12EDA INSIGHT
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
23VITAL REQUIREMENTS
The requirements of legislation that apply to the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency lighting systems
26WHATEVER THE WEATHER
The emerging new methods of control and monitoring
18 WIN A £200 AMAZON VOUCHER COURTESY OF UNICRIMP Your chance to win a £200 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Unicrimp
20 The LED floodlights that integrate with other Wi-Fi devices
31BRAND AWARENESS
The latest products and developments
Test your knowledge of Customer Services in this month’s quiz SOFTWARE
28ON TREND
The significant digital trends anticipated for the electrical wholesale industry in 2023
Editor
Tracey Rushton-Thorpe tracey@pewholesaler.co.uk
Advertising Manager
Anthony Scott
ascott@hamerville.co.uk
Assistant Advertising Manager
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Designer
Gemma Watson
Group Production Manager
Carol Padgett
Production Assistant
Claire Thwaites
Circulation Manager
Kirstie Day
Managing Editor
Terry Smith
Professional Electricians Wholesaler is an essential business magazine for those with decision-making responsibilities within electrical wholesalers
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It’s Spring, the clocks have changed and the dark nights will start to fade in our memories…..ok so not immediately but we are now on a firm path which is heading for summer. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is an interesting one though and every year when the clocks change there is a news article somewhere with people arguing for and against the change.
People in favour of DST argue that it saves energy, promotes outdoor leisure activity in the evenings, reduces traffic accidents, reduces crime and is generally good for physical and psychological health.
People against DST argue that it disrupts human circadian rhythm which has a negative impact on human health. They also argue that it increases fatal traffic accidents and that the actual energy savings are inconclusive.
DST was introduced in 1914 due to the cost of energy usage during the war. Many will argue though that Benjamin Franklin proposed a similar idea in the 1700s but it never took off. Either way there was a reason why the concept is still with us.
There will always be arguments in favour and against the concept of ‘springing forward’ or ‘falling back’. Personally I don’t have a strong view either way…. until recently when I was visiting a wholesaler who said that they look forward to the clocks changing because business picks up – now there is a tangible benefit.
Over 70 countries around the world observe DST and the general consensus is that the main goal is to reduce energy demand – yet many studies have shown that DST produces only modest savings on electricity consumption.
Does that mean it is all in our heads?
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I am more interested in the thought process which says that business picks up when the clocks go forward in March. Perhaps there is a correlation between people being told that DST produces energy savings and thus people feel more inclined to spend a little more on projects which they have been putting off through the dark winter months – or perhaps the lighter nights just put a spring in our step and generate a desire to crack on with new projects.
I cannot find any conclusive evidence to suggest either of these to be correct but for me, Spring is a time to crack on with new projects so there is obviously something in the air which changes the mindset and this has got to be good for business.
If nothing else I am prepared to hang onto the fact that DST leads to a reduction in energy use – that is going to put a spring the step of many people. But I also think that it’s a time when people do start planning new projects for which you can provide a range of products.
Maybe it’s time to do a quick stock take to make sure you’re ready for the summer months and if you’re not sure what the hot new products are then obviously you need to read on because we have it all in this month’s issue.
See you next month
Tracey Rushton-Thorpe Tracey Rushton-Thorpe EditorNational Ventilation focused on sustainability
National Ventilation is working hard to make its ventilation more sustainable, making it easier for developers, installers and wholesalers to make more sustainable choices.
National Ventilation’s sustainability targets are geared towards achieving significant improvements by the end of FY2025. Over 70% of product sales will be from its energy efficient product ranges by the end of FY2025, while 90% of products manufactured will be made from a recycled source. National
Ventilation is further aiming to minimise its environmental impact by working with its suppliers, partners and the wider industry to tackle climate change, reduce waste and protect nature.
“We are working hard to enable our customers to make sustainable choices when purchasing our ventilation products while benefitting from great ventilation design and quality. We are already offering some products made from recycled plastic and customers can expect the same great product
ECA has been highlighted in a new Welsh Government Net Zero Skills Action Plan designed to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales.
The plan commits Wales to a just transition away from the fossil-fuelled economy, with skills playing a central role. It features ECA’s Leading the Charge initiative, which showcased the low-carbon engineering services work of Welsh ECA Member EFT Consult.
Jeremy Parkin, Director of Welsh ECA Member firm Powerlink Electrical Services, said: “ECA members and the electricians and apprentices whom we employ are absolutely essential to a
successful green transition for Wales. We welcome Welsh Government’s recognition of this fact in their excellent Net Zero Skills Action Plan, and look forward to ever closer collaboration between Government, the education sector and ourselves to help make Wales’s green, electrified future a reality.”
Chris Jenkins, Director of Welsh ECA Member firm EFT Consult, added: “Any companies that are considering investing in training and technology, I’d say go for it. Net zero and the demand for electrification is not something that’s going to go away. It’s only going to grow. Make the commitment and I believe it’ll pay off.”
performance”, said Robin Francis, Managing Director at National Ventilation. “The transformation from virgin to recycled plastic followed significant R&D, including extensive material and product testing, so you can be sure of the quality. We are now working to extend the number of products made from recycled plastic and offer increasingly energy efficient products too.”
All products that use recycled plastic are clearly labelled with a recycled plastic sticker, so specifiers, electrical wholesalers and electricians can easily identify products made with recycled plastic.
“ Net zero and the demand for electrification is not something that’s going to go away.”
On 2nd-3rd March in Stratford-upon-Avon, Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) welcomed over four hundred delegates to its first live UK event post-pandemic.
KCS staff conducted in-depth demonstrations and workshops on the company's latest mobile and web solutions, including a range of intuitive apps that deliver their customers’ efficiencies in all aspects of warehousing and operation management.
James Mitchell, Managing Director of KCS in the UK and Ireland, opened the conference and set the scene for the two
days, focusing on the company’s new and exciting digital solutions. As part of his address, James said: “We believe that digitisation, sustainability and profitability do go hand in hand, and over the course of the next two days, we would like to share initiatives with you that can significantly help your business reduce its carbon footprint, while delivering greater efficiencies and cost savings and helping you grow your profits – a win/win/win scenario.”
The company also unveiled many initiatives to deliver key benefits to all industries where its customers operate. For example, its new Konnect Online
platform will enable KCS to quickly develop and deliver partner solutions that can be made available across all of its markets and core products.
“We recognise that our customers need our support as they work to deliver their carbon reduction strategies, and we are proud to develop and to showcase solutions that can help”, added James Mitchell.
Kerridge hosts customer conference
NAPIT reveals roadshow plans
NAPIT has announced details of its 2023 EXPO Roadshow, this year with a focus on renewables.
Confirmed headline sponsors include MCS, Rolec, Hager, Megger and Surge Protection Devices who, with NAPIT’s technical experts will be sharing expertise on renewable technologies in the home, microgeneration products, EV charging, and EICR Coding Sessions. Other confirmed exhibitors include TIS, Luceco, Chint, Aico and more.
The cost-of-living increase is having a direct effect on consumers sourcing and purchasing alternative methods to heat and power their homes. The EXPO Roadshows are an opportunity to learn, train, and develop the skills needed to progress in this rapidly growing sector.
Locations:
● Milton Keynes – 20th April
● Epsom – 17th May
● Chelmsford – 7th June
● Manchester – 12th July
● Newcastle – 6th September
● Leeds – 11th October
● Cheltenham – 15th November
● Leicester – 30th November
Each event includes:
● Three hours of CPD with dedicated live questions and answer sessions
● Money-off voucher to be redeemed on the day, this can be used in any NAPIT training courses, publications, FastTest Licences and more
● Breakfast rolls and refreshments available throughout the day
● Bag of free goodies to take home
● Exclusive access to on the day discounts, prizes and giveaways
● Access to industry-leading exhibitors showcasing new products
“ The Roadshows are an opportunity to learn, train, and develop skills. ”
Renewable installations on the increase
The latest data from Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) shows record numbers of renewable installations in 2022 with a 65% increase compared to installations recorded in 2021.
In 2022, a total of 163,341 MCS certified installations were registered, over 80% of which were electricity generating technologies – mainly solar PV. This marks the highest annual deployment since 2015, when just over 200,000 installations were registered.
There was substantial growth of solar PV installations in 2022, more than doubling those seen in 2021. With 130,596 solar PV installations throughout the year, there was an overall increase of 114% when compared to the number of installations in the previous year.
Data shows that heat pumps have seen a significant rise in 2022 with more than 30,000 installations registered between air source and ground/water source technologies. March 2022 saw the largest spike in heat pump installations of any month in scheme history, aligning with the closure of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Heat pumps are the
second most popular technology type behind solar PV and accounted for 19% of total installations last year.
Heat pump uptake remained high following the launch of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which launched in May 2022 to encourage households across England and Wales to access a £5,000 or £6,000 grant to replace their boiler with a more environmentally friendly heating system. During 2022, almost 9,000 BUS vouchers were issued with a value of nearly £45 million; under the scheme, the government aims to fund 90,000 heat pumps by 2025.
The Electrical Safety Roundtable has revealed the winners of the Above and Beyond Awards 2022. The awards were created to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty as they strive to enhance and improve electrical safety in the workplace.
With four categories, applications were very varied and the judging panel’s discussions concluded the following winners, as well as issuing two highly
commended awards:
● Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year: South Tyneside Homes, Post Occupancy Electrical Safety Check
● Product of the Year: LINIAN, NanoClip
● Changemaker of the Year: Louise Adamson
● Derek Thompson Industry Service Award: Gary Hayers
● Highly Commended: Mark Allison and believe housing
Battery storage is a newcomer in the registered installations for 2022, with the first MCS certified battery storage installation being registered in April 2022. Since then, battery storage has seen a steady growth, finishing the year with 50 certified contractors and 269 installations – this was up from only two contractors registered in 2021.
Intotal,780 newcontractors became MCS certified in 2022 which is more than double the net increase from 2020 to 2021. Thismakes 2022 the highest annual increase of certified contractors in over a decade. Of these new contractors, 67% are certified for electricity generating technologies, evidencing further the increasing appetite for solar PV on UK homes.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “We’re pleased to report our second strongest year since 2015, illustrating the sector’s upward trajectory. We had an incredibly busy 2022 and the data confirms the progress we’ve made. The future of small-scale renewable installations is becoming increasingly important, and we continue to play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s homes.”
“ The awards were created to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond.”
GivEnergy has teamed with Rexel in a partnership set to boost the global supply of green energy solutions.
GivEnergy is a UK manufacturer of battery storage technology designed to manage energy use and production. Now, GivEnergy’s new supply agreement with Rexel will allow the company to serve more customers and further open up access to clean, affordable energy.
“It’s our mission to ensure that renewable energy is accessible and affordable to all. GivEnergy is working towards a world where energy needn’t cost the earth”, said Jason Howlett, GivEnergy CEO.
“Our new partnership with Rexel will allow us to meet increasing demands in Europe initially, and then globally in the near future. In turn, we can help ever-more people lift themselves from fuel poverty and improve their energy resilience.”
Rexel will now be supplying the full mix of GivEnergy products – spanning AC coupled inverters, hybrid inverters, EV chargers, and more. The mix of products allows customers to cut their energy costs, while powering their home or business sustainably.
Shaun Morgan, Head of Category at Rexel, commented: “At Rexel, we are
ever-striving to improve the customer experience by delivering the best quality electrical products and solutions. With this core goal in common, Rexel and GivEnergy will provide innovative solutions for customers.”
Electrical wholesaler Devondale has launched the company’s first renewables hub at its Glastonbury branch.
The new hub provides a range of solar panels, mounting kits, grid hybrid inverters, battery storage solutions and accessories from leading brands that are suitable for installation on domestic and commercial properties. A renewables specialist is available to assist customers with designing solutions and provide product training.
In addition to increasing the size of the branch by installing the hub, Devondale’s Glastonbury depot has established a new trade counter, employed additional staff members, and invested in a vehicle to deliver its renewables product range to customers
throughout the South-West.
The branch is also holding a fun darts competition once a month, giving customers the chance to win prizes, and will be introducing ‘Pie Friday’.
Samm Patey, Branch Manager at Devondale in Glastonbury, commented: “As homeowners, businesses and developers have become more
environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable and low-carbon solutions has increased. We are therefore continually updating and developing the range of products we supply to ensure we are meeting our customers’ requirements and providing them with choice.
“The hub is something brand new for Devondale and shows how committed the company is to supplying cutting-edge products that minimise the effect on the environment and allow for the harnessing of renewable energy. Although located at our Glastonbury branch, we can supply our renewables product range to trade customers, and those completing projects in their own homes, who are located across the region.”
In association with Scolmore GivEnergy teams up with Rexel
An update from the Electrical Distributors’ Association
The EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence. What’s more these training modules have recently won a Princess Royal Training Award 2022 so you can be assured of their value.
Customer Services is one of 12 training courses in the programme. The EDA modules are completely flexible and can be studied in any order or combination. You choose only the training your team needs.
From early 2023, Customer Services is one of the first modules to also be available in digital format instead of a printed textbook. The digital learning option is a complete e-learning experience with videos and interactive content. The EDA team is happy to talk you through your options and can give you a demonstration of the new e-learning platform.
Customer Services provides training in:
● Introducing our customers
● What is excellent customer service?
● The customer journey
● Customer service: right first time, every time
● The importance of stock availability
● Time management
● The skills of questioning and listening
● Selling add-ons as a service
● Measuring customer service and going the extra mile
Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Customer Services module, then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.
Q1: How would you define a customer?
Q2: List 5 areas of customer service that can be directly affected by you?
Q3: What is a touchpoint?
Q4: How can your team ensure zero picking errors to the customers?
Q5: What is an SKU?
Q6: What is a daybook?
Q6: A daybook is an A4 pad of paper that you can use to write everything down in- essentially a notepad with added detail.
Q5: A SKU is the number of different products referenced in stock.
Q4: Double checking all orders.
Q3: The personal interaction you have with a customer.
Exceeding expectations.
Q2: Any 5 from: Attitude; Greeting; Helpfulness; Easy to speak to; Speed to get through on phone; Appearance; Keeping promises; Honesty and trust; Empathy, polite and courteous; Going the extra mile;
Q1: A person who receives goods services from another person or company.
ANSWERS:
HOW DID YOU DO?
Full marks: Well done! 3 - 5 out of 6: not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?
Less than 3: the EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.
DOWNLOAD THE COURSE DIRECTORY
THERE’S PLENTY OF INFORMATION ONLINE AT WWW.EDA.ORG.UK INCLUDING VIDEOS AND A DOWNLOADABLE COURSE DIRECTORY, GIVING YOU A SUMMARY OF WHAT’S COVERED IN EACH OF THE 12 TRAINING MODULES. THE EDA TEAM IS READY TO HELP. CALL 020 3141 7350 , EMAIL TRAINING@EDA.ORG.UK OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH001
If you’re a manager looking for a flexible and convenient way to train your team to drive sales, get in touch on: 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk
www.eda.org.uk
Electrical Distributors’ Association
ELECTRICALDA @eda_uk
Organisations can support the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) and the colleagues it helps every year by joining forces with the organisation. There are two big ways you can support the EIC by becoming an EIC Wellbeing Champion or partnering with the EIC through a Commercial Agreement (CA).
An EIC Wellbeing Champion business promotes positive wellbeing within their organisation and aims to support employees the best they can. To help achieve this, the EIC offers all EIC Champion businesses access to tailor made resources and wellbeing presentations as well as extended access to the EAP provided by the EIC.
Wellbeing Champions recognise the overwhelming need for support in the industry - they strive to ensure the Charity remains relevant, accessible, and thoughtprovoking. EIC Champions help to shape the Charity’s work within the industry by sharing their experiences and needs, as well as being ambassadors for the Charity. The EIC champions programme focuses on six core values set out by the 10 founding electrical
and energy industry members in 1905.
The Wellbeing Champions programme is open to anyone who is working or has worked within the electrical and energy sector.
CA partnerships are focused on electrical wholesalers and manufacturers. A CA partner organisation fundraises for the Charity through the sale of certain products or services. As a CA partner your product line directly donates to sector colleagues in need and by joining the CA you receive a bespoke marketing campaign advertising the partnership across multimedia and events.
CA is focused on benefitting all parties involved - the Charity gains much needed financial support, a Charity ambassador, and more visibility within the industry. As a CA partner you get profile from the Charity, a true partnership that supports the supply chain, a focused CSR initiative that encompasses your entire supply chain, the ability to change the financial sustainably of your industry Charity for generations to come and, most importantly, promotion of the support services to customers who need it the most.
To keep free and confidential services available to the industry, EIC relies on organisations and individuals to help in many ways. With the demand for services growing tenfold, it is likely now more than ever that an industry colleague, an employee, or a customer you know has had or needs support from the Charity. By becoming a CA partner, you are ensuring the Charity can support more industry people in need when they are faced with challenging times.
Through this partnership you gain additional Charity support services for your employees and their immediate family members should they need it. Most importantly, you are leading the industry by showing the importance of giving back to the community and specifically the industry Charity, which was created by industry members to serve industry members. As a CA partner you are not only supporting your industries Charity to be sustainable for future generations, but you are also gaining a partner who is leading industry change. FOR
VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH002
For this month’s Face to Face, we caught up with James Ireland, Sales Director at Forum Lighting Solutions, to get his thoughts on a range of lighting related topics.
QWhat is your industry background and how did you get involved with Forum Lighting Solutions?
A. I started working in the electrical wholesale supply chain at 18, which is now somehow over 20 years ago. I’m not sure where those years have gone. I moved from North Yorkshire down to North London and began my path into the lighting industry with a lamp company specialising in everything from incandescent, halogen, fluorescent and very early LED lamps. This gave me my first experience of supplying the UK’s electrical wholesalers.
After five years in the lamp market, I made a move to an up and coming commercial lighting supplier. This was an exciting time as I was part of a fastgrowing business and learnt a lot of what was required for a supplier to make progress in our industry. Being part of a small team it also taught me many different roles from sales to marketing and being involved in product development.
After six years with the commercial lighting business, I received a call from a good friend in the industry who told me of plans to launch a new business, with the backing of a very well established lighting manufacturer and asked me if I’d be interested in joining the project. This was the beginning of Forum Lighting.
QWhat were Forum’s most popular product lines across the last 12 months?
A. I’m fortunate to be able to say that Forum have enjoyed a very positive last
12 months, which follows on from significant growth over the past few years. Our range has developed and expanded, where we’re not reliant on the success of any particular area, but have a healthy spread of sales throughout the catalogue. The value for money Forum offer in terms of quality items with a competitive pricing structure is really resonating with not only our customers, but theirs also.
The past year has seen continued
success in the bathroom and kitchen lighting ranges, but also very strong sales in domestic exterior lighting and our range of kinetic switches.
QWhat are ‘kinetic light switches’ and how do they work?
A. Kinetic switches can wirelessly operate lighting circuits without the requirement of cable or batteries. I remember first seeing these switches in operation and being amazed at how a switch can illuminate a fitting up to 80m away with no cable. The push of the switch generates enough kinetic energy to send a radio signal to the receiver (which needs to be wired into the lighting circuit), which in turn operates the lighting. As well as standard RF receivers, we also offer Wi-Fi models which can be paired with a free app to allow control of the lighting via your phone or voice activated device.
This kinetic range helps solve issues in many applications, where it can be tough to get cabling to a switch. There’s no longer any need to channel down plastered walls, creating more expense in redecorating, etc. Also, there’s no need now to struggle for solutions in providing additional switch points in listed or older properties with stone walls. The IP65 rated switches are also ideal for outdoor applications and can control lighting from domestic patio or decking areas.
QDuring recent years, there has been increased demand for outdoor power and lighting products –do you expect this buying pattern to continue in 2023?
“ I see so many households using the wrong lamps and believe our industry needs to do a better job in communicating the benefits of LED ‘bulbs’ and making the choosing of thecorrect product an easier experience for the end user.”
A. There’s no doubt that lockdown saw many households investing in their properties with the finances that would have normally been used for holidays, socialising and all the other activities we were unable to do. This saw a considerable growth in the spend on domestic lighting and especially outdoor fittings where people were improving external living spaces.
As restrictions eased I expected to see a decrease in spend in this area as the nation began to spend their money on the activities we’d not been able to enjoy and had previously perhaps taken for granted. However, what we saw was a levelling off of spend where we saw the purchases on outdoor lighting hold their own against the lockdown boom.
I’m not sure what 2023 will hold for external domestic lighting, but I expect the increased cost in living to see a decline in
spend for residential property improvements. However, I also expect that the massive scale of domestic property development in The UK will balance out that decline and see a stable level of demand on the domestic lighting products produced by Forum Lighting and our counterparts.
QWith energy costs at an all-time high, how can end users look to cut costs by implementing the latest lighting solutions?
A. With the rapid development in LED technology, I believe that offers the easiest way for domestic end users to save costs on energy. I see LED lamps now offering in excess of 200 lumens per watt, which is very impressive to produce that amount of light from such little energy. I see so many households using the wrong lamps and believe our industry
needs to do a better job in communicating the benefits of LED ‘bulbs’ and making the choosing of the correct product an easier experience for the end user. Currently terms such as Lumens and Kelvins are still not understood by the vast majority of customers and we need to help improve that transition away from Wattage being the primary decision maker for them.
I also feel that smart technology is becoming easier to use and there’s a strong demand from the end users to embrace this. I mentioned earlier about the free app used to control our Wi-Fi kinetic receivers. This app can also be used to set timers and allow lighting to only be used as and when required.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FORUM LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH003
It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we detail who has gone where.
Niglon has boosted its sales team with the recruitment of Connor Corbett as a new North East representative.
Connor will be looking after current wholesalers in the region, as well as sharing information about the company’s offering (consisting of more than 4,500 products) with new customers. He said: “I’ve worked in electrical wholesale for the last 10 years and have always used Niglon through that time – I’ve seen the company growing during those years so when the opportunity came up to join the firm when the Niglon Academy was announced, it was something I was really keen to do.”
Niglon’s Operations Director, Oliver Hinley, said: “Connor is a great addition to the team and is already building up great relationships with our wholesalers in the North East – his familiarity with this aspect of the electrical industry makes him a great asset to the company.”
Hudson has appointed Paul Nolan as projects director.
Paul brings extensive cable management expertise to the team having worked in the industry for more than 30 years. He began his career in sales at Vantrunk and has since held senior business development roles at companies including Mita and Cablofil.
At Hudson, Paul will be responsible for growing the group’s newly launched business, Milton, which specialises in corrosive and hazardous cable management. Milton has recently agreed a partnership with the Wibe Group to distribute Mita’s GRP cable management products and Wibe steel cable ladder systems to the UK.
Speaking about his appointment, Paul said: “There is a huge, untapped market for Wibe and Mita’s products in the UK, so it’s an exciting time to join the business. I’ll be working closely with M&E contractors to help position Milton as their first choice for cable management in hazardous and corrosive environments. Our priority is to provide cost effective, durable solutions for demanding projects in sectors such as infrastructure, marine, power and industrial.”
Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, continues to expand its comprehensive range of cable accessories and has introduced a new category of products to its portfolio.
To be in with a chance of winning a £200 Amazon Voucher courtesy of Unicrimp, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:
Q. Unicrimp’s new range of lever connectors and connection boxes is marketed under which name?
A I Q-Crimp
B I Q-Nect
C I Q-Fire SIMPLY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH004 TO ENTER YOUR ANSWER
Deadline for entries XX/XX/2023.
Usual T&Cs apply
Marketed under the new Q-NECT brand, the range comprises lever connectors and connection boxes. The aim of the launch is to bring together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that will offer them versatility when carrying out their everyday tasks.
A total of 10 products make up the full Q-NECT range, which comprises:
● Two, three and five way lever connectors – suitable for solid, stranded and flexible cable types. They use screwless spring clamp technology, which means there is no need for any tools.
● IP66 weatherproof junction box –designed to make installations more efficient. It can house four of the three port lever connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires.
● IP connection boxes – the range comprises a four pole two way 24A IP68 inline connection box, four pole three way 24A IP68 (M16+M20) connection box, and three pole two way 16A IP66 connection box.
● Five pole, three way IP68 ‘T’ and two way inline connectors –boasting high quality and robust materials to ensure connectors can withstand the harshest environment.
A comprehensive Q-Nect brochure can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website as well as from the Scolmore Group app. View the video here –WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH005
“THE AIM OF THE LAUNCH IS TO BRING TOGETHER A SELECTION OFPRODUCTS THAT WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER.”
After a miserably cold winter, we’re probably all ready to turn our attention to the outdoors, but it will take more than a bit of sunshine to prize us from our smartphones these days. So why not go with the flow and offer Wi-fi control of outdoor lighting and appliances?
With millions of homeowners already quite comfortable with using remote Wi-Fi control of heating and doorbell cameras via their home router, why not stock the products that enable installers to offer them more smart devices - assuming you can do so with confidence in both the hardware and software and without risking an avalanche of returns. That’s where the Timeguard formula comes into play. Timeguard focuses on what it does best –great product design and production management - and standardise on the global TuYa App for Wi-Fi control. That way
Timeguard can be certain that its customers will always benefit from having a well maintained and regularly updated app and can use their preferred voice control (Google Home or Amazon Alexa).
Among Timeguard’s first Wi-Fi products for outdoor installation was a doorbell camera and chime package that installers could
rely on. It provided everything needed to set users up with a monitoring system that would make them feel more secure.
In response to customer feedback, a Wi-Fi camera was built into a new switch option for the LED Pro outdoor LED lights (floodlights can also be paired with photocell, RF or simple PIR switches as required). It’s been a great success so far; installers particularly appreciate being able to offer professional-quality CCTV coverage with no extra wiring. This was followed by an IP66 in-line controller which, as long as the controller is within router range, can be used to control a
whole range of outdoor appliances from fountains to fairly lights (an indoor version is also offered, neatly sized to pop through a ceiling aperture once wired up).
A stand-alone Wi-Fi PIR controller, available since early 2023, offers an easy way to add smart control to up to 250W of existing outdoor PIR lighting. But perhaps the most exciting addition for Spring 2023 is the latest addition to Timeguard’s compact floodlight range, complete with Wi-Fi control and new features giving installers more options to exceed customer expectations.
Adding Wi-Fi control was the next logical step for the range, which is especially popular for domestic and light commercial use. The specification is probably even better than you’d expect with a large and adjustable 10m detection range, independently panand tilt-able heads to direct 2,000 lumens of lighting from the 10W heads to just the right place. A new level of sophistication and integration has also been added.
Installation is straightforward with the unit clipping in once the backplate is fixed
PEW discovers more on Timeguard’s new outdoor LED floodlights and how they can integrate with other Wi-Fi devices.
to the wall. A corner mounting bracket is included just in case. The instructions, included in the box and freely available online) explain app based adjustments such as brightness, lux level and on times clearly for both installers and end users.
New features: lighting scenes, HiLo control and integration
Every new product from Timeguard’s stable is designed to bring the latest features and benefits to your market. Headlining the new spec list for these floodlights is the ability to adjust the
lighting ‘temperature’ between 3,000k (a soft, warm white or yellowish light) and a full 6,500 (bright, blue-white light, similar to daylight). Users can use the smartphone app to set and adjust the lighting scene according to their personal taste and circumstance; for instance using the 6,500k end of the scale for close work and dialling back to warmer ambience for an evening on the patio.
The product has been engineered to offer a Hi-Lo option, so that the lights can be left permanently on low and will automatically switch up to full power when
there is presence and movement within the PIR field.
Another feature that Timeguard believes will prove popular is indoor load activation which enables these new floodlights to also trigger other TuYa controlled devices and lighting indoors and out for integrated control.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TIMEGUARD WI-FI RANGE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH006
The requirement for emergency lighting in non-domestic premises is laid out in legislation throughout the United Kingdom. Here Matt Tighe, Technical Service Managerwith ESP, briefly considers the requirements of legislation and the British Standards and Codes of Practice that apply to the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency lighting systems.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) in England and Wales, Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 detail a series of legislative requirements for persons having responsibility for occupants of a building. The FSO uses the term ‘responsible person’ and ‘nominated person’ is used in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Under the FSO, the responsible person must take such general fire precautions as will ensure the safety of his employees and those persons who are not his employees but who are using his premises (clause 8 FSO).
Amongst other things, clause 14 of the FSO requires that:
● Emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs.
● Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with
emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.
In addition to the requirements of the FSO and other legislation, Part B1 of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) requires that the building is designed to include, ‘…appropriatemeansof escape in caseof fire...’.
Similar requirements exist in Schedule 5, clause 2.10 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations.
Legislation details the requirements for emergency escape lighting; however, it is the various British Standards and codes of practice that provide the necessary guidance on how emergency escape lighting systems should be designed and installed.
The guidance available for those designing, installing and maintaining emergency lighting systems is varied.
However, the primary guidance is found in three related British Standards: BS5266-1: 2016 Emergency lighting –Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises
● BS EN50172: 2004/BS5266-8: 2004 Emergency escape lighting systems.
● BS EN1838: 2013 Lighting applications – Emergency lighting.
Additional guidance can also be found in:
● Health Technical Memorandum 05-02: Firecode (HTM 05-02).
● Health Technical Memorandum 06-01 –Electrical services: supply and distribution.
● LG2: Lighting for healthcare premises (2019) – CIBSE.
● LG12: Emergency lighting (2022) – CIBSE.
BS5266-1 – pre-design
BS5266-1 is the principal code of practice for emergency lighting systems. The scope of BS 5266-1 is threefold:
● To assist occupants to leave a building during an emergency - Escape route lighting.
● To help protect occupants if they stay in a building during an emergency –Emergency safety lighting.
● To help occupants to continue normal operations in the event of failure of the supply to normal lighting - Standby lighting.
Figure 1 in BS5266-1 highlights the types of emergency lighting systems and the associated activity(ies). It is important that the designer is aware of the specific nature of the emergency lighting system. There are, for example, differences in lighting levels and times associated with each of the arrangements detailed below.
Clause 4 of BS5266-1 makes it clear about the need for consultation between the responsible person, the owner/developer (occupier), the architect, the lighting engineer, the installation contractor, the enforcing authorities, the electricity supplier/distributor, and any other relevant persons at an early stage.
The purpose of the consultation stage is to define the way in which the system is intended to operate.
Clause 4 of BS5266-1 further recommends that plans of the premises are available early in the process to assist with the consultation stage. Clause 5.1 of BS EN50172 details the plans should include, escape routes, open areas, high risk task areas, safety equipment (e.g. fire safety equipment etc.), and details of normal lighting and its control systems.
Records of the emergency lighting system must be kept, including the location and type of system components, including luminaires, test devices, and any control power units (clause 4.3 BS5266-1 and clause 6.1 BS EN50172).
Legislation requires emergency lighting systems in non-domestic premises. The responsibility for such systems falls to the ‘responsible person’ (‘nominated person’).
The guidance issued under British Standards, HTMs and CIBSE give designers, installers, commissioning engineers and maintenance personnel help in ensuring that a suitable and sufficient system can be selected, erected and maintained.
ESP provides a design service for emergency lighting systems. However, it is important that any designers are part of the early consultation process to align with the recommendations of BS5266-1 and other associated standards. ESP can offer a team of dedicated design engineers who are fully trained and qualified in all relevant British Standards including BS5266. They are able to provide an indepth solution to any challenges a building offers, through a combination of site visits and the study of site drawings. All Computer Aided Design (CAD) is carried out in house, which enables them to amend their designs as the job progresses.
“ Legislation requires emergency lighting systems in non-domestic premises.”
Acrucial part of ensuring an environment is safe when normal illumination fails, emergency lighting is a legal requirement in all public, commercial and high occupancy residential buildings. Designed to protect occupants when there is sudden darkness caused by a power cut, fire or other circumstance, emergency lighting should provide sufficient light for long enough to enable all occupants to evacuate a building safely.
When embarking on an emergency lighting installation, one of the key considerations is ease of maintenance and testing, so it is vital that this is part of the sales message for the wholesaler.
So, what is required? Emergency lighting systems must be tested and maintained at regular intervals by law and in accordance with the latest regulations to ensure they are fit for purpose. Emergency light testing is a central part of regular building maintenance and most insurance companies require it. Often stipulated within the design brief, commonly building users can opt for emergency lighting systems that either require manual testing or incorporate self-test products.
When a manual test is carried out, once all lighting circuits and luminaires have been isolated, a tester has to pass through the whole building or circuit, checking that each emergency luminaire is operating correctly. The mains supply is then restored and the whole building or circuit must be walked again to check that the emergency lights have returned to being operational.
An obvious solution is the self-test lighting systems which allow for more cost effective maintenance. When the unit is first installed the fitter can randomly select a test date of between 200 and 365 days. Once this date is set it will continue to test at the same time every year for a full threehour test. Every 30 days the installation will also be automatically tested for 10 minutes. A small LED button on the fitting will illuminate to show either regular function or that a fault has occurred.
The regular testing and maintence of emergency lighting systems is a legal requirement but often the process is flawed, putting lives at risk. In this article, Chris Anderson, Technical Manager at Ansell Lighting, highlights the issues that can compromise the reliability of emergency lighting systems and explores the emerging new methods of control and monitoring set to overcome them.
Whilst self-test systems clearly have the advantage over manual compliance testing, it too can still be imperfect. In both cases, if buildings are unoccupied or being renovated for example, it may not be possible to check luminaires often enough to comply with legal requirements and assess whether emergency lighting systems are up to code.
The consequences for business owners and responsible persons who fail to comply with fire safety legislation and emergency lighting rules can be very serious. Ultimately, a fire can have tragic consequences if occupants cannot safely escape with owners and those in positions of responsibility being liable to prosecution. Unfortunately, a lack of sufficient emergency lighting remains a regular cause of health and safety cases coming before the courts and a guilty verdict can result in hefty fines or building
owners and landlords facing imprisonment. However, advancements in new technology are set to provide a solution to these problems entirely, making the control and maintenance of emergency lighting systems more straight forward, cost effective and timely.
Providing central monitoring capability, a ‘dashboard’ can now provide a visual display of a building’s lighting system in one place. This enables all connected emergency lighting systems to be tested wirelessly and automatically at the touch of a button and can highlight remotely whether an individual luminaire or driver is outside of expected operational parameters.
Improving efficiency, they can provide insight and access to emergency lighting systems throughout a building or an estate – not just singular installations –improving
the speed of testing and maintenance and removing the need for costly and timeconsuming manual checks.
Dashboards are also a great support when it comes to management and reporting. Alongside providing full real time visibility of compliance status at all times, dashboards store historical test reports and data logs for all connected buildings and systems. This enables those responsible for building maintenance to access information whenever it is required.
With economic pressures being felt across the board and working practices changing, the use of dashboards is set to become increasingly popular amongst building managers and those working in the emergency lighting maintenance arena.
TO DISCOVER MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH008
The fast rate of digitisation within the electrical wholesale industry shows why businesses must get current and stay current to take advantage of the latest developments in business software. The market has changed over recent years, so tighter production timelines, increasing customer demands and limited resources are just some of the challenges the industry must overcome. But when you know where industry trends are heading, you can more accurately plan your business strategy, so you're in a better place to overcome these challenges.
From a fixed monthly cost to a dedicated security team working 24/7, or constant back-ups,and hardware and software that automatically update, the benefits of cloud-based computing are becoming undeniableforwholesalers.
‘The ongoing costs of the cloud are fixed to a certain degree,’ says Darren House, MD of Electrical at Grant & Stone. ‘You know exactly what you're going to pay. We don't have to worry about our local server suddenly going down, or suddenly having to stick more hard drives and RAM in it to cope with increased demand.’
As ERP solutions continue to evolve, they're incorporating technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA). Once fully integrated, the ERP system performs tasks for the wholesaler that once required manual operation. This development saves costs while freeing up time for employees to focus on the business areas that generate more revenue.
Customers increasingly expect electrical wholesalers to cater to their needs with more personalised experiences. Investing in ERP systems capable of conversing with the IoT will help businesses manage their business intelligence more effectively and tailor bespoke customer experiences to increase retention.
The electrical wholesale industry is unique, and the increasing demand for ERP software means a 'one-size-fits-all' solution no longer applies. Instead, leading ERP providers offer more industry-specific functionalities and features, which means fewer costs are associated with customisation. Naturally, wholesalers can then implement and deploy these industryspecific ERP systems quicker, which helps them achieve a better ROI.
The shift to remote working has increased cyber-attacks, data breaches, and challenges in data security. Therefore, systems that process lots of data and link to CRM systems face growing threats. This circumstance then leads to many businesses intensifying their efforts to secure their ERP systems, especially with new GDPR laws concerning recent high-profile data breach incidents.
Recognising that knowledge is power, Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) identifies the most significant digital trends anticipated for the electrical wholesale industry in 2023.
The rise of IoT, cloud infrastructure and big data are some of the integral parts of ERP technology that are developing at breakneck speed. So how can electrical wholesalers keep up? Many larger businesses have found that their existing ERP solution can only effectively deliver on some of their business requirements. For example, different ERP usage requirements at headquarters might be split between regional and subsidiary levels. In such a scenario, a two-tier ERP system can run an ERP solution at a corporate level (tier one) but operate its units and subsidiaries on a separate ERP solution (tier two).
7
More wholesalers will go mobile
A recent study found that 78% of businesses surveyed had employees accessing company data through mobile devices. As a result, several ERP solutions are adapting to offer modules that integrate. Enabling work on the move,
these applications support powerful functionalities beyond the trade counter, or warehouse. Additionally, key stakeholders can see up-to-date analytics and forecasting, while employees can access real-time updates on the movement of stock.
As businesses continue to evolve, integration between the main ERP system and various processes will naturally occur. At the centre of this integration are ERP systems that allow wholesalers to manage the various areas of their business from one application. So, from stock levels through to accounting records and CRM, wholesalers can instantly share data across their operation and make more data-driven decisions.
9
Plug-'n-play ERP integration
KCS predicts that better integration using standard APIs will be a new trend for wholesalers. Users could use a
core ERP solution for their primary business processes with a third-party solution for more specific requirements. An example would be a wholesaler using K8 for their distribution process with a third-party CRM and an independent sourcing solution. Customers will increasingly expect ERP service providers to allow seamless integration between these different solutions and their system. 10
As the globalmarketevolves, ERP solutions are increasingly being relied upon by the wholesale trade to reduce the costsinvolvedinsupplychains.Theeconomic turbulence affecting all industries throughout the UK and Europe means ERP solutions will become more integrated with new technologies and increasingly tailored to the needs of the electrical wholesale industry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH009
Mike Jackson, Sales Director with Unicrimp, talks to PEW about the growth and development of the company since it was launched by Scolmore Group in 2014.
Unicrimp was launched by Scolmore Group in 2014, with the aim of bringing to the electrical wholesale industry a comprehensive range of cable accessory products that would complement Scolmore’s successful wiring accessories and lighting portfolios.
Since launch almost 10 years ago, the Unicrimp range has been continually developed and expanded, and currently comprises three distinct product categories, with each one marketed under
its own sub brand and all available exclusively through the electrical wholesaler channel. These are the QCrimp range of cable and wire accessories, Q-Fire fire–rated and 18th Edition compliant cable accessories and the most recent addition to the portfolio, Q-Nect lever connectors and connection boxes, launched at the beginning of this year. Unicrimp is also the exclusive distributor of the original, multi-surface sealant and adhesive brand, OB1, through the UK electrical wholesale channel.
The Q-Crimp range of cable accessory products provides everything required to harness cable between the consumer unit and the end accessory. The product offering comprises an extensive range of cable management consumables, including stainless steel cable ties, nylon cable ties, crimp terminals, PVC tape, copper tube terminals, cable clips, and brass and nylon glands. Most electricians will carry all of these products in their tool bag, so in that sense they are all key products. Cable clips account for the biggest part of the business and customers are constantly telling the company that they are the best performing cable clips on the market – due to their versatility. The self-grip design aids installation and they have long, thick steel nails for good pull-out value.
Q-Fire is an extensive range of fire–rated cable accessories that are 18th Edition compliant. The range comprises fire-safe twin and earth cable clips, saddle clips and P clips, stainless steel mounts, metal cable cleats, all-round banding, masonry screws
and fire-resistant sealants and foam. The comprehensive range provides installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations.
The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fireresistant supports in place.
The launch of the Q-Nect range of lever connectors and connection boxes brings together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that will offer them versatility when carrying out their everyday tasks. A total of 10 products make up the full Q-Nect range, which comprises two, three and five way lever connectors, IP66 weatherproof junction box, two and three way IP connection boxes and five pole, three way IP68 ‘T’ and two way inline connectors.
OB1 is a high-spec hybrid construction sealant and adhesive that has a tried and tested formulation which has been used by the trade for over 15 years. What makes OB1 stand out is its versatility, flexibility and its 24-hour full curing time. It provides an alternative to mastics, wood and PU adhesives, silicones, acrylics and butyl rubber sealants. This one product is capable of bonding and sealing an extensive range of materials including aluminium, wood and MDF, plastic, metal, steel, mirror, lead, concrete, glass, tile, polycarbon, PVC and felt. OB1 also works in damp conditions and even under water. It contains no solvents so it will never crack or shrink, can be applied on wet surfaces,
painted or moulded and it has a very high bond strength with resistance to fungal and bacterial growth.
Now Sales Director with Unicrimp, Mike Jackson started out as an electrician nearly 30 years ago and says he has seen a lot of changes in the industry in all that time. However, just as important as ever is the need to have confidence in the products you are working with and that means going with a brand of accessories that you can trust. Time spent replacing a faulty or unreliable product is time wasted that could be spent on another job. Installers are increasingly looking for products that offer them flexibility and will help them get a job done quickly and relatively easily, and they will be looking to manufacturers who can offer products that do just that. Quality and reliability and knowing that products have been tested and certified where necessary are all important factors. The reassurance that there is good technical support will also play a part in purchasing decisions.
All Unicrimp products are manufactured in accordance with Scolmore Group’s defined set of criteria and meet the requirements for the market for which they
are intended. The company achieves this by utilising recognised third party test houses to carry out compliance testing and performing regular routine maintenance/inspection of the products and manufacturing facilities. All products are batch coded for improved traceability and should any issues arise, we have the advantage and reassurance of the back-up of the Scolmore Group technical department.
By dealing with just one supplier to purchase their electrical accessories, wholesalers and electricians are able to tap into a whole range of other services that come with brand loyalty. As a group, Scolmore will look, where possible, to reward the customers it has built good relationships with, by adding value where it can. Customers can benefit from the considerable knowledge and expertise that Scolmore has built up over many years of successful trading and collaborative partnerships. They can access a dedicated technical support team and customer service department, trained to provide the right level of support whatever the issue. They can also take advantage of a range of marketing tools via the Marketing Hub on the Unicrimp website, where they can access and download product information, images and video tutorials, as well as access technical information.
Unicrimp has been very proactive from a marketing point of view since its inception and many electricians and customers follow the company on various social media platforms. Customers can also look out for the company at this year’s ELEX shows which represent a great opportunity for them to see the latest products and developments and to have an informative chat with some of the team members.
“ Time spent replacing a faulty or unreliable product is time wasted that could be spent on another job.”
The Axiom Brand is firmly established in both wiring accessories and consumer units, but now the next big step is being taken by entering the industrial arena with a comprehensive three phase distribution range comprising boards, MCBs, RCBOs, plus a new surge protection device designed for three phase applications.
Axiom distribution boards are IP20 rated and presented in six sizes - 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 way, pre-fitted with four pole 125A isolators. These robust metal enclosures finished in pale grey are designed for ease of installation and use, with reversible doors and removable gland plates on top and bottom and supplied with wall mounting kits. Door locking will also be available for tamper proofing. Sold separately are the 10kA protection devices each available with eight ratings from 6A up to 63A. These include B-curve single pole MCBs, C-curve single and three pole MCBs plus Type A RCBOs with both B and C-curve options. Completing the range is the new SPD device for overheat and surge protection.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH011
Whether you're working in a commercial or residential setting, Martindale Electric’s HPAT600KIT1 advanced Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) kit provides a complete and cost-effective solution for all your PAT testing needs. The comprehensive kit is easily transported and self-contained in a professional soft carry case and has been put together with a number of additional tools to offer excellent value for money and provide users with what they need for safe and accurate testing.
Included in the kit is the lightweight Martindale HandyPAT600, designed to perform safety checks in accordance with the IET Code of Practice. The tester includes both automatic one-button testing, plus single-test selection for diagnostics. The HandyPAT600 features a run test for checking the integrity of the fuse and that the appliance is switched on prior to testing. The pass levels can be easily adjusted for testing appliances with long power cords or long extension leads. In addition, it has memory for storing test results of up to 200 appliances for on-screen recall later. The compact design, with a bright backlit display, provides the perfect solution for testing in all locations, particularly under a desk or behind a monitor, where lighting may be restricted.
For a complete PAT solution, the kit includes a test Register Book – a convenient method of recording test results, 500 pass labels and 100 fail labels to ensure that tested appliances are clearly marked, 230V extension lead adaptor, earth bond probe and crocodile clip, while the mains and in-car chargers provide you with all the power you need to carry out your testing on the go. The kit includes the industry-standard CP501 mains socket tester for additional general electrical testing and the NC2 non-contact voltage indicator for detecting live voltages.
Hylec-APL has launched a revamped model of its popular Debox SL junction box featuring redesigned terminal blocks. Debox SL was the first-ever completely tool-less inline electrical junction box and has sold millions of units since its original launch seven years ago.
The new Debox SL models have green twin-lever actuators on the four-pole 16 Amp terminal block which are labelled N (neutral) E (earth) 1 and 2. The actuators are easier to see against the white interior of the Debox SL, facilitating placement of wires, and they are also easier to actuate, requiring only a quick, fingertip push to open and close to secure the wires quickly. The terminal blocks are UL/VDE compliant as in previous models and can accommodate two, three or four conductors in round or flat profile cable between 0.5mm and 2.5mm diameter. Wiring up for LED lighting, ring main projects or power applications is fast and convenient: wires are simply pushed into the terminal block, the green levers actuated and the cables clamped securely with the push-fit cable clamps at each side. The cable clamps comply fully with the EN60670-22 Pull Test. The Debox SL can then be locked closed with the included locking clip and secured to external structures if required with the pop-out mounting ears in the lid. There is also a spare locking clip included, enabling the Debox SL to be reclosed should it be opened at some subsequent date.
Ergonomic design and convenience for the electrical professional are at the heart of the design of the Debox range: all components are supplied with Debox SL and there are no loose components that can be dropped or lost.
Manufactured in flame-retardant UL 94 V0 polypropylene and conformant to EN60598-1 (Glow wire test 650°C), Debox SL is 100% maintenance free. The new Debox SL models are available from mid-February through all quality wholesalers.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH013
Fixings and Fasteners, the ForgeFix brand, has launched an electrical fixings range in tubs, which will catch the eye of electricians looking for quality and value from their fixings. The electrical fixings range includes wall plugs and screws, expansion wall plugs, metal speed plugs and flat twin and earth cable clips.
The tubs are made from 100% recyclable tub packaging, made with a minimum of 30% recycled plastic and sit nicely in the point of sale the company has developed for the merchant trade counter and showroom.
The wall plugs and zinc plated general-purpose twin thread screws feature an anti-rotation moulding at the plug head for extra holding power and have a self-locating internal channel for screws. These are a cost-effective solution for lightweight applications. The grey flat twin and earth cable clips are suitable for fitting flat cable to masonry and timber with a flat cable clip and come with hardened zinc plated masonry nails for increased durability and efficiency. The expansion wall plugs come in quantities of 500 or 1000 and the metal speed plugs come in quantities of 600 with 300 plugs and 300 round head screws.
Wholesalers can also enhance their sales with the company’s ‘Fixings Essentials’ point of sale merchandising stand, which the tubs sit nicely on. With a width of 530mm, depth of 500mm and a height of 1800mm, this stand is ideal for trade counter areas.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH014
Spelsberg’s Lifeline range of enclosures help ensure safety for up to 90 minutes in the event of a fire by enabling critical systems to continue operation. Protecting cable junctions, connection boxes, and distribution boards, the Lifeline enclosures allow alarms, lighting, and fire suppression system to operate even under flame and extreme heat. The lightweight, highly durable polycarbonate enclosures enable flexible wall-mount installation and retrofit in buildings and tunnels. In the event of fire in a building or tunnel, the function of alarms, smoke detectors, and fire suppressant devices is vital. It’s also crucial for some safety systems to continue operation long after a fire has commenced. This includes water booster systems to supply extinguishers, as well as smoke and heat extraction systems, through to evacuation-able fire brigade elevator systems.
To protect the electrical supply to these systems, the enclosures that secure cable junctions, connections, and distribution boards, must provide a barrier to extremes of heat and flame for up to an hour or more. Concrete has traditionally been used as a barrier to encase electrical wiring, but the drawback is a lack of flexibility in installation, and subsequent retrofit.
Alternatively, Spelsberg’s Lifeline system provides up to 90 minutes fire protection in a flexible and highly durable enclosure that can be externally mounted on building or tunnel walls. This enables fast and straightforward installation and retrofit of fire-protected devices and cabling whenever required.
Spelsberg’s fire protection enclosures use heat and fire-resistant materials to achieve electrical functional integrity. Certified between E30, E60, and E90, this guarantees functional integrity of the enclosures for at least 30, 60, or 90 minutes, assisting continued electrical supply to connected devices and are tested in accordance with DIN 4102-12, the European Standard for fire resistance of electric cable systems required to maintain circuit integrity.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH015
ESP has released the latest update to its comprehensive catalogue, bringing together all products from its extensive portfolio in one, easy to access reference guide. This latest edition features a raft of new additions across the company’s product portfolio, including the 24/7 colour CCTV range, as well as the addition of a brand-new category of EVAC products. The new 264-page catalogue provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. It is divided into eight main product categories – Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting, Essentials and Sangamo timers and heating controls.
Comments Neil Baldwin, ESP managing director: “ESP has continued to invest in its teams, infrastructure and product development programme and in the last 12 months alone, we have been able to bring to market a brand new 24/7 IP colour CCTV range, as well as a whole new category of EVAC products, marketed under the Beacon name. We have also added a number of key new products to the Fort Smart Security range which continues to be hugely successful since its launch towards the end of 2021. This is all in response to growing demand from our customers and the contractors using our products and reflects the changing nature of the electrical industry which continues to embrace new technologies and adopt smart solutions.”
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH016
Stylishly and discreetly designed, Mercurial is a brand-new wall and ceiling light from Ansell Lighting.
Available in two different sizes, 370mm and 500mm, the circular LED light is suitable for an array of indoor applications including education, commercial and ancillary areas. It also comes in both white and silver finishes, suiting most interior design schemes.
Supporting the reduction of energy use, Ansell’s latest offering is highly energy efficient, delivering up to 135lm/w. The 370mm Mercurial model is also power selectable, offering users a choice of outputs which can be manually selected via an easily located integrated switch.
CCT selectable between 3,000K and 4,000K, Mercurial offers users a choice of different lighting hues which can be set according to task or preference. Its long-lasting LED lamp has a lifespan of 51,000 hours.
With functionality at the core of Ansell’s design objectives, the new Mercurial light is available with an array of innovative options. These include emergency DALI and self-test options alongside energy saving microwave sensor, digital dimming and corridor function options. Enabling integration with smart lighting systems, Mercurial is also available with OCTO functionality. All products come with a seven year warranty.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH017
A new super-compact single gang PSU 12/24V has been added to the Vimpex Identifire Range that’s capable of supplying either 12 or 24 V dc and is suitable for a wide range of applications across the fire, security, and controls sectors.
Used in combination with the Vimpex Identifire relay range, which includes the recently released Wide Voltage Relay, the unit can be deployed in higher current and mains voltage applications.
The Mini Switch Mode Power Supply shares the same look and innovative features as all Identifire products. It fits the majority of recessed single gang boxes for flush mounting or surface mounted using a dedicated Identifire backbox.
As with the entire Identifire range, the units can be branded with a company logo and unique applicationspecific text labelling to add that extra professional look.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH018
Carhartt’s Carter Rugged Flex Waterproof S3 Pull On Safety Boot (F702935) is designed for workers who need a perfect fit without sacrificing safety, durability, or style. ‘S3’ is a safety footwear certification that indicates the boots have met certain safety standards established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and provide protection against a wide range of hazards, including water penetration, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces.
A steel or composite toe cap, an antistatic sole, energy absorption in the heel region, and resistance to fuel oil are also requirements of S3 certification. Additionally, S3 certified safety footwear must have a water-resistant upper, a puncture-resistant midsole, and a cleated outsole for enhanced grip. The Carter Rugged Flex Waterproof S3 Pull On Safety Boot meets all of these requirements while looking great, and provides superior protection and durability for hard working tradespeople.
An inbuilt fiberglass safety toe is lightweight yet robust enough to provide protection against falling objects and other potential hazards on the construction site. Featuring the company’s Rugged Flex technology, this flexible boot makes it easier to move around on the job site, providing the necessary suppleness to work efficiently. The Storm Defender waterproof breathable laminated membrane and Spotex waterproof membrane (WR) keep your feet dry and comfortable even during heavy rain or snow.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH019
GoodWe has launched a new hybrid solar inverter as demand for residential energy storage solutions continues to grow across the UK.
The ES G2 Series is a single-phase, low voltage hybrid inverter developed to meet the evolving energy needs of domestic properties by increasing the self-consumption of solar energy generated on site.
Its integrated plug-and-play functionality and compact, lightweight design means solar PV installations can be quicker and easier to complete than ever before. Meanwhile, its smart home integration makes it the longterm choice for forward-thinking homeowners. A key feature of the ES G2 is its automatic switching to back-up power mode in less than 10ms when connected to a battery if there’s a power cut, ensuring minimal disruption and key appliances remain in operation.
Another smart feature of the ES G2 is that it is set up for multi-protocol communications. This allows homeowners to connect to the inverter in three different ways, over Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi and LAN, and over 4G, enabling them to monitor the system at all times, whether at home or remotely.
The powerful, single-phase inverter is available with outputs ranging from 3-6kW and, thanks to its peakshaving function and parallel operation, multiple units can work in tandem to offer a combined capacity of up to 30kW.
The ES G2 enhances operational safety with remote shutdown as well as a range of other safety features to provide all-round protection for the inverter and the whole PV system.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH020
Developed with the hotel sector in mind, but with appeal across other applications, Scolmore’s new modules are designed to fit all Click two-gang New Media euro module front plates.
Other products in the Hotel Solutions range include the New Media Hotel Accessory Plate – a two gang GridPro front plate with twin New Media aperture. The versatile GridPro plate can be populated to perform multiple tasks using a combination of both GridPro and New Media modules. Also available is the Key Card module which acts as the main electrical switch for the hotel room and is operated by the guests on entering and leaving the room – reducing the amount of time the lights (and/or appliances) are left on.
Scolmore offers an in-house laser etching service, which can be used on all modules from the Click Wiring Accessory ranges to allow bespoke solutions to be created.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH021
Whichever Snickers Workwear Jacket you choose, you can count on comfort and protection from rain and foul weather. Stay dry, warm and comfortable by choosing from a range of waterrepellent jackets with welded seams that will keep you dry in light showers and deliver great breathability to ventilate your body when you’re active on site.
If you need 100% waterproofness for long periods, check out the GORE-TEX jackets. These highly technical garments are waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long.
There’s a host of AllroundWork and FlexiWork jacket styles and extensive size options available for tradesmen and women, so you can layer your working clothes properly to ensure that your energy and performance levels are as weatherproofed as you need to be.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH022
Vent-Axia has extended its air purification range with the launch of the PureAir Room 500 X, aimed at commercial premises, such as schools, offices, hotels, gyms, surgeries, and care homes.
Partnering with CodiKoat, who have developed the fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral coating technology in the world, the PureAir Room 500 X features an advanced seven-stage air cleaning system, offering a healthier and safer environment with its ground-breaking CodiKoat HEPA PLUS filter. This medical grade H13 HEPA filter contains an advanced coating, a unique nano treatment, certified to ISO 18184:2019 (determination of antiviral activity of textile products) by independent labs, which kills 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and fungi within seconds of contact –making it the world’s fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral HEPA filter.
Creating healthier spaces to live and work in, the PureAir Room 500 X will therefore help reduce sick days in work and education environments, as well as offer enhanced protection for care homes, surgeries, hotels, gyms, and other commercial settings.
Commercial and education settings are increasingly looking to air purification in addition to effective ventilation to help ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ) and a healthier environment. The PureAir Room 500 X with CodiKoat air purifier is the ideal solution with its advanced seven-stage air cleaning system which filters out mould, dust, viruses, PM2.5, VOCs, pet allergens and odours with its High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removing 99.9% of particles and neutralises bad smells, purifying the air for a fresher and healthier indoor environment.
Working automatically, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room 500 X with CodiKoat senses the air quality and delivers increased filtration when it is needed to protect health. Speed and running times are easily controlled with the Smartlife App, and manual or pre-set speed controls plus an adjustable timer makes programmable running times straightforward to set up.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH023
PEW takes a look at the most sought-after products from recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine to give you an insight into your key customers’ buying behaviour.
HellermannTyton has expanded its range of TIPS Printable Marking Tags (TipTags) to include a glow-in-the-dark option, providing customers with greater visibility when identifying cables. HellermannTyton identified a need for greater visibility of the ID marks on TipTags, and as a result, created a new material blend to create a TipTag which glows green when exposed to ultra-violet light. Manufactured in the UK using halogen-free polyolefin, the new TipTag is ideal for marking larger wire and cable bundles. Perforated as standard, it can be fastened using cable ties and features excellent resistance to abrasions, UV, acids, and fuels. The TipTag operates between -40ºC to +90ºC and comes in standard lengths 65mm to 100mm. Lengths up to 200mm are available on request.
GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH024
PIR
If you want to offer customers smart control of their outdoor lighting without replacing their existing units, take a look at Timeguard’s new WiFi PIR sensors. Controlled via the popular TuYa App, these PIR controllers can be programmed to operate at precise times or dusk to dawn. With a detection range of 12m, ‘On’ times from 30 secs to 30 mins and rating for up to 250W of LED lighting, these stylish PIRs will cover most individual’s needs. They’ll even continue to operate as programmed if the WiFi signal is lost. The Timeguard WFPIR detectors are offered in black or white polycarbonate, with quick-fit terminal blocks and wall fixing accessories (rawl plugs and screws) supplied for back or bottom cable entry.
BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH025
Combining versatility with compact yet robust construction, the new BITE5 battery tester from Megger provides comprehensive facilities for testing lead acid (VLA and VRLA), NiCD and lithium-ion batteries. Featuring an easyto-use touchscreen interface, this innovative instrument supports both impedance testing and, when used in conjunction with a load bank, discharge testing. Ohmic testing can be performed on individual cells or on entire strings, up to a maximum of 200 V.
Measurement options provided by the new BITE5 battery tester include cell impedance, cell voltage, cell ripple voltage, AC ripple current and DC float current. For impedance tests, users can set pass, warning and fail limits for impedance and voltage. For discharge tests, measurements are recorded throughout the full discharge period. Historical trending can be displayed on the instrument’s integrated touch screen and the stored results can be downloaded via a USB connection or an SD card for detailed analysis and archiving. Wireless transfer of data to Megger’s PowerDB measurement software suite is also supported.
BROWSE A PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH026
Ovia has expanded its range of bulkheads to include the company’s first fully integrated oval shaped LED bulkheads.
VELO is the name given to the new range of 15W CTA switchable oval bulkheads, which are available in a white or black finish. The VELO bulkheads are IP65 rated as standard, or IP54 rated with the PIR version. They are CTA Switchable in the following colour temperatures - 3000K, 4000K and 6500K. The CTA switch is located inside the six-screw terminal housing on the rear of the luminaire.
GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH027
PEW looks at some of the latest advertising campaigns featured in recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine which are helping to create awareness and pull-through sales opportunities at your trade counter.
With rising energy costs still at the forefront of the mind, many end users are now looking for a complete system that can help to lower bills and provide a sustainable solution for the future. The offering, which is nicely laid out and explained on the advertising artwork, allows full integration of solar, battery and EV charging solutions which can be controlled by a single App. With options for installation outdoors or indoors,the system will provide power backup in the event of a blackout.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH028
This brilliant new initiative from MK is sure to create extra sales and footfall at the wholesale counter, as electricians attempt to win 1 of 100 fuel cards – worth £100 each. Available to existing MK distributors and stockists, it’s so easy for electricians to enter: if they spend £50 or more on MK products, they’ll receive a FUEL UP WITH MK scratch card. Once they’ve scanned the supporting QR code and entered the scratch card number, they’ll be entered into the free prize draw, which also includes some other fantastic prizes.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH029
Lighting and fire design specialist, Illumino Ignis, is using its latest advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of the brand’s fire alarm and emergency lighting support services. The striking advertising artwork nicely breaks down the Illumino Ignis offering, which includes a free design service that provides planning and technical assistance to contractors, along with specialised training that is delivered by members of Illumino Ignis’ technical staff and held in the company’s state-of-the-art training rooms.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH030
Arriving as the nights start to get lighter and the weather warms up, Saxby Lighting’s latest advertising campaign showcases the IkonPRO CCT – a uniquely designed range of easy to fit decking kits. The campaign artwork highlights all of the features and benefits of the range, which boasts Colour Change Technology, four colour options, super bright SMD LED technology, a push fit head along with three different size options. The range offers everything you need to help your customers to ‘stack the deck’.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH031
A look at the latest display solutions to help increase your in-store purchases.
The eye catching Knipex point of sale is designed to be small enough to sit on the trade counter but big enough to make an instant impact on customers,
encouraging spontaneous purchases at the till area. The display is made from high quality cardboard, with a high gloss print and beautifully highlights the key features of selected products. This particular model showcases the 71 01 200 Knipex CoBolt compact bolt cutter, the small tool that makes a big impact.
Thanks to their practical size of 200mm and low weight of less than 400g, these strong compact bolt cutters are a powerful partner in demanding situations.
The CoBolt reinforces the hand force used to grip the handles 35 times over. Every cut hits the mark straightaway: microstructures on the cutting edges hold the material in the perfect position, allowing the leverage of the CoBolt to take full effect: one cut – done.
With 18 different tools in the CoBolt range and with sizes ranging from 160, 200 through to 250mm there is a tool to suit a myriad of hard cutting applications. Two Knipex CoBolt XL versions complete this powerful range.
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Sustainability and climate change will be two of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. As a leading supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, Thorn Lighting is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2025. To track the progress of this goal, we have launched our Sustainability Hub, where you can find updates on our technology, solutions and steps we are taking to reduce our CO₂ emissions.
We all need to adopt a culture of sustainable decision-making to ensure future generations flourish. To do so, we must find a better balance between the environment, economy and human empowerment.
As part of the Zumtobel Group, which ranks in the top 3% worldwide for sustainability, we are committed to conducting business in a way that safeguards the planet for future generations. We have signed up to 12 of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable
Development Goals and continue to utilise our expertise in sustainable lighting solutions to protect our planet.
The Group has been committed to a sustainable future since its founding when Dr Walter Zumtobel successfully combined high quality lighting with low resource and energy consumption for the time. “Through light, we care” is the Group's guiding principle for all its sustainability activities.
As a lighting company, we consider it our responsibility to contribute. Therefore, we continue to do our best and utilise our years of know-how in sustainable lighting solutions for a future worth living and protecting our planet.
In the current fiscal year, we reduced over 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ by switching our production sites to green electricity. We have also been committed to transparent reporting and independent assessments. Since 2018, our sustainability activities have been
“ We all need to adopt a culture of sustainable decision-making to ensure future generations flourish.”Graeme Shaw, Technical Director at Zumtobel Group UK & Ireland, discusses Thorn Lighting’s journey towards climate neutrality by 2025.
evaluated by the external rating agency EcoVadis. Following the previous silver rating, we achieved a gold award for the first time in 2021. This puts the Group in the top 3% of 75,000 companies worldwide.
We have also been offering transparency at the product level for the last decade by providing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) which provide customers with information on the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifecycle.
To publicly demonstrate our commitment to operating our business responsibly, we are looking to offer and develop more sustainable products and solutions and find ways to improve our processes to reduce waste, reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.
This will be achieved by investing in research and development to bring you, our customers and partners, innovative technologies through products and solutions so that you can also reach your own goals when tackling this shared, universal issue.
One such example is our NightTune Technology. According to a news article published on the International Dark-Sky Association's website, “Globally, we spend at least $50 billion in energy costs each year to produce light that escapes into space.”
Not only does waste light negatively impact our dark skies, but artificial light at night can also affect human wellbeing and wildlife.
Thorn Lighting's NightTune technology has been designed to limit these negative impacts of artificial light at night. It achieves this by adjusting colour temperatures and outputs depending on the time of night and the surrounding environment. As part of a recent lighting project, we collaborated with Cumbria County Council to install NightTune Technology-integrated dark sky-friendly lighting at sites across the
county to protect the dark skies and local wildlife, improving people's perception of safety, encouraging social interaction and increasing energy efficiency.
The Group has integrated "Circular Design Rules" into our development processes to establish circular economy principles. These rules cover aspects along the whole value chain, which are applied to every new product development. The core ideas of the circular economy are further established with workshops and training, and through analysis and exchange with partners, new circular business models are evaluated.
We are on a journey. Whether providing high quality EPDs, introducing technologies that enable sustainable lighting to protect the dark skies or working with clients to help them increase energy efficiency, our goal is simple: To reduce our CO2 emissions and to be a partner of choice in helping others achieve theirs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAH033
“ The core ideas of the circular economy are further established with workshops and training.”
Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler . Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information
Armorduct Systems ...............................................(page 11) www.rdr.link/WAH100
Carl Kammerling Int Ltd .............................(page 52/OBC) www.rdr.link/WAH101
CED .........................................................................(page 21) www.rdr.link/WAH102
Clynder ...................................................................(page 33) www.rdr.link/WAH103
Deligo Ltd .................................................................(page 3) www.rdr.link/WAH104
Electro-Wind ............................................................(page 6) www.rdr.link/WAH105
ELEX .......................................................................(page 47) www.rdr.link/WAH106
Elite Security Products .........................................(page 27) www.rdr.link/WAH107
Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd .........................(page 2/IFC) www.rdr.link/WAH108
Intalite ....................................................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/WAH109
Kerridge Commercial Systems ............................(page 15) www.rdr.link/WAH110
Luceco Plc .............................................................(page 30) www.rdr.link/WAH111
Metrel UK .................................................................(page 7) www.rdr.link/WAH112
Olson Electronics Ltd ...........................................(page 37) www.rdr.link/WAH113
Ovia Lighting ...........................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/WAH114
Poole Lighting Ltd/Saxby .....................................(page 19) www.rdr.link/WAH115 Recolight Ltd .........................................................(page 45) www.rdr.link/WAH116 Schneider Electric Ltd ..........................................(page 22) www.rdr.link/WAH117
Scolmore International ...........................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/WAH118
Sevadis ...................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/WAH119
Stearn Electric Co Ltd ...........................................(page 17) www.rdr.link/WAH120
Switchtec Ltd .........................................................(page 33) www.rdr.link/WAH121
The IBA ...........................................................(page 51/IBC) www.rdr.link/WAH122
Timeguard Ltd .......................................................(page 25) www.rdr.link/WAH123
Unicrimp ................................................................(page 29) www.rdr.link/WAH124
