Professional Electrician & Installer May 2022 by Hamerville Media Group

001_PE_MAY22 05/04/2022 11:42 Page 1

TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

& INSTALLER

MAY 2022

HOW HAS AMENDMENT 2 IMPACTED ARC FAULT DETECTION DEVICES?

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

RCD TESTING: THE FACTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: REVIEWS ● NEW PRODUCTS ● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● GIVEAWAYS ● AND MORE...

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 08:42 Page 1

003_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 05/04/2022 01:22 Page 3

Total Average Net Distribution: 76,995 Certification period: 1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021

May 2022 Volume 38 No.5

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

NEWS

14 THE DRIVE TO NET ZERO 16 CODEBREAKERS 28 MADE 2 MEASURE 50 CAPTAIN C-TEC 53 BUSINESS MATTERS NEW 64 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 81 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Technical & Training

Surge protection requirements: do you need a site survey?

19 Amendment 2: what are the significant take-aways?

Circuit Protection

Products & Business Solutions

23 Understanding the function of LED drivers and where/when they should be used

35 Should a time delay device be used when selectivity between RCDs is needed?

55 The doors that PAT testing can open for electrical businesses

26 A look at arc fault detection device (AFDD) requirements following Amendment 2 31 The benefits that online training can deliver for professionals 32 Discovering the latest training courses and learning opportunities

38 RCD testing: the facts 41 The role of AFDDs and why they could offer essential protection against fires caused by electrical equipment 45 With requirements for surge protection increasingly on the agenda, we find out why site surveys are becoming more popular 49 Showcasing the consumer unit installs that have made our readers proud

56 How BG’s wiring accessories offering continues to ‘Evolve’ 59 Is self-test emergency lighting the way forward for conscientious contractors? 60 How to install LED strip lighting – step-by-step 62 George Robertson reviews a raft of tool storage solutions from ToughBuilt 67 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work Why PAT testing can open new doors

46 55 Prize Draws

Why students are embracing eLearning

Get tough with the Eurolite Utility range

57 WIN! A Draper VDE Tool Set could be yours

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 3

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 08:43 Page 1

005_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:13 Page 7

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

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. © 2022

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available. Please contact us for rates. Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 7 Apprentice © DLG Images Pg 14 Connected home © Andsus Pg 19 Blue to brown © Alis Photo Pg 31 Remote learning © BillionPhotos Pg 41 Fire starting © Andrii Pg 45 Site visit © Aunging Pg 64 Showroom © Rolls Royce Motor Cars

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Editor’s Viewpoint

Home is where the start is If there’s one thing you can be certain of in this industry, it’s that any significant piece of news related to apprenticeships or training frameworks is going to be met with a myriad of opinions. Indeed, this particular subject area has to be one of the most polarising aspects of the electrical sector, with some welcoming attempts to refine and modernise the current structure operating within the electrical industry, while others take a slightly more cautious view, based on previous experience and what is perceived to be a continued attempt to ‘dumb down’ the trade. This divide has been thrust firmly into the spotlight recently with the announcement that a new Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard has been approved, which will provide a Level 3 training programme that covers all elements of planning, installing and maintaining electrical services within a domestic environment (see full story on page 7). Three years in length, the standard was developed by an industry employer group, in response to growing demand for a high-quality training route that ring fences domestic electrical work and provides a structured training programme for both new entrants and those already in the workforce. Essentially, it will provide a clear definition to the role of a domestic electrician, with a formal pathway that separates this from the Installation Electrician standard. At a time where the electrical workforce is desperate for a fresh influx of new blood and skilled, enthusiastic young professionals, the development of this particular pathway could be seen as the ideal way to introduce potential new entrants to the sector, clearly defining their skill set and helping to take some first steps on the apprenticeship road. It will also help employers to take on more apprentices and can provide a clear distinction between who is qualified/competent to work purely in the domestic environment and those that have the experience and training to broaden this reach into commercial and industrial settings. Playing devil’s advocate slightly, however, there are a few questions that arise. Firstly, there’s the definition of what a ‘qualified’ electrician actually is and whether such a title should identify the fact that you should be capable of working in all environments – domestic, commercial and industrial.

A salient point maybe, but if the scope of work and distinction between roles (to the end user customer at least) is not clear, is there also the potential that we could start to see a scenario where semi-skilled/domestic only electricians, who may be lower paid because of the limited scope of skills, end up reducing the wage of fully qualified electricians working in the domestic sector? You could also argue that we may see the market flooded with a glut of individuals who are domestically trained and, when the time comes that they want to eventually move from domestic to commercial or industrial, they won’t understand why they can’t do so. All fair points, as is the argument that our industry should be doing all it can to raise the entry criteria of new entrants, rather than making it easier to enter through this domestic route. What should be remembered, however, is that this is purely an ‘alternative’ training route to the existing apprenticeship framework and doesn’t stop any individual or employer from taking the traditional pathway – it’s simply another way of helping to train and guide the next generation, but with a specific focus on the environment they’ll be tasked with working in – in this case, domestic. Additionally, for those who are up in arms about the further ‘de-skilling’ of the trade that could ensue by large numbers taking up this new option, perhaps an ‘extension’ route at the end of the three year period could be the answer? This would present the employer and individual in question with the option to carry on to a full industrial/commercial qualification should they want to advance their skill-set and the scope of work and environments in which they’re trained and competent to operate. Should the individual decide that the Domestic standard is all that’s required for them, that’s fine, and their scope of work should be limited as such. As with any new initiative or legislation, the devil will often be in the detail, so the shake-out and effectiveness of this new route will only start to become apparent in the future. In the meantime, we’d love to get your views on the subject. Email us at pe@hamerville.co.uk and we’ll print the most interesting comments in a future issue.

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 5

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 29/03/2022 09:35 Page 1

007_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 14:57 Page 7

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Domestic Electrician apprenticeship gets the green light

The domestic electrical market in England now has a formal, funded training structure following the approval of the new Domestic Electrician Level 3 apprenticeship standard. With the new apprenticeship, approved recently by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, domestic electrical work now has its own clear identity with an industry standard and assessment route agreed by employers. Three years in duration, the apprenticeship standard provides a comprehensive Level 3 training programme that will cover all facets of planning, installing and maintaining electrical services within a domestic setting. It also includes training and assessment in Domestic Electric Vehicle charging point installation, and will provide a strong platform of foundation skills to equip learners to undertake further training in the installation of new and low carbon technologies. Domestic Electrician apprentices will gain a new Level 3 technical Electrotechnical in Dwellings qualification and will have to carry out an in-depth End Point Assessment that is a modified version of the existing industry assessment of competence, the AM2. The standard was developed by an industry employer group, in response to growing demand for a high-quality training route that clearly ring fences domestic

electrical work and provides a structured training programme for both new entrants and those already in the workforce. Neil Moran, Technical Safety Assurance Manager at British Gas and Chair of the Employer Group, commented: “For the first time, the scope of a domestic electrician has been precisely defined to give the role a funded, formal training pathway and clearly demarcate this occupation from the Installation Electrician standard. “With the introduction of the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship, we now have a structured route for training highly skilled and competent individuals for the significant amount of work carried out by employers working in the domestic sector.” He added: “It will help us attract new entrants and raise competence levels to a clear industry benchmark. We hope that training providers will join employers in delivering high quality apprenticeships against the new standard.” Work on a new Experienced Worker Assessment for domestic electricians is also now underway, to establish a rigorous process for upskilling, based on the apprenticeship standard, for those already working in the industry. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICESHIP AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG001

ECA launches UK-wide Amendment 2 roadshow

ECA has launched its member-exclusive, nationwide series of in-person CPD presentations and events: the #Project18 Amendment 2 roadshow. The Roadshow, headline sponsored by Scolmore, features live, interactive stage presentations and Q&A sessions that unpack and explain the major changes to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. The first ECA Roadshow took place at Mercedes Benz World in Surrey with further events scheduled as follows: ● London: 10th May at America Square ● Leicester: 12th May at the National Space Centre ECA Technical Director Mike Smith said: “Amendment 2 represents the biggest set of updates to the 18th Edition since its publication. Our Technical team is delighted to share their knowledge and expertise once again through CPD-accredited stage presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. “We encourage members who haven’t booked already to visit our website and find out when the roadshow will be coming to a venue near them. We look forward to seeing you there!”

BOOK YOUR PLACE AT AN UPCOMING ROADSHOW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG002 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 7

007_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 14:58 Page 8

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

SELECT keeps apprentices safe with posters and charts SELECT is distributing posters and handy toolbox-sized safe isolation flowcharts to remind apprentices and adult trainees of correct working practices. The campaigning electrical body is currently handing out Ten Steps to Safe Isolation posters to all 22 training centres used by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), to be displayed prominently as a reminder of how to work safely. Smaller durable versions, designed to ﬁt handily into toolboxes, are also being made available to all 2,669 electrical apprentices and adult trainees currently training in Scotland. Running under the banner ‘Work dead safely: Stay alive’, the posters and cards have been adapted from the range of safe isolation materials launched by SELECT in January of last year. The ﬁrst resources were handed over to David Henderson, SECTT Assessment Centre Manager at Cambuslang, by Bob Cairney, SELECT’s Director of Technical Services. The remaining posters and cards will now be distributed to the 21 Approved Centres around Scotland by Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, with the help of SECTT

Training Officers. The cards will also be handed out at SELECT’s upcoming Toolbox Talks in May and June, and posters are also available for members on request. VIEW THE TOOLBOX TALKS SCHEDULE FOR MAY AND JUNE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG003

Watford Community Housing utilises Aico Watford Community Housing has upgraded two of its 16 storey tower blocks to a Grade D, LD1 fire detection system using Aico’s technology. Recently, the Abbey View and Munden View high rise blocks were chosen for mandated safety audits under Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue supervision. After an initial review of their housing stock, they decided to upgrade these buildings’ safety systems. Working closely with Aico they began work to install Multi-Sensor ﬁre alarms giving them complete coverage. The project began for Watford Community Housing by taking advantage of Aico’s free FIA-accredited Expert

Installer Training for all of the installation team. Aico’s mobile unit visited the site and Watford Community Housing’s colleagues undertook training on alarm maintenance, siting and standards to assure the safety and accuracy of their installation process. The mobile unit also allowed the residents within the building to talk to the housing group, allaying any worries they might have about the installation process, as well as receiving ﬁre safety advice and information on how to test and maintain their alarms.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT AICO’S FIRE SAFETY RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG004

NICEIC webinar provides mental health support for contractors NICEIC has responded to the increasing need for mental health support amongst contractors by dedicating an episode of its webinar series, THE WIRE, to the topic. Danny Mouskovias, NICEIC's Learning Design and Delivery Manager, who led the session, said: “It is a fact, mental illness is a plague that blights our industry more so than others. Statistics show electrical sector workers are 34% more likely to be diagnosed with a complex mental illness. “This is why it was so important for us to support our contractors, and given the numbers in attendance, and the comments received, it seems we have hit the spot, which is really great.” Focusing on identifying the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health, the session provided practical steps to help manage stress and anxiety. Delivered in a relaxed yet informative way, Danny also 8 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

touched on how to open up conversations around mental health to support those around you. MEMBERS CAN WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG005

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 30/04/2019 11:39 Page 1

007_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:02 Page 10

news

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

ESP continues to rack up the orders As ESP continues to expand, the brand has invested in its warehouse facility to accommodate the growing demand for products and the introduction of new product ranges. The racking has been totally redesigned and expanded to provide valuable additional space. It has allowed for a 66% increase in the number of bulk pallet locations and an 88% increase in the number of picking locations. As part of the redesign, the racking has been turned to run lengthways and by reducing the aisle widths from 3m to 2m this has allowed an extra two runs of racking to be installed. The addition of the Fort Smart Security range of products at the end of last year has vastly increased the stock levels that the business is holding. The need to expand the provision of space therefore became a priority.

ESP has now future proofed the warehouse facility with the creation of more space to store new products for picking and more pallet spaces for deliveries. The ability to spread the stock out across pick locations will also increase the speed of the picking process. Whilst the redesign of the racking system was under way, ESP took the opportunity to upgrade the lighting in the warehouse, with new Inceptor Hion Highbay fittings supplied by Scolmore Group company, Ovia, as well as products from ESP’s Duceri emergency lighting range, installed. Microwave Sensor versions of the Inceptor Hion Highbays were chosen for their energy saving properties, with the built-in sensor activating lights only in those areas that are occupied.

007_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:02 Page 11

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Carl Kammerling launches 2022 ‘Fusion’ promotion Carl Kammerling International (CKI), the home of C.K Tools, is giving the electrical

trade another reason to have access to the best tools for the job through its 2022 Fusion campaign. Live now and running until the 27th May, Fusion is offering electricians and electrical contractors a welcome discount with 170 products on promotion across the C.K Tools, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp Security brands. With discounts of up to 54% at participating stockists, CKI is also making ﬁve new products (Ratchet Pass Through Modular Crimper 8P, Automatic Wire Stripper Pro, Multitool Single Box Cutter, Multitool Carbide Blade, Multitool SS Scraper), two new tool kits (Contractor

Tool Kit, Professional Tool Kit) and three exclusive bundles available for a limited time only (Folding Utility Knife, C.K Magma Knife Holder Double Pack, and free Trimming Knife Blades) as part of the deal, rendering this the business’ most standout Fusion promotion to date Mark Raines, Head of Marketing at CKI, said: “With more than 200 years of industry expertise we understand the importance to our customers of having the right tools that they can trust, for the right job, at the right price. ‘Fusion is our way of giving something back to the industry and ensure customers can either keep some funds back in their pocket or get more products for their budget – and you can’t say fairer than that.” FIND YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG006

007_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:02 Page 12

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Book your business in for a much brighter future Business coach and founder of Bright Business Advice, Emerson Patton, has launched his new book Bright Business Transformation for Contractors. If you’re a contractor in the mechanical/electrical and ﬁre/security sectors, this is a must-read overview of the Bright 7-sector model, which explains in detail how business owners can create better management structures, introduce control processes into their business and create a platform for growth.

You’ll learn: ● How to develop effective leadership in your business, ● How to create an effective management structure so that the business runs effectively without you in it all the time, ● How to make sure your business is on the right financial systems and packages so that you can effectively manage your cashflow and forecasting, ● How to create operational excellence so that you uplift your customer service delivery whilst improving your profit margins, ● How to implement an effective HR strategy so that your team feels empowered, ● How to create an effective, low-cost marketing strategy that gets your message in front of your target market, ● How to create an effective sales strategy so that your pipeline of new work is strong, and you create better processes to win more work from existing customers. The book is available now on Amazon. ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG007

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 01/04/2022 08:33 Page 1

014_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:04 Page 1

THE ROAD TO NET ZERO By Tom Gillam, Electrician Programme Manager at Schneider Electric

Net Zero cities can’t exist without sustainable smart homes

limate change is real and the climate timebomb is ticking. To address this challenge head-on, many initiatives strive to make our cities climate neutral or carbon neutral by the end of the decade.

Why the focus on cities, and not industry? We must definitely tackle both, but the main difference is that decarbonising metropolises can deliver impact at scale. Cities only cover about 3% of the Earth’s land, but they produce around 72% of its total greenhouse gas emissions. On top of that, cities are growing fast and will continue to be major centres of emissions despite the effects of COVID-19. If the fight against climate change can be described as a war, our biggest battles will have to be fought in cities. Mind over money Transforming our cities into bastions of carbon neutrality – whether within 10 or 30 years – will be a challenge. However, technology and innovative solutions for sustainable homes, office buildings, energy, transport, food, water and material systems already exist – and more are underway due to the fall in sustainable tech prices and more financial support coming from investors. The real challenge is to alter how we think. For the world to change, people need to change first, and transformation can be painful. As large corporations, we need to make everyone aware that sustainability doesn’t have to impact productivity, success or living standards. Smart, sustainable buildings mean less waste, fewer emissions, and lower energy costs. Then we need to turn barriers

into opportunities through the power of modern technologies. How smart homes make smarter cities Homes will become the biggest consumers of energy globally in the next 10 years, so they must be at the top of the Net Zero cities agenda. In a post-pandemic world, they’ll be where we spend most of our lives and consume the majority of our energy. The democratisation of domestic energy production allows for fast decarbonisation. Solar, for example, makes homes cleaner and more sustainable. We should then also provide homeowners with the capability to sell their excess energy back to the grid or to their local community. But we need to go further than that. Smart home systems can provide unprecedented insight into energy usage, be it for heating, cooking, charging your car, or entertainment. Such smart sustainable homes provide more personalised comfort as well as efficiency in the form of reduced energy bills. AI-driven sustainable tech will also keep us safe – not just by ensuring we breathe clean air and our room temperatures remain comfortable – but by also proactively alerting us to potential electrical faults. Think of the impact if we could stop electrical fires from ravaging our livelihoods. Making our cities carbon neutral is no mean feat. We must adopt the right mindset, stay the course, and follow a philosophy of ‘our work is never done’. Leveraging the latest digital technologies will give us the insights and power to achieve our common goals, while more green jobs, tech innovation and ESG investment will help drive economic recovery. Whatever path we chose to fight climate change, whatever solutions we deploy, we must remember: like all good things, sustainability starts at home.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SCHNEIDER’S DRIVE TO NET ZERO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG008

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 01/04/2022 08:40 Page 1

016_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:06 Page 16

THE

CODEBREAKERS CHARLOTTE ROBINSON: THIS WAS THE GLAND FOR THE PV SUPPLY IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNIT. NOT ONLY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THE GLAND WAS MADE OFF WITH THE INSTALLER’S TEETH, BUT THE BEDDING DOESN’T EVEN MAKE IT TO THE GLAND. AND WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE LOCK NUT? With the advent of high fossil fuel prices and the demand for zero-emission electric vehicles, solar PV in conjunction with battery storage will most likely start to grow exponentially. The problem with that, as with EV and any other installation, it has to be done properly to be safe. As we can’t see what else is going on here, I’ll just confine the Coding to the SWA gland. First off, the armouring isn’t anchored adequately by the gland nut. Some of the strands are actually inside, contacting the single insulated conductors, and some are on the outside. It’s likely that the armour isn’t adequately held and lacks mechanical strength. I can’t confirm if the armour is connected to the cpc, at the other end, by a banjo hidden from view or by contact with the metal enclosure, so I won’t comment on it and assume it’s taken care of. What we can assume, though, is that there is an issue with the mechanical strength of the joint – the joint in this case being the SWA strands, meeting the SWA gland. Single insulation must be taken inside an adequate enclosure; the surrounding armour strands are not considered to be an adequate enclosure. Cutting the filler, or bedding material, too short shows a lack of experience or poor skills, which has now led to a potentially dangerous install. Although an excessive amount of the black PVC casing is stripped back, I’d hardly see that as a big problem.

As for the lock nut, without seeing the install first hand, I’m confident the wrong size hole saw, or knock out, has been used, and the gland didn’t sit properly. It’s likely the lock nut is being used to bridge the gap made by the oversize hole saw. It’s not ideal, but I think it would be unfair to Code it unless there were signs it compromised the installation safety in some way. A generally poor excuse of an installation technique, making off SWA glands are bread and butter stuff. Hopefully, an easy fix for someone carrying out the remedial work.

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

Single insulation not taken inside an enclosure

134.1.1, 526.8

SWA gland not installed to manufacturers’ instructions, causing a potentially dangerous installation

134.1.1, 134.1.4

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

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

16 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

016_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:07 Page 17

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

JMN ELECTRICAL: THIS WAS FOUND ON A RECENT EICR…! What can I say, wow!!! We often joke about using bell wire or accuse poorly trained or untrained people of such practices but don't actually see it very often. Not only has the installer wired an electric shower using a loudspeaker cable (see image, top right), they've also used a junction box to extend the supply from a piece of 3 core flex (see image, below right). I can only guess at the size of the flex, which is likely to be 1.5 mm2 at best, and at worst 0.75 mm2. To add a little more insult, there is no cpc as the speaker cable is two core, the cpc is not extended past the junction box. The speaker cable is also single insulated; LV AC cables in excess of 50 V that are single insulated need to be in an enclosure or conduit. Another question is the temperature range of the speaker cable insulation, which may not be acceptable. Although I can't confirm it, I'm fairly confident that the conductors are undersized for the OCPD protecting them. I'm also assuming there is an OCPD, to be fair, but given the state of what we can see, I wouldn't count on it. This is a foolhardy and unbelievably dangerous installation! The risk of fire due to conductor overheating and the potential for electric shock are incredibly high. I don't think that this was undertaken by anyone with even a minute amount of electrical training. I can only hope this was a home

DIYer. The thought that there was, or is, an individual at large carrying out this kind of installation quality, is frightening. It just shows why we need to be more proactive as an industry and drive EICRs on all properties more frequently.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: Shower supply cable conductors undersize for OCPD, potential fire and shock protection risk

131.4, 131.5, 132.6, 132.8

cpc not taken to every point in a circuit

134.1.1, 411.3.1.1, 411.3.2.1

Loudspeaker cable and insulation possibly not rated for LV AC installations

132.6, 132.7, 134.1.1

FI C2

Speaker cable has only basic insulation and is not taken inside an adequate enclosure, to provide mechanical protection

134.1.1, 526.8

Equipment not installed to manufacturers’ instructions, causing a potentially dangerous installation

134.1.1

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

ORDER YOUR COPY OF NAPIT CODEBREAKERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG009

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 08:50 Page 1

019_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:09 Page 19

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

AMENDMENT 2, EXPLAINED! Gary Parker, ECA Senior Technical Manager, looks at some of the major changes to be found in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.

here have been major events and changes since the release of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. Since the ubiquitous ‘blue book’ was published in 2018, the electrical contracting industry has encountered Brexit, COVID and material shortages, Building Safety legislation and various green technology and other opportunities. Some of these have shaped the way we look at and think about electrical installations today. On 28th March 2022, the second Amendment to the 18th Edition was released. The new book (brown this time) is filled with important updates that electrical contractors need to know about.

Implementation and information The last update to the Wiring Regulations (Amendment 1, updating the requirements around electric vehicle charging installations) will be withdrawn on 27th September 2022. Any new work from this date must conform to the new Amendment 2. Some of the wording has also been clarified. For example, some readers took the word ‘recommended’ to mean ‘mandatory’. This has been made clearer throughout, and should now be easier to understand. RCD risk assessments These updated requirements relate to Regulation 411.3.3 – RCDs and socket outlets. Previous Editions allowed building owners to omit RCDs in some cases

where a risk assessment had been done. This is still an option, but the requirements have been tightened up. Amendment 2 now insists that an RCD must be provided where children or disabled persons are present, regardless of whether a risk assessment has been done. Additional earth electrodes Some new wording has been added to Regulation 411.4.2 recommending that an additional connection to earth, by means of an electrode, is provided to PME earthing systems. As mentioned earlier, the word ‘recommended’ is key here. This is just one option, and not mandatory. The existing Regulation 114.1 still remains and says that where a supply is given in accordance with the Electricity

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 19

019_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:13 Page 20

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR), it shall be deemed that the connection between earth and neutral is permeant.

transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequences of an overvoltage could result in:

Arc Fault Detection Devices Readers may remember that previous drafts for public comment suggested requirements for more AFDDs. While Amendment 2 has increased the use of these products, it isn’t to the extent that we have seen in the drafts. AFDDs are now mandatory for circuits supplying socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32 A in:

● Serious injury or loss of human life ● Failure of a safety service (such as sprinklers or smoke alarms) ● Significant financial or data loss

● Higher risk residential buildings (HRRBs) ● Homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) ● Purpose built student accommodation ● Care homes This clarifies the specific locations where AFDDs are required. Of course, this does not restrict their uses in other locations. That is up to the designer, but it is worth noting that some limitations do remain regarding AFDDs. For instance, they are single-phase only and may require a minimum load to function correctly. Protected escape routes Amendment 2 introduces a new phrase: ‘protected escape route’. Previous Editions of BS 7671 referred to escape routes, although this led to confusion and the question, “what is an escape route?” Amendment 2, Regulation 442.1 addresses this by defining a protected escape route as a route designed to be protected against fire for a specified period. During a fire, almost anything is an escape route. But a protected escape route is designed by a suitably skilled fire engineer or architect to last longer than a standard corridor. Protection against overvoltages For many years now, we have seen an increase in the use of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) in the UK. But some of this uptake was caused by confusion about when SPDs should be used. Regulation 443.4.1 is now much clearer and states that protection against

20 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

In other cases, protection shall be provided (there’s that word shall again) unless the owner declares they are not required, and the risk is deemed tolerable by the installer. Bonding of outbuildings A slight, but important, update has been made to Regulation 544.1.1, relating to bonding of outbuildings. Now, any outbuilding on a TN-S or TT earthing system can be bonded in accordance with the incoming cable protective conductor related to that building. Previous Editions required the designer to consider the bonding from the main building, which is still the case for TN-C-S systems. This update gives designers the flexibility to preserve materials, whilst also meeting the requirements of the Standard. Solar PV systems Section 712 has undergone a complete re-write for Amendment 2 and has grown from 5 to 14 pages! With a lot more detail, new requirements and updated design criteria, this is a big change for designers and installers working with Solar PV systems. Prosumer electrical installations Most of us will recall that there have long been seven parts to BS 7671. Not anymore! Part 8 is here, and it deals with prosumer electrical installations. A prosumer is someone who both produces and consumes electrical energy. This is becoming more common now, and demand is only set to rise. Part 8 gives

designers the tools they need to consider the future, now. Certification A welcome update here for those who must complete electrical installation certificates. The schedule of inspections has reduced from several A4 pages’ worth of checks and boxes, to 14 simpler tick boxes. There is of course still a requirement to inspect, and the information is still held in BS 7671. But now, there is no need to complete multiple forms to confirm whether each element has been inspected or is not applicable. The schedule of inspection remains for those all-important electrical installation condition reports. You can learn much more about AMD2 at our forthcoming Roadshows and in an ongoing series of articles, videos and podcasts that we’ll be making available. ACCESS ECA’S SUPPORTING AMD2 ARTICLES, VIDEOS AND PODCASTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG010

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 08:52 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/04/2022 09:54 Page 1

023_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:14 Page 23

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

DRIVING AND CONTROLLING LEDS

Using LED drivers for a bespoke lighting installation can be confusing due to the range of different types and possible variations for their connection that are available. This article from the experts at NICEIC will describe the function of LED drivers, highlight where and how they may be used, and also advise on which requirements of BS 7671 apply.

ED lighting is a popular choice for many installations due to their long lifespans, energy savings, instant operation at switch-on and the bespoke lighting schemes and methods for control that are available. A typical example for a bespoke lighting installation, as shown in Fig 1, may include alterations to the method of control of an existing luminaire into multiple luminaires having means to be remotely controlled via an App and/or other sensors. It will usually be necessary to install an additional smart device1. However, reference should be made to the manufacturers’ literature for compatibility between different products.

LED drivers An LED driver is a self-contained power supply whose output is typically matched to the electrical characteristics of the LED(s) it is supplying. However, the stability of the LED and associated driver is likely to be dependent upon the method of installation, including the ability to dissipate heat and the circuit conﬁguration for the type of LEDs, which may be constant current or constant voltage. Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent overheating when installing LEDs and their drivers to avoid the occurrence of, thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when an LED module exceeds its operating temperature, for whatever reason, and more current is

consumed due to a reduced resistance in the silicon than it needs for a particular light output. This reduces the life expectancy of both the LED and the driver. There are two main types of drivers; those that use extra-low voltage DC input power (generally 5-24 V DC) as shown in Fig 2, and those that use low voltage AC input power (generally 90-277 V AC) as shown in Fig 3.

Fig 2. Extra-low voltage DC driver

Fig 3. Low voltage AC driver

Fig 1. Conversion of a single pendant into several LED down lights with separate smart control 1 The smart device may be incorporated in equipment such as a smart GU10 lamp, which then communicates with a hub or controller connected to the local area network (LAN)

Constant voltage drivers Where a constant voltage driver (or power supply) is used, the LEDs will be connected in parallel and typically operate at a voltage suitable for the LED, for example 12 V DC or 24 V DC. A constant voltage driver receives a line voltage (120-277 V AC) and converts this AC voltage to an extra-low direct current voltage. The driver will always

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 23

023_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:15 Page 24

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

driveways, used as marker lighting typically covering a larger area, as shown in Fig 5. The main advantage of using a constant current driver is that the same current will flow through each individual LED whilst maintaining a constant level of brightness and over a greater circuit length. Furthermore, because the load current is constant, Fig 4. Typical circuit arrangement and means of control for an LED flexible strip the risk of thermal runaway (discussed earlier) is reduced. attempt to maintain a constant voltage no The constant current will typically be matter what current load is placed on it. in the range 350 mA (0.35 A) to Constant voltage drivers are commonly 2,000 mA (2 A). used for under-cabinet lighting and other LED flexible strips, as shown in Fig 4, but are not limited to those categories. Requirements of BS 7671 As for other types of lighting installations, LED lighting schemes forming part of the Constant current drivers fixed installation must comply with the Where a constant current driver is used, the general rules of BS 7671 and any LEDs will be connected in series. This is particular requirements of Section 559 for usually the option selected when installing luminaires and lighting installations and, small high-powered LEDs such as those for extra-low voltage lighting, Section 715. found in plinths, external decking areas and Where LEDs and their associated drivers are installed in special locations, as referred to in Part 7 of BS 7671 including locations containing a bath or shower (701), swimming pools or other basins (702), or outdoor lighting installations (714), the requirements of the particular section must also be met. It is important that the LED lighting components such as the individual drivers or controllers meet an appropriate Fig 5. Examples showing the control of series connected LEDs via a constant current product standard dimmable driver 24 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

(Regulation 511.1). Where an LED lighting product is not covered by a British or Harmonized Standard, as with any product, it may still be installed provided that such usage gives the same degree of safety as that afforded by compliance with Regulation 511.2. Such a departure from BS 7671 shall be recorded on an appropriate Electrical Installation Certificate (Regulation 133.5). It should be remembered that electrical equipment, including those products used for bespoke LED lighting installations, which is secured on or in the building fabric is by definition ‘fixed equipment’ and any wiring installed to a point in wiring for connection of such equipment should be considered as forming part of the fixed wiring of the installation. For electrical products that are pre-wired and supplied with a cable and moulded plug for connection to an appropriate point in wiring such as a socket-outlet, the wiring is generally considered as not forming part of the fixed wiring, regardless of whether the equipment is secured to the building. Summary This article considered different types of LED drivers and their suitability depending on the circuit configuration. There are generally two types of LED driver – constant current and constant voltage. Constant voltage drivers may be used for flexible strip lighting to maintain the voltage, as the length of strip is changed to meet requirements. Constant current drivers are considered to be the preferred driver to use for high powered LEDs. The LED will only draw the current it needs, allowing the light output to remain constant over fluctuations in supply voltage whilst improving thermal stability. BS 7671 makes no distinction between a typical installation and a bespoke LED installation. All areas of the LED lighting installation and its associated products, such as drivers, shall comply with any relevant requirements detailed within that standard. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT NICEIC REGISTRATION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG011

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 08:55 Page 1

026_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:17 Page 26

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC

Paul Chaffers, Technical Events Manager at NAPIT, looks at arc fault detection device (AFDD) requirements following the publication of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.

he subject of AFDDs rapidly became a hot topic in 2018, following the introduction of the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018). In spite of being a relatively new technology for the UK, it soon became apparent that other countries had been using such devices for years. In fact, similar devices were actually

mentioned in the 17th Edition of BS 7671 back in 2008 when a new Section 532 ‘devices for the protection against the risk of ﬁre’ was introduced. At that time, Note 3 of Regulation 532.1 provided additional methods that could be used and listed devices intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults.

2018 recommendation The use of AFDDs introduced in 2018 was listed only as a recommendation but left many designers responsible for complex installations feeling uncomfortable. After all, choosing to disregard a recommendation contained in a National Standard is not a decision to be taken lightly, especially when this recommendation concerns fire prevention. 2020 Draft for Public Comment (DPC) The draft text for Amendment 2 (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) saw further strengthening of this subject with the mandating of AFDDs. With the introduction of new requirements for AFDDs, for single-phase AC final circuits supplying socket-outlets and fixed current using equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A, there was considerable debate within the industry and there were many comments, as part of DPC, which were submitted to BSI ready for consideration by JPEL/64 – the national committee responsible for preparing BS 7671.

Fig 1: Series and parallel faults

26 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

2022 AFDD requirements Following the consideration of each and every comment submitted by DPC, the committee decided only to mandate AFDDs for speciﬁc higher risk areas in order to mitigate the risk of ﬁre from the effects of arc fault currents. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Regulation

026_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:17 Page 27

421.1.7 now requires arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) conforming to BS EN 62606 to be provided for single-phase AC circuits supplying socket-outlets with a rating not exceeding 32 A in the following installations: ● Higher Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB) ● Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) ● Purpose-built student accommodation ● Care homes HRRBs are assumed to be residential buildings over 18 m in height or in excess of six storeys, whichever is met ﬁrst. See Note 1 of Regulation 421.1.7 for further guidance on HRRBs. The installation types listed in Regulation 421.1.7 are deemed to be higher-risk installations. In other words, this does not mean that the electrical installation is more likely to develop an arc fault, but the type of installation is deemed to present a greater level of risk under ﬁre conditions. This is due to a number of reasons, such as: ● The complexity of the building and the level of difficulty of evacuation ● The type and capability of each user having been considered It is recommended for all other premises that AFDDs are provided for single-phase AC circuits supplying socket-outlets with a rating not exceeding 32 A. AFDD characteristics AFDDs use microprocessors to identify arc faults by analysing an arc’s signature (waveform). When an arc fault is detected, the device will automatically trip the affected circuit. The device is activated by both series and parallel faults, as illustrated in Fig 1. To avoid false tripping, electronic technology in the device enables it to differentiate between arc faults and the arcs that are present during normal switching activities, including those present

during the operation of appliances. AFDDs offer protection against arc faults in both the fixed wiring and equipment plugged in, including extension leads. A difference of opinion exists regarding the suitability of using the devices on ring final circuits, with some saying they do not work on ring circuits. However, this is not true since they offer protection against parallel arc faults in the fixed wiring, as well as both series and parallel arcs in the equipment that is plugged into the ring final circuit. The only fault that cannot be detected by an AFDD is a series fault in a ring final circuit. This is because the current will flow around the other (connected) leg of the ring. Although a break in continuity is not ideal (as it could lead to one leg of the ring being overloaded), it is unlikely that a dangerous arc will occur. Correct selection AFDDs can be installed in consumer units and distribution boards to protect final circuits; however, there will still be a need for overcurrent protection and, where necessary, RCDs. Electrical fires can be caused by a number of factors that require protection from more than one device:

disconnecting the circuit when arc faults are detected. Appropriate ways to minimise the occurrence of arc faults must still be applied, such as: ● Correct cable installation in prescribed zones ● Correct cable radius on bends ● Correct terminal tightness ● Suitable intervals of periodic inspection (EICR) ● Regular inspection of appliances and ﬂexible leads used in the installation Conclusion Although not all installation types will be affected by the AFDD requirements, some will be. As a result, there will be more devices developed, which will likely see greater competition amongst manufacturers and potentially lower prices, making the installation of AFDDs more palatable. Just look at the journey of the RCBO and how they’re now widely accepted. As part of the launch of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, all of NAPIT's comprehensive collection of technical guidance books have been updated to give you the latest information. They’re available, as always, in both electronic and paper version from NAPIT Direct – www.napitdirect.co.uk

● Short-circuits and overloads: Protection provided by CBs and Fuses ● Earth leakage currents: Protection by RCD, RCBOs, etc. ● Overvoltage: Protection by SPDs ● Dangerous electric arcs: Protection by AFDDs It is a requirement that AFDDs shall be installed at the origin of the circuit they are protecting. It should be noted that there is an exception to this for busbar systems conforming to BS EN 61439-6 and Powertrack systems to BS EN 61534. For further guidance, refer to Note 2 of Regulation 421.1.7. An AFDD is intended to protect against the effects of arcing faults by

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG012

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 27

028_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:19 Page 28

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

You asked: I OFTEN WORK ON INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS AND RECENTLY I’VE BEEN NOTICING THAT SOME CABLES ARE GETTING WARM, EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE PROPERLY SIZED AND TERMINATED CORRECTLY. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS AND HOW CAN I CHECK ON IT?

Megger says: It sounds like you may possibly have harmonics being generated in the system. These are produced by non-linear loads like variable speed drives, computers and LED lighting systems, all of which are becoming increasingly common. A good way to check for harmonics is to use the new Megger DPM1000 power clamp meter, which has fully insulated jaws so it can be used on uninsulated cables and busbars as well as on insulated cables. It measures total harmonic distortion and the levels of individual harmonics up to the 25th. And it’s not only for measuring harmonics – it also measures AC and DC voltage up to 1,000 V, AC and DC current up to 1,000 A, as well as resistance, frequency, capacitance, power factor and much more. Up to 9,999 results can be stored in the internal memory and then transferred via Bluetooth to external devices using the new Megger Link iOS and Android App. The DPM1000 also has a CAT IV 600 V safety rating, so it’s suitable for use on all parts of low voltage installations, even in industrial environments. VIEW THE DPM1000 POWER CLAMP METER DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG013

28 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:06 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:09 Page 1

031_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:23 Page 31

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

LEARNING THAT FITS AROUND YOU

With the 2nd Amendment to the 18th Edition once more focussing minds on training needs, Ian Wassell, Technical and Training manager at Hager, outlines the benefits online learning can deliver for busy tradespeople.

ll electrical contractors understand the vital importance of ongoing training, whether to top up existing skills, better understand forthcoming regulatory changes, or simply getting to grips with new and emerging product solutions about to hit the market. As the industry continues to change, electrical professionals need to ensure that they also change with it and that they commit to continuing their professional development. However, time away from the tools to attend off-site training can be problematic for some. It may lead to potential work clashes, place added pressure on maintaining client relationships, and in some cases even impact on commercial revenues. Time and logistical pressures Acknowledging the logistical and time pressures electrical contractors are under, and the need to deliver more ﬂexibility around learning, Hager Academy online has been a welcome addition. It provides an interactive learning solution designed to help keep electrical professionals up-to-date with the latest issues, trends, and industry regulations at a time and date which suits them best. Designed by Hager’s team of technical experts, the online learning courses act as

an extension to the high-quality courses offered in the Hager Academy. Ideal for those with busy schedules, the online courses offer professionals a convenient way to further their learning and development at their own pace. Whether it’s a quick top-up course or in-depth training, the latest information on wiring regulations or details on new Hager products, the platform is designed to have something of value for everyone. Designed for on-the-go learning, courses are available 24/7 without a set time scale for completion, making them ﬂexible around work schedules. What’s proving popular? Popular online training courses cover areas such as residential installations, arc fault detection and surge protection. ‘Solution Training’ courses on industry-related topics such as electric vehicle charging, and the most current wiring regulations are also available online and have already seen a number of those working in the industry take advantage of the learning available. The time it takes to complete the courses will depend on the course selected, but the Hager Academy online platform is designed to offer access to a wide catalogue of learning so there is plenty to choose from,

whatever a professionals’ specific need or time availability. For those where time is at a real premium, ‘At A Glance’ courses, that take 5-10 minutes to complete, can be an ideal entry point for training needs. They’re aimed at people who want to enhance their knowledge on Hager’s product ranges. ‘Product Training’ courses that take around 30-45 minutes and are focussed on product technical aspects have also proved popular. Personal dashboard and record The platform also allows users to keep track of progress through a personal dashboard and they can look back at courses whenever they need a refresher. On completion of the ‘Product Training’ courses, and after passing a short quiz, a certiﬁcate is mailed out to participants. Hager is committed to the continuing development of its online academy and the flexibility it provides to many in the trade. As the industry begins to digest the 2nd Amendment, Hager is investing and adding even more valuable resources to ensure professionals are supported through the transition. BROWSE HAGER’S RANGE OF ONLINE COURSES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG014

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 31

032_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:27 Page 32

TRAINING ROUND UP

SEAWARD E-LEARNING GETS A PAT ON THE BACK

eaward has linked up with a leading UK university in a new digital initiative to help students understand the importance of portable appliance testing (PAT). Experts from the Peterlee-based company have provided 76 students on electrical and electronics engineering courses at Birmingham University’s Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering with an overview of PAT, why it’s important to carry out tests and UKCA marking via new online seminars. The e-Learning initiative, which also covered the beneﬁts of using the latest PAT testers, how to spot counterfeit products and a live Q&A at the end of the session, comes as part of Seaward’s continued commitment to boosting core engineering skills development and learning.

After the success of the ﬁrst event, an 'electrical testing' overview session is being planned as a follow up to help the students further understand PAT testing, as the issue is likely to feature at some time in their future career roles. Richard Slade, UK Field Sales Manager at Seaward Group, who was invited by the university to present to the students, said: “We had a good number attend as the initiative was scheduled into the students’ timetable. Developing links with universities and other academic facilities is a key part of securing the company’s current and future workforce needs and helping people taking up electrical and electronics roles to understand better what’s involved in PAT testing.” Electrical engineering student, Tray Carty, said: “The session was extremely useful, providing a thorough understanding

and insight into important electrical equipment testing processes and how they can improve workplace safety. This helps us to boost our own core engineering skills and development, which we can then take forward in any future job.” BROWSE SEAWARD’S RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG015

VENT-AXIA INVESTS IN NEW TRAINING SUITE

ent-Axia has invested in a new bespoke training suite for its NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course at its Crawley headquarters. The dedicated training suite offers a comfortable environment for installers to improve their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems with the room featuring an array of working Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units so attendees can put into action the theoretical skills they learn on the course. All four of the installed MVHR units are fully functioning so delegates are able to complete a commissioning assessment in the training suite. Well installed and commissioned ventilation has become more important than ever following the launch of the new Building Regulations in December 2021. The new Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) reduces carbon by almost a third in

32 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

new build homes. Increasingly airtight homes must consider indoor air quality (IAQ) to protect the wellbeing of inhabitants and so, along with the new Part F (Means of Ventilation), the updated Regulations set out “signiﬁcant changes” to drive adoption of low carbon ventilation as an industry standard. And in existing homes this includes the need to consider ventilation when energy efficiency measures are added. Vent-Axia’s NICEIC Domestic Ventilation Training Course is a two-day course aimed at anyone with an interest in installing ventilation systems, particularly experienced electricians, plumbers, ventilation installers and heating engineers looking to improve their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems.

It also looks at legal requirements, why ventilation is important and the different types of ventilation available. This includes information on the updated Building Regulations to ensure installers are aware and comply with the new changes. GET MORE TRAINING DATES AND DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG016

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 28/03/2022 08:58 Page 33

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 28/03/2022 09:07 Page 1

035_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:18 Page 35

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

RCDS AND THEIR APPLICATION

he principle of operation of an RCD is well understood. The live conductors are wrapped around a toroid that is readily magnetised and demagnetised and whilst the current in each live conductor remains the same no magnetic circuit is formed. Should there be an imbalance between the current in the live conductors, usually caused by a current to earth, then a sensing coil ‘picks up’ the newly formed magnetic circuit and a trip is operated (Fig 1).

The typical structure of RCDs of Type AC, Type A and Type F is detailed in Fig 2. Type AC The AC type RCD is intended only for those circuits where there are no DC components. This limits their selection to those circuits that are purely resistive. The impact of constantly applied smooth DC will be to saturate the

Jake Green, Technical Engagement Manager with Scolmore Group, looks at RCDs in general and highlights the necessity of a time delay device when selectivity between RCDs is needed. iron-core of the current transformer within the RCD which will thus become insensitive to any further residual currents. The RCD will, in effect, ‘become blind’ and cease to provide additional protection. Furthermore, research shows that where a 50 Hz fundamental frequency has an additional, higher frequency component (for example, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, or 2.000 Hz), the Type AC RCD may struggle to operate at the rated residual operating current ((IΔn)). Regulation 531.3.3 of BS 7671: 2018 + Amd 2: 2022 states that ‘RCD Type AC shall only be used to serve ﬁxed equipment, where it is known that load current contains no DC components. Most manufacturers in the UK, including Scolmore, do not produce Type AC RCDs. Type A Type A RCDs are to be used for alternating and pulsating DC, possibly including the presence of smooth residual DC up to 6 mA (531.3.3 (ii)).

Fig 1. Basic operation of an RCD

Fig 2. Voltage independent RCD

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 35

035_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:18 Page 36

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

Fig 3. DC component

However, as with the Type AC device, once higher frequency components exist then the Type A RCD may struggle to operate at the rated residual operating current (IΔn). A Type A RCD having (IΔn) not exceeding 30 mA will meet the requirements of Regulation 722.531.3.101 for protection against electric shock by automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) when used in conjunction with a residual current detecting device (RDC-DD) complying with BS IEC 62955 and as recommended by the manufacturer of the charging equipment. Type B Type B RCDs are typically voltage-dependent devices (Fig 4). A Type B RCD has the same tripping characteristics as a Type F device and additionally: ● For residual sinusoidal AC up to 1,000 Hz ● For residual AC superimposed on a smooth DC ● For residual pulsating DC superimposed on a smooth DC ● For residual pulsating rectiﬁed DC which results from two or more phases ● For residual smooth DC whether

suddenly applied or slowly increased independent of polarity. (531.3.3 (iv)) A Type B RCD having not exceeding 30 mA will meet the requirements of Regulation 722.531.3.101 for protection against electric shock by automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) and does not require to be used in conjunction with a residual current detecting device (RDC-DD). The table above details the RCD types and their associated symbols along with their properties and relevant standard. Time delay RCDs A time-delay RCD (typically, S Type) is specially designed to attain a predetermined value of limiting non-actuating time1, corresponding to a given value of residual current (BS EN 61008-1; BS EN 61009-1). An S Type RCD operates more slowly than a non-time delay device and minimises the risk of unwanted operation. However, this beneﬁt means that as such an RCD is not permitted to be used as a means of additional protection.

6 7\SH 5&'

36 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

The practical working out of this means that a 30 mA device would require a minimum of a 100 mA Type S RCD upstream to provide selectivity. As part of the Elucian range, Click Scolmore has produced a series of time delay (S Type) RCDs (63 A, 80 A and 100 A) which provide the necessary selectivity for suitably rated downstream devices. Conclusion Great care should be taken by the designer and installer to ensure the correct type of RCD is selected and erected for a speciﬁc application. An S Type device is essential when selectivity is required.

_______________ Key references 1 The non-actuating time is the maximum delay

P$ 5&'

during which a value of residual current higher than the residual non-operating current can be applied to the RCCB without causing it to operate (BS EN 61008; BS EN 61009).

BROWSE A COPY OF THE LATEST ELUCIAN CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG017

3RLQW RI IDXOW

Fig 4. Voltage dependent RCD

● The upstream RCD is of a selective type (Type S typically), and ● The ratio of the rated residual operating current of the upstream RCD to that of the downstream RCD is at least 3:1.

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

5DWLR RI P$ 6 7\SH XSVWUHDP RI P$ 5&'

P$ 5&'

S Type devices are necessary where it is required for selectivity to be achieved between RCDs. Where selectivity is required, Regulation 536.4.1.4 states that selectivity occurs under the following conditions:

Fig 5. Selectivity between RCDs

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:12 Page 1

038_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:29 Page 38

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

RCD TESTING: THE FACTS

Provided you had a reliable test set, testing RCDs used to be pretty straightforward. Peter Wade of Megger looks at why life is now getting somewhat more complicated and discusses what you need to do about it.

et’s start by revisiting a few basics. Residual current devices (RCDs) are available in numerous types but in domestic and commercial applications those you’re most likely to encounter are Type AC, Type A and Type B, so these are the types we’ll be discussing in this article.

So, what’s the difference between them? Type AC RCDs are designed to protect circuits carrying AC currents with a sinusoidal waveform. Type A RCDs can also protect these circuits, but in addition they can protect circuits with currents that don’t have a sinusoidal waveform, such as

38 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

pulsed DC or half-wave rectiﬁed AC. Finally, Type B RCDs can protect all the circuits that can be protected by Type AC and Type A devices, but they can also protect circuits carrying pure DC. Until recently, the most commonly used type, certainly in domestic installations, was Type AC. This was entirely logical because in “the good old days” domestic equipment like washing machines, cookers and incandescent lights took a near-enough sinusoidal current from the supply, so all that was needed was an RCD that would protect circuits carrying currents with a sinusoidal waveform. And that was a Type AC RCD. However, things have moved on. Many

domestic loads – even apparently simple things like lighting – now have some form of electronic control, which means that the current they draw is no longer sinusoidal. As a result of this, the familiar Type AC RCD is not appropriate to provide protection. In most cases, what’s needed is a Type A device but, in some applications such as EV chargers where DC may be present, a Type B RCD could be needed. In response to these developments, some RCD manufacturers have stopped producing Type AC RCDs. After all, a Type A device costs more-or-less the same to manufacture and can provide all of the protection a Type AC device provides, so why have two different products? Just use

038_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:30 Page 39

a Type A everywhere you would previously have used a Type AC. That’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do and this change is likely to be enshrined in a forthcoming revision of the IET wiring regulations. It does, however, create a few headaches when it comes to testing! Test the RCD for its purpose Let's consider the following scenario: you’re using a Type A RCD to do the job of a Type AC RCD, so how do you set up your RCD tester? Do you set it for testing a Type AC device or a Type A device? It may seem obvious that, as it’s a Type A device, you should test it as such. Unfortunately, this may be incorrect. No matter what type of RCD you’re using, if you’re using it to do the job of a Type AC device, you should test it as if it were a Type AC device. In other words, test the RCD for the purpose for which it was ﬁtted, not according to its type. This does mean, however, that you – as

the person carrying out the test – have to make a decision. What is the purpose for which the RCD is fitted? If you’re confident that it is fitted to protect a circuit carrying only sinusoidal AC currents, test it as a Type AC. If, on the other hand, you think the circuit will carry only non-sinusoidal currents, test it as a Type A. And what if you’re not sure? In that case, the only sound advice is to carry out the test sequence twice – once testing the device as Type AC and again testing it as Type A. Yes, it’s double the work but it’s the only way you can be sure that the RCD will operate correctly under all conditions. What will ‘B Up until now we’ve said little about Type B RCDs. These could, of course, be fitted in all applications as they will do the job of Type AC and Type A devices perfectly well. That’s not likely to happen though, because they are more expensive. So,

Type B devices will typically be used only where there’s a possibility of pure DC flowing in the circuit that’s being protected. Does this mean it’s safe to test them only as Type B devices? If you’re absolutely certain that there will only ever be DC current in the circuit, the answer is yes. But if there could be non-sinusoidal currents (pulsed DC, half-wave rectified AC and so on), you will also need to test them as Type A devices. And if there is the possibility of sinusoidal AC currents, you’ll need to test them as Type AC as well. In other words, you may need to carry out three separate test sequences on Type B RCDs. Only you can make the final decision, based on your knowledge of the application and the requirements of the wiring regs. There’s always a price to be paid for progress. Part of the price for our progress toward electronic control for household gadgets along with the growing adoption of EVs is that it’s getting more complicated to provide effective RCD protection in electrical installations. This means testing that protection is also a little more complicated, but hopefully this article has provided some useful guidance. BROWSE MEGGER'S FULL RANGE OF TEST EQUIPMENT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG018

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 39

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:17 Page 1

041_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:34 Page 41

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

The experts at Electrium take a closer look at Arc Fault Detection Devices and why they could offer essential protection against ﬁres caused by electrical equipment.

DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE Chapter 42 Regulation group 421 in Chapter 42 of the IET Wiring Regulations specifically relates to protection against fire caused by electrical equipment. Unfortunately electrical equipment can be a source for ignition and cause fires. In the year ending June 2021 there were about 29,800 accidental dwelling fires attended by fire services in Great Britain, approximately 24,300 of these were in England, 4,100 in Scotland and 1,400 in Wales. Government statistics include the fires where the cause of ignition is recorded as being electrical distribution and electrical appliances and leads. Typically electrical

fires make up almost a quarter of all fires (source: Gov Data Tables 0602). Caught on Camera PE readers will be familiar with the magazine’s Caught on Camera page that often shows charred or burnt electrical equipment and cables that have been found and removed before a fire can start. If every installation was regularly inspected and free from misuse, DIY impacts, poor quality workmanship, loose connections, rodent attacks, or aging cable insulation, then maybe the number of electrical fires would be reduced. That’s an unlikely scenario, however, so we therefore must consider how the

electrical installation industry can play its part in reducing the number of electrical fires. Fortunately some help is at hand in the form of a clever device called an AFDD. By the time you read this (with the publishing of Amendment 2) you might be looking at more reasons to install them, especially in higher risk premises. Protecting people and property Chapter 42 states that people, livestock and property shall be protected against harmful effects of heat or ﬁre which may be generated or propagated in electrical installations, and that the harmful effects of heat or ﬁre may be caused by: failure of

041_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:35 Page 42

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

electrical equipment insulation faults or arcs, sparks and high temperature particles. Insulation faults are just one example of a fault condition that can lead to arcing and fire. AFDDs can detect a serial or parallel arc in 230V final circuits and disconnect the power supply before ignition of cable insulation and nearby flammable materials. Whether AFDDs are mandated by the regulations, or by the client, or recommended by contractors as suitable for a particular installation or application, installers will want AFDDs that are as easy to install as MCBs or RCBOs. Meeting the need Electrium AFDDs meet this need. They are all single module devices, around the same size as an MCB, designed to fit into regular consumer units. Taking up only one way each, they don’t require any special assembly processes or special enclosures. AFDDs from Electrium include an integral Type A 30mA RCBO. This makes life easy for installers because this single device provides the earth leakage protection, overload protection and short circuit protection that is required, as well as arc fault protection. Plus it’s a two pole switching device that totally isolates any faulty circuit/equipment. Installation and testing? Single module miniature AFDDs from Electrium are compatible with final ring circuits (including spurs and appliance leads) and radial circuits. They will detect serial and parallel arc faults wherever they can occur in such circuits. Installing and testing Electrium AFDDs is simple, the installation process is already familiar to installers because it’s the same process that installers have been using for RCBOs for decades. The device clips onto

42 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

the DIN rail, it’s then connected to the busbar, the neutral lead is connected to the neutral bar, and the circuit cables are connected to the device. It’s as simple as that. Testing of the device is also easy. When the device is ﬁrst powered up it runs an automatic self-test function and will repeat the self-test function every 15 hours. The RCBO element is tested in the same was as any RCD RCBO, by pressing the test button, or with an RCD tester. There’s an added beneﬁt too from the two pole switching mechanism; there’s no need to disconnect the circuit cables to carry out Insulation & Resistance testing during EICRs. Simply switch the device off and carry out your tests.

Automatic fault diagnosis Electrium AFDDs automatically indicate the type of fault that has caused a device to trip. The device will indicate if there’s an earth leakage fault, it will indicate if there is an arc fault, and it will tell you if there’s been an overvoltage, all of which will make fault finding quicker and easier. Not so awkward after all! Early adopters of this technology from Crabtree & Wylex will tell you that the Electrium devices do not need bigger enclosures, or special busbars, or special working processes. That’s because they are designed to be suitable for new and retrofit installations, and to help future-proof performance specifications. Upgrades are simple – in many cases installers can take out an MCB or RCBO and replace it with an AFDD, providing protection for people and property by using standard Electrium products. WATCH ELECTRIUM’S AFDD Q&A VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG019

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:22 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 30/03/2022 15:37 Page 1

045_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:38 Page 45

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

A SURGE IN SITE SURVEYS

How do you conduct a site survey? Is it in-person or remotely? As a company, we’ve always offered site surveys for complex electrical installations, but during the pandemic, when we couldn’t travel, we also found that we can offer an excellent service remotely, which helps us get to site faster. There are some situations where an in-person site visit is still recommended, but for the majority of sites, a remote site visit is preferable.

What type of situation would you recommend a company requests a site visit? We can specify the surge protection required for the majority of sites with a simple phone call to our office, but sometimes site visits are recommended for complex electrical installations, usually where there will be multiple incomers, external lightning protection systems and installations where surge protection is being installed due to large amounts of previous damage.

With requirements for surge protection increasingly on the agenda, we put the questions to Kirsty Johnson of Surge Protection Devices, to find out why site surveys are becoming more popular.

How does a site visit generally work? Before arranging the appointment, whether in person or online, we will usually have an in-depth conversation with the electrician in charge. Many sites we can specify without the need to actually come to site, so this is where we will usually establish the need for the site visit. Once the need has been established, we will work with the electrician to decide which method of survey will be the most beneficial. Once on-site, either in person or remotely, we’ll usually start the survey at the main incomer (or each main incomer individually, if it is a very large site) and assess the needs, while having discussions with the electrician regarding installation and location of devices. We’ll then proceed to look at sub distribution boards and finally specific equipment which may require individual protection. At this point we’ll have a discussion with the electrician to assess whether there are any additional things to consider

for the installation, such as PV systems and EV chargers. At the end of the visit, we’ll go away and produce a report with our findings and recommendations according to the latest regulations, which will be sent to the electrician as soon as possible.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 45

045_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:38 Page 46

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

What tends to be the most common misunderstanding around the requirements for surge protection that you generally come across? One of the most common misunderstandings is that surge protection can be installed at the main incomer to protect the entire installation. Surge protection needs to be considered for the main incomer and then every distribution board over 10 meters from the incomer, to provide protection for the installation. If there is an external lightning protection system installed, this is even more important. This will mean that every cable that enters or leaves the installation requires a type 1 SPD installed to meet the requirements outlined in BS EN 62305.

Are you finding there are common themes with the types of recommendations you are making? I’m finding that more thought is now being given to the protection of specific equipment pieces, such as fire alarms and data racks within installations. This is usually the sensitive equipment that is vital to the installation, in terms of safety and reliability.

Give us an example of a recent visit you’ve conducted and how it went for all parties. My only in-person site survey in recent times was an extremely complex site, with multiple incomers, back-up generators and external lightning protection systems. The client had got in contact with us due to issues with a BMS panel that had been upgraded. Due to the majority of the electrical services being underground, a remote session wasn’t possible. On visiting the site, it was quickly established that there were multiple external lightning protection systems, without adequate surge protection installed, but this was not what was causing the issues with the BMS systems. On further discussions with the site engineers, I was told about the generator testing that happens regularly. It was my opinion that this was what was causing the damage to the BMS controls. It was discovered that the BMS systems had recently been upgraded, there were historically no issues with the old panels, but the generator testing did align with the damage that was seen on the newer panels. As the newer controls were more sensitive, the same overvoltage was now causing damage. A plan for the rollout of site wide surge protection was then put in to place to help overcome any future issues with upgrading technology.

If you’d like to discuss a potential site visit, please get in touch: kirsty@surgedevices.co.uk LEARN MORE ABOUT CPD TRAINING FROM SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG020 46 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

UTLITY RANGE IS TOUGH ENOUGH

he heavy-gauge steel construction used to manufacture the Eurolite Utility metal clad range makes the units ideal for industrial and commercial buildings and high traffic areas due to their ability to withstand high impact and surface scratches. otherwise. Metal clad is commonly installed in industrial and commercial environments. The finish on this product is durable, scratch and impact resistant, and features a flush fitting front plate with smooth chamfered edges. The switches and sockets are available in 1-6 gang models and are all supplied with a back box, unless stated otherwise. If you’re looking to run electricity to an outdoor shed or workshop, metal clad is the ideal product to complete that transformation. There are additional benefits to using metal clad for your project, with features such as residual current devices. New RCD sockets Eurolite has recently introduced the RCD sockets to the range. Featuring a built-in RCD, they’re designed to trip and cut the power if a fault with the current is detected. This helps to protect appliances from damage and users from electric shocks if a bare wire is touched. RCD sockets are available in in Eurolite’s Utility metal clad, Utility Euroseal and Enhance white ranges. BROWSE THE PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG021

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:24 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:26 Page 1

049_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:21 Page 49

CIRCUIT PROTECTION

GET THE PICTURE! We showcase some of the latest CU installs that electricians have shared via email and through our social media platforms.

쑿씰 Jord_Sparky: If you asked me how I’d wire my home, it would be like this!

쑿쑼 LDNSparky: Hager CU upgrade (below) for the previous relic (above)

쑿씰 Luke Sparky: A recent CP Fusebox installation we completed!

■ Matthew Hart: Here’s one for your install gallery!

씱 쑿 Volt Electrical Solutions: We relocated the consumer unit on this job. 25mm 3-core SWA pulled from mains position outside, protected by a Lewden switch fused isolator.

076_PE_OCT21_Layout 1 02/09/2021 21:31 Page 104

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT C-TEC’S PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG022

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 26/03/2022 09:56 Page 51

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:29 Page 1

053_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 05/04/2022 01:25 Page 53

BUSINESS MATTERS

In this regular column, Emerson Patton, founder of Bright Business Advice, creator of the ‘Bright 7-Sector Orbit’ business model and author of Bright Business Transformation for Contractors, shares his advice for building a better business. GROWING A PROFITABLE M&E CONTRACTING BUSINESS? IT NEEDS MANAGEMENT!

implement? And, most importantly, who needs to do what, and by when? This is much more than a business plan.

I’ve seen it with so many businesses. You’ve got the ambition to grow, win bigger contracts, and become more proﬁtable, but something holds you back. It’s almost always because you don’t have the management structure in place to make it happen. As an M&E business owner, do you ﬁnd yourself getting stuck on day-to-day, low value tasks instead of the high value tasks that are going to take your business to the next level? Using the Bright 7-Sector Model, we coach M&E and F&S business owners to put a management structure in place that enables the business to run without the owner – freeing up the business owners’ time to work ON the business instead of IN it. As part of the management sector of the Bright 7-Sector model, we use the acronym P.L.A.N.S to create a better management structure in your business.

2. Long-term L stands for long-term. Short-term planning keeps your business functioning, medium-term planning gets you to the next step, but long-term planning is what creates a sustainable future. Having a long-term vision for your business creates excitement about where your business could go and what it could look like. Having that vision not only for yourself but also for your employees gives everyone a goal to collectively work towards.

1. Planning The P in PLANS stands for planning – the process of putting time, energy and effort aside to actually work on your business and ﬁgure out what you need to do next. To make real change, you need to plan what you want to do next. Where do you need to put the strategy? What thinking do you need to

3. Analysis A is for analysis. Plans only work if they’re used, tweaked, and updated as needed. So, it’s important you don’t just write down your plan once, look at it, and then never refer to it again. Every month (as a minimum), you need to conduct a management review where you analyse the plan and make sure you’re on track. Each quarter, your 90-day plan will reset and you’ll make changes based on upcoming projects and deadlines. 4. Not In, But On N stands for “Not In, But On” because we want to shift the focus to working on your business, not in it. Each week, you need to dedicate 20% of your time to working on your business – that works out to one day a week in general. Think

of your business as a car in a race. Usually, you’re so focused on driving the car, you don’t think about stopping. So eventually the car wears out, runs out of fuel, the tyres wear down, and it’s going much slower than it should. By taking just a few minutes to pull into the pitlane and look at what the car needs, you can keep it in top condition and capable of winning that race. It’s the same for your business. 5. Senior Management Team Finally, the S stands for Senior Management Team. When you begin dedicating time to acting as the leader in your business and planning your future, you’ll need to build a management team to oversee operations. This allows you to take a step back, safe in the knowledge your business will continue to function without you. Ultimately, you should end up with a board of directors to support your growth. With that structure in place, you’re well on your way to creating a more proﬁtable business, with a platform to help you grow.

WANT TO POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS IN 2022? ACCESS BRIGHT’S FREE BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR CONTRACTORS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG023

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 53

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/02/2022 08:58 Page 1

055_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:48 Page 55

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS User-friendly PAT Testing equipment can provide electricians with a new business opportunity, says Steve Dunning, Managing Director of Martindale Electric.

TAKE THE PAT TEST! I n accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. Designed to help raise the standards of electrical safety in the workplace, Portable Appliance Testing ensures that electrical appliances and equipment that have been classiﬁed as “portable” are safe to use. As an electrician you may carry out installations in offices, schools, hospitals and other places of work. If that is the case then Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) may provide you with a new business opportunity. If you’re already providing electrical services in a workplace, then asking your client who carries out their testing will be straightforward and could potentially lead to more work for you. Choice of testers User-friendly PAT equipment, software and training is available to make the job easier, safer and faster. For instance, the HPAT Series of portable appliance testers enables competent people to quickly and safely verify the electrical safety of all types of appliances. Designed to perform safety checks in accordance with the IET Code of Practice, these lightweight rechargeable handheld testers are designed for ease of use, with one button automatic testing and clear connection details shown on the tester. The small lightweight design and one button operation make the HPATs ideal for testing in all locations, be it under a desk or behind a monitor. The bright backlit display provides a clear pass/fail indication. For more demanding PAT applications, sophisticated testers are available which incorporate a greater range of tests and have the ability to store the test results for later recall on-screen, such as the HPAT600. For downloading results to a PC in order to manage assets and re-test requirements, Martindale offers the MPAT Plus with

MPATSUITE software. To keep running costs down and to ensure that no time is lost due to ﬂat batteries, a good solution is to choose a battery powered rechargeable PAT tester which can also operate from a mains power supply, such as the HPAT500 and 600. The capability to easily test mains leads and extension leads is essential and it’s useful to have connection instructions either on-screen or on the tester as a reminder of what to do when used infrequently.

Take the quiz! Martindale has put together a fun online quiz that tests your knowledge on PAT Testing and helps gauge where there may be gaps in your understanding. Martindale has also launched a dedicated ‘Essential Guide to PAT Testing’ area of its website crammed with useful information, hints, tips and an overview of its popular HPAT series of PAT Testers.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG024 ACCESS THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PAT TESTING AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG025

056_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:50 Page 54

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

THE EVOLVING CHOICE David Cleaver, Product Director at BG Electrical, outlines how Evolve, BG’s new range of decorative wiring accessories, will help the contractor keep up with these latest trends and end user demands.

omeowners and commercial property managers are now demanding decorative wiring accessories with modern colours, finishes and technology, to complement their living and workspaces. Designed with a slim and screwless profile, Evolve features a sleek, stylish and minimalist appearance. The range is available with a mix of traditional and contemporary stocked finishes including pearlescent white, brushed steel, matt black, matt grey, dark blue, black chrome, satin brass and copper. Evolve’s polycarbonate front plates are easily removeable and changeable, which gives the flexibility to create on-trend finishes not usually seen in decorative accessories. For larger projects with a minimum order quantity, a wide range of extended finishes are also available, with the ability to custom match almost any colour. The Evolve range offers a complete portfolio of decorative wiring accessories, suitable for all domestic or commercial

applications. The range includes all of the latest innovation and technology solutions BG wiring devices are well known for, including 30W Type C USB fast charging. True fast charging BG’s USB solution is the only true fast charging wall socket with integrated fast charge ports, for both USB-C and USB-A. This innovation delivers a 50% charge in just 30 minutes for mobile devices and 60 minutes for tablets, 70% faster than standard 5W charging. With the move towards home and mobile working, Wi-Fi extenders are also available, allowing Wi-Fi signal to be extended throughout the home and commercial premises. They also extend coverage to outdoor living spaces, without the need for bulky plug-in boosters. To support the latest LED technology, new touch and push dimmers are also now available and include trailing edge technology. This offers better support for LED lighting, eliminating noise and ﬂicker. Further innovations include soft start and a protective overload function, to

extend the life of users’ LED lamps. Wide rocker switches are also available, which have a large touch point for ease of operation. Although Evolve is new on the outside, the same trusted and reliable technology found in the Nexus Metal range is employed internally, so contractors can expect the same level of quality and reliability they have been used to. Designed with the contractor in mind, Evolve includes key features to ensure installation and retro-fitting are as quick and easy as possible, including colour-coded, in line terminals and captive screws. In addition, the base of the unit can be installed first, making it ideal for contractors who wish to carry out the preliminary wiring, then apply the covers after decorating. Evolve offers both the contractor and their customers extensive choice around colours, finishes, modern design and technology, to complement any interior. This evolution in BG’s wiring accessories offer goes a long way to help the contractor meet the more modern and aspirational needs of their customers. BROWSE THE BG EVOLVE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG026

56 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

057_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:51 Page 57

PRIZE DRAW

W IN WIN A VDE TOOL SET We’ve got two comprehensive Draper XP1000 kits up for grabs – worth over £350.

he XP1000 series of VDE hand tools by Draper Tools has landed, featuring EN60900 compliant screwdrivers, pliers (including tethered options) and kits. Indeed, one lucky winner will receive both the 10-Piece XP1000 Electrical Tool Kit and the 9-Piece XP1000 Interchangeable Torque Screwdriver Set for their efforts. With the 10-Piece XP1000 Electrical Tool Kit, you get an essential selection of tools, including VDE screwdrivers that feature patented dual-layer insulated sheaths and pliers made with premium steel forged in Germany. There’s plenty to love about this set, including the ergonomic soft grip bi-material screwdriver handles that allow free spinning in the palm of your hand to quickly tighten screws, and also allows easy transfer of torque. The pliers feature induction-hardened jaws that provide ultimate effortless clean cutting and long-term performance. A toolbox must-have, the XP1000 Interchangeable Torque Screwdriver Set comes with a selection of popular screwdriver-tipped blades. It’s perfect for torque-controlled tightening of screws and helping avoid damaging screws and tools while ensuring a safe and secure screw connection. The handle and blade sleeve is moulded in two pieces, enabling the blades to be ﬁtted deep into the handle, ensuring there’s no “ﬂashover”. See more of the XP1000 range at: drapertools.com/xp1000

HOW TO ENTER TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN THIS FANTASTIC PRIZE, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG027 Deadline for entries: 10/06/2022. Usual T&Cs apply.

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 27/02/2022 15:17 Page 1

059_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:53 Page 59

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

ARE YOU SELF-AWARE?

Self-test emergency lighting – it’s the way forward for electrical contractors and their customers. That’s the view of Phil Brown, Director of Product & Marketing at NVC Lighting.

lectrical contractors who work in commercial spaces will know about the need for emergency lighting that automatically illuminates adequately signed exit routes in the event of a dangerous situation. While the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which makes this requirement law, is unlikely to become a blockbuster mini-series any time soon, it does make it very clear that there are wide reaching requirements for the designated responsible person for commercial buildings and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). On top of that, there is also a requirement for regular testing of the system. After all, there’s no point specifying a system that looks great but doesn’t kick in when an emergency actually happens.

Regular testing is essential BS5266 states that a short functional test

is required monthly and a full discharge test (three hours) every year. However, the weakest link in emergency lighting is the human who does the testing. If they skip a test, or fail to spot a malfunctioning fitting, then safety-critical maintenance won’t get done. Self-test emergency fittings overcome these problems and new technology is making self-test more affordable than ever. It performs all the monthly and annual tests required, but without human involvement. Every month, through holidays and illness, the tests are undertaken automatically, saving costs. Unlocking the potential of self-test Longer lasting, more efficient and more environmentally friendly Lithium batteries unlock the potential of self-test emergency lighting. All of NVC’s emergency lighting comes with a seven-year warranty that covers both the light fitting and the batteries. This doesn’t start from the date

0DQXDO WHVW 0 DQXDO WHVW

6HOI WHVW 6HOI WHVW

$GGUHVVDEOH VHOI WHVW $GGUHVVDEOH VHOI WHVW

/RZHVW / RZHVW

0HGLXP 0 HGLXP 6HOI WHVW ȴWWLQJV FRVW F PRUH 6 HOI WHVW ȴWWLQJV FRVW F PRUH WWKDQ PDQXDO WHVW ȴWWLQJV KDQ PDQXDO WHVW ȴWWLQJV

+LJKHVW FRVW +LJKHVW FRVW

:RUVW YDOXH : RUVW YDOXH

([FHOOHQW \HDUV ( [FHOOHQW \HDUV 2YHU WKH ZDUUDQWHG \HDU OLIH WKH 2 YHU WKH ZDUUDQWHG \HDU OLIH WKH UUHWXUQ LV ! WLPHV WKH RXWOD\ HWXUQ LV ! WLPHV WKH RXWOD\

3URMHFW GHSHQGDQW 3URMHFW GHSHQGDQW

0HGLXP FRVW 0HGLXP FRVW .H\ VZLWFKHV DUH UHTXLUHG .H\ VZLWFKHV DUH UHTXLUHG

/RZHVW FRVW / RZHVW FRVW 1R NH\ VZLWFKHV DUH UHTXLUHG 1 R NH\ VZLWFKHV DUH UHTXLUHG DQG QR '$/Ζ EXV D QG QR '$/Ζ EXV

+LJKHVW FRVW + LJKHVW FRVW '$/Ζ EXV UHTXLUHG $/Ζ EXV UHTXLUHG '

+LJKHVW FRVW + LJKHVW FRVW 0RQWKO\ DQG DQQXDO 0 RQWKO\ DQG DQQXDO WWHVWV UHTXLUHG HVWV UHTXLUHG

/RZHVW FRVW / RZHVW FRVW $OO WHVWLQJ LV DXWRPDWHG $ OO WHVWLQJ LV DXWRPDWHG =HUR ODERXU FRVWV = HUR ODERXU FRVWV

/RZHVW FRVW RZHVW FRVW / $OO WHVWLQJ LV DXWRPDWHG $ OO WHVWLQJ LV DXWRPDWHG =HUR ODERXU FRVWV HUR ODERXU FRVWV =

7HVWLQJ UHOLDELOLW\ 7 HVWLQJ UHOLDELOLW\

/RZ / RZ 7HVWLQJ LV HDVLO\ RYHUORRNHG 7 HVWLQJ LV HDVLO\ RYHUORRNHG ΖΖQGLYLGXDO ȴWWLQJV FDQ EH PLVVHG QGLYLGXDO ȴWWLQJV FDQ EH PLVVHG

+LJK + LJK 1R KXPDQ LQYROYHPHQW 1 R KXPDQ LQYROYHPHQW )XOO\ DXWRPDWLF ) XOO\ DXWRPDWLF

+LJK LJK + 1 1R KXPDQ LQYROYHPHQW R KXPDQ LQYROYHPHQW ) XOO\ DXWRPDWLF )XOO\ DXWRPDWLF

)DXOW UHSRUWLQJ UHOLDELOLW\ )DXOW UHSRUWLQJ UHOLDELOLW\

/RZ / RZ 7RWDOO\ GHSHQGHQW RQ WKH WHVWHU 7 RWDOO\ GHSHQGHQW RQ WKH WHVWHU 1R VFRSH IRU HQG XVHUV WR VSRW 1 R VFRSH IRU HQG XVHUV WR VSRW DQG UHSRUW IDLOXUHV D QG UHSRUW IDLOXUHV

+LJK + LJK 9LVXDO DQG DXGLEOH ZDUQLQJV 9 LVXDO DQG DXGLEOH ZDUQLQJV DUH REYLRXV WR HQG XVHUV D UH REYLRXV WR HQG XVHUV

+ LJK +LJK 9 LVXDO DQG DXGLEOH ZDUQLQJV 9LVXDO DQG DXGLEOH ZDUQLQJV S OXV FHQWUDO UHSRUWLQJ SOXV FHQWUDO UHSRUWLQJ

$W ULVN $ W ULVN

$VVXUHG $ VVXUHG

$ VVXUHG $VVXUHG

ΖQLWLDO SXUFKDVH FRVW ΖQLWLDO SXUFKDVH FRVW

e 3D\ EDFN e 3D\ EDFN

ΖQVWDOODWLRQ FRVW ΖQVWDOODWLRQ FRVW

5XQQLQJ FRVW 5 XQQLQJ FRVW

6\VWHP LQWHJULW\ 6\VWHP LQWHJULW\

of manufacture or sale – it starts from the date of installation. Old battery technology nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries had no warranty, so nobody could guarantee that the savings from using self-test would ever be realised. Now, with lithium technology, warranted for seven years, the savings keep adding up – year after year. Addressing addressable Depending on the building and the budget, addressable self-test emergency lighting is a further option worth considering. Here, a central control system communicates with the individual fittings using DALI. It schedules tests, which are carried out automatically, and collates the test results. Put in hard cash terms, payback from self-test lighting is often less than two years. Take a recent light industrial unit that we supplied with 54 self-test light fittings, as an example. Previously their sub-contracted testing cost £434 per year. The additional cost of the self-test fittings was £765, resulting in a payback period of 1 year and 9 months! At the same time they’ve also got themselves a more reliable testing regime. Whether you have your own lighting designers or would like specialist help from our team to design an emergency lighting system with appropriate testing back-up, it’s clear that there are efficiency, cost and environmental benefits that can be gained by installing self-test. BROWSE THE LATEST NVC LIGHTING BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG028

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN May 2022 59

060_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:25 Page 60

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

STRIP ADVISORS

We learn more about why the latest product from ROBUS LED is helping installers to make connections more easily.

aving time with easy installation shortcuts is the objective behind the development of a new and simple alternative to soldering connectors for LED strip lighting. The ROBUS Macau COB (Chip on Board) LED strip could not be easier to connect using a few basic tools and no mess or effort whatsoever.

2. Then it’s just a case of punching that through the circuit board using plastic pliers – and although you have to be a bit gentle, at the same time, give it a good squeeze so that it punches through the circuit board itself.

Simple step-by-step connectors 1. With the IP20, the first step is to use some Super Nips to cut right in the middle between the two solder pads. Then bringing in the insulation displacement connector with metal pins up and the yellow phosphorus strip facing up, bring the PCB with wires on to connect to the LED strip.

3. All you have to do now is use the clear heat shrink which serves two functions – one to insulate the metal pins on top of the IDC connector and also to provide a degree of strain relief – which can be seen once the heat gun is brought in and a quick blast is given.

Incredibly easy Quite often people ﬁnd that joining two strips together can be difficult, but with the IDC system that is all there is to it – it’s incredibly easy. A similar process can be followed when using the IP67 version of the ROBUS

60 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Macau COB strip – it is no more complicated and still uses the easy clip connector, but there are a just a few more steps involved in the assembly process.

1. After removing the adhesive tape from the back of the strip in the area where you want to make the connection, bring in the plastic end cap, putting a small amount of RTV silicone in there. Then the window at the bottom of the cap goes onto the adhesive side of the tape and you need to squeeze down the end window so the connection can go through it.

060_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 18:25 Page 61

2. Next, get the strip warmed up a little with the heat gun and push through the silicone and PCB and it should all click together.

The system also works if you want to join two bits of LED tape together – using some plastic end caps to join the connector, the same process applies, and you start by putting silicone into the back of each side as you have two sections to connect into. There can be issues with polarity so it’s important that you connect to the right end as you need a positive and ground connection in line with each other. Then just heat the strip, push the connector through and then push on the other one so there is a solid joint between the two.

These IBC connectors will go a long way to make life simple; they’re easy to join and to turn around corners and offer a chance for everyone to level up their LED strip installation.

They should be butted right up to each other but push down with some pliers to close any tiny gap and then make sure the connection works. Corners? No problem If you have to bring a cable around a corner, then you can still apply the same method by simply using a short end-to-end joining cable with two easy clip connectors on each end. With the positives facing each other when brought together, the heat gun can be used again to firm up the connection.

BROWSE THE FLEXI STRIPS RANGE IN THE ROBUS 2022 CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG029

062_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:56 Page 62

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

HUB BE GOOD TO ME

George Robertson is well organised this month as he tries out some of the latest tool storage innovations from ToughBuilt.

s a conscientious professional, I’m a real stickler for being organised in my work, but if I made an estimation as to how much time and energy I’ve spent either searching for, or walking to the van to collect certain tools, it would be enough to make my eyes water. You can imagine my pleasure, therefore, when the folks at ToughBuilt sent me a selection of the latest products to try out – all with the aim of keeping my precious tools safe and accessible when they’re required. I’ll start by saying that I’ve not traditionally been a tool belt user – like most electricians, I work out of a tool bag. That said, when I’m working at height I do like to strap on a tool belt and/or pouches, as there’s nothing worse than getting up there and finding you’ve left something behind. As such, I did already have a familiarity with the ToughBuilt brand, having utilised the ClipTech Journeyman Electrician’s

62 May 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Pouch to carry my hand tools over the last 18 months – that is also a product I’d highly recommend! Belt and braces Among the goodies I received for this review was the ToughBuilt 5 Piece Pro Contractor Tool Belt. This boasts three ClipTech Pouches, a padded belt, padded braces (called ‘suspenders’ in homage to ToughBuilt’s US heritage) and three ClipTech Hubs. The belt is made of six layer tough fabric and is adjustable to ﬁt waists from 32-48 inches. The extra padding at the front can be removed, but I’m not sure why anyone would want to do this as it makes the belt itself very comfortable to wear. The padded braces can be quickly clipped on/off the belt and I found that adding them to the belt took a lot of weight from my hips, making the whole rig more comfortable and easier to use. Additionally, the three ClipTech Hubs can be attached to the belt at any point and it’s these that make the whole

system so versatile. Clipping the pouches to the hub takes seconds and to remove them you simply press the yellow release and lift. The Hubs can be clipped to any belt, attached to the wall using the two mounting holes on the back of the hub or attached to the ToughBuilt Wall Organiser – a 60cm long unit that can be mounted on a wall or in a van and allows you to easily organise your tools in the

062_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:56 Page 63

pouches and have them to hand when you need them. As the tool belt rig comes with three pouches, you essentially have 36 pockets and tool loops, two tape measure clips and an ‘extreme duty’ hammer loop to play with. The larger pouches all have attached kickstands so when you remove the pouch from the belt you can stand it on the ﬂoor or a table next to you, upright and ready to use. A very handy feature. Total versatility Because of the versatility of the system all pouches in the ToughBuilt range will ﬁt all

of the ClipTech Hubs. This makes it extremely simple to remove a pouch you won’t be using for a job and replace it with one that holds the tools you will need. I should also add that ToughBuilt produces some awesome tool totes, with the Large Tool Tote and the XL Rolling Massive Mouth Tool Bag just a couple of the options on offer. Both of these products offer a myriad of helpful design features, along with an integrated bar which is used to house the ClipTech Hubs so that an extra tool pouch can be added or removed simply and quickly. As mentioned previously, I’ve always

been fairly traditional in the way I store and carry my tools but this system really has turned me into a convert. I can store my tools strategically in separate pouches, attach them to the wall organiser in my van and take ONLY what I need to use on-site with me. On a different job, it might mean that I’m carrying a different pouch, but either way I’m not trying to cram every one of my tools into one bag and then spend the day carrying around a load of tools that I’m not going to need at any point. Overall I’ve been really impressed with the ToughBuilt brand and would recommend that other readers take a good look at the ClipTech system – it could be an absolute game-changer for you moving forwards. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT TOUGHBUILT’S CLIPTECH PRODUCT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAG030

064_PE_MAY22_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:58 Page 64

Products IN PRACTICE