel output, all produced by the monitoring system provided by the original solar panel installers

To ensure that the project would run smoothly, Artisan’s engineers carried out a preparatory on-site inspection, and made a surprising discovery: the CTs measuring the power used by Nimbus had been installed in a sub-distribution board rather than in the main board and were, therefore, only seeing part of the load In reality, Nimbus was using

far more energy than the monitoring system was recording, which immediately opened up the question of whether the solar panels really were producing surplus energy

Evaluating energy usage

To answer this question, the Artisan engineers temporarily installed a Chauvin-Arnoux PEL103 portable energy logger in the Nimbus main distribution

Julian Grant, General Manager at Chauvin Arnoux, recounts a recent project where the use of energy logging equipment assisted an electrical installer in helping their client avoid an expensive mistake.

board Thanks to its flexible CTs and easy-to-fit voltage leads, this took only a few minutes. The PEL measured and recorded accurate and reliable information not only about energy usage, but also about many other factors relating to the building power supply including, for example, phase voltages and currents, harmonics, power factor and much more

After the PEL had collected data for a week, the Artisan engineers carried out a preliminary analysis. This showed that there was rarely a surplus of energy from the solar panels during the working week, but that there was a small surplus at weekends Monitoring over a longer period confirmed these results but it was noted that the measurements were made during late autumn, and the results would probably be somewhat better in summer, with stronger sunlight for longer hours

That, however, wasn’t all that the results from the PEL revealed. They also showed that the building heating system was being left on over the weekends, wasting a large amount of power This issue was quickly addressed!

The PEL results also showed that there

was a large imbalance in phase currents in the Nimbus premises, with one phase being almost twice as heavily loaded as the other two If a battery system were to be fitted, this would need to be taken into account as, with such a large imbalance, a standard three-phase system would be unsuitable and three separate single-phase systems would have to be used instead

Recommendation for rectification

Based on data provided by the PEL, the Artisan engineers were able to make important recommendations to Nimbus The first was that with the present solar installation, adding batteries was likely to produce little benefit However, Nimbus has roof space to fit more solar panels and, if this were done, installing batteries would probably be worthwhile – subject to confirmation by accurate measurements with a PEL, of course!

The second recommendation was that Nimbus should consider rearranging the loads on its power system to provide a better balance between phases A well-balanced system is always desirable

as it makes it less likely that cables and other equipment will be overloaded and, an additional benefit in the case of Nimbus is that, were batteries to be installed, a balanced load would make it possible to use a simpler and less costly three-phase system

By being cautious about relying on unchecked data, by carrying out a careful inspection of the existing installation prior to making changes, and by making careful measurements with a reliable instrument, Artisan was able to prevent its client from making the costly mistake of installing batteries that would provide no real benefit

Instead, the Artisan engineers identified ways in which Nimbus could save energy, improve the performance of its power system and, with a little additional investment, move closer to its aim of powering its business exclusively with solar energy.

CLOSE TO HOME

The British government has set an official target for solar power, proposing that the UK develops 70GW of solar generation by 2035 compared to the current figure of 14GW. In other words, the UK’s net zero prospects calls for a “rooftop revolution” to enable the decarbonisation of the country

According to the latest MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installations data, there are approximately 1 2 million UK homes with solar panel installations, which means that 4 1 percent of the 29 million homes in the UK are generating electricity from solar panels

These numbers testify to the country's steady growth in recent years, with room for improvement in the near future, placing the UK's progress on par with other countries leading the sustainable transition like Sweden and Norway

The UK solar market is maturing at a rapid rate, faster than most countries globally Given their natural synergies, this is providing a huge opportunity for the EV charging market.

Help starts at home

As 80 percent of charging takes place at home, as specified by Wallbox, the UK government is introducing a New Smart Charging Plan for Electric Vehicles (EVs), with the aim to make home charging the primary EV charging method within the next two years

The government is promoting smart charging as a cost-saving option for EV drivers, as those who do significant miles can save up to £1,000 a year Aside from individual cost savings, by unlocking flexibility features, smart charging can relieve pressure on the grid to reduce electric system costs, resulting in savings for all.

It is, therefore, essential that EVs fit seamlessly into people's everyday lives and offer direct benefits to the user What will ultimately democratise and drive EV adoption long-term are smart EV chargers capable of supporting sophisticated energy management systems, particularly those that can integrate EV charging with renewable energy systems, like Wallbox’s Eco-Smart.

Wallbox chargers are built with advanced energy intelligence software which includes solar charging functionality, Eco-Smart This feature lets drivers with home PV installations charge their car either entirely with solar power or with excess solar production, making the charge more sustainable and significantly cheaper

A new ‘bidirection’

The next step, and what Wallbox sees as the future of the electrical vehicles, is bidirectional charging This allows you to charge an EV when there is an excess in solar or when the energy is the cheapest, and later discharge power back to the home or grid during hours of peak energy use

A family with a bidirectional EV charger, like Quasar, can easily save 50%+ on their

home energy bill at average 2022 prices (15ct/kWh off-peak, 32ct/kWh peak), by charging the EV battery when energy is cheaper and using the energy in the home when prices are higher

As the UK's EV adoption increases so too will its need for sophisticated smart EV chargers Sophisticated intelligence like Wallbox’s Eco-Smart, enables customers to be in control of their energy consumption, live more sustainably and make better use of their growing investment in solar

Sources:

l www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/net zero review calls for rooftop revolution to unlock 70gw by 2035

l www ft com/content/3e708179-f8a8481a-857d- 421589c59bcc

l www theecoexperts co uk/solar-panels/ popularity-of-solar-power

l www edie net/uk-government-sets-outplan-to-make-smart-ev-charging-thenorm-by-2025/

GET MORE DETAILS ON WALLBOX’S FULL RANGE OF EV CHARGERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP033

The team at Wallbox identifies the reasons why the utilisation of renewables will drive the EV revolution in the future.

CLEAN LOOKS TIDY

pressing, more homeowners and businesses are turning to solar power. But what exactly are the benefits of going solar? The team at V-TAC breaks down the top reasons to make the switch.

Sustainable energy

Solar energy is renewable or clean energy, meaning it comes from a natural source that is constantly replenished Solar power does not produce any emissions, pollutants, or greenhouse gases, which makes it a clean and environmentally friendly energy source

Decreases energy bills

I n s t a l l i n g a s o l a r p o w e r s y s t e m o n a

p r o p e r t y c a n g r e a t l y r e d u c e e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s O n c e t h e s y s t e m i s i n s t a l l e d a n d o p e r a t i o n a l , t h e p o w e r i t g e n e r a t e s c a n b e u s e d t o p o w e r a h o m e o r b u s i n e s s , r e d u c i n g t h e a m o u n t o f e l e c t r i c i t y u s e d T h i s c a n r e s u l t i n s i g n i f i c a n t s a v i n g s o n e l e c t r i c i t y b i l l s o v e r t i m e

I n c r e a s e s p r o p e r t y v a l u e A c c o r d i n g t o a s t u d y b y D E C C ( n o w a p a r t o f t h e D e p a r t m e n t f o r B u s i n e s s , E n e r g y & I n d u s t r i a l St r a t e g y ) , e n e r g y - s a v i n g m e a s u r e s c a n b o o s t h o u s e p r i c e s b y u p t o 1 4 % a n d e v e n u p t o 3 8 % i n s o m e p a r t s o f t h e U K T h i s m e a n s t h a t i n v e s t i n g i n s o l a r e n e r g y c o u l d i n c r e a s e a p r o p e r t y ’s v a l u e b y a n a v e r a g e o f £ 1 6 ,0 0 0 N o t o n l y d o e s g o i n g s o l a r i m p r o v e a h o m e 's e n e r g y e f f i c i e n c y, i t a l s o m a k e s t h e p r o p e r t y m o r e a t t r a c t i v e t o b u y e r s w h o a r e l o o k i n g f o r e n e r g y - e f f i c i e n t h o m e s T h i s i s f u r t h e r s u p p o r t e d b y a 2 0 2 2 s t u d y t h a t s h o w s t h a t i m p r o v i n g a h o m e ’s E n e r g y Pe r f o r m a n c e C e r t i f i c a t e (

Solar equipment and installation costs can be offset by selling back surplus harvested electricity to the grid In the UK, there are incentives for households who opt for renewables to power their homes

Since 2022, the VAT for energy-saving measures like solar panels has been decreased from 5% to 0% The Smart Export Guarantee enables small-scale low-carbon electricity generators to receive payments for any surplus energy they export back to the grid

Before becoming an SEG Generator, you can choose an SEG Licensee (energy supplier) who can give you the best rate for every kWh you send back to the grid These incentives make it easier to reach ROI and even generate additional income from a solar system investment

A complete solution for solar power installations

As one of the top manufacturers of LED lighting across the UK and Europe for over a decade, V-TAC has now introduced a new ‘Energy’ catalogue which includes a range of top-of-the-line solar equipment at affordable prices The brand aims to promote the shift to clean energy by

building efficient and specialised solar systems to sustain the growing global energy demand

The offering includes:

Solar panels

V-TAC offers monocrystalline solar panels which are made of a single silicon crystal The electrons that generate electricity have more room to move, making monocrystalline solar cells more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts

Additional features and benefits include:

● Engineered for a positive power tolerance, producing power equal to or greater than their rated power

● PID Resistance ensures that the solar panels maintain their power efficiency despite high voltages, high temperatures, high humidity, and other potential factors.

● Excellent performance even in low-light environments, attributed to the advanced glass and cell surface textured design

● Through high-quality materials and workmanship, V-TAC solar panels come with a 25-year Linear Output Warranty to guarantee that optimal power output will still be achieved, even after decades of use

Solar inverters

Solar inverters convert the energy harvested by the solar panel to usable electricity, but V-TAC's solar inverters offer more than just that, including:

● Single and three-phase inverters are included in the catalogue to accommodate a range of load requirements

● Both off-grid and on-grid models are available to meet the property owners' preferred setups.

● Time-Of-Use Optimisation further improves efficiency and savings

● Zero Export Function ensures stability and avoids unnecessary surcharges

● Additional safety layers such as smart fault

detection, Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Anti-Islanding Protection, and more

Solar batteries

Solar batteries are essential to maximise the benefits of a solar energy set-up In a grid-tied system, you use your own solar power when the sun is shining and draw power from the grid when it's not.

With a battery storage system, you can store the excess energy that the solar panels generate during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight This ensures that users can make the most of the solar power system and become less dependent on the grid

Additional features and benefits include:

● V-TAC solar batteries are designed with smart monitoring controls. Performance analysis can be monitored via the mobile App

● BMS protection board ensures longevity

● Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have greater thermal stability and incombustibility, making them more reliable when it comes to safety

Solar energy is undeniably a smart and sustainable choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and become more environmentally friendly. It

offers many benefits, from reducing energy bills and carbon footprint to increasing property value and generating additional income

With the right solar equipment, you can maximise the benefits of solar power, enabling long-term savings and return on investment

Partnering with a reputable solar provider like V-TAC can ensure that you have a complete solution for solar power installations to meet all your customers’ solar energy needs.

BROWSE THE ONLINE V-TAC SOLAR PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP034

Norfolk business has lighting upgrade in-store

Specialized Concept Store, a high-end bike and clothing shop in Norwich, has installed ROBUS DALLAS backlit panels and ROBUS TROY and TRAM track fittings into its newly built store

Central to the development of this store was the ability to showcase the products in the best possible light to create an enriched shopping experience ROBUS was chosen for the project due to its full catalogue of products and fittings that could support the requirements of the job, while saving energy with a range of energy-efficient products

With the assistance of local ROBUS Area Sales Manager, Matt Shemming, the team at Specialized Concept Store was able to achieve just that Matt conducted several site visits and, with support from the lighting design team, he produced a bespoke lighting design plan to create an inviting atmosphere Using ROBUS TRAM and TREK fittings he was able to draw focus to various bikes and products in the store while DALLAS panels offer a balance between the ambient and accent lighting

Installed in the stores were 72 x ROBUS DALLAS panels and a mix of 150 x ROBUS TROY and TRAM black spotlights on a black track The ROBUS DALLAS is the ideal panel for a retail space as it has a low glare rating, allowing shoppers to browse with ease With this being a retail store, long hours are a given so having energy efficient panels is a must The DALLAS panel is hugely energy-efficient, ensuring high energy savings are achievable It has a five-year warranty and 50,000 hours rated lifetime, guaranteeing an exceptionally durable and long-lasting fitting

The ROBUS TROY and TRAM fittings were chosen for their superior lighting capabilities and attractive design Constructed from a powder coated aluminium housing and polycarbonate lens, these fittings look sleek and modern – ideal for enhancing the premium aesthetic of the store The TROY and TRAM LED track projector fittings have an exceptional lumen output and, with tilt and swivel capabilities, the store can draw attention to its carefully curated collection

Store owner, Darren Thomas was incredibly happy with the outcome and the impact the products have had on the space, stating: “The ROBUS products we had installed in our Norwich store have transformed what was a retail space into a retail experience. Careful planning, consultation and considered

placement of the products has created the ideal environment to showcase not only our products but the overall aesthetic of the store itself ”

Commenting on the project and his experience with ROBUS, he said: “The quality of product, execution of the plans and overall attention to detail are all exemplary and the staff at ROBUS helped remove all the complications and pain that a new installation can often bring ”

Luxury retreat gets a supporting CAST

C-TEC’s revolutionary CAST XFP fire system has been installed at a stunning spiritual retreat in Llangollen, North Wales

Set in acres of lush woodland and overlooking the picturesque Ceiriog Valley, Tan-Y-Garth Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed house built in 1915 Owned by the International Hermeneutic Society, it provides a spiritual haven for people interested in yoga, meditation, art, music and science.

The Society’s plans to additionally utilise the building as a hotel meant the existing manual fire alarm system had to be replaced to comply with the relevant regulations Leading fire specialist company, Allied Fire Alarms & Escapes, specified an L1 category fire alarm system to provide the highest standard for the protection of life

Featuring an XFP CAST panel connected to an array of heat, smoke and multi-sensor devices, the powerful system is designed to deliver the earliest possible warning should a fire occur at the historic 17-bedroomed hall, a popular venue for group workshops, location shoots, exhibitions and performances.

John Westerman, Allied’s Managing Director, said: “The entire project went exceptionally smoothly as CAST’s soft addressing feature makes installation and commissioning fast and easy –devices can be programmed at the panel so you don’t need to walk around site to physically program each one The innate flexibility of the system also means that, if the needs of the site change in the future, devices can be easily adjusted via the panel’s programming tools to meet the client’s exact specification

“We chose CAST for its simplicity yet effectiveness in the field, specifically XFP CAST because of its compactness and functionality When we handed over the system to our client, they were clearly impressed by its user-friendliness and capacity to be adapted in the future ”

MEGGER

BITE5 Battery Tester

Combining versatility with compact yet robust construction, the new BITE5 battery tester from Megger provides comprehensive facilities for testing lead acid (VLA and VRLA), NiCD and lithium-ion batteries Featuring an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, this innovative instrument supports both impedance testing and, when used in conjunction with a load bank, discharge testing Ohmic testing can be performed on individual cells or on entire strings, up to a maximum of 200 V

Measurement options provided by the new BITE5 battery tester include cell impedance, cell voltage, cell ripple voltage, AC ripple current and DC float current For impedance tests, users can set pass, warning and fail limits for impedance and voltage. For discharge tests, measurements are recorded throughout the full discharge period Historical trending can be displayed on the instrument’s integrated touch screen and the stored results can be downloaded via a USB connection or an SD card for detailed analysis and archiving Wireless transfer of data to Megger’s PowerDB measurement software suite is also supported.

xcite Garden Lighting

The garden lighting range from xcite consists of simple to install, decorative exterior lighting solutions, designed for illuminating garden areas, whether that be hosting parties or BBQs, relaxing into the even decorative purposes and security With choose which part of the garden to pla ground, and connect – simple and easy installed onto the outside of a house or one-way or two-way up/down model T provide customers with flexible options as an integrated LED model or a GU10 not included) The integrated LED models are supplied in 5W and at a 3000k colour temperature Both options are housed in die-cast aluminium for durability, with stainless steel or black finishes As we’ve come to expect from xcite’s high quality, reliable LED range, the SPIKE and DECO WL are IP65 and IP54 rated respectively, for ingress and water protection, especially important for the outdoor market and our unpredictable British weather! These products, along with every item in the xcite catalogue, are backed by a three-year warranty, giving assurance that they will provide long-term performance Alongside that, they offer a long service life of 30,000 hours, with technical support only a phone call away

ESP

Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat

ESP has added a smart thermostat to its Fort range – offering installers the opportunity to easily add a smart control function to their customers’ home heating. The Fort smart thermostat allows you to control and monitor the room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world, via a smart phone or tablet It is controlled through the subscription-free ClickSmart+ App from Scolmore, which offers users control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform The thermostat offers energy efficient programming and with remote access via the App, it allows for constant monitoring and control at your fingertips. It can be voice controlled through Alexa and Google Assistant It is straightforward to install and operate and is suitable for electric, gas or oil systems A boiler can be controlled either by wiring into the Fort thermostat or the thermostat’s receiver – giving full installation flexibility

SIMPRO Business Guide

How do you plan to grow and scale your business in 2023? simPro has produced a brand new three-in-one guide to help electrical professionals gain top tips and advice. simPRO’s business guide covers sales, operations and marketing strategies for your trade business, ensuring you can get to work and start the new year in the right way What’s more, it’s available to download now

HELLERMANNTYTON

Glow-in-the-dark Marking Tags

HellermannTyton has expanded its range of TIPS Printable Marking Tags (TipTags) to include a glow-in-the-dark option, providing customers with greater visibility when identifying cables. HellermannTyton identified a need for greater visibility of the ID marks on TipTags, and as a result, created a new material blend to create a TipTag which glows green when exposed to ultra-violet light Manufactured in the UK using halogen-free polyolefin, the new TipTag is ideal for marking larger wire and cable bundles Perforated as standard, it can be fastened using cable ties and features excellent resistance to abrasions, UV, acids, and fuels. The TipTag operates between -40ºC to +90ºC and comes in standard lengths 65mm to 100mm Lengths up to 200mm are available on request

CED ELECTRICAL Meridian Lighting Sensor Range

The Meridian Lighting sensor range provides lighting control via infrared, microwave and detectors, combining the latest technology with elegant modern designs Infrared motion detectors operate to a 12 metre range and deliver a 180˚ detection Available in black or white, these wall mounted units have options for IP44 or IP65 ratings Supporting these are corner sensors with a complete 360˚ detection range Microwave sensors are available for recessed or surface fitting with an adjustable detection distance from 1 to 8 metres and a 360˚ range, providing excellent energy saving for commercial spaces. The IP44 photocell range includes fixed grey or black fittings plus 360˚ surface/recessed options in white, whilst dusk-to-dawn photocell kits feature a time delay function preventing harm from constant on/off switching Products are UK/CA and CE approved and RoHS compliant

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Stretch Trousers

Delivering comfort and safety features when they’re needed most, these slim-fit trousers are Class 1 and Class 2 certified and made from innovative Sorona sustainable performance fibre They also come with the patented KneeGuard system and CORDURA reinforcement in the knees and pockets Sorona delivers both environmental benefits and long-lasting performance This recyclable, bio-based fibre offers exceptional softness and stretchability for maximum comfort as well as excellent durability to help extend the lifetime of a garment It’s also quick-drying, breathable and soft to the touch for optimal performance that will retain shape, comfort and protection levels throughout the life of the garments

TIMEGUARD WiFi PIR Sensors

If you want to offer customers smart control of their outdoor lighting without replacing their existing units, take a look at Timeguard’s new WiFi PIR sensors Controlled via the popular TuYa App, these PIR controllers can be programmed to operate at precise times or dusk to dawn With a detection range of 12m, ‘On’ times from 30 seconds to 30 mins and rating for up to 250W of LED lighting, these stylish PIRs will cover most individual’s needs. They’ll even continue to operate as programmed if the WiFi signal is lost The Timeguard WFPIR detectors are offered in black or white polycarbonate, with quick-fit terminal blocks and wall fixing accessories (rawl plugs and screws) supplied for back or bottom cable entry

It’s no ‘Sin’ as Rolec EV charges ahead with affordable units

Rolec EV has announced a partnership agreement with Sinexcel, a global electric technology company, introducing a new range of cost-effective DC rapid EV charging stations that offer speeds from 60kW through to 480kW to support both the future of electrified transport and the nation’s net zero plans

The UltraCharge 160 is the first of three models to be introduced and to ensure suitability to the UK market, intensive testing was carried out at Rolec’s HQ in Lincolnshire for over six months Having passed with complex testing and compliance procedures, Rolec can now confidently charge ahead with deliveries

The modular and scalable ultra-rapid charging station can be upgraded in modules of 20kW, all the way up to 160kW, making it the perfect future-proof and cost-effective solution for public, fleet and highway infrastructure deployment. Offering convenient charging times for every electric vehicle on the market, the UltraCharge 160’s intelligent dynamic power balancing feature enables two vehicles to charge simultaneously and can be activated via either mobile App, RFID, Apple Pay, Google Pay or contactless card payment as well as conforming to the ISO 15118 Plug & Charge standard

Frankie Mellon, Rolec’s Sales Director, commented: “I am delighted to have formed a strategic partnership with Sinexcel

From the initial discussion Rolec felt we had found a partner who shared the same goals as our own, to excel in customer service, product development and to have a wide product range for all applications at a very cost-effective price point

“We installed the first UltraCharge 160 at our HQ some six months ago now and since that point we have worked extremely closely with Sinexcel to further develop the product

to meet the requirements of the UK market, integrating with cars, lorries, buses, and to identify features we wished to include as standard for our clients, such as a contactless payment terminal and long reach cables ”

He continues: “With many workplaces now requiring a DC & AC charging solution to support fleet, visitor, and employee charging, it is imperative that we can quote and deliver a reliable product with a short lead time to include within our proposal

“The modular approach of Sinexcel has enabled Rolec to hold UK stock of 60/80/120/160kW models, offering next day delivery to our UK customers ”

Embrace the future of heating with ultimate control

ATC has recently introduced the iLifestyle – its first Wi-Fi electric radiator

Providing the user with controllability whenever and wherever, this high-spec radiator is easy to install and programme and once installed is free of ongoing maintenance.

ATC’s advanced PID Intelligent Control technology ensures that the product is energy efficient, with temperature accuracy to 0 2 °C Thanks to its Open Window Technology, the iLifestyle can automatically detect a fall in temperature caused by open windows, and suspends any programmed heating to prevent wasting energy.

Using the Adaptive Start Feature, you can program the iLifestyle to turn on and heat certain rooms at certain times, to suit your schedule Simply program your desired temperature, and the unit will calculate the required time needed to reach that temperature.

iLifestyle users have a variety of choices in terms of how they choose to operate and control their heating, including control via mobile, hands-free control via Google Home/Amazon Alexa and voice control

The Wi-Fi radiator is perfect for use in kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and office settings Popular applications include home refurbishments, holiday lets, offices and student accommodation

The iLifestyle is available in a range of sizes from 500W right through to 1800W.

You’ve got the power with colour changing weatherproofs

Brackenheath has unveiled a new configurable colour and power changing weatherproof fitting range – representing a huge leap forward in versatility and choice

These IP65 changeable weatherproofs benefit from the fact that a decision on a specific colour temperature or level of illumination doesn’t have to be made prior to purchase This is due to the weatherproofs incorporating colour changing LEDs that contain multiple light temperatures in a single product, cycling between warm, neutral and cool temperatures in an instant

Designed with the contractor in mind, for each of the twelve products in the range there are three colour switchable and four wattage options, providing 12 combinations per product This enables end users to choose the most suitable and desired colour and wattage on installation whilst allowing contractors to save time on unnecessary return visits to wholesalers, looking for alternatives. It is also better for wholesalers from a stocking perspective, as they can offer this weatherproof range safe in the knowledge it will meet the majority of contractor needs

Suitable for outdoor general lighting in new commercial and retrofit solutions, buildings can now be futureproofed with the freedom of changing the luminaire characteristics over time

Colour and power changing solution

Depending on the illumination required, either 30W (3600 lumens) or up to 80W (9600 lumens) can be pre-selected via a switch on the rear of the gear tray. Once chosen, there are 3CCTs available – 3000K, 4000K and 6500K – and the desired colour temperature is selected by a sliding switch, also on the rear of the gear tray

Sensor savings

Further customisation is possible through microwave corridor sensor options that provide staged dimming functions of 10% or 30% power for maximum energy savings.

What about emergency lighting?

There are six emergency options in the range The brilliant LiFePO4 lithium battery is included in all of them, ensuring LEDs stay illuminated, whatever the circumstances

Effortless installation

Ease of installation was a core consideration in the design of the LED Weatherproofs, aiming to make the fitting process hassle-free. Available in 4, 5 and 6ft sizes, Brackenheath has utilised a quick fix, two-hinged design to allow installation without fully dissembling the product.

Furthermore, Brackenheath has combined push fit terminals that require tool-less electrical connection Incorporating 20mm conduit knockouts and besa mounting options, it is supplied with tamper-proof 304 stainless steel clips

IP65 and five-year warranty

These innovative solutions are IP65-rated, making them suitable for total protection against dust and low-pressure jets of water from any direction. Once installed, the colour and power changing range will provide 50,000 hours, and it comes with a five-year warranty that guarantees peace of mind

KNIGHTSBRIDGE 25th Anniversary Edition Catalogue

This year sees Knightsbridge celebrating its Silver Jubilee, having been founded in 1998, and this handy A5-sized, full colour publication is packed from cover to cover – over 3,000 items across nearly 500 pages, including over 400 new products – with new range developments, impressive innovations and lots of inspiring ideas Divided into easy-to-reference sections, the catalogue provides full product details along with high quality lifestyle and detailed product images.

UNICRIMP

Q-Crimp Grommet Strips

Unicrimp has added a brand new product to its Q-Crimp fixings range –with grommet strip edge trim rolls now part of the collection. An essential piece of kit for consumer unit installation, the premium grommet strips are flexible and durable and are designed to protect cables from sharp and abrasive metal edges They provide installers with a perfect solution for rewires and board changes. Unicrimp’s heavy duty grommet strip trim roll is available in black and in 3m and 5m lengths It can be easily cut to the required size

WERNER Multi-purpose Telescopic Ladder

This new and improved 3-in-1 ladder is extremely versatile, offering a stepladder, extension ladder and stairwell ladder all in one compact, lightweight product Certified to the latest EN131-4:2020 safety standard, the ladder features adjustable telescopic sections with simple to operate hinge locks, allowing for easy conversion between the three modes Spring loaded ‘J’ locks enable the user to adjust the height of the telescopic ladder quickly and easily The robust, high-grade aluminium multi-purpose unit has a load capacity of 150kg, and not only is it user friendly, it also has compact folded dimensions, making it easy to handle, transport and store. Designed to bring versatility to any job, the ladder is available in three sizes, with the largest size offering up to 30 heights

PANASONIC INDUSTRY EUROPE Cordless Impact Driver

Panasonic Industry Europe has released a new highly versatile cordless impact driver (EY1PD1) with a very short body length of only 98mm for high power impact tightening, even in narrow areas. With a low body weight of only 1.5kg the device comes with new right-angle and eccentric attachments for convenient operation in tight spots, tight corners and tight angles Panasonic’s new 3x ‘flat’ innovations enable the greatly shortened body length A unique high-density compact brushless motor structure allows 30% size reduction compared to previous models while maintaining high power output with improved torque and rotation speed The vector control technology guarantees optimal motor performance with motor speed and power being controlled in real time. The downsized hammer (50% volume reduction) and efficient shaft parts layout (20mm reduction in length) result in much shorter impacting structure

OVIA LIGHTING

Oval Bulkheads

Ovia has expanded its range of bulkheads to include the company’s first fully integrated oval shaped LED bulkheads VELO is the name given to the new range of 15W CTA switchable oval bulkheads, which are available in a white or black finish The VELO bulkheads are IP65 rated as standard, or IP54 rated with the PIR version. They are CTA switchable in the following colour temperatures – 3000K, 4000K

and 6500K The CTA switch is located inside the 6-screw terminal housing on the rear of the luminaire

BROWSE A DIGITAL PRODUCT BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAP051

It’s a ‘Ohme’ run as new untethered charger arrives

Ohme has added to its range with the launch of the all-new Ohme ePod untethered charger

As an untethered charger, the new ePod will provide universal charging for all electric vehicles and help Ohme to expand its reach into new markets, particularly those in the new build environment

Ohme has already made progress in these new markets becoming the official charger provider for many developers such as Harron Homes and Hollins Homes Furthermore, Ohme is also part of the House of the Future project at the University of Salford alongside Saint-Gobain, Barratt and Bellway to provide the low carbon homes of the future

“We’re very excited to be introducing the all-new Ohme ePod untethered charger to the market,” explained David Watson, CEO at Ohme “The ePod will open up new markets for us and boasts all of the functionality of our award-winning Home Pro but in an untethered package, giving customers greater choice than ever before ”

The new ePod joins Ohme’s highly successful Home Pro smart charger which helped Ohme to be one of the UK’s fastest growing smart charging companies in 2022. The new Ohme ePod features the same technology as the Home Pro for those after an untethered charger without the charging cable attached. Using the Ohme App, the ePod gives Ohme customers the choice between tethered and untethered for the first time

It means that ePod customers can also take advantage of Ohme’s ability with its smart charging technology to 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

Ohme also offers drivers the option to charge their car when renewable energy generation on the National Grid is at its highest, further lowering their CO2 impact

C AM E RA CAUGHT ON

SOCIAL SNAPS!

MATT SANDELL: Any idea what the IP rating of playdough is? This was found while removing an outside light during a rewire The previous homeowner had used a standard joint box and tried to make it waterproof using playdough!

MAIR ELECTRICAL: A perfect example as to why an EICR is so important These are just a few pictures of some of the most dangerous issues I’ve come across in a long while. And they were all in the one house!

LEWIS BODEN: I think this is what you call a ‘major overload’ Luckily the owner had a mains linked smoke alarm next to the board, as this was in a utility passage!

DAVID MILLER: Found this twist and tape joint on 10mm 50A circuit joined to 2 5 for electric underfloor heating via a 13A fused spur Must have been done by the bathroom fitter two years ago!

BEN QUARMAN: Still removing old fused main switches like these with original black rubber wiring connected

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.