Professional Electricians Wholesaler March/April 2020 by Hamerville Media Group

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PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

MARCH/APRIL 2020

AIR COOLING & VENTILATION Upselling the latest technology

LIGHTING What does ‘product design’ mean to you?

RENEWABLES ECA & EDA back renewables focus

Plus: News, business advice, sales support, display solutions and more

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CONTENTS

This issue

PEW MARCH/APRIL 2020 VOLUME 3 NUMBER 2

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

NEWS

WHOLESALER NEWS

10 MOVERS & SHAKERS 12 IT UPDATE 14 FACE TO FACE

54 EDA INSIGHT Have you thought about renewables? – Here’s a quick quiz to test your knowledge

Special Report 22 SAFE AND SECURE Research shows cyber security a top priority for SMEs

16 ELEX REPORT 19 IN PROFILE

24 EASY AS KNX The benefits of the KNX system

51 TRAINING 57 COMPETITION

26 PREACHER AND THE PROFIT How marginal gains make the difference in HVAC

58 PRODUCTS IN DEMAND 60 CAMPAIGN NEWS

28 EXPANDING HORIZONS Unitrunk grows its distribution network

61 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 63 PRODUCTS

Cover image: AdobeStock_mimadeo

66 SOAPBOX

AIR COOLING & VENTILATION 30 QUALITY CONTROL Mechanical ventilation improving air quality 32 SILENCE OF THE FANS Upselling to near silent levels 34 DRIVING UP STANDARDS Training and development boosting industry uptake

LIGHTING

COMPETITION

36 TAKING CONTROL OF THE SITUATION Importance of lighting control in modern systems 39 DESIGN AND CONQUER Venture Lighting investing in product design 40 A SHINING LIGHT PEW follows up with Ovia Lighting after recent launch

57 Win a £300 Multi-Store voucher from Scolmore!

46 HIGH STANDARDS A look at mandatory emergency lighting standards 48 BULKING SEASON The humble bulkhead and its many applications

42 BLAZING INNOVATION Standing out in a crowd 32 Silent selling with new Vent-Axia range

45 SMART IS SIMPLER Keep smart lighting simple for your customers

45 Smart but simple solutions

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER MARCH / APRIL 2020 3

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VIEWPOINT

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

MARCH/APRIL 2020

AIR COOLING & VENTILATION Upselling the latest technology

LIGHTING What does ‘product design’ mean to you?

RENEWABLES ECA & EDA back renewables focus

Plus: News, business advice, sales support, display solutions and more

Editor Michael Connolly mconnolly@hamerville.co.uk Group Editor Richard Bowler pe@hamerville.co.uk Advertising Manager Anthony Scott ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertising Manager Ian Turner Ianturner@hamerville.co.uk Designer Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Claire Swendell Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Managing Editor Terry Smith Publisher Bryan Shannon Professional Electricians Wholesaler is an essential business magazine for those with decision-making responsibilities within electrical wholesalers To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville.co.uk Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd Published by

THE RACE IS STILL ON

am writing this viewpoint bleary-eyed, with a slightly fuzzy head having attended the EDA annual awards and dinner last night. However, I shall struggle on in the face of adversity – a tough life I know, swilling wine with the best and brightest in the supply chain, I can certainly think of worse ways to spend an evening! On a night that had many interesting talking points with wholesalers’ being recognised for their great work developing the future of the supply chain through apprenticeships and training, a familiar question was broached: are customers still asking for the lowest priced product regardless of the quality and their familiarity of the brand? And what does this mean for the futurre of the supply chain and the quality of products yet to enter the market? This question was also put to both contractors and wholesalers in the most recent EDA Sector Survey carried out in Q2 2019, with a total of 298 responses from 144 electrical contractors, 79 manufacturer representatives and 75 wholesale representatives. The cheaper products So, is the so called ‘race to the bottom’ over? Well, according to the contractors, 80% say that available online will always are not happy buying brands they don’t recognise, even if the price is low. Conversely, a have their place and serve a whopping 88% of wholesalers say that their purpose, whatever that may customers, in fact, ask for the lowest price product even if the brand is unfamiliar. be, but it was encouraging to The disconnect between the contractor and wholesaler here is evident and it is noted by the learn that the contractor is EDA that there are many pressures facing the contractor that may influence this. Often it can be seeking the advice of the the case that the cheaper option is the only wholesaler when making option viable to them given the requirement placed on them for the job at hand. The key purchases. message highlighted by the EDA is that three in ten contractors report ‘they can’t know’ in advance about the quality and reliability of unknown brands and products, so, even if they are cheaper, the reliable and trustworthy wholesaler, once again, provides a valuable and important service. The cheaper products available online will always have their place and serve a purpose, whatever that may be, but it was encouraging to learn that the contractor is seeking the advice of the wholesaler when making purchases. In fact, the EDA Sector survey shows that the wholesale trade counter is the most important source of in-person information and advice for today’s contractors. Over the last few years we have seen an explosion of poor quality products flood the market, particularly in the lighting sector. However, as long as there is a need for the customer to source the cheap and easy product, that type of product will be around. But it is encouraging to see that the wholesaler is still very much valued as a source of credible information to advise them when said customer has to make a decision on the best option for the job. So, long live the wholesaler! To find out more about the EDA, its Sector Survey results and some of the work it is doing with apprenticeships, training and development, visit: www.rdr.link/WN001

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Have a good month and enjoy the issue.

Michael Connolly Michael Connolly Editor

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NEWS & VIEWS SECTOR GROWTH

UNDERFLOOR HEATING BOOST The UK underfloor heating market (UFH) continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK heating industry, accounting for around 7.7% share by value in 2019 according to the latest Underfloor Heating Market Report from AMA Research. The performance of the UK underfloor heating market in the last five years has been positive, reflecting buoyant activity within some sectors of the non-residential construction industry and relative stability in residential housebuilding and renovation. Another positive influence on the underfloor heating market is the growing number of plumbing & heating engineers which have been trained in the installation of UFH. Greater product awareness and knowledge amongst installers is likely to

boost recommendations to customers. One effect of rising awareness of UFH and its benefits has been the rapid growth in online sales. Although end-users account for the bulk of online customers, an increasing number of installers are also purchasing UFH systems via this channel. Product developments have made underfloor heating systems easier to install, broadening their appeal for the retrofit market. This has led to the emergence of systems (both water-based and electric) which can be laid over existing floors, thereby minimising disruption and speeding up installation. Market growth is expected during the Brexit transition period, with a more stable UK economy. Growing consumer

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awareness of the benefits of UFH, coupled with the ongoing emphasis on low-carbon heating systems, is expected to keep annual growth rates at 4-6% to the end of the forecast period.

ECA WELCOMES GOVERNMENT WIND POLICY The government is reportedly set to reverse its moratorium on onshore wind energy, following sustained pressure from business and industry groups including ECA. The move comes shortly after ECA wrote to the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng, calling for the government to end its moratorium on onshore wind generation. The letter also called for equality in the funding and planning regime for onshore wind. ECA has also raised the matter in a number of Government consultations,

and with the Minister during a public event in late 2019. Luke Osborne, ECA Energy Solutions Advisor, comments: “It is pleasing to see that ECA’s sustained calls in recent months to open Government funding back up to onshore and solar have not fallen on deaf ears. This development is a big deal – we really do need to use every option at our disposal to meet our ambitious climate change goals. “This is likely to deliver net savings for billpayers, and net benefits for the environment, although the devil will be in the detail.”

Four years after the government ended subsidies for onshore wind development, onshore wind and solar projects will once again be allowed to compete in the next round of Government-backed auctions, called Contracts for Difference, alongside other renewable energy technologies. Figures show that onshore wind provides the most cost-effective and readily available source of renewable energy in the UK. For instance, the strike price for onshore wind generation is less than half the cost of nuclear power.

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CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS LIGHTING MANUFACTURING

EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS HELP COMBAT COMPONENT SHORTAGES European manufacturers hold the key to alleviating worldwide shortages in LED and other lighting components as Chinese factories halt production in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to industry experts Prime Light. The team at Prime Light, distributor of high-quality components to the lighting industry, has warned that businesses that rely heavily on imported products from China could be just weeks away from a critical component shortage, as the outbreak ripples through global manufacturing supply chains, forcing factory closures. The warning comes amid reports that electronics companies in China face significant production cuts and possible delays in launch of products, further disrupting component supplies and costs across the world. In fact, two-thirds of the Chinese

economy remained closed. More than 80% of its manufacturing industry is closed, rising to 90% for exporters1. Whilst Chinese vendors have already increased component prices by 2-3% due to supply shortages triggered by factory shutdowns2, with fears this could rise further unless the situation improves. Although many factories are expected to reopen shortly, delays in the design and prototyping processes could cascade well into the coming months. Whilst the full extent of any potential impact caused by production delays from Chinese parts manufacturers is yet to be determined, the supply shortages are expected to primarily affect manufacturers buying finished or sub-assembled products from the region. Commenting on the supply challenges, Russell Parr, Sales and Marketing Director at Prime Light, says: “There is a concerted

effort amongst European based suppliers to mitigate any component shortages from China and the surrounding regions. European based lighting manufacturers and suppliers will be central to alleviating any potential impact across the industry. “By working with European suppliers, Prime Light is confident that the likelihood of any supply shortages, or indeed international trade issues, are avoided as almost all components supplied are manufactured in the UK and Europe.” “We continue to work closely with our suppliers and customers to minimise any disruptions, and we are confident that we will be able to fulfil orders and limit any potentially costly interruption in supply,” adds Russell Parr of Prime Light. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/02/05/c hinas-coronavirus-not-remotely-control-worldeconomy-mounting2/ 2https://www.ft.com/content/48bae4c0-472e-11eaaeb3-955839e06441 1

TANSUN INDUSTRY AWARDS AdobeStock_sergign

Tansun has made it to the final of three industry awards categories, ranging from Sustainable Product of the Year to Domestic HVAC Product of the Year. The awards include Electrical Industry, H&V News and HVR awards. The launch of the new

radiant panels for which it has been nominated for also coincided with a document released by the Committee on Climate Change last year on the creation of low carbon and sustainable homes. New build homes will need to meet even more ambitious standards in

some areas, including being fitted with low carbon heating. Tansun radiant panels are designed with a number of benefits which include providing instant, comfortable and gentle heat and ensuring safety and reliability, as they contain no moving parts.

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WHOLESALER NEWS

In association with Scolmore

WHOLESALER ROLES OUT ERP SOFTWARE

LEW IMPROVES IT SYSTEMS LEW Electrical Distributors will roll out new cutting edge business software from Enterprise Resource Planning and Warehouse Management specialists, OrderWise, across its head office and all of its 13 branches. The project will see OrderWise replacing the wholesaler’s current systems with a single comprehensive solution to cover all sales and marketing activities, stock and warehouse management, accounting and business analytics. This latest implementation sees OrderWise add to the growing list of electrical wholesalers and merchants using its range of ERP and WMS solutions. LEW is consolidating its systems in a bid to drive efficiencies and increase the number of branches it operates to 25, by 2025. As well as improving its existing business and increasing in size, it is also hoping to develop a more seamless customer experience between its online and offline channels. The solution will be central to the company’s digital strategy, including a comprehensive and fully integrated online store connected to OrderWise’s back-end system. Providing customers with a central hub to place orders and view details of any orders placed, the digital offering, which also features a comprehensive click and collect capability, will be delivered as a fully responsive online store and an Android and iOS app. Andy Johnson, Managing Director at LEW Electrical Distributors, comments: “By implementing this new OrderWise system, we are taking our ambitions to scale our business seriously. Key to that is guaranteeing our customers have a seamless ordering and fulfilment experience every time they deal

with us, to ensure we remain their chosen supplier. “After considerable research to understand exactly what sort of system we needed, OrderWise demonstrated their flexibility in offering strong functionality in all key areas that will drive our operational and growth plans.” Jon Roberts, Senior Sales Manager at OrderWise, adds: “We are very excited to be embarking on this partnership with LEW Electrical Distributors. As a business, they share a similarly ambitious approach to growth, and we are very much looking forward to helping them unlock their potential and identify new opportunities with this new system.”

EDA FORUM DATES ANNOUNCED Each year EDA Regional Business Forums visit different locations across the UK to give as many of the Association’s members and affiliated members the opportunity to attend, and all the dates for 2020 are now confirmed. The forums include topical presentations and networking opportunities for all attendees and are free to attend for EDA members and affiliated members. Registration can be completed online and the forums include welcome refreshments and buffet lunch. The 2020 Dates and Locations are as follows: Southampton: Wednesday 22nd April 2020, Coventry: Wednesday 13th May 2020, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Wednesday 23rd September 2020, Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey: Thursday 5th November 2020.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS 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.

Ben Allen ESP The latest appointment at ESP sees Ben Allen take up the position of Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands region. Ben joins the ESP team following 10 years’ experience within the electrical wholesaler environment, where he undertook a range of roles covering internal sales as well as Senior Buyer. He brings with him a wealth of valuable experience which he will be using to promote and expand the growing ESP portfolio of products which includes CCTV, access control, fire protection, emergency lighting and external surveillance systems, as well as the Sangamo range of heating controls and time switches. As part of his remit, he will facilitate the delivery of contractor and wholesaler staff training to ensure that customers have a good knowledge of the breadth of products within the ESP range.

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Hayley Bean Wiska UK WISKA UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Hayley Bean as the new Area Sales Manager – South, which includes the following areas: Berkshire, parts of Hampshire, East Sussex and West Sussex. Hayley joins the team from Flexicon where she held the position of Regional Sales Manager. Previously, she spent 19 years at Univolt UK where she held several positions including Area Sales Manager. Hayley brings a wealth of experience in the manufacturing and distribution sector for the UK electrical wholesale market. Her new role at WISKA UK will see her responsible for continuing the success in the South region.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Pierre Benoit & Thierry Petitpas Rexel 2020 is set to be a year of growth and continued investment for electrical distributor Rexel, as the business underlines its progressive plans and vision for the year with the appointment of two new senior leaders. Pierre Benoit, Cluster lead for Benelux, UK & Ireland has been appointed as Interim CEO of Rexel UK while the business appoints a new permanent CEO, following the departure of John Hogan. Since joining the Rexel business over 30 years ago, Pierre has held several positions within the group, most recently and successfully leading the business for 12 years in Belgium as CEO, and with a career that started at branch management level, progressing to Sales and Marketing Director.

Pierre Benoit

Thierry Petitpas

Thierry Petitpas has also joined the business in the role of Category and Supply Chain Director UK. Thierry will take over the responsibility for the businesses’ commercial and supply chain functions. He joins with extensive knowledge of the Rexel brand, having worked in the business for over 18 years – the last 10 years focusing on supply chain and category, specifically. As the business heads into 2020, at the centre of the Rexel business plan is the customer, with all activity driving an improved customer experience and better service supported by a strengthened supply chain. The business will deliver this improved experience through additional investment in the sales executive team, enabling them to better support their customers. This will sit alongside the continuing implementation of new technology in branch as part of the wider branch improvement programme taking place nationwide.

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IT UPDATE

s a result, the Birminghambased company, which employs 120 staff and has premises covering over 90,000ft², including offices, two large warehouses and an assembly area, has gained an additional two weeks of business time that would usually have been spent conducting a year-end stock take, this can now be reinvested back into the business operations. OGL Computer’s prof.ITplus software has transformed the warehouse management at NVC UK by enabling the business to gain control of its stock. The system enables perpetual stock checks, which has changed dramatically how the lighting company now manages the complete warehouse operation. Proof in the pudding NVC UK Deputy General Manager, Ralph Pars, comments: “With prof.ITplus, we now undertake daily stock checks on a line by line basis, rather than once a year. This has allowed the business to increase its turnover and profit because of the additional trading days available. “The warehouse sits at the heart of NVC’s business, so when challenges arose with stock control, it also affected other areas of the business, such as sales and accounts. We had been running two different unlinked IT systems, which made the warehouse operation chaotic. This resulted in stock inaccuracies and product location issues, which in turn had an impact on the overall warehouse efficiency. Stock

valuation aspects were also in question. Our internal staff had reliability issues when processing orders, which resulted in a poor delivery service to our customer base. The clients’ perception was that NVC could not supply products on time and in full.” NVC UK has substantially trimmed its direct costs by implementing Kidderminster-based OGL Computer’s warehouse management (WMS) software. It has also improved its pick times and fulfilment rates, which enhanced its customer service. “Previously our efficiency in picking was unknown. When we first analysed our data, it took over 12 minutes (per pick sheet) and now we have that down to 107 seconds, which is fantastic,” says Andy Pagett, Head of Logistics. “We can make those improvements based on having fixed locations for products, knowing the fastest moving products and where they’re located. Due to the flexibility of prof.ITplus we’re able to change fixed

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locations of fast-moving products to the front of the warehouse.” Confidence boost The wholesaler has praised the new system for giving internal sales teams confidence in the pricing and stock levels. “WMS touched many areas of the business; it wasn’t just the warehouse. It impacts the purchasing, production, accounts and internal sales departments, allowing people to communicate together with confidence – the overall difference is remarkable.” NVC UK now has clear and accurate reports to analyse, generated by prof.ITplus, and the organisational capabilities of the software mean that the company is proud to take its customers around the warehouse. NVC UK is now able to maximise warehouse efficiencies, organise stock locations, store items based on size and weight, and understand its best sellers. AdobeStock_Malkovkosta

TAKING STOCK

NVC Lighting UK, which distributes a range of commercial, industrial, amenity, and exterior lighting products exclusively through wholesalers in the UK and Ireland, has recently implemented new technologies to take control of both its stock management and customer service functions, and increase its bottom-line performance.

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IT UPDATE

The combined cost and time savings, and improvement to customer service provision, order processing and employee management has given the company a significant boost. Nick Davies, Head of Software Development at OGL Computer, concludes: “NVC UK is able to drive its business forward with prof.ITplus giving the entire team visibility and control over their stock. The system provides NVC UK with the data needed to continually improve the business’ service to its customers whilst working effectively and efficiently to improve its bottom-line." About NVC Lighting NVC UK, part of NVC Lighting Holding Limited based in China, is a full-service lighting company based in Birmingham offering a wide range of commercial, industrial, amenity and exterior lighting products. In the UK it is celebrating its 10 year anniversary providing wholesalers

in the UK and Ireland with quality lighting products and services. About OGL Computer OGL Computer is the technology partner to over 1,200 UK businesses, including small, growing businesses as well as multi-site enterprise businesses. It is accredited by the world’s leading IT and cyber security

vendors, to deliver best-in-class IT, business software and cyber security solutions. The company is incredibly proud of its 40 year heritage and its unique proposition whereby its three specialist divisions work closely together to deliver the complete technology package to customers. OGL Computer is the author and developer of prof.ITplus, a fully integrated ERP solution for stockists, distributors and wholesalers across the UK. prof.ITplus offers a wide range of modules including: CRM, Sales Order Processing, Warehouse & Stock Management, Accounts & Invoicing, Sales Analysis and eCommerce integration, which takes care of all common business processes to deliver greater efficiency and profitability. prof.ITplus is the premier choice for organisations looking to drive their business forward. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more at: www.rdr.link/WN002

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FACE TO FACE

PEW sat down with Niglon Commercial Director, Paul Dawson, to look at the ambitious plans he has for the company and how it aims to keep pace with the industry that has seen so much change in such a short space of time.

FACE TO FACE NIGLON Q

How did you get in to the industry and your current position?

A. I started in the electrical industry as an apprentice almost 30 years ago and after qualifying as an electrician, moved into a sales role within the industry at the age of 21. I joined Niglon as Commercial Director in early 2017 after completing nearly 10 years in a senior position with a market leading industry brand. My arrival at the business came shortly after the company had just moved into a custom built, state-of-the-art head office and I was excited to take on the opportunity to be part of the ambitious plans, to develop and grow this long established UK, family-owned company.

provide. Seldom does an online seller offer the same level of technical support and product knowledge, or offer credit terms which allow the contractor to buy now pay later for products they receive. This all comes at a cost and the benefits certainly should outweigh the savings they will make.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? A. Whatever happens, it looks like the next five years here at Niglon is going to be exciting times. Although it certainly will not be easy, as the electrical market is changing more rapidly than ever before. I am confident with the investment and dedication that we have to succeed, you will be seeing a lot more of Niglon as we develop and grow our business into a market-leading brand.

How do you feel the industry has changed in recent years?

A. The wholesale channel, up until a few years ago, was the only go-to option for electrical contractors, although in more recent years the growth in trade-focused retail DIY stores and online trading – from both third parties and direct from the manufacturer – means that the choice of electrical products on the market is mirrored by the choice of options for where to buy them. Electrical contractors can now quickly price-check a product from many different sources and how often do we hear the words: “I can get it cheaper online.” This is all well and good, however, they often forget the level of support the electrical wholesaler can and does

only available through the wholesale channel, contractors can also be confident that their customer will never expect them to price match items available at a discount from a retailer, when an electrical supplier sells through both trade and consumer channels.

Q Q

What do you consider Niglon’s unique selling points?

A. Our one-stop-shop approach to supplying the electrical contracting market exclusively through the wholesale channel has helped the company to become a trusted name in the electrical sector for quality, service and value. The variety of the Niglon range means that wholesalers can source a huge range of products with a single order, a single shipment and rapid delivery, while contractors can depend on Niglon as a well-established brand. Importantly, because our products are

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What is Niglon trying to achieve in the next few years?

A. The past couple of years have certainly been a period of change and investment, enabling us to focus on customer service and product innovation to meet the needs of today’s wholesalers. I now believe the business is in a strong position to forge ahead and we are looking forward to continuing with our ambitious expansion plans, including launching many new ranges and innovative products, with another 650+ new lines coming in the first half of 2020 alone. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Niglon, visit: www.rdr.link/WN003

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ELEX REPORT

ELEX2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

The Electricians’ Exhibition

With the London and Manchester shows now already done and dusted for another year, PEW previews the next ELEX show in Exeter at the Westpoint Arena, to see who is there and what they have to offer you.

NEXT UP: WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER Where: Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ When: Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th April 2020, 10am – 4pm TRAVEL Car Westpoint is just one mile from junction 30 of the M5, providing direct access from London, Birmingham, Bristol and Plymouth. Parking is free. For Westpoint, exit the M5 at junction 30 and follow the A3052 Sidmouth road for one mile. Westpoint is on your left hand side. For satellite navigation please use EX5 1DJ or Oil Mill Lane (this road is opposite the main entrance). Train Exeter St. David’s provides direct rail links to all major cities in the UK. The station is six miles from Westpoint. HOW TO REGISTER: To register for your FREE ticket, call: 01923 237799 or visit: www.rdr.link/WN004

ith the chance to meet customers and discover the latest products on the market, you’d be mad to miss it! Or, if you are looking to impress your current customers, why not invite them on a group day out to the show with you. The best outcome is meeting potential new clients, cementing your current relationships and learning more about the latest industry goings on. At the very worst you will get a free bacon roll and t-shirt! Below is a roundup of some of the latest brands and manufacturers to visit ELEX offering product demonstrations, discounts, new product launches and more! Di-Log Di–Log Test Equipment is a supplier of quality electrical test instruments with the latest innovations in testing technology. The range of equipment extends from Voltage Indicators, 18th Edition Installation Testers, Thermal Imaging and Portable Appliance Testers,

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to an extensive range of Safe Isolation and Lockout kits. Di-log’s technical sales team will be welcoming you on the stand ready to answer any questions you have on the UK test equipment market. During ElexShow, Di-Log will be offering discounts off of its entire 18th Edition, CombiVolt and Lockout & Safe Isolation range. Visit the stand for more information.

Ideal Industries New to ELEX this year, the company is part of the large, family-owned company which is a global, diversified business designing and manufacturing superior products and tools for professional tradesmen in the electrical, wire processing, data communications, aerospace, automotive and construction industries. The 103-year-old company was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with

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ELEX REPORT

customers, employees and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under four generations of family ownership.

Megger Megger prides itself on the development of safe, reliable and robust test solutions, with low lifetime costs that do not compromise on accuracy or performance. The company will be attending ELEX and exhibiting the new MFT1741 with ground-breaking, non-trip loop impedance measurement technology and is designed for all electrical installation testing and verification of low voltage building wiring and distribution testing scenario. Also on show will be the new DCM305E Earth leakage clampmeter designed to measure differential current to aid fault finding – ask the team for a personal demo!

Ovia Another newbie to the ELEX shows this year, OVIA is a new, independent lighting company from Scolmore Group. Already synonymous with performance and innovation following eight years of success as a leading name in the lighting industry, the OVIA brand of lighting solutions has been further developed to meet the growing opportunities that the transformed lighting industry offers. OVIA is bringing to the professional market a comprehensive range of lighting products that will provide

contractors with the quickest and easiest to install lighting solutions that will save time and money on a project that they can source through the reliable wholesale channel. The extensive collection of OVIA lighting products will offer solutions for a whole spectrum of projects in a broad variety of sectors, including domestic, commercial, industrial, utility, amenity, emergency lighting and floodlighting. The lighting offer is further enhanced with the inclusion of a full range of lighting control solutions that will optimise energy saving credentials.

Wiska UK WISKA UK invites you to visit its stand and explore its latest innovations and products for 2020. Amongst the new products on show at ELEX include the COMBI 206 – the smallest member of the COMBI junction box range, measuring 85 x 49mm, approximately half the size of the COMBI 308 model. The COMBI 206 offers high Ingress Protection rating (IP66/67) as well as the user-friendly threaded membrane entry system (6 x M20 threaded entries and 2 rear membrane entries). The COMBI 206 comes

complete with 3 x WAGO 221 3-conductor lever connectors. Available in black, light grey and white, this clever little box is perfect for outside applications including video-surveillance systems and LED lighting, offering all the benefits of its COMBI 308 big brother, in a smaller solution.

Don’t miss out! If all that wasn’t enough, ELEX also offers a comprehensive range of seminars covering the latest hot topics in the electrical industry, such as the latest 18th Edition updates. With free entry, competitions and prizes, as well as a free bacon roll and t-shirt, ELEX is a must for wholesalers that are serious about investing in their business.

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IN PROFILE

LEW BEGINNINGS Founded in 1993, LEW Electrical Distributors has grown from humble beginnings in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, to establish itself as one of the largest independent electrical wholesalers in the UK. LEW is showing no signs of slowing down by investing in training centres to further develop its offering to its staff and customers in 2020.

anaging Director, Andy Johnson, took over the management of the company in 1995 following a career as an electrician with his family business. He founded LEW on his own appreciation and understanding for the important role that wholesalers play in the supply of products and services to electricians and electrical contractors. Now over 25 years later, the company operates across the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West, all while still maintaining the same commitment and attitudes that founded the company more than a quarter century ago. New horizons In the first quarter of 2020, LEW is set to open its 13th branch that is to be located South East of Leicester in Blaby. This will gain the company new strides in the East Midlands where it currently has branches in Mansfield, Lincoln and Grimsby, and will closely follow the latest branch to date which opened November 2019 in Warrington. Now with over 135 employees working

across the business, LEW maintains its clear people-focused strategy when it comes to opening new branches. The ‘Manager first’ approach has helped bring the business more than 20 years of growth and the rise to become one of the industry’s leading independents has been in part down to the company’s investment in people who understand both the wider industry and the needs of the local contractor.

the first quarter of the year. Alastair joined the team in December 2019 and will draw on his twenty years’ experience in the East Midlands to open the branch and establish a presence for the company in the south of the region. “We are all really excited to open the new branch in Leicester and bring LEW’s service to the area. I have no doubt customers in Leicester will enjoy visiting us, meeting the branch team and using our services.”

Promoting within And the process hasn’t been any different for its Warrington branch and soon-to-open Leicester branch, either. David Gill manages LEW’s Warrington branch having been promoted to the role after 5 years’ as Assistant Manager with LEW in Bury. “We’re really pleased Dave accepted the position,” comments Andy. “Having worked with us for a number of years we knew he could help LEW reach new customers in Warrington and grow the reputation of the company across the North West, too.” Moving 100 miles south, LEW recently appointed Alastair Stewart as Manager for its 13th branch, Leicester, which is set to open in

2020 New also for 2020 are LEW’s four training centres. These will support the company’s commitment to training and will cater for the needs of both the company and its customer base. Located at the Barnsley, Bury, Gainsborough and Grimsby branches, the LEW training centres will host a programme of training for both customers and employees that will be widely supported by LEW’s close working suppliers. “Not only is it important getting the right people into the right positions,” Andy explains, “but it is just as important to make sure we support their development and provide opportunities for learning and training once they are with us.”

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IN PROFILE

THE TEST OF TIME Di-Log has over 40 years’ experience in the test equipment market with a proud history of developing award winning products. Here the company explains its journey and gives an insight into its future plans.

i-Log has been established for over 40 years now and was originally part of the Kane Group. A management buyout in 1998 resulted in the business becoming an independent and the now group of companies has seen sustained growth over the past 22 years, now with four separate operating companies within the group. Our ethics The ethic of the business has always been to ensure we provide ‘measurably better’ test equipment with the highest levels of customer service. This begins with the people who work at Di-Log, we are proud to have some of the longest serving and most professional colleagues in the industry. Right through from senior management to everybody else in the business. Sales team Di-log offers the knowledge from one of the most experienced sales teams in the industry. With over 130 years of Test Instrument Experience between them with 81 of those years with Di-log, the knowledge and experience we can offer is first class. Innovation Di-Log continues to lead the way in new technology being introduced to the UK. Proudly, in 2000 we were one of the first companies to introduce auto switching voltage & continuity testers which developed onto our current Award Winning CombiVolt range. The CombiVolt range was followed by one of the very first handheld Multifunction Testers offering low current “Non-Trip” Loop Testing

Technology. This technology paved the way for our current, and hugely successful, RDC-LOC XLT featured in our UK Manufactured DL911x Series MFT. British manufacturing Di-Log is proud to support British Manufacturing by designing and building our specialist safety test equipment in the UK. All of our DL911x Series 18th Edition Multifunction Testers and DLPTX Series ApplinaceTEST PATs have a UK based R&D team dedicated to designing, building and delivering the most up to date technology to meet the continuous needs of our customers. We have also just released our NEW ApplianceTEST Mobile PAT APP, free for your customers to download on Google Play and the app store. Brand partnerships Di-Log is partnered up with several market leading instrument specialists and is a master distributor for Seaward PAT testers, FLIR Thermal Imaging cameras and the Chauvin Arnoux’s extensive range of Power Energy Loggers and Analysers. We hold extensive stock and knowledge of these products which makes us stand out over our competitors. Di-Log Group There are several divisions that form the makeup of the Di-log Group:

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Re-CAL Calibration Re-CAL was established in 2005 and has become one of largest calibration Specialists in the UK operating a national service from the heart of Manchester with free collections and deliveries to all mainland UK destinations. It is an approved service centre for the leading manufacturers of electrical and electronic test instruments, ranging from Megger to Seaward offering standard calibrations, repairs, hire and training through our state-of-the-art service and repair centre and our mobile laboratory dubbed ‘The Lab on wheels’. With over 24 years of test instrument specialism and a committed workforce, we pride ourselves on our commitment to continuous customer satisfaction through our high standards, quality and performance of our business activities. Instrument Hire UK IHUK offers a wide variety of instrumentation, Power Quality Analysers, Thermal Imagers, 18th Edition Installation Testers and PAT Testers. We are continuously adding to our hire fleet of test instruments, so please visit our website or contact our sales team for the latest product, price and availability. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the Di-Log Group, visit: www.rdr.link/WN005

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SPECIAL REPORT

SAFE AND SECURE A new report has revealed how technology decision makers at UK SMEs are prioritising cyber security to ensure business continuity and growth. IT services provider OGL Computer has revealed the top technology concerns and priorities for UK SMEs in its new report: The State of Technology at UK SMEs.

Company Focus: About OGL Computer OGL Computer is the technology partner to over 1,200 UK businesses, including small, growing businesses as well as multi-site enterprise businesses. We are accredited by the world’s leading IT and cyber security vendors, to deliver best-in-class IT, business software and cyber security solutions. We are incredibly proud of our 40-year heritage and our unique proposition whereby our three specialist divisions work closely together to deliver the complete technology package to our customers. OGL Computer is the author and developer of fully integrated ERP software solutions for stockists, distributors and wholesalers across the UK. OGL Software offers a wide range of modules including: CRM, Sales Order Processing, Warehouse & Stock Management, Accounts & Invoicing, Sales Analysis and eCommerce integration, which takes care of all common business processes to deliver greater efficiency and profitability. OGL Software is the premier choice for organisations looking to drive their business forward.

he report also highlights newer technologies such as robotics and AI that SMEs plan to adopt, how SMEs are using technology to power remote workforces and what technologies they are adopting for growth. To develop the report, OGL Computer surveyed technology decision makers in SMEs with 50-500 employees across a range of industries and conducted in-depth interviews with leaders in SMEs to identify their top priorities and concerns for 2020. Paul Colwell, Technical Director, OGL Computer and its cyber division CyberGuard Technologies, comments: “The inaugural State of Technology at UK SMEs report reveals that IT decisionmakers at SMEs have clear strategies for the future, and understand the

51% of people have increased fear of cyber attack

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Paul Colwell

opportunities and challenges that face their verticals in 2020. “These range from the perennial, such as the ever-present threat of serious cyberattack or data breach, to effectively managing the increasing amount of data flowing through the organisation. In addition, moving to the cloud securely and

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an ongoing lack of technology-savvy workers emerged as key themes. “Handling these challenges, all with a fraction of the resources of their larger, corporate counterparts requires flexibility and demonstrates the resilience that gives SMEs the power to succeed. As we head into a new decade where the only constant is likely to be change, it is heartening to learn through our survey that SMEs continue to adopt innovative products and services.” Key findings: The survey established the technology priorities and concerns SMEs are expecting in 2020: ● The top three key technology priorities: increasing cyber security provision 39%, moving towards a more proactive IT strategy 39%, and increasing use of data and insights 37% ● The main technology concerns for 2020 were cyber security attacks 67%,

●

data management 56%, and a lack of technology-savvy workers 54% 57% of respondents said that increasing the use of cloud computing is planned, to drive business efficiencies and profitability 92% of SMEs are planning to spend more on cyber security and IT in 2020

Cyber security trends Cyber security features heavily in the report with respondents revealing attack frequency, cyber strategy status and employee training to combat hackers. ● The vast majority of SMEs confirmed that they were increasingly worried, with 81% more fearful of a cyber-attack or data breach ● 81% of UK SMEs confirmed that they had suffered a data breach or cyber-attack ● Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) IT decision-makers surveyed have no cyber strategy in place ● 76% agree that they are nervous about moving from an on-premise IT infrastructure to a cloud infrastructure due to fears of data security ● 98% of IT decision-makers in SMEs educate employees about how to identify a cyber threat, with the most popular approach being a combination of external and internal training (32%) Colin Dennis, Head of Technical Operations, OGL Computer, says: “Cyber security has been front of mind for SME customers for some time now, as awareness of cyber-risks continues to rise. Proactive management of IT requirements is in many ways connected to this trend, as businesses of all sizes look to compliance requirements as well as asset protection and disaster recovery.”

Company Focus: CyberGuard Technologies CyberGuard Technologies (an independent company within the OGL Computer Services Group) provides IT security for UK businesses looking for premium IT performance in a protected, secure environment. Our cyber defences protect against the potential devastation of an attack from cyber-criminals including defending your finances, identity, reputation, data and your customers’ confidential information. We protect our customers from endto-end through; Security Testing, Managed Detect & Respond Services, Security Awareness Training and Cyber Certification, and provide reassurance in the event of an attack through fast and effective Cyber Incident Response, built upon sound threat intelligence gathered by our own team of cyber analysts coupled with intel from various global sources.

Remote working Building a remote workforce can slash overheads, increase productivity, and improve employee efficiency, as well as boosting employee job satisfaction levels. This, in turn, can translate into better customer experience and increased profits. The survey showed: ● 94% of SMEs are seeing a growth in the number of remote workers employed ● With 50% of the respondents currently using technology and 34% planning to adopt technology that enables remote working. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Download the full report at: www.rdr.link/WN006

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SPECIAL REPORT

EASY AS KNX Did you know there are a few different levels of ‘smart home’? For example, the term ‘smart’ can be anything from a thermostat that can be controlled remotely, to a fully connected home that is completely wired. Here Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK, looks at why KNX is a smart choice for the smart home.

s energy costs continue to rise, so has society’s agenda to be more careful in terms of tangible energy use and wastage. Consequently, the construction industry has shown a growing desire and need for new ‘smart’ solutions that optimise building convenience, security and energy management. Promoted as the next breakthrough technology for building convenience, by applying the KNX standard, system integrators are now able to integrate all intelligent build applications into one, single

KNX installation – whatever the space. This allows for easy yet comprehensive monitoring via an independent intuitive control system. Technology like KNX means we can achieve a truly connected building where all building services operate as a single control technology. What is KNX? Put simply, it is a control system that was developed to allow products from various manufacturers to work seamlessly together. The system operates on a standardised bus cable with a common language, allowing different products to all work seamlessly together. KNX technology allows complete control of all aspects of home and building control such as: lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation, blinds/shutters, security and door communication systems, audio and video, and metering. A significant consumer of electricity in the own home is both light and heating. Energy-saving lamps contribute a lot to reducing power consumption with the automation of lighting alone, saving up to 35% energy compared to non-automated solutions. Even more effective is a central "off" function that can be activated with a tap of the finger when leaving the house. In

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addition, new, modern heating systems are more powerful and environmentally friendly than outdated systems. But when it comes to the efficient control of energy, intelligent building technology like KNX makes an important, if not crucial, contribution. KNX history KNX was developed in 1990 after noting the issue of control systems not being able communicate to one another, creating timely and costly issues for integrators. Since then, it has become the worldwide standard for intelligent building control with over 400 manufacturers, nearly 50,000 partners and almost 400 training centres, all across the globe. Setting design and function trends to succeed pioneering work, innovative solutions and noteworthy applications, Gira has established itself as an award-winning innovator in the field of perceptive

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;intelligent building technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and specification. We have a notable aptitude for perfecting both form and function, but above all else, making buildings safer, work more efficiently, convenient and function with 21st century intelligence. Communication With KNX there are no more problems of isolated devices or systems not being able to talk to each other. It also means that all building control functions can be controlled through the one central system without the need for additional control centres. So, if the light and heat is based on a KNX system, a separate profile can be created for each room. It determines when heating should take place. As the temperature can be individually regulated for each room, the energy consumption adapts exactly to the needs of the residents saving them up to 25% energy. KNX can be installed in to new or existing developments be it residential or commercial. With wired, wireless, IP and powerline communication mediums it is possible to use the system within any building type. Interestingly, due to KNX having the ability to talk to other systems, it is commonly used as a backbone in linking together proprietary control systems and standardised controls. This brings a host of benefits such as simple operation, flexibility, along with daisy chain topology so multi-manufacturer products can work together and talk to other control systems. All in all, this type of intelligent build solution enables full building control which in turn, results in low operating costs and time saving execution. The future of KNX Autonomous technology is definitely a sign of the future, with the ability to anticipate individual behaviours and scenarios without instruction and ultimately, user control. If we consider Renaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest car/house concept then it only proves how technology is more than just functionality, it has become a lifestyle choice and one many end users are exploring as solutions become more advanced. Smart technologies really have no limits and if a need is identified or even created, then it is the job of leading manufacturers to drive the end user to these intuitive products and solutions to encourage greater market acceptance and presence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about KNX systems and full integration, visit: www.rdr.link/WN007

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SPECIAL REPORT

PREACHER AND THE PROFIT Heading up Ferroli UK over the past year and a half has taught Andrew Buttree a number of valuable lessons which he thinks other HVAC businesses could benefit from. Here he explains the steady progress the company has been making over the past few years.

here is a well-worn management maxim that says the best way to predict the future is to create it, and this is a philosophy that Andrew Buttree, Managing Director of Ferroli UK, has really taken to heart. A professional manager with 21 years’ experience, Andrew Buttree has worked for a variety of blue-chip companies including Stiebel Eltron, Ariston Thermo, and Conex Banninger. This broad range of experience has taught him that innovation combined with creative product design is the key to staying ahead in a ferociously competitive business world. Marginal gains One of the best ways to achieve this winning combination is by adopting the

philosophy of marginal gains originally developed by Sir David Brailsford with the help of former racing cyclist champion, Chris Boardman, to improve the performance of the British Cycling team. Many years ago, as a semi-professional cyclist himself, Andrew Buttree competed in cycling events, so he is familiar with the concept of marginal gains which holds that small incremental improvements in a process add up to a significant enhancement when they are added together. For Andrew Buttree, this approach can be transformational: “Plumbing and heating tends to be a myopic, old-fashioned and conservative sector, but sometimes you need to find different solutions to problems to develop ground-breaking products.”

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Sometimes, that means taking small steps that lead to important changes. “For example, most unventilated cylinders are six bar pressure vessels with six bar pressure relief valve (PRV). However, this can stress the flange which can break it or trip the PRV. We want to make something that lasts so we only supply eight bar pressure vessels and six bar PRV which eliminates that problem, says Andrew.” Another example of a small change that made a big difference is Ferroli’s

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SPECIAL REPORT

Cubo water heater with its silicon covered ‘Forever’ element. This allows it to perform better in hard water areas with a lot of limescale – it doesn’t fur up as quickly which means it works more economically for longer and prolongs the life of the machine. Product improvement Andrew Buttree’s business priorities don’t end solely with a focus on improvement. For him, product diversity is also a critical commercial prerequisite, and this is something his company has in spades. “If you thought you knew what Ferroli did, think again. We manufacture and supply a massive range of heating products, much larger than most competitors. These include everything from 5.5 litre instantaneous water heaters up to 19.5MW commercial boilers and embracing cutting-edge technology such as air source heat pumps. “But, whatever we produce, we want to make sure we do it well. Our new domestic boiler developed in Italy, for example, has been placed first, second and third in the equivalents of Which? Magazine in Italy, Spain and France.” Home manufacturing Ferroli manufactures the vast majority of its own products in 11 factories around the world, giving it the ability not only to control quality and price, but also enabling it to innovate in-house rather than relying on external companies.

A good example of this innovation is Ferroli’s development of a range of pioneering water solutions. For Andrew Buttree, in the UK, electric water heating tends to be seen more as a stopgap rather than the best option to solve the problem: “I believe it should be thought about in a more holistic way. Electric water heating is not just a makeshift answer; the latest technology is state-of-the-art.” This is not just an unsupported assertion. Ferroli’s Presto water boiler, for example, is ahead of the competition in both quality and price. Fewer spares are needed due to its design and it features a better-quality tap which means that it will last longer. Electric water heating Andrew believes that electric water heating is set to play a larger part, not only in commercial premises but also in the UK’s domestic heating market in the coming years: “I think the most fundamental change to the market in the next five years will be the ban on gas heating from new homes from 2025. “That’s why we are looking at giving customers a comprehensive range of water heating products from small instantaneous to electric boilers to air source heat pumps.” The products Ferroli supplies can meet the requirements of new build, small one-bedroom flats, right up to large scale housing developments. These are proven and well-established products in other countries. The company already

sells electric boilers in Holland and the electric ranges are recognised throughout Europe. “We need to start looking at this now because housing developments have a three to four-year lead time. You don’t want to have a gas boiler at the start and an air source heat pump at the end. “We are already planning long-term new build projects because we need to be in a place where we can supply the products, educate users, and help developers and specifiers understand how best to meet their needs.” Moving forward, Andrew says, Ferroli is listening carefully to its customers and responding with solutions that accommodate their requirements: “We take part in trade shows, and part of my job is managing some of the big customers. So, when I talk to them, it is a case of trying to understand what they actually need rather than simply supplying what they say they want. “If we simply provided what the customer thought they wanted, we wouldn’t be doing our job properly. It’s our job to recommend the best solution to the problem to meet the customer’s needs. Our aim is to provide the best solution to fit the application. We have enough confidence in our people, products and the business to stand up and be counted.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Ferroli UK, visit: www.rdr.link/WN008

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SPECIAL REPORT

Cable Management Manufacturer, Unitrunk, has added to its extensive distribution network with the opening of its newest depot in Yorkshire.

EXPANDING HORIZONS Company Focus: Originally established 50 years ago as a family run engineering company, the Unitrunk Group developed a specialised division manufacturing Cable Management Systems in 1984. Unitrunk continued to grow and in 2000 the Group added a strong international dynamic and breadth of cable management services with the strategic acquisition of Vantrunk in Runcorn. With five decades of business experience and industry expertise the company has no intention of standing still. The specialist Unitrunk Innovation Department and skilled people are committed to helping customers stay ahead of the herd with a wide range of proven cable management solutions.

lready the UK and Ireland’s largest distribution network, servicing the electrical contractor and wholesale industry with its range of standard and bespoke cable management solutions, the latest depot will bring the Unitrunk Group to a total of 10 locations throughout the UK and Ireland. This includes two manufacturing sites, located in Warrington, UK, and Lisburn, the company’s Headquarters in Northern Ireland. Nine month delivery Unitrunk has spent over nine months locating and fitting out the 13,000 sq. ft. premises which is predominantly warehousing space. The storage capacity means many products are immediately available to customers facing tight deadlines. The Yorkshire facility also boasts newly renovated office space and dedicated conference facilities which will

be used to train customers on how to get the most from the current Unitrunk product range, as well as to introduce the various new ranges which the company will be releasing later this year. Unitrunk currently supplies customers globally, working on a range of projects from the London Underground, to prominent TV Production facilities to the Kumasi Airport in Ghana. Yorkshire depot Unitrunk’s Managing Director, David Morrow, explains why the company chose Yorkshire for its latest depot location: “For over 50 years we have prided ourselves on our innovative product range and outstanding customer service. During this time, we have always made strategic decisions in terms of our depot locations so that we could bring our products closer to our customers. With a thriving customer base, increased construction and a busy agricultural industry, it made sense that Unitrunk’s latest addition to the distribution network would be in Yorkshire, servicing Yorkshire, Leeds and the surrounding areas. Our new depot means that we are now within five minutes to 1.5 hours reach of all our customers. We have a fantastic team in place and we’re excited about bringing our unique product range, which focuses on ease of use and speedy installation, to new customers in the area, as well as being that bit closer to current customers.” Unitrunk Yorkshire officially opened to trade customers in January with an open event for customers and business people from the local area. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Steven Clowes – Warehouse Supervisor David Morrow – Managing Director Sean Teasdale – Commercial Lead

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To find out more about Unitrunk and its distribution network, visit: www.rdr.link/WN009

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AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

QUALITY CONTROL Paul Williams, Product Manager at Domus Ventilation, looks at how improvements in the energy efficiency of dwellings has led to poor indoor air quality, why mechanical ventilation is the way forward and how electricians can enter this growing marketplace.

ver recent years we’ve done a good job of improving the energy efficiency of new build homes, with a focus on sealing the building envelope to prevent wasteful heat leakage. And it’s worked remarkably well, so much so, that we’ve created air tight homes that, in some circumstances, overheat and trap the stale, humid air indoors along with the pollutants. You see, what we’ve failed to do is match the improvement in energy efficiency with the provision of ventilation.

Poor ventilation As well as making for an uncomfortable home environment, poor ventilation can directly affect the health of residents. Poor indoor air quality has known links to allergies, asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and even dementia. A common question that we are asked is: Why not just open a window or two if you need ventilation? But in cooler or damp weather that’s not ideal, nor is it

enough in warmer summer months. Fitting an extract fan, which is where electricians traditionally get a look in, is not going to improve the situation either. No, in order to make a difference, continuous mechanical ventilation systems are necessary. Continuous Mechanical Ventilation There are essentially two types of whole house continuous mechanical ventilation systems: Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). A MEV system actively extracts air from ‘wet rooms’ (kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces) via ducting to a central ventilation unit which further ducts to an exhaust point. The systems are typically dual speed, providing low speed continuous trickle ventilation and high-speed boost flow. Replacement fresh air is drawn into the property via background ventilators located in the habitable rooms and through air leakage. Unlike MEV, MVHR systems combine

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supply and extract ventilation in one system. They work on the principle of extracting and re-using waste heat from wet rooms. MVHR systems efficiently prewarm the fresh air drawn into the building with waste stale air using a heat exchanger, up to 95% of waste heat can be recovered by this mechanism. The filtered, prewarmed air is then distributed around the home, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings.

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Waving the flag for MEV There’s no doubt about it, MVHR systems provide effective ventilation, are energy efficient, extremely effective at reducing the risk of condensation and cold air draughts and, with their built-in air filters, are particularly useful in more polluted urban areas. But MVHR systems also come with a higher price tag than their counterparts and are considerably more complex to install and commission. MEV systems, which are more affordable and straight forward, are often a more practical solution for the customer and for installers coming into ventilation from the electrical side. As such, they represent a new business opportunity in a growing market. MEV still provides excellent ventilation, but the capital costs are lower, they are easier and therefore more economical to install and operating costs are low. On the installation side, MEV systems require less ducting because air is being drawn one way only, which also makes for easier commissioning. The MEV units themselves are smaller and lighter than those of MVHR and can therefore be easily wall mounted rather than in a loft. In fact, Domus Ventilation’s CMX MEV unit

is just 125mm deep, making it the only unit on the market shallow enough to fit in a ceiling void. MEV systems are also very easy to use – more of a ‘fit and forget’ scenario than MVHR systems which require maintenance, including regular filter changes. Both MEV and MVHR systems are most suitable for new properties rather than retrofit (although that is an option in some circumstances), but MVHR systems really do require a more airtight property where virtually all of the air flow can pass through the heat exchanger, if they are to perform efficiently. Looking to the future The issue of indoor air quality, be it from external polluting sources or simply from stale air trapped inside our homes, is very much in the news and on the political agenda. The government’s Clean Air Strategy 2019 aims to adopt a nationwide approach to air pollution and recognises “the importance of effective ventilation to reduce exposure.” In addition, the government has announced that it will consult on changes to Building Regulations standards for ventilation in homes and other buildings, to help reduce the harmful

Fitting an extract fan, “which is where electricians traditionally get a look in, is not going to improve the situation either. No, in order to make a difference, continuous mechanical ventilation systems are necessary.

”

build-up of indoor air pollutants. This is all positive news for professionals involved in ventilation or considering moving into this field as it represents a potential growth area. It’s also positive news for all. After all, in the UK we spend around 90% of our time indoors and around 16 hours a day on average at home – we wouldn’t accept drinking poor quality water from our taps at home, so why should we accept breathing poor quality air? FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Domus Ventilation, visit: www.rdr.link/WN010

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AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

SILENCE OF THE FANS Mick Daniels, Sales Director at Vent-Axia, explains how the latest ventilation systems offer wholesalers the chance to upsell from standard extract fans to near silent, multi-functional alternatives.

ouseholds are increasingly demanding quiet products so that they can enjoy a peaceful home environment. Extractor fans are a common culprit when it comes to disturbing the peace, so silent fans offer a great opportunity for wholesalers to provide electricians with a product that will keep their customers happy. But with a raft of choices, how can wholesalers advise installers on how to select the right fan for the job? Silence is an important comfort issue for households, with loud extractor fans a key source of nuisance noise. Electricians know only too well that one of the biggest complaints they hear from customers is noisy bathroom fans. This provides a great

opportunity for wholesalers to not only offer a solution that eliminates the problem, but can also offer increased value to the customer and their own business. Sound levels A good place to start when selecting which quiet fans to stock is to check the sound level in decibels [dB(A)]. An average extract fan operates at 35dB(A). This is loud in a confined space. Fortunately, there are now fans on the market that are only slightly louder than the sound of a pin dropping. For example, Vent-Axia’s Silent Fan operates at just 12dB(A), making it the quietest bathroom fan on the market. But this is just the start. When choosing which quiet fans to stock, wholesalers should not just look at their sound levels since there are other features needed to meet a project’s requirements. Performance is key and installers and households alike want to be reassured that a fan will perform as claimed. Many manufacturers quote performance levels when fans are ‘free to air’ which may be different to its installed levels. In contrast, Vent-Axia test and quote fans’ installed performance, providing reassurance that the fans will operate as quoted. But what else should wholesalers look out for? The right fan for the job Manufacturers have been working hard to add to their quiet fan ranges to offer

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increased flexibility and choice for households. For example, the new Silent Fan range has a variety of features and specifications. And with eight models to choose from, there is always the right fan for the job so more households can benefit from the sound of silence. For example, the latest quiet fans offer variable speed models, humidistat options, IP45 rating and both intermittent and continuous ventilation models, such as in the Silent Fan range. This added flexibility and choice makes it even easier for wholesalers to help electricians select the option that is right for an individual project. For example, for properties suffering from condensation and mould, a humidistat model is the perfect choice. Meanwhile, variable speed models make installation simple, since electricians can easily adjust the

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AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

exactly the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rightOffering silent fan that ticks all

circumstances. It also simplifies and speeds up the ordering process.

boxes is a great selling point that will keep installers and households happy.

High demand With demand for quiet products on the rise and with research showing that 80% of consumers would pay more for a quiet environment, the growth of near silent ventilation looks set to continue. Wholesalers who can offer installers silent fans that include a host of additional features are sure to stay ahead of the curve. Offering exactly the right silent fan that ticks all boxes is a great selling point that will keep installers and households happy. So, with the latest silent fans also offering a range of additional beneficial features, they are set to be an attractive option for everyone.

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speed depending on the individual needs of the project, ensuring the right fan every time. This is especially helpful with long duct runs since the fan can be altered to achieve the required airflow. Usually more airflow means more noise,

but the Silent Fan stays quiet even with longer duct runs and higher air flow. An IP45-rating (for Zone 1) is another great option for wholesalers to look out for when advising on quiet fans since the fan can be safely installed in the splash zone. This makes the Silent Fan ideal for bathrooms and shower rooms of all sizes. Choosing quiet fans which offer a wide range of choice allows electricians to select the option that is right for each individual project. So, stocking fans like the Silent Fan range means wholesalers will have the fan electricians need in nearly all

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the silent range of fans from Vent-Axia, visit: www.rdr.link/WN011

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AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

DRIVING UP STANDARDS Company Focus: EnviroVent, which has its headquarters in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has over 25 years’ experience in delivering sustainable products that are built to last the life cycle of a building. EnviroVent is one of the pioneers of Positive Input Ventilation which works by drawing in fresh, filtered clean air from outside, and gently ventilating the home from a central position on a landing or the central hallway in a flat or bungalow. EnviroVent’s range of ventilation products control humidity and moisture levels, so mould and condensation problems are significantly reduced.

Larry Soper, Technical Training Manager at EnviroVent, looks at why training and development across the ventilation industry is becoming much more prevalent to ensure Best Practice installation.

he Government is aiming to drive up standards to ensure professional competence throughout the construction industry. Driven by tragic events such as the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent Hackitt recommendations, there is a very clear need to ensure that engineers and installers within a building are fully trained and compliant. Some institutions are even calling for all professional engineering disciplines to be subject to competency reviews every 10 or 15 years. There are also calls for greater scrutiny of Engineers’ continuing professional development activities, as well

34 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

as a confidential reporting system to enable professionals to learn lessons from mistakes they have made. Many other bodies, such as the BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Managers), want to ensure that facilities managers have access to “high quality training and professional development that can certify their competency to uphold the highest standards of life safety in the buildings they manage.” Building regulations Since 2010, revisions to Building Regulations Part F means domestic ventilation became notifiable work, requiring systems to be installed by a competent and qualified person. As a result, NICEIC* training centres have seen a rise in demand for ventilation courses that deliver relevant and appropriate training. Manufacturer training allows installers to work with the latest types of domestic ventilation products safely and efficiently, receiving technical information and advice plus practical support. Training at our NICEIC accredited training centre in Harrogate also ensures that installers are qualified to inspect and test ventilation systems, as well as commission and provide information about them to customers. As a result, training has become a vital part of our service to

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AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

engineers and installers in the past couple of years.

Overall, upskilling and “compliance within the marketplace generally is having a positive benefit, leading to good practice installation and repeat contracts.

”

Installer and wholesale training The two day NICEIC Domestic Ventilation course that we provide covers essential topics, such as Regulations and Standards, types of ventilation systems, pitfalls associated with poor workmanship, basic design principles, airflow calculations and commissioning of ventilation systems. The course comprises two workbook assessments, a multi-choice exam and a practical test on commissioning a ventilation system. We also run staff training modules on a wide variety of related subjects, such as survey training, commercial ventilation, basic acoustics, understanding electrics, ducting and ancillaries, installation and common issues.

The domestic ventilation training and assessment course has been designed to provide installers with the required skills in the principles of ventilation, design, installation, testing, commissioning, handover, servicing and fault-finding of ventilation systems, in accordance with the National Occupational Standards and Minimum Technical Competency documents. To bring the training to life, we have a series of rigs within our training centre where installers can hone their practical skill and ensure they are fully competent by the time they leave our premises. In addition to the accredited NICEIC course, we offer a full suite of wholesaler training modules on the fundamentals of best practice installation and selecting the right application for each project. This enhances a wholesaler/installer’s technical skills and the advice they can pass on to their customers, as well as providing greater market awareness. Overall, upskilling and compliance within the marketplace generally is having a positive benefit, leading to good practice installation and repeat contracts. Energy efficiency As UK buildings become more airtight and better insulated with lower heat

requirements, homeowners and developers have to take a more methodological approach to how they ventilate homes to promote the best indoor air quality for healthy living. Technologies in the home are required to utilise less energy and generate less carbon and other emissions than ever before. There are many energy-efficient types of ventilation methods on the market which are compatible with low carbon, this includes Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery and Positive Input Ventilation. Heat recovery systems typically recover about 60-90% of the heat in exhaust air and can significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Through dedicated manufacturer training programmes, installers and wholesalers can gain in-depth knowledge of these ventilation systems, as part of driving up standards throughout the industry. As the industry moves towards zero carbon, it is essential that ventilation systems are correctly installed to ensure they perform to optimum energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of homes. *

NICEIC is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry, which has been assessing the competency of electricians for many years and its courses are recognised as amongst the best in the ventilation industry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about the NICEIC certified centre and courses available at EnviroVent, call on: 0345 27 27 807, email: enquiries@envirovent.com or visit: www.rdr.link/WN012

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LIGHTING

TAKING CONTROL OF THE SITUATION Reducing a lighting system’s energy use goes beyond simply installing LED luminaires – it also needs to be properly controlled. Mark Lester, Managing Director at CP Electronics, explains why cutting edge lighting controls can deliver more sustainable operations, achieve long-term cost reductions, and help increase occupant comfort, productivity and wellbeing.

ince 1900 the average global temperature has increased by 0.74°C and climate change threatens the future of the planet and its inhabitants. In response, the government has defined targets for carbon reduction – at least 34% by 2020 and a minimum of 80% by 2050 when compared to 1990 levels. The nation’s 1.8 million nondomestic buildings are at the very heart of meeting this challenge and addressing the issue of how energy is used is no longer just an option, but something that requires serious attention.

Consumer society According to Statista, lighting consumes 18% of the UK's overall electricity use, with commercial buildings accounting for 70%

of that figure, compared to 26% for residential and 4% for street lighting. By providing an energy efficient option that has long life, low carbon emissions and high quality illumination, LED lighting has revolutionised the lit environment. Its benefits are now widely recognised and with prices declining to a point where it is the economical choice in almost every application, more and more organisations are making the switch. Although LED lighting technology is clearly beneficial from an environmental perspective, there is more that can be done. Lighting control allows LED luminaires to be integrated with sensors to determine when and where lighting is used within a space. A lighting control system allows light usage to be accurately monitored and managed, and

36 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

can make use of daylight harvesting, for example. This can help to aid compliance with BS EN 17037, which gives information on how to use daylighting to provide lighting within interiors. Standard issue Lighting control should be the rule rather than the exception and BS EN 12464, the European standard for lighting indoor workplaces, is having a significant impact. The standard addresses the design and development of lighting schemes around a specific task or activity. BS EN 12464 encourages designers to consider all available forms of lighting, provides guidelines about the use of lighting controls and recommends ways to illuminate rooms only when they are in use.

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LIGHTING

CP Electronics offers a range of lighting controls

Switching lighting off automatically when not required – particularly when there is no-one present in an area or the ambient light level is sufficient to not require additional artificial lighting – can save large amounts of energy. The use of lighting control also ensures compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, which requires lighting to be controlled or locally switched. Not only that, it enables a building to demonstrate higher ratings in the Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates that it is obliged to display, while making a significant contribution to the achievement of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification. Optional extras With a range of options now available, lighting control is easier to configure than ever before. Leading modular systems utilise simple connectivity, making them very flexible and easy to install, while systems that are based on the digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) protocol assign an address to each luminaire, allowing management of each individual device, and can be as simple as a single luminaire containing a driver and a sensor.

Wireless systems are proving popular with those involved in old and/or listed buildings, as they eliminate the need for extra wiring and minimise any disruption to the fabric of a building. In buildings where asbestos is present, it offers an ideal way to keep occupants safe without disturbing this potentially lethal material. It is also possible to use preprogrammed lighting configurations and create scenes that enhance the characteristics of a room and highlight key features, while setting an appropriate lighting level for certain times of the day or when a room is being used for a specific type of event. Presence detectors will control light levels in corridors based on occupancy, gradually dimming or increasing the lights based on natural light levels and switching the lights off after a set time. Furthermore, zone-by-zone or even luminaire-by-luminaire control is achievable and LED luminaires also have the ability to be integrated with building management systems. Welfare state The benefits of lighting control extend beyond energy efficiency. Controllable, adaptable lighting systems create more comfortable environments for people, leading to more productive working experiences and improvements in attention span, concentration and behaviour. According to the Building

Research Establishment (BRE), people in Europe spend around 90% of their time indoors and it is therefore clear that putting mental health and wellbeing front and centre is vital. As well as having a negative effect on an individual’s mood and stress levels, poor quality lighting can cause eyestrain, migraines and headaches, lethargy, irritability and low levels of concentration. A human centric lighting solution can support the circadian rhythm by automatically changing tone and colour – from warm white to daylight – in tune with any available natural light. It also takes into account the time of day, the position of the sun and even the time of year, all of which can improve productivity, create highly motivated personnel and lead to less absence through illness. Forward motion It’s no secret that the cost of energy is set to rise even higher over the next few years. Furthermore, it is clear that a much tougher line is being taken to encourage businesses to reduce their use of energy and unless there is a decrease in the overall levels of CO2 being produced, there will be more regulation to come. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about the solutions for energy efficiency in buildings, visit: www.rdr.link/WN013

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER MARCH / APRIL 2020 37

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LIGHTING Venture Lighting’s Product Manager, Jack Crowch, discusses why it is important to understand exactly what a company means by its ‘Product Design’ practices and gives pointers for customers looking to move to more sustainable, higher quality lighting solutions whilst remaining affordable.

DESIGN AND CONQUER

roduct design is the efficient generation and development of ideas through a process that leads to new products. The term ‘Product Design’, however, can be overused and somewhat misleading in an age of importing.

History Venture Lighting have been a trusted manufacturer in the lighting industry for over 35 years. Quality has always been the mantra of what we do. We hold a responsibility to the consumer when we place anything onto the marketplace, understanding this, we pride ourselves on selecting a body of products based upon extensive, considered research, testing and evaluation. With the introduction of LED technology the industry saw a fantastic range of innovative product designs. As this technology advanced we have seen huge improvements in performance along with a dramatic decrease in cost. Indeed it has been an exciting time! However, when in an industry with low barriers to entry and minimal regulation, exists a 'race to the bottom' culture. We seem to be reaching a point, where the economies of scale are so large we are no longer seeing cost reductions in the raw components and materials. When prices continue to fall the only explanation for this is that importers are now starting to remove quality to keep continually reducing costs. This continual need to

reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage is now having a detrimental effect on the overall quality of the products flooding the marketplace. “The bitterness of product failure lingers for longer than the sweet taste of product discount.” A sentiment we uphold during our product evaluations. Performance We now live in a sustainable age, where net zero and carbon emissions are necessities. Lighting still accounts for 6% of all carbon emissions. This can be greatly reduced by specifying efficient products. Efficacy is an easy way of comparing the performance of a product, however to really get the most from product design this must be paired with first-rate lumen maintenance. Other factors worth consideration are optical control, flicker free drivers, colour rendering and colour shift. These can greatly reduce energy usage and improve comfort to the consumer. Warranty and reliability Our quality-focused approach has resulted in us removing our three year warranted products from our offering. LED technology has huge maintenance perks compared to lamps that had to be replaced regularly. This advantage is not being utilised with three year products, needing to replace the entire fitting after just 30,000 hours. This is costly, tiresome and an inefficient use of time. Whereas, with 100,000 hour rated products you have over a decade

before having to think about replacing, and by this point you will most likely welcome the new technology that will have inevitably developed. Ease of install Wanting to instil trust into our customer comes from attention to detail with product design. Offering an easier install naturally improves the user experience, time efficiency and overall labour costs. We make a conscious effort to get feedback from installers to improve our product development by adding benefits such as different mounting options, quick install gear trays and loop in loop out terminals. The future Lighting is changing from being seen as a commodity item and there are endless benefits to utilising smart lighting and smart controls. Smart controls are instrumental in all of our new product launches. Basic energy monitoring is the simplest step when exploring smart controls, however this is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider adding other Bluetooth networks and creating a truly smart working environment. People now spend 90% of their time indoors, lighting can play a huge part in a person’s wellbeing with help from dynamic lighting solutions to match our circadian rhythms. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Venture Lighting, visit: www.rdr.link/WN014

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LIGHTING

It is just four months since Ovia was officially launched as an independent lighting company within the Scolmore Group and feedback from the industry has been positive. Mike Collins, Ovia Sales Director, talks about the company’s early success.

A SHINING LIGHT

e set ourselves an ambitious challenge right from the beginning. From a starting point in May, we gave ourselves just six months to research and develop a comprehensive range of lighting and lighting control products. The key focus during this time was to get as much market research as possible done, which included engaging with the contractor/end user to ensure we had the right range of products ready for launch. They told us they wanted a broad range of lighting products that are quick and easy to install and will save them time and money on any given project. We felt that we were hitting the market at the right time to fill a gap for a broad spectrum of entry level lighting products that are competitively priced and that offer a range of unique features and benefits, and are unmatched by competitors. By the time of the official launch in

November last year we had a collection of more than 400 products and had established an experienced sales team to help deliver them to market. The products were developed to cover a wide range of applications – domestic, amenity, commercial, industrial, utility and floodlighting – and we have since added a whole new emergency lighting collection.

40 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Feedback We’ve got some fantastic products in the collection and had a great opportunity to get some feedback from the industry when we took them to ELEX at Sandown in November and at Alexandra Palace in January. The most common reaction was that contractors felt they were being listened to and we were bringing out products that cater directly for them. We’ve had some great comments. A couple of contractors were praising the Ovia Inceptor Nano integrated LED downlight, which they have found ideal for jobs where there has been a tight ceiling void and said they wished they’d known about Nano before. Another described Nano as “bulletproof” and he has fitted thousands. Others have been impressed with the U-Lite, which was one of the products specifically designed on the back of contractor feedback. This is a slimline Linear LED light which comes in three

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lengths and, because it integrates the diffuser and gear tray and anchors them to the base, it guarantees a hassle-free installation. Its design means you can complete your installation without having to fully disassemble the product to mount and wire it – everything you need is pre-fitted to the base. We have invested a lot of time and resource to get the products and the Ovia message out to wholesale customers and contractors and this seems to have been well received. We know that contractors have been requesting Ovia products in the wholesalers as a result of reading about them. Product focus Having added a comprehensive 60-product range of emergency lighting in February, we have also just added two new products with the contractor in mind. The Inceptor Hion LED Dimmable Highbay fitting is now also available in a white finish to sit alongside the black version originally launched. This will widen the appeal of the product and provide installers with more options to satisfy a range of applications. Inceptor Hion comes in two versions, a 0(1)-10V

dimmable and a Microwave Sensor version. Both boast an IP65 and IK10 rating – IK10 is one of the highest degrees of mechanical protection defined by BS EN 62262: 2002 standard. They are each available in three wattages – 100W, 150W and 200W options. They come with 3m pre-installed H05RN-F cable for quick and easy installation and offer a range of features. They are dimmable, deliver a 90 beam angle, offer 54,000 hour lifetime and come with a six year warranty. We have also just introduced a new version of the hugely popular Inceptor EVO LED bulkhead range with white metal housing. Inceptor EVO already offers black metal housings in three styles – Circular, Eyelid and Grille – and the addition of white versions across all three styles will further enhance the appeal of the range and open up more opportunities for installers looking for a particular look and finish for different applications. Wholesale channel New product development will continue to be a key part of our strategy this year. The OVIA team will continue to engage with contractors throughout 2020 via attendance at some of the industry’s leading events including ELEX and NICEIC Live, as well as through its dedicated YouTube channel SGTV. This is where valuable insight and feedback is gained to help shape the product development programme and will ensure that the wholesaler has access to those products that their customers want. We would like to see OVIA as the one stop shop for contractors for all their lighting solutions, delivered through the reliable wholesaler channel. Our aim is to have products from the OVIA range listed with supporting wholesalers, and we will be working to generate further demand from the specification teams working on major projects. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, contact OVIA on 01827 300640, sales@oviauk.com or visit: www.rdr.link/WN015

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LIGHTING AdobeStock_duncanandison

Every electrical wholesaler is unique, representing a broad and diverse local customer base. One thing that they all have in common is the love for an innovative product. This is precisely where Unilite steps up to the plate, with innovation at the forefront of all product development.

BLAZING INNOVATION

ne range that has caught the eye is Unilite’s two new compact work lights, the HX800R and HX1500R. With a number of different features, they are great additional sellers on a trade counter or on the shelf. Both products are tough, constructed of ultra-strong polymer with a rating of IK07 shock resistance against incoming impact and are 2m drop resistant. This alone ensures the light is protected, meaning fewer returns and more customer satisfaction at the build quality of the light. In addition to this, an IP65 dust and water protection ensures no foreign substances enter the work lights, again a nod to superior build quality and survivability. In addition, the inclusion of a magnetic base allows it to be placed in any elevated metallic position.

Quality test Of course with all work lights, the most important factor is the quality of the light

produced. Both the HX800R and HX1500R have strong dual LEDs, with a flood light and a spotlight feature. This flexibility ensures the customer has a light for any situation. Their max lumen outputs are built into their names, with 1500 lumen and 800 lumens being their top lighting outputs. These are all dimmable, ensuring a flexible extension of runtime when required. As ever, consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase, with more and more looking for sustainable solutions, rather than a throw away item. Rechargeable battery products are 20 times better for the environment than disposable batteries and are also better for customer pockets, with lower lifetime running costs. As such, rechargeable work lights are becoming the go to lighting solution. The HX800R & HX1500R both contain strong rechargeable batteries that are charged with Type-C USB leads, which are more convenient and are becoming the future, replacing traditional micro-USBs.

42 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Marketing reach As a business, Unilite is heavily pushing both lines with an increasing amount of coverage on social media, with over 30k followers on Instagram, 22k on Facebook and 19k on Twitter. This provides a great amount of marketing for the range, helping to drive a great level of intrigue for the products and ultimately, sales. On multiple occasions customers walk into their wholesalers with intent to purchase or order one. Even if this drive to purchase isn’t present, there is a great level of awareness of the range, so in stocking it, anyone who walks into the branch will see the light and instantly recognise it. One of the most recent videos from Unilite launched the HX800R and pitted it against three adversaries. It was first tested against a tank which ran over it – the light was still working. The second was being shot by a shotgun and it survived. The only way to deactivate it was with C4 explosives! This video was well

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was first tested against a tank which “ranIt over it – the light was still working. The second was being shot by a shotgun and it survived. The only way to deactivate it was with C4 explosives!

”

watched and helps to reinforce the notion of a ‘tough light’, ultimately driving sales. All Unilite lines, including these two, are packaged in display boxes which are appealing to the eye and look great on a shelf, or hung by their enclosed hook. This, in addition to the product being well laid out in the box, creates a great customer ‘unboxing experience’. All outer packaging is recyclable, which of course is much better for the environment. Wholesale approval Having received feedback from a local electrical wholesaler, they say: “The light is a great seller, loads of our customers have complimented how easy it is to use and the great build quality of it. We’ve suggested it for some of our big contracts and it’s been received well. As it’s a premium product, it gives us a greater profit margin versus a cheaper light.” The HX range exudes build quality, from the choice of construction materials to the packaging. This, in addition to the strong marketing support and branding of the lights, ensures the HX range will be a number one seller for all wholesalers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on the range please email: sales@unilite.co.uk or call 01527 584344, or visit: www.rdr.link/WN016

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LIGHTING

Andrew Wilson at Varilight considers the benefits to installers and their clients of simpler smart home control solutions.

SMART IS SIMPLER

s it just me or does it seem that every month there’s a launch of another smart home control system? There’s certainly plenty of choice in the market but many systems are complicated to install and expensive. Installing complex systems can be a headache, getting even the most experienced of electricians into a tangle. End users that are looking for a comprehensive system capable of controlling their lighting, heating and security devices may consider such a significant investment in hardware and associated installation costs worthwhile. However there’s potentially a much larger market for a cost-effective solution that’s simple to install and expandable. Smart lighting Taking smart lighting control as an example, there is a fundamental choice to be made between smart light bulbs and smart dimmer controls. There’s no arguing that smart light bulbs are simple to install,

so simple in fact that an electrician is unlikely to be involved. However, smart light bulbs remain relatively expensive when you consider that several may be required within each room. For the budgetconscious there are other compromises to be made as well because the cheaper brands tend not to have a full range of lamp types in their range, which restricts the level of control that’s achievable. So there’s a cost argument for choosing a smart dimmer that’s capable of controlling a range of dimmable LED light sources within each circuit, as long as the installer chooses a dimmer that’s less expensive than buying several smart lamps and one that is inexpensive to install. What should an installer look out for to ensure they are missing out on business by selecting systems that add unnecessary costs? One of the drawbacks of many brands of smart dimmer controls is that they require a neutral connection and in most cases this requires a rewire, with its associated costs and disruption. Further costs are also incurred if a hub is required in addition to the router to connect a smart dimmer to the internet and enable control from an app. Although most apps are free, some brands may require customers to pay for certain features and functionality. Of course it’s also

important to select a brand that manufactures dimmers that can be relied upon to dim LED lighting successfully. Also the ease with which the installer and end user can get access to technical support should be factored in. Installer simplicity At Varilight our focus is on simplicity both for the installer and the end user. Our new V-Pro Smart LED dimmer is easy to retro-fit because it doesn’t require a neutral connection, it only needs a live and switched-live connection just like a normal dimmer. It doesn’t require an additional hub either, communicating instead directly with the router. The dimmer can be controlled from a smart phone or tablet using a totally free app offering Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration. It’s driven by our LED dimming technology so installers can be confident of compatibility and our award-winning customer service team are at the end of the phone to provide support if required. A new generation of simpler smart control systems are starting to become available and opening the door to new opportunities. In making the case for simpler systems to electricians, there is an opportunity for wholesalers to develop the market and gain extra business, supplying smart home controls to a much wider demographic. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the smart lighting systems and controls, visit: www.rdr.link/WN017

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LIGHTING

HIGH

efined by BSi as ‘the generic term for equipment that provides illumination in the event of failure of supply to the normal lighting’, emergency lighting is a complex area that generally requires a degree of additional wiring and expertise. These days, all new builds have emergency lighting installed during construction – with design and type specified by an electrical engineer to meet Building Regulations and Local Authority requirements – but each site still has its own unique needs. To support the general lighting in case of emergency, it’s important

Fact File: Company address: Red Arrow Electrical Distribution, Elsworth House, Herries Road South, Sheffield, S6 1QS Telephone: 0800 195 0006 Website: www.redarrowtrading.com Company vision: Red Arrow Electrical Distribution is a manufacturer and distributor of quality, competitively priced lighting and electrical products to the wholesale industry. We are committed to providing an excellent sales and customer service experience, whilst providing a wide range of quality products at very competitive prices. We build strong, long-term relationships with suppliers ensuring quality and continuity of product supply and ongoing product development.

to address the differing levels of light required for varied needs and uses to ensure the appropriate amount of emergency lighting is installed. Alongside different lighting specifications, risk assessments should also be carried out regularly, particularly if the structure or usage of a building changes. Failure to implement this legal requirement can result in many long-term problems, lengthy site revisits, increased workloads and costly repairs. It’s also worth remembering that all those involved in designing, installing and manufacturing emergency lighting systems are responsible for complying to fire safety assessments and legislation, making the IET Electricians Guide to Emergency Lighting, BS 7671, BS 5266 and EN1838 essential reads for contractors installing emergency lighting. Relating to hotels, clubs, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, colleges, licensed premises, offices, museums, shops and

46 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

AdobeStock_ Murrstock

All commercial and industrial premises require mandatory emergency lighting, but with many businesses below standards due to poorly maintained or insufficient products, uptake is still not where it needs to be. Here, we look at how Red Arrow Electrical Distribution is helping contractors install sufficient and reliable emergency lighting. multi-storey dwellings, this focuses on: Installing emergency lighting in accordance with regulatory requirements ● Testing the system ● Maintain ongoing inspection and necessary updates ●

What are the options? According to the BSi guide to emergency lighting, there are two main types of emergency lighting: Emergency escape lighting Part of the fire safety provision of a building and a requirement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, this provides illumination for the safety of people leaving a location. Escape route lighting must be sufficiently lit to enable swift and safe evacuation of a building by illuminating its escape routes, such as corridors and stairways.

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LIGHTING

●

LED Emergency Maintained Exit: Available with a three-hour emergency duration and IP20 rating. Ideal for offices, schools and hospitality. Emergency LED Twin Spot: With a lightweight polycarbonate body for easy mounting and installation, this is designed for commercial sites, warehouses and retail units. Sentinel Emergency: Lightweight and compact, these professional emergency downlights are perfect for locations where higher EM illuminance is required

Standby lighting Although not a legal requirement, standby lighting is often installed to enable normal activities to resume in the event of failure in the normal mains supply. However, it should be noted that as this type of

It is also worth “remembering that all emergency lighting is normally handled by Generators or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), battery-based products are not suitable alone. ● LED Emergency Maintained Recessed Lighting: Perfect for leisure centres and hospitality, this lighting is available in 25W LED, with a 297 lumen output and an emergency duration of three hours. With a range of exit signs, twin spots, popular bulkheads and downlights with specially designed escape route optics, Red Arrow says it is the expert at providing emergency lighting, while supporting the growing demand that contractors are facing.

those involved in designing, installing and manufacturing emergency lighting systems are responsible for complying to fire safety assessments and legislation...

”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about Red Arrow, visit: www.rdr.link/WN018

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LIGHTING

BULKING SEASON The word bulkhead might make you think of a wall in a ship, or the inside of an aeroplane – however, when it comes to lighting, the term ‘bulkhead’ refers to a very specific type of light. Here, GreenBrook Electrical looks at the many applications of this versatile light, so you can give your customer a solid recommendation.

his style of luminaire (first used at the beginning of the 20th century) provided good waterproof lighting to the partitions that divided the hull of a ship, and due to their effectiveness on the boats, the bulkhead light was adopted as an efficient lighting solution for general lighting use in all industrial installations.

Modern applications In today’s world the bulkhead luminaire is still used within these settings and now provides a robust style of lighting for most outside areas and large indoor spaces. You will find these are now most often used in commercial and industrial areas where multiple fittings are required such as car parks, community pathways, corridors in offices, schools, community centers and hospitals. These tough fittings offer a significant light output and look stylish but are

designed to be tough enough to withstand the elements (including dust and water) and even acts of vandalism. These fittings are also favored as the LED versions are extremely cost effective and you can quote around a 75% energy saving over fluorescent lamps. As these products are easily wall or ceiling mounted, whilst being durable and energy efficient, the standard round LED bulkhead has an IP65 rating making it ideal for bathrooms, cloakrooms or kitchens. Safe and secure Bulkhead luminaires are also a useful security addition to the outside of domestic properties too and are great for garage lighting and for making dark garden pathways safer and easier to navigate. Bulkhead LEDs used for commercial and industrial applications often offer additional features such as motion detectors, photocells and emergency options. Every commercial building has a specific requirement for emergency lighting, the role of which is to take over

48 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

from the normal lighting provision in the event of a power failure. Bulkheads help to aid the evacuation of people by illuminating corridors and external areas leading to places of safety. Emergency fittings should have emergency operation duration of at least three hours. From an installer’s point of view – useful points to consider when fitting these products is that they offer quickconnect terminals, 20mm cable entry points (for the contractor to run conduit) and easily accessible gear trays. As these items are often installed multiple times for one job – these options help with the speed of installation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

GreenBrook offers a selection of standard and emergency luminaires and will be launching a new range in June this year. Find our more by visiting: www.rdr.link/WN019

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TRAINING

ACADEMIC SUCCESS The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) has launched a lighting specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Recognition service aimed at improving knowledge for all in the industry.

he CPD for training and seminars has always been important to the lighting industry, but with all the changes in modern day lighting this audience for lighting related CPD has now got much bigger. The LIA recognises the importance of the quality of the CPD, but also that some generic CPD offers often don’t provide the specialist lighting knowledge that may be needed. Lighting Industry Academy Since launching the Lighting Industry Academy, the LIA has been accepted by the University of South Wales as Academic partners and now delivers the HNC and HND in Lighting Design and Technology. Alongside this Academic accolade the LIA has also built an extensive portfolio of new and redeveloped lighting courses, all meeting the highest quality standards and following academic best practice. Having established a leading role within lighting education, the LIA is keen that the industry further benefits from the successes

of the Academy and is pleased to be in the position to provide this service for the industry, their supply chain and contractors. The CPD service can be recognised at one of three levels: ● The Bronze level provides entry-level recognition of CPD for events, seminars, briefings or less formal training as a lighting-related activity and assigns CPD hours to its completion. ● The Silver level applies a quality check of formal learning materials that are generic or non-lighting specific, or where technical content is provided by the manufacturer. ● The top Gold level provides a ‘gold-standard’ recognition of high-quality learning within the lighting industry. The LIA has worked closely with Ansell Lighting to use its course on Smart Lighting as a pilot for this new service. As part of that pilot, once recognised, Ansell successfully presented this CPD session as part of the LIA Lighting Academy at 2019’s Lux Live.

“

We see the Academy as a central home for learning, bringing skills and education to the lighting community and we are excited about expanding our offering to include further CPD courses in the future.

”

This CPD material on Smart Lighting has been designed to provide guidance for professionals on the benefits of smart lighting and offer an understanding of the different technologies available. The courses aims being: ● To understand what smart lighting is ● To look at the differences in technologies ● To explain what you might want to detect or measure ● How to measure activity ● What lighting responses you might consider ● How to achieve those outcomes Ansell Marketing Manager, Rachel Morris comments: “As Ansell are Academy Ambassadors, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate with the LIA on their CPD Recognition service. We see the Academy as a central home for learning, bringing skills and education to the lighting community and we are excited about expanding our offering to include further CPD courses in the future.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to find out more about the CPD Recognition service, contact the Academy at: academy@thelia.org.uk or find out more at: www.rdr.link/WN020

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER MARCH / APRIL 2020 51

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TRAINING

EV TRAINING FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLERS

o meet the increasing consumer demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) charge installation points, Premier Training Academy offers two training options to help Electrical Installers make the most of this popular technology. Over the last year, significant changes have been made within the plug-in EV market. Restrictions have been put into place for the future sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles by the Government proposing that the sale of new diesel and petrol cars to be banned in the UK from 2040, along with a release of new policies regarding urban air quality. The Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation provides knowledge to help make the most of the expansion for low-cost alternatives to conventional fuel, as well as being one of the requirements that allows access to the

Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) register and incentives that going electric can provide. Course options: Two day guided learning including practical assessment & online theory exam This City & Guilds course is covered over two days at a Premier Training Academy venue, it is tutor led and gives technology specific knowledge that is required to install EV charging points with confidence. Home learning & one day assessment This course can be undertaken in the comfort of your own home via an online learning platform where the underpinning knowledge is gained along with completing a series of question and answers to reinforce this knowledge. The course aims to help installers take as little time away from planned work schedules,

with only one day required at an assessment centre for the practical assessment and City & Guilds online theory examination. The courses cover: ● Introduction, BS 7671 Section 722 and the IET EV Code of Practice ● Modes of charging, EVSE, restrictions ● Installation practices, risk assessment, earthing, protection, labelling ● On street, commercial & industrial locations ● Inspection, testing, fault finding and maintenance ● Certification & notification to DNO ● Practical assessment and online examination FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Now available at 17 locations across the UK, you can find out more details by visiting: www.rdr.link/WN021

CEDIA TECH SUMMITS PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

CEDIA has announced details of its UK Tech Summits programme, with three events taking place in 2020. These free events will combine educational sessions, practical business developments, product displays, a special keynote, and networking. Tech Summits 2020 details: ● London: Business Design Centre – 31st March ● Edinburgh: GTG Training Centre – 2nd June ● Leeds: Elland Road – 15th October

All three events will include training sessions presented by trade supplier members. For the London Tech Summit at the end of March, AWE, Blustream, LAcosutics, and OneAV are the presenting sponsors. The day will begin with an opening keynote and will then proceed with Blustream focussing on ‘The Battle of Technology in Video Distribution’ and L-Acoustics looking at ‘The Theory and Application for Multichannel Audio Designs.’ Following a free buffet lunch, OneAV will look at ‘The Future of Communication and Smart Infrastructure’ while AWE will present a session on ‘Home Cinema Projector Technologies.’

52 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Visitors will also have the opportunity to network with manufacturers and distributors in between the presentations. These sponsors include Alltrade, Amina, AWE, Blustream, CIE, Cinema Build Systems, Control4, DbM, Faradite, EventSeries, Future Automation, Gallo Acoustics, Gecko Home Cinema, Genesis Technologies, Habitech, Indigo Distribution, Invision, Kordz, L-Acoustics, Linn, Lithe Audio, Lutron, Mayflex, Monitor Audio, OneAV, Penn Elcom, PMC, Pulse Cinemas, and Videotree. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information, and to book your place, visit: www.rdr.link/WN022

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EDA INSIGHT An update from the Electrical Distributors’ Association

FOSSIL FOOLS In June 2019 the UK committed to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This could well mean business opportunities for the electro-technical wholesaler. In this issue we are focusing on renewables, one of the EDA’s suite of 12 distance-learning training modules – part of the Product Knowledge Programme. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Professional know-how to drive sales Although each wholesaler business is different, it is estimated that renewables account for around 15% of your sales. Improving your team’s technical know-how through the EDA’s training could unlock additional revenue for your business.

Q1: In which year will the ban of petrol and diesel engine vehicles in the UK take effect? Q2: Name three advantages of a fuel cell. Q3: What is the minimum wind speed that a wind turbine needs to generate electricity? Q4: What should the direction and tilt angle of a PV array be to achieve maximum efficiency? Q5: What is the output voltage of a single PV cell? Q6: What has the better efficacy rating: a 2 W LED or a 50 W high-pressure sodium (SON) lamp?

● ● ● ●

Solar photovoltaic Electrical energy storage systems Electric vehicles Heat pumps Wind turbines Energy conservation

ANSWERS

●

Double accreditation for your peace of mind The EDA Product Knowledge modules are both CPD and City & Guilds Accredited. Test your knowledge Have a go at this quiz sampled from the renewables training Textbook. Check your answers at the end – but no peeking. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

ELECTRICALDA

Q1: 2040. Q2: No moving parts, small, lightweight, hydrogen cells produce water as the waste product. 11 mph. Due south and between 30 degrees and 40 degrees. 0.5 V. The SON with a rating of 120. The 2 W LED has a rating of 100.

●

Q3: Q4: Q5: Q6:

This training module will help your team’s sales potential in:

HOW DID YOU DO? Full marks: fantastic, you’re entitled to call yourself Professor for the rest of the day. 3 - 5 out of 6: not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge? Less than 3: the EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MADE EASY There is plenty of information available at www.rdr.link/WN023 including a downloadable Course Directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules. Alternatively, call: 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk

www.eda.org.uk

Electrical Distributors’ Association

@eda_uk

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PEW PAGE AD _Layout 1 09/03/2020 12:35 Page 1

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N O I T I T E P M O C

A £ 30 0 VO UC H ER FR OM SC OL M OR E!

Scolmore Group has had a busy few months with the launch of a number of new products in its wiring accessories range based on feedback from electrical contractors. To celebrate the launch of its new products, Scolmore is offering a £300 Multi-Store voucher. Here are some of the products wholesalers should be looking out for. Half media plates A new range of half media plates was introduced for contractors looking for a smaller version of the existing media plates. The plates feature a decorative ingot switched double socket outlet with a triple aperture that will allow the installation of any three new media modules to build a plate to suit a variety of installation requirements. With flexibility and quick installation for the end user in mind, the half media plates include a pre-manufactured insert onto the back of the plate to eliminate the need for a mounting yoke. GridPro Media Modules The new media modules are fully compatible with the GridPro range and have been designed to allow a combination of power and media modules within the same plate. These additions will expand the installation of GridPro across an array of applications where some form of media or media and power combination is required – such as education and training facilities, offices, healthcare premises, hotels, conference rooms. Illuminated switches New illuminated blank modules have been added to the GridPro range, as well as a

new accessory plate that allows two single modules or a twin width module to be situated next to two GridPro switches to build a plate specific to hotel requirements. Combining the key card module with two GridPro switch modules with neon on the hotel accessory plates provides a smart, modern and secure solution. The occupier of the room will have an internal switch furnished with etched neon indicator modules that they can switch on and off, for example ‘clean the room’/‘do not disturb’. This will illuminate the corresponding module located outside the room, giving staff a clear indication of the occupant’s requirements. Also new to GridPro is an illuminated switch locator module, which provides a solution for the location of switches in the dark, such as hotel rooms during the night. There are three new modules available each in polar white and black finishes with a blue neon indicator. The 1 and 2 way switches illuminate when the switch is in the OFF position and the double pole switches illuminate when the switch is in the ON position. Key lockable switches and sockets A range of key operated switches and sockets is now available across Scolmore’s vast range of wiring accessories collections, offering contractors and specifiers multiple choice when it comes to

procuring products that have this required additional security feature. Providing the means to lock and unlock the power supply to the sockets and switches makes them ideal in a range of applications where security is of prime importance – such as hotels, schools and care homes, to name a few. With only the key holder able to operate them, this will prevent any unauthorised use of the switch or socket outlets. For further information on the new products, contact Scolmore on: 01827 63454, or visit: www.scolmore.com Scolmore is giving you the chance to win a £300 ‘One4all’ Multi-Store voucher which can be used in over 55,000 stores nationwide and online. Choose to spend your voucher on anything from travel, sports and fitness, restaurants, department stores, activity days and locations, home and garden, hotel and accommodation, music and entertainment – the list goes on!

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win the voucher, visit: www.rdr.link/WN024 and answer the following question correctly: Q. How many media modules can be fitted into Scolmore’s new half media plate? a) Two b) Four c) Three Usual T&Cs apply. Deadline for entry 13/05/20.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER MARCH / APRIL 2020 57

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PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

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. _Lay out 1

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HIKOKI POWER TOOLS ‘Hi5’ FIVE YEAR WARRANTY HiKOKI Power Tools has announced its Hi5 five year extended warranty on its 18V and 36V (Multi Volt) brushless and cordless ranges. The Hi5 warranty scheme covers cordless and brushless tools in its powerful 18V and 36V (Multi Volt) ranges. To secure the Hi5 warranty all you have to do is register the cordless and/or brushless power tools for an extra two years over the already automatic three years from the Heavy Duty three year warranty. Batteries 5.0Ah and over are covered, as well as Multi Volt batteries. As well as 18V tools, the Hi5 Warranty will apply to HiKOKI’s Multi Volt range. www.rdr.link/WN025

C.K. MAGMA TECHNICIAN’S PRO WHEELED CASE AURORA BATPACPRO LED BATTEN When advising customers to replace single or twin fluorescent fittings you can’t go wrong with this high performance, robust, energy saving LED batten. Designed with the installer in mind, it is extremely energy efficient, offers a fast ROI, and is incredibly fast and simple to install. With a simple clip-on diffuser, clip in gear tray, push fit terminals as well as multiple BESA entry points that match traditional fluorescents and knockouts at either end, the BatPacPRO can be a direct replacement for single or twin fluorescent fittings, both in size and output, but with 40% of the energy savings whilst delivering up to 121lm/W. With the option to suspend or surface mount the battens using standing fixings, and an IK rating of 08, this range is suitable for a wide variety of applications, where reliability and robustness is required. www.rdr.link/WN026

Ideal for all terrain use, this wheeled case offers more storage than ever before and will effortlessly transport a fully laden toolkit which, with test equipment and power tools, can top 20kg. With back problems a significant cause of loss of working days for all trades, the C.K Magma Technician’s PRO Wheeled Case has been designed to take the strain, providing quick and easy transportation of a heavy toolkit to any location. Extra storage now includes 50 pockets/compartments, with handy vertical pockets for clear visibility and organisation of tools, with other quality features including: Adjustable straps for easier access to main pocket compartment; lockable zip system for extra security; an extra wide main compartment with a red lining for high visibility; a hard protective divider between tools and test equipment; and a zip down front panel for A4 document storage. www.rdr.link/WN027

FLUKE TIS20+ THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA Fluke has introduced the TiS20+ entry-level thermal imaging camera – the ideal troubleshooting tool for electricians, first line industrial maintenance and HVACR technicians. Fluke IR-Fusion makes the job easier by using a thermal image overlaid on a visual light image to give the full picture of where the issue is before it becomes a problem. Featuring a 3.5” touchscreen – for use in a temperature range of -20°C to +150°C – it is designed to withstand a two-metre drop and is water and dust resistant to IP54, while boasting the longest ever battery life in a Fluke thermal camera (over five hours of continuous use). The TiS20+ is compatible with Fluke Connect, allowing users to record and share thermal images in real time via their smartphones or tablets. Fluke Connect desktop software enables creation of professional reports in minutes while efficiently capturing full radiometric data. www.rdr.link/WN028

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PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

ESP APERTA DOOR ENTRY RANGE EXPANSION ESP is expanding one of its best-selling products – the Aperta EZTAG door entry system – to offer more choice for installers. Offering straightforward installation and commissioning with simple self-contained programming, the EZTAG3 is an IP65rated weatherproof combined access control keypad with proximity tag or pin code activation, accommodating up to 1,010 key tag holders or pin numbers. Users approach the keypad and enter a four digit code or hold a personal proximity tag within a few inches to activate one of the EZTAG3’s two on board relays which activates a door release in separate controlled areas. The EZTAG3 supports two separate lock outputs, as well as fail safe and fail secure locks. It comes complete with 10 tags and features a robust housing with a narrow (45mm x 152mm) footprint allowing installation where space is tight. A new black keypad is also being introduced for the EZTAG3PRO Kit, which offers a complete door entry system in one handy and convenient box. www.rdr.link/WN029

HUDSON LIGHTING WISKA SWA MOUNT TOPPER Hudson Lighting launches an innovative product for mounting WISKA boxes with SWA terminations. The spikes come complete with fixing hardware and allow WISKA's 108, 116 and 308 ranges to be mounted vertically for use for outdoor lighting and speaker installations. The product also has two cable tie loops to secure SWA cables in place. Previously, outdoor boxes were either mounted to a wall, left loose in the ground or the installer would have to cut down and install a wooden stake. This new spike topper is designed around WISKA's range of boxes, marrying perfectly with their fixing holes and bracket with the perfect height for SWA gland termination. Manufactured from PLA and using 3D printing technology, the spikes are eco-friendly whilst remaining robust. www.rdr.link/WN030

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CAMPAIGN NEWS

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Michael Connolly 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.

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FIREANGEL Specification Range – Transforming the future FireAngel’s latest Specification Range is helping to transform the future with a connected solution to fire and CO safety. The products are mains-powered, meet industry standards to ensure compliance for professionals and offer a proven low carbon footprint. The advanced technology used in the range offers maximum protection, while there is the option for installers to create a hybrid network of up to 50 mixed mains and/or battery powered devices. This brand new campaign for 2020 will help installers to make an informed decision when purchasing fire safety products. www.rdr.link/WN031

FORUM LIGHTING Coastal Floodlights For properties that are based in areas prone to sea salt corrosion and other elements, this range of Coastal floodlights should fit the bill nicely. Offering IP65 protection, an easy fit ‘plug in’ gland, a fully adjustable bracket and polycarbonate body with grade 316 stainless screws, the range comes in 20, 30 and 40W options, along with a five year manufacturer’s guarantee. Forum’s latest selection of adverts is sure to help sales at your trade counter this month. www.rdr.link/WN033

60 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Safe isolation of live circuits is still a fundamental safety requirement that some electricians fail to adhere to – creating the danger of electric shocks for those working on site. To help improve safety for installers, IDEAL’s range of Lockout/Tagout devices provides them with the equipment to avoid unintentional energisation of live circuits, as this brand new advertising campaign illustrates. www.rdr.link/WN032

BRACKENHEATH CCT & Dimmable Slim Battens To help improve your lighting sales this month, Brackenheath – a Deta Electrical brand – is promoting its range of CCT & Dimmable Slim Battens to installers through a new advertising campaign. The range features an adjustable temperature from 3,000K to 6,000K, along with adjustable brightness options. Available in 2, 4, 5 and 6ft variants, the products feature an integral driver, ultra slim aluminium body with polycarbonate end caps and is supplied with brackets with an extra-long power lead. The range is suitable for surface and ceiling mounting. www.rdr.link/WN034

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

Stirling Council looks to ESP for access control provision

iam Wilkie, electrical specialist for Stirling Council, has been utilising products from across the Scolmore Group of companies for a variety of recent projects and had no hesitation in choosing ESP’s Aperta video door entry systems for this particular scheme due to the ease of installation and operation. Two products from the Aperta range are being installed – the colour video door entry system and the colour video door entry system with record facility. Liam comments: “I selected these particular kits due to the easiness of installation. They use simple 2 core cabling which makes the installation quick and they always work first time. They look stylish and a choice of a black or white colour for the monitors means we are able to select one to best to suit the tenants’ décor.”

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Features: The door entry systems being installed offer the following features: ●

Care crime scheme As well as the general installation in domestic properties, the door access kits have been utilised as part of the council’s care crime scheme. This is where there is an urgent need to provide security for a particular tenant who may need the reassurance of checking who is at the door before they open it. This is where, according to Liam Wilkie, the speed with which these kits can be installed really makes all the difference. “We get great support from ESP and Scolmore” says Liam. “It’s not just about the great products that can be relied upon, but also the great back up and support service that they offer and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”

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Simple 2 core CAT5 cable installation Single power supply (included) supports monitors and door stations in a flexible combination of up to five devices Clear high resolution colour picture on 7” hands free monitor Quality 2 way audio Record video or still images of visitors (4GB SD card included) Day and Night mode call setting Door release activation button via monitor LED illumination of caller during low light conditions View on demand facility Up to 150m cable (CAT5) distance from monitor to door station

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Door station dimensions 85(W)x165(H)x53(D) mm Indoor monitor in black dimensions 183(W)x185(H)x20(D) mm

It’s not just about the “great products that can be relied upon, but also the great back up and support service that they offer and we look forward to continuing to work with them.

”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about ESP, visit: www.rdr.link/WN035

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

Scolmore provides smart solution for Housing Association’s homes upgrade

he Scottish government is leading the way when it comes to fire safety, with wide ranging proposals calling for consistent, high levels of smoke, heat and CO alarm provision to be applied to all types of housing. In essence, the minimum safety standards currently in place for private rented properties (and under Building Regulations) will be extended to all other tenures including social housing and even existing owner-occupied homes. Effectively, this means the ‘Category LD2’ level of protection includes smoke alarms in principal living rooms and heat alarms in kitchens, in addition to smoke alarms in circulation area on each storey. In addition, a CO alarm will need to be fitted where there is a carbon-fuelled heating appliance (such as boilers, fires, heaters and stoves) or a flue passes through the room. With these minimum standards now extended to all Scottish homes, and compliance required within by February 2021, work is underway to plan the necessary upgrades and source the right products at the right price to meet this new legislation.

Scolmore upgrade Responsible for over 5,000 properties across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, and also responsible for managing a further 600 rental properties through Lowther Homes, its sister organisation, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association has a five year investment plan in place to improve, repair and upgrade its tenants’ homes. As part of this upgrade, it will be installing over 300 kitchens and 200 bathrooms per year and undertaking LD2 smoke detection upgrades to 100% of its properties over a 12 month period. Scolmore was appointed following a competitive tendering exercise to provide a range of products including the new Click Smart Switch Supply to Permanent

Conversion Pack, as well as USB sockets, light switches and pendants from the Click Mode wiring accessories range. The rolling programme to upgrade the properties will see the installation of Click Smart conversion kits where required to save major intrusive works. This will allow speedy and damage-free installation of smoke detectors to the new LD2 standard within dwellings. The conversion kits provide a retrofit smart solution to allow independent control of the lighting circuit, whilst still supplying a smoke detector with constant power. It eliminates the need for timeconsuming and costly channelling and potential lifting of floorboards for access and then the necessary effort to restore everything back to normal. Part of the Click Smart intelligent wiring accessories range, the Switch Supply to Permanent Conversion Pack is supplied in a handy boxed unit which contains all the components required. David Baptie, Investment Manager with Dunedin Canmore, comments: “Using the conversion kits is allowing us to significantly improve the installation times and the efficiency of the installation teams, which in turn means improved cost savings for the project. The fact that they can be fitted with little or no mess or damage within dwellings adds to the overall appeal and time saving factors. We can limit any disruption to our customers’ lives to an absolute minimum.”

62 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

No quibble warranty A key factor in the selection of the Mode range is the fact that it offers a 20 year no quibble warranty that provides Dunedin Canmore with confidence in the products that are being specified and installed. Continues David Baptie: “The range is offering a highly cost-efficient replacement solution for the upgrade work we are undertaking and offers a lot of great features. The new twin USB socket features two USB charging ports which are both capable of delivering 5V 2.1A simultaneously – this allows for optimum charging of two devices at the same time and will be very popular with our customers. The products all carry the BSI Kitemark and have antimicrobial properties. All the switches are modular, which means it is easy to create dedicated or bespoke wiring solutions.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the Scolmore range of accessories, visit: wwww.rdr.link/WN046

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PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

Carl Kammerling FUSION 2020 TRADE PROMOTION Running from 3rd February to 29th May 2020, this trade promotion offers retailer’s fantastic savings on around 208 products from all CKI brands including: C.K, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Jokari, Avit and Kasp. This great selection of products includes proven sellers, core items, plus nine new product launches and 10 excellent value range deals all for a minimum initial order of £300. This package provides customers who sign up with an incremental profit opportunity, as well as high margins and discounts of up to 65% in the UK. Benefits include: • Great sign up incentives: A range of free products dependent on the level of sign up in terms of initial order quantities (Level 1 for £300 initial order value and Level 2 for £600 initial order value). A Promotional Template is also available to highlight Fusion in-store. • No minimum order quantity to allow customers to control the amount of stock needed and alleviate over-stocking in store. This allows customers to try new products they do not usually stock without the risk of having to order big quantities. Mark your order FUS20 to benefit from this promotion. www.rdr.link/WN036

CED AXIOM GARAGE AND SHOWER UNITS The Axiom brand from the CED Electrical Group boasts a comprehensive range of Metal Consumer Units including high integrity boards with a 100A/DP switch and dual RCD, a package of up to 22 free way boards with mains switch or 80A RCD, plus split load boards with mains switch, 80A RCD or both. Finally, there are fully loaded 8, 12 and 18 way boards as well as Garage and Shower Units. Garage Unit options include 3 and 4 way boards with the Shower Unit also 3 way – all pre-fitted with an MCB and 63A RCD. Amendment 3 compliant, this Axiom range has been designed for ease of installation whilst offering a stylish contemporary finish. Quality is assured with RoHS compliance and certification to BS EN61439-3. www.rdr.link/WN037

GreenBrook SOL RANGE GreenBrook fittings are available from 10W – 200W at 90lm/w. Rated IP65, these stylish floodlights are made from die-cast aluminium and tempered glass with clips to further secure the glass, should the glue degrade from being out in the elements. They also feature a handy breather valve to avoid condensation behind the glass. Also available with PIR, featuring manual override, these low energy alternatives are ideal as a value product for all your installations. To help installers, the brackets on this range have a unique angled design allowing easy access for installation. www.rdr.link/WN038

CP Electronics GENB-IR Ideal for corridor and aisle applications, the new GENB-IR from lighting control expert CP Electronics is a long range, narrow beam presence detector that provides savings in installation time and costs. Part of the popular green-i range, the GENB-IR PIR presence detector uses an adjustable PIR ‘curtain style’ lens designed for longer range detection of movement and a head that can be adjusted to any angle between 0-90° to create the required detection pattern. The low profile detector head also locks into position to prevent tampering. These directional PIRs are ideal for mounting in corridors and low bay aisle applications where a long narrow detection pattern is required. This IP40 rated PIR sensor can be easily set up, post installation, with the handy, user-friendly GEFL-HS infrared handset that is available to purchase separately, making set up fast and convenient. Time delay from 10 seconds to 30 minutes and lux settings can also be set using the GEFL-HS handset. www.rdr.link/WN039

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ESP SANGAMO POWERSAVER CONTROLLERS The Sangamo Powersaver Select PSS2 is a Cycle Selectable Timer, which, although primarily used for the control of water heating, can also be used for the control of panel heaters, towel rails or combi boilers. This electronic controller offers a maximum of 10 functions each day according to the programming cycle selected. The Sangamo Powersaver PSB2 is a Boost Runback Timer and although primarily used for the control of water heating, can also be used for controlling panel heaters, security lighting and combi boilers. It is an electronic boost controller with a single button operation, offering three user-selectable boost periods of half hour, 1 hour or 2 hours. An indicator light on the products show the remaining time. www.rdr.link/WN040

SCOLMORE PART M GRIDPRO RANGE The Part M GridPro Frontplates range offers a visually contrasting, flexible range of wiring accessories and will join Scolmore’s comprehensive Part M collection, which has been designed and developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution to assisted living requirements. The new GridPro additions comprise 1gang, 2-gang, 3-gang and 4-gang standard switch plates. These new frontplates join the growing Part M range which also comprises 1-gang, 2-gang and 3-gang wide rockers. With ease of visibility in mind, these wide rockers are an ideal choice for assisted living installations and to aid with Part M compliance. Completing the Part M line-up is the locating plug socket originally which is designed to assist people with impaired vision or poor hand to eye coordination to more easily insert a plug into a socket. www.rdr.link/WN042

64 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

SWITCHTEC ENCLOSED SWITCH DISCONNECTORS Switchtec’s NT enclosed switch disconnectors offer improved performance at a competitive price. Now being supplied in either GRP or Mild Steel enclosures, the addition of GRP Enclosures to the range offers improved performance and greater product flexibility at competitive prices. Aimed at electrical contractors, panel builders, equipment manufacturers, machine builders and generator set manufacturers, the switch disconnectors provide a solution where general switching duties are required. They are suitable for control switches for multiple circuits and for use in main circuits as load break switches for motors, machines, heating equipment, lighting, ventilation, air-conditioning, generator sets and mains/generator change over duties. Three types of enclosed switch are available, on/off load break, on/off switch fuses and on/off/on change over switches. Fitted with high quality Telergon switches, the packaged enclosures are available in ratings from 32Amps to 1250Amps ex-stock, with other sizes available to order. www.rdr.link/WN041

UNICRIMP LEVER CONNECTORS Suitable for solid, stranded and flexible cable types, these new Unicrimp Q-Crimp reusable lever operated connectors use screwless spring clamp technology, which means there is no need for any tools and that in turn will lead to quicker and easier installation. There are three connectors available – 2 Port, 3 Port and 5 Port and they each feature a test slot which allows the installer to safely test connection with a voltage tester. Unicrimp’s new lever connectors offer installers the benefits of being fast and easy to use, maintenance free installation, permanent secure connections and a conductor range from 0.2 – 4mm. They feature transparent housing and an inspection window for easy testing. The Lever Connectors will be packaged in their own Unicrimp branded individual boxes and will be supplied in box quantities of 100, 50 or 30 units, depending on Want to know more? product/size selected. xxxxxxxxxxx www.rdr.link/WN043

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RED ARROW ‘SMART’ SURFACE MOUNT DOWNLIGHT Harnessing the unique ability of LEDs, Discus has been designed and engineered with features that deliver energy, labour and cost-saving benefits for the user and installer. Amongst the features and benefits of the smart range are: ● Revolutionising LED technology with ingenious features ● Wattage and lumen selectable options for full versatility ● Designed for all types of interior commercial, educational, public and domestic environments ● Preventing over lighting, wasted energy and wholesaler stockholding LED downlights are the most advanced type of downlights available on the market today, providing the clearest and brightest lighting effect while using the lowest amount of energy. But with downlights becoming increasingly popular, contractors are often faced with labour-intensive projects that can involve lengthy ceiling cut outs, disturbing flicker, awkward fittings, complicated screw fixing and unsightly, unattractive blanking rings. However, Red Arrow has developed a

product that offers multiple benefits of retrofitting, energy saving, appearance, lumen output and ease of installation. Saving considerable time, labour and cost when upgrading legacy light source downlights. Flexible usage The new ‘smart’ Discus is unlike most LED downlights available today. Equipped with a smart, fully-adjustable mounting bracket, retaining springs and slide adjustment, Discus is ideal for retrofit applications to replace recessed downlights. With the ability to fit any ceiling cut out between 65mm and 205mm, be mounted onto a suspended or monolithic ceiling and wall mounted, it makes retrofitting a simpler task, while facilitating direct screw fixing. And it is good news for electrical wholesalers too, as only one luminaire instead of three can be held in stock. Add flicker-free lighting from an integral driver with a smooth dimming

option and you have an ultra-smart LED downlight made for all types of interior commercial, educational, public and domestic environments. Plus, with a chamfered ultra-thin profile – only 18mm deep – and an optional satin silver bezel attachment, you can achieve a discreet and aesthetically-pleasing appearance that complements any environment. Smart energy saving The Discus’ energy saving level is next generation. In addition to an 18W dimmable version, the range also includes a wattage selectable option with a discreet switch that can set the wattage to 10W, 15W or 18W. As well as saving energy, this switch can adjust the lumen output too, so you can use the same luminaire in any application. From corridors and waiting rooms to public WCs, the Discus prevents over lighting and wasted energy anywhere. And if these energy-saving features aren’t enough, some of the Discus range also have an integral PIR motion sensor with photocell override. Ideal for stairwells, corridors and storage rooms, this ensures that it only turns on when an area is occupied and turns off after a short time delay. And for places with ample daylight, the photocell override ensures that Discus only turns on when the area is occupied, without enough natural light, saving the user even more energy and money. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Discus is available to buy now, to find out more, visit: www.rdr.link/WN044

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SOAPBOX

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE TECH Sean Miller, Electrician Programme Manager at Schneider Electric, explains how new legislation for the private rented sector could offer electricians and wholesalers a profitable business opportunity.

he government has committed to new legislation that will require electrical installations in the private rented sector to be inspected and tested at least every five years. Landlords will need to hire qualified electricians to carry out this work, and will face fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance. Prevention is the best cure and this legislation is set to ensure that safety is upheld by all landlords in the private rented sector. When it comes to fires, much attention has been given to building design, rules and procedures to ensure property and staff are protected once the fire has started. However, by that stage it is already too late for most properties. Fire directly endangers life and property. It’s not enough to have a fire response plan – it is necessary to have a comprehensive fire prevention strategy that utilises the latest technologies for fast detection and rapid response. Trailblazing technology A fire can spring from many sources. Current standards do a good job of ensuring properties are properly defended against fires created by overcurrent caused by overloads and short circuits. However, electrical fires can also result from mistakes made during the installation process, namely loose cabling or aging circuits that will not be detected by overcurrent protection. Indeed, a defective or worn insulation is the cause of 14% of all electrical fires in buildings.

Protection against insulation faults within cables can be assured by residual current devices (RCD), which are triggered by earth leakage currents exceeding 300mA. Additionally, final circuits in critical locations (as recommended in IEC 60364), should be protected by an arc fault detection device (AFDD). This is a circuit breaker that automatically cuts off the electricity supply when it detects an arc fault in the circuit. By immediately stopping the supply, AFDDs stop arc faults from reaching temperatures where fires can break out.

The danger of landlords only performing the bare minimum to protect their buildings is that, should a fire start from a source they haven’t accounted for, the loss and disruption to property could be devastating. For maximum protection, individuals need reliable, innovative products that excel past the minimum standards to prevent a fire from starting in the first place. The pending legislation will add to this safety from the start. It will require landlords to use qualified electricians when installing, repairing and maintaining systems, benefitting both landlords and tenants by mitigating electrical issues. The risk of cable insulation faults grows over time and the consequences can be severe. Low-intensity arc faults are more likely to occur in humid, dusty environments, causing injury and deadly fires if precautions aren’t taken.

66 MARCH / APRIL 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Business sense The announcement also represents an opportunity for electricians to get more work and grow their skills. Moving forward, we expect to see more electricians securing long running contracts with landlords, across multiple properties to meet the ongoing demand. This will go hand-in-hand with ensuring tenants feel safe where they live. Fire is never an inevitability. When you follow the right approach to electrical fire prevention with the best tools, a fire can be put out before it even has a chance to begin. The government announcement is a great first step in improving safety standards across the entire sector and ensuring all properties receive the qualified attention they require. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Schneider AFDDs, download the BEAMA guide from its website at: www.rdr.link/WN045

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Carl Kammerling Int Ltd............................................................ (page 7)

G H Lucas & Co. Ltd .............................................................. (page 50)

CEE Norm UK .......................................................................... (page 25)

Greenbrook Electrical ............................................................ (page 18)

CEE Norm UK........................................................................... (page 53)

Illumino Ignis .............................................................................. (page 9)

Channel Safety Systems ...................................................... (page 33)

Lasnek ...................................................................................... (page 49)

Countrywide Electrical Dist Ltd/CED .................................. (page 21)

Linian Supply Co Ltd .............................................................. (page 49)

C-TEC Ltd .................................................................................... (page 6)

National Ventilation Ltd ........................................................ (page 29)

DETA Electrical Co Ltd ............................................................ (page 11)

Niglon Ltd ................................................................................ (page 53)

Digital Direct Security ............................................................ (page 43)

Ovia Lighting ............................................................................ (page 13)

Di-Log Test Equipment..............................................................(page 3)

Prefect Controls Ltd .............................................................. (page 59)

Doyle & Tratt Products Ltd/Varilight .................................... (page 41)

Scolmore International Ltd...................................................... (page 8)

ELEX .......................................................................................... (page 38)

Scolmore International Ltd .............................. (outside back cover)

EIC .............................................................................................. (page 56)

Steinel UK Ltd .......................................................................... (page 47)

Elite Security Products Ltd/ESP............................................ (page 21)

Super Rod Ltd .......................................................................... (page 15)

Emergency Lighting Products Ltd ...................................... (page 55)

Switchtec Ltd .......................................................................... (page 50)

Ferroli Ltd.................................................................................. (page 59)

Unicrimp Ltd ............................................................................ (page 29)

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd.............................. (inside front cover)

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

In the next issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler...

■ CIRCUIT PROTECTION

PLUS! Competitions, giveaways, product launches, special reports and much more!

■ SECURITY PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2019

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES The latest innovations you need to know about

ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES What’s in your Christmas stocking?

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

FIRE & SAFETY

AIR COOLING & VENTILATION

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

CSR – how you can play your part

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020