Professional Electrician & Installer January 2020 by Hamerville Media Group

TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

JANUARY 2020

SPECIAL REPORT WHY THE E5 GROUP AIMS TO LEAD THE WAY IN 2020

TECHNICAL & TRAINING LED LIGHTING: HOW TO FIX FLICKER AND GLOW

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS & VIEWS ● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● GIVEAWAYS ● NEW PRODUCTS AND MORE…

Total Average Net Distribution: 71,632 Certification period 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

January 2020 Volume 36 No.1

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

NEWS

24 MK ELECTRIC 100 YEARS 27 ELEX ALEXANDRA PALACE PREVIEW 30 THE CODEBREAKERS 42 MADE 2 MEASURE 56 CAPTAIN C-TEC 60 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

News & Views 17

Why the electrical grid has the potential to be ‘smarter’ than ever in the future

Special Report 21 We profile a group that will be making more waves in the electrical industry in 2020

Why Tata Steel’s innovation room has benefited from some lighting inspiration

Products & Business Solutions

Digital Digest

45 Why is the CRI so important to

77 Karen Boom explains why you

commercial lighting installations?

46 How one electrical contractor is now

Technical & Training 33 How to determine Zs values for a lighting circuit

able to prove that its data cable terminations are right -– first time

48 Infrared heating: facts vs fiction

36 AFDDs and the 18th Edition 38 How to deal with scenarios where an existing installation may comply with an earlier version of BS 7671, but not the current edition

for contractors

small screen

79 Profiling the newest App and website launches

Camera from PE’s social channels

cities of tomorrow

53 Cable management specification: top tips

54 We review Super Rod’s ‘Hall of

43 A look at the latest training courses

78 The latest video releases to hit the

80 An extra helping of Caught on 50 Why smart lighting could shape the

41 LED lighting: how to fix glow and flicker

should join a ‘social club’ this year

Fame’ event

57 Are you correctly protecting your ears at work?

Competitions & Giveaways 28 WIN Some great goodies are up for grabs this month

What training is on offer this month?

62 Jeff Jones gets more use then he expected from the Van Vault Slider

64 Norman Bradshaw gets his hands on Hamilton’s Hartland G2 accessories

66 Rounding-up the latest new products and additions to the electrical market

The IDEAL solution for terminating cables?

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 3

@proelectrician

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Digital Manager RUTH WILLIAMS email: rwilliams@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant REBECCA MCGEOCH Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER Design ADEEL QADRI Production Assistant KERRI SMITH Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Managing Editor TERRY SMITH Publisher BRYAN SHANNON Printed by: WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH Published by: HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF Tel: 01923 237799 Fax: 01923 246901 Email: pe@hamerville.co.uk PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry. It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK. © 2020

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available at the following rates: UNITED KINGDOM 1 year (11 issues) — £30 post paid EUROPE and OVERSEAS 1 year (11 issues) — £50 post paid AIRMAIL 1 year (11 issues) — £65 post paid

Image References (Adobe Stock): Front Cover Light in tunnel © Kupan Plix Pg 6 More info © Momius Pg 17 Power station © Thanavut Pg 18 No CO2 © Olivier Lemoal Pg 50 Smart city © ThisSatan Pg 54 Red carpet © Dampoint

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

Editor’s Viewpoint

Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Anything is possible in 2020 hough it would be very easy to dedicate our opening Viewpoint of 2020 to the results of the December election, the non-stop nature of the printing press means that this month’s issue had gone to press by the time the final result was in. We’ll have comment and more reaction in the next issue of the publication. Instead, a far worthier subject matter is going to be given centre stage this month: Sam Goodbody, a profoundly deaf 21-year-old apprentice, has been highly commended at a national construction ceremony and hopes it will inspire other young people with hearing loss to take up a career in the industry. Sam was recognised during the Youth Builder of the Year ceremony at the House of Commons. The awards celebrate the achievements of young people, who despite having to overcome a range of barriers, have succeeded in gaining employment in the construction industry. Sam’s entry, put forward by Lovell London, was singled out from hundreds of entries. He is thought to be one of only a handful of profoundly deaf people working on a construction site in the UK, an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact he’s training on one of the biggest regeneration construction sites in South East London – Trinity Walk in Woolwich. Lovell’s Training Advisor, Sophia Bruce, has played a significant part in Sam’s opportunity and was determined to do all she could to make it work for him on-site. Sophia said: “Fom a health and safety point of view it needed all the team on-site buying into his situation – not just Lovell staff, but our subcontractors. We had a series of meetings before Sam started at Trinity Walk, to prepare for him

being on-site, including a special alarm system being installed.” Sophia added: “Being deaf and working on a very busy construction site has meant we had to put in a number of provisions to enable Sam to work safely on-site, including arranging a ‘buddy’ when working away from the site office. We also had his high visibility jacket clearly marked ‘Deaf’ – not to single him out – but to highlight his hearing loss and make other co-workers aware of any potential issue.” Commenting on his success at the awards, Sam said: “I was surprised to be nominated for an award, but I was delighted when I found out I was highly commended, and it made me feel very proud. I hope other young people in similar circumstances to me will feel that they can follow their dreams if they have the support.” Sam added: “When I have completed my apprenticeship, I aim to qualify as an electrician and continue working in the construction industry. I want to thank all my colleagues who have supported me over the last two years.” Sam's story is an inspiring one, and offers an important message that we could all heed going into 2020 – anything is achievable if you are all responsible and work as a team – whether that’s on-site or in an office. For Sam, with his hearing disability, to feel safe and confident in his work on-site, is a testament to both his colleagues and Sam himself. It’s also an example that all of our politicians would do well to look at and learn from, regardless of who will be governing the country the next time this column lands. Have a good January and we’ll look forward to seeing some of you at ELEX Alexandra Palace later this month.

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 5

RDR.LINK

WWW. RDR.LINK: how to use pe’s ENQUIRY SERVICE Never ones to rest on our laurels, we've updated our reader enquiry service to help you to get to the product, business or technical information you require, quickly and efficiently.

LOST YOUR BACK ISSUE OF PE? FEAR NOT! Introduced on the PROFESSIONAL back of long-term ELECTRICIAN & INSTALLER public demand, TOP PRODUCTS 2019 and ensuring that there's no need to panic if you've misplaced a recent issue, you can now XMAS GIVEAWAYS access a digital copy of your favourite magazine directly from our website. All you need to do is click on the 'Magazine' tab on our website, and you can view the past month's issue in digital format, complete with clickable links to take you to further information about products and articles you're interested in. Don't forget to also sign up for our FREE weekly e-newsletter while you're there, delivering the latest stories from www.professional-electrician.com directly to your inbox every week. TO

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6 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

How to use rdr.link On certain pages you may read: “To download a technical data sheet for this product, visit: www.rdr.link/EL001” (or similar). Simply enter www.rdr.link/ with the unique 5 digit code into a browser and it will take you directly to the mentioned resource – in this case the product data sheet. Alternatively, you can log directly on to www.rdr.link and type in any of the codes from the magazine into the main search box. You’ll then be directed to the supporting content or resource that you’re looking for. There's a tremendous array of online supporting aids out there for electricians, so our aim is to help to point you in the direction of the best ones without making you do the thinking yourselves. To that end we hope the new system will prove popular. But don’t just take our word for it; give it a try for yourself this month!

EE FR

What is rdr.link? With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need, quickly and efficiently. To ensure you don’t miss out on those valuable resources, we’ve introduced rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories. Replacing our traditional paper ‘Readerlink’ enquiry card, all readers have to do is type the call-to-action codes located on each page into their web browser and they’ll be taken directly to useful online content – whether that be supporting videos, further product information, white papers, technical downloads and more. It’s a simple, direct route to the relevant information online, as an alternative to searching around and trying to find out more via a search engine.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR

THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

DECEMBER 2019

WE CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S LEADING LIGHTS

FILL YOUR STOCKING WITH A WHOLE HOST OF GOODIES AND PRIZES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS & VIEWS

● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● TECHNICAL

ADVICE ● NEW PRODUCTS AND MORE…

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Business owners forced to stop paying employees due to late payment Nearly half of small business owners and Managing Directors (47%) had to stop their own pay due to the impact of unfair payment practices by their buyers, according to new survey findings from engineering services trade bodies ECA and BESA. Overall, three-quarters of business owners said they had made sacrifices, including reducing their own salary (37%), and cancelling company training and learning activity (23%). Over one in three (36%) say they have struggled to pay business taxes due to payment issues. Alarmingly, almost 1 in 10 employers (7%) were forced to pay their own staff late – an action which can have devastating effects on employees, who may then miss mortgage or rent payments as well as other vital overheads such as utilities and loan repayments. ECA Director of Legal and Business, Rob Driscoll, said: “This ground-breaking data shows the truly devastating effects late payment has on the lives of business owners, their staff, their children, and their wellbeing. “With a lack of fair payment directly causing widespread mental health issues, abusive payment practices fundamentally remove the capacity for individuals to

feel purpose or value in a sector which enables £540bn GDP within the wider UK economy. The data lifts the lid on the industry’s self-harming commercial behaviour.” The impact of unfair payment practices also had further knock-on effects to businesses. Nearly one in three (28%) said it caused staff morale to drop, while nearly one in six (15%) said it led to a fall in productivity. One in five said they were unable to replace broken equipment as a result. BESA Director of Legal and Commercial Services, Debbie Petford, said: “These figures are a timely reminder that unfair payment practices place significant and unnecessary burdens on owners of construction SMEs and their employees. “Urgent reform is required to prevent companies inappropriately using retentions money owed to smaller businesses down the supply chain to prop up their cash flow. The status quo is

both economically unsustainable and detrimental to the wellbeing of hardworking people in our industry.” The survey also revealed that, as a direct result of late and unfair payment, over nine in 10 business owners in construction are suffering from a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, linked to the actions described earlier.

John Whitfield - 1930-2019 PE is sad to report the death of John Whitfield. Generations of electricians owe a debt of gratitude to John, who died on 28th November, six months short of his 90th birthday. He was a bestselling author of guide books to electrical regulations, in particular the Electrician’s Guides to the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th Editions of the IEE/IET Wiring Regulations. His books have proven invaluable to many over the years, as shown

in the many complementary reviews. John had the amazing ability to make the complex simple. His unique skill in defining the essence of a wiring problem and translating the rules for how to address it, simplified the lives of countless electricians. He will be sorely missed. PE’s condolences and best wishes go out to John's family and friends. PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 9

news

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

Scolmore gets an SOS for Children in Need When DIY SOS: The Big Build BBC Children in Need Special needed a helping hand, it turned to a well-known electrical industry name. With just nine days to complete the transformation of a rundown church hall into a much-needed emergency and accommodation support centre for homeless and vulnerably housed young people, resident electrician Billy Byrne sought the help of Scolmore to supply all the electrical accessories needed to complete the ambitious build. He took a special trip down the M6 to Scolmore’s HQ in the Midlands, where he picked up the supplies. Switches and sockets from Scolmore’s Mode range of wiring accessories, Inceptor Omni integrated fire-rated downlights from OVIA and cable accessories from Unicrimp were all

donated for installation in the new accommodation. DIY SOS celebrated its 20th year recently and Scolmore has been helping out with product donations for a variety of builds for the past 10 years, ever since industry legend, Tony Cable, first introduced the company to Billy Byrne. Billy even took time out to film a segment for Scolmore’s YouTube channel SGTV – giving an insight into the special project.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL001

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

CORGI bolsters electrical technical safety team CORGI Technical Services has announced the appointment of its first electrical technical safety manager, Chris Edwards, who brings 15 years’ electrical experience to the role. Well known in the gas sector, CORGI has been quietly building a reputation for its electrical safety expertise. Chris has joined CORGI to service and expand the business, support existing clients and connect with new customers. He is set to play an active part in the promotion of electrical safety within the industry, conducting training as well as bringing an added-value and partnership approach to electrical safety audits. With a wealth of experience in the electrical sector, before joining CORGI, Chris ran is own electrical installation business, working mainly within the domestic market before moving into a

management role with a local heating company where he was responsible for the contracts for electrical rewires, upgrades and EICR completion for social housing clients. Since 2014, Chris has broadened his skillset working in the rail environment as a Construction Manager, and then as a Commissioning Manager responsible for the quality and assurance on high profile projects such as Crossrail and latterly HS2 Enabling at Euston Station. Bill Paton, Chairman of CORGI Technical Services, said: “Chris’ appointment shows our dedication to strengthening CORGI’s electrical safety division, and with his years of experience and dedication to the job in hand, he was the perfect choice to spearhead the electrical safety team.”

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Ben is SkillELECTRIC 2019 Champion 19 year-old Ben Kidner has been named 2019 SkillELECTRIC Champion following a challenging three-day event at WorldSkills UK LIVE – the nation’s largest skills and careers event. Employed by Rogers Restorations Electrical in Somerset, Ben kept calm under the watchful eye of students, parents, and college representatives at the event where more than 500 apprentices and students competed in over 70 different disciplines – battling to be the best in the UK. He scored consistently high in a complicated task to install a range of first and second fix items, including PVC/PVC surface clipping, plastic conduit and trunking and, in a new challenge to this year’s final, steel conduit and a surface clipped MICC circuit. Judges had to assess how well the competitors performed in areas such as measuring accuracy (within 2mm), horizontal and

vertical alignment, electrical terminations, functionality, containment symmetry, testing and inspection and safe working practices, including PPE application. All finalists in the competition received a two-channel HD CCTV kit from ESP, a professional safe isolation kit from Di-LOG, a goody bag from Unite the Union and workwear from Dickies. As the winner, Ben also bagged an 18th Edition Multifunction Tester from Di-LOG and his college received £500 worth of products from Scolmore Group.

New Chief Exec for ESF Consumer protection charity, Electrical Safety First, has announced the appointment of Lesley Rudd as its new Chief Executive. Lesley currently heads-up the Sustainable Energy Association and has worked for over 30 years in the energy sector. Her wide-ranging experience comes through a variety of roles, encompassing finance, business development, public affairs and communications. Lesley developed her passion for safety while working in the oil and gas industry. “It was during this time that I worked closely with other key members of the sector, to ensure that lessons were learnt from safety incidents and utilised effectively. Becoming Chief Executive of

Electrical Safety First allows me to use my skills to full effect in an area that I’m passionate about and I look forward greatly to joining the team this year.” Lesley – who takes the reins of the Charity from Phil Buckle, who retired at the end of last year – will begin her new role in February.

12 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

e5 founder wins volunteer award

Paul Meenan has been awarded the 2019 IET Volunteer Medal as part of the IET Achievement Awards. The Achievement Medal for major and outstanding contributions voluntarily given to furthering the aims of the IET was awarded for the first time in 2015. The award recognises the importance of volunteers to the IET in its mission to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community. Paul, who is an Asset Manager for c2c railway operators, was recognised for his continuous work to drive and support the professional recognition of electricians working in a safety-critical role. Paul is a Volunteer Professional Registration Advisor, a Continuous Professional Development Reviewer, an Engineering Technician Assessor, and a Professional Registration Interviewer, as well as the founder of the e5 Group. He has become the face of the EngTech Elec for the IET and has travelled far and wide assisting the IET to promote professional registration of electricians and electrical technicians and IET membership, to give them professional recognition and illustrate a commitment to their profession.

COMMENT

"WILL THE SMART GRID OF THE FUTURE BE A SUCCESS?" Luke Osborne, Energy Solutions Advisor at ECA, takes a look at why the electrical grid has the capability to be smarter than ever in the future and how electrical contractors can take advantage of the opportunities this presents. he electrical grid is arguably one of the most complex machines that humans have ever built. But for the last several years, we’ve been pushing it beyond its limits. When the grid as we know it was first built almost 100 years ago, average household demand rarely stretched beyond a few light bulbs and a radio. Power generation was built around small communities and set up as a one-way interaction from utilities to consumers. Although now a vastly larger network, today’s grid is lagging behind 21st century demands. In most developed countries, grids now operate at full capacity most of the time. To survive the next 100 years, the world’s grids will have to get a lot smarter. Luckily, the technology to make a smart grid possible is now coming to the fore, all the way from turbine to socket.

Old grid, new tricks During peak demand, typically when kettles across the country are switched on after the working day, utilities will activate

additional (often less efficient) power plants to keep up. This also means energy is costlier and less environmentally friendly to deliver at these times. The success of the smart grid hinges on the proper deployment of new technologies on both sides of the meter. If used correctly, the smart grid will start to introduce a two-way interaction between utilities and consumers, where the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, battery storage, renewable energy and falling prices can converge to help us manage our electricity needs. Talking machines Having taken much of the industrial world by storm, the IoT has made data ubiquitous. More installations than ever are fitted with sensors that communicate with engineers, and each other, about how much power they’re using, when they're using it, and how much it is likely to cost. In an ideal future, smart homes will communicate with the grid via robust and secure protocols known as the Smart Meter-Wide Area Network (SM-HAN). Utilities

can then provide consumers with much better information to help manage their bills. Within the smart home, a Consumer Home Area Network (C-HAN) will connect smart appliances, thermostats, and other electric devices to an energy management system through the IoT. Smart devices and appliances will adjust their run schedules to reduce electricity demand on the grid at critical times and lower consumers’ energy bills. These devices can be controlled or scheduled over the internet, or through a smartphone. Self-healing powers To keep the lights on, utilities have typically relied on manual switching and complex distribution schemes across the grid. Any break in this system caused by bad weather or sudden changes in demand can lead to outages. Using Artificial Intelligence to act on data shared over the IoT, the smart grid will effectively be self-healing in the case of an outage. Faults will be automatically detected, and distribution will be rerouted and restored.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 17

COMMENT

This ‘distribution intelligence’ can also be used to predict and manage electricity usage (with the cooperation of consumers sharing their data), ultimately leading to lower production costs. Super substations A vital part of the smart grid is the smart substation, without which we would be left with a relatively ‘dumb’ energy system. Since 2003, the IEC 61850 Power Industry Communications standard has continued to develop. This is an Ethernet-based international standard, enabling communication in power generation facilities and substations. The Standard has been critical in providing enhanced, high-speed protection, through interlocking and intertripping, control, and monitoring functions via Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs). Substation Configuration Language (SCL) is employed under IEC 61850, allowing information to be exchanged throughout the power network, regardless of whether each device is made by a different manufacturer. A smart low carbon combination We should also consider the Government’s ambitious 2050 Net Zero Carbon target. While this is a potentially massive

undertaking it won't be achievable without a smart grid, properly supported by renewable energy and battery storage. Increasingly, UK renewable energy delivers the cheapest, lowest carbon electrical energy available to the grid. By itself that would be impressive, but renewables and energy storage together offer a winning combination, allowing customers full flexibility to use and export ‘carbon-free’ electrical energy, even on cloudy and breezeless days. Batteries still only comprise a small part of the UK’s energy storage capacity, but they’re expected to become far more important in future as costs continue to fall, and performance increases.

Keeping abreast of what is available And also what will meet customers’ needs and options.

Upskill to upgrade The opportunities for contractors are significant, and they include the design, installation, maintenance and servicing of the smart, renewable and distributed power systems mentioned in this article. Tomorrow’s energy market will require significant up-skilling of the workforce, particularly in relation to:

Security Smart, communicating systems may well have security vulnerabilities, which will make this a high priority.

Type of technology Distributed energy technology is developing quickly. New products, with improved functionality and connectivity are continually arriving on the market.

18 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Safety codes of practice When designing, installing and operating technology in buildings and infrastructure, ensuring operational safety should be a top priority. Regulatory/Access codes Given the (currently slow but steadily increasing) two-way nature of customers’ interaction with the grid, contractors will need to be more aware of how the network and systems function, and the codes that govern the network.

While the growth and availability of such technology should be celebrated, we need to be careful that the industry adopts the correct standards, learns the appropriate skills, and deploys the right installations, if the smart grid of the future is to be a success for the rest of the century. ACCESS MORE TECHNICAL GUIDES FROM THE ECA AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL002

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Special Report

THE ONLY WAY IS ETHICS With 2020 set to be another busy year of activity, we get the back story behind the formation of the e5 Group, its purpose, and its founding members. t’s fair to say that health and safety isn’t an issue to be taken lightly in any industry. Whether it’s plumbing, construction, automotive (or any other industry for that matter), it’s vitally important that health and safety best practices be observed, no matter how big or small the job is. Ultimately, the safety of both workers and the public is of paramount importance and, as the craftsmen (and women) whose work it is we rely on to keep us safe in our day-to-day lives, those working in our core trades are essentially the custodians of their chosen sector. Many industries in the UK function well and to a high standard thanks to the hard work of skilled personnel, and also because of the stringent regulations and standards enforced. Of course, to PE readers this may seem like teaching a granny to suck eggs, but the electrical industry (like many others) is one that simply HAS to work to the highest standards. In recent times, however, the industry as a whole has been subject to internal scrutiny regarding the enforcement and adoption of the regulations and standards that govern our entire sector,

and the ensuing impact this has had on both the safety of electrical installations and the industry’s overall reputation. These frustrations are understandable to say the least. The electrical industry is unique in the sense that non-compliant work and ‘botched’ jobs don't just result in headaches for customers and the electricians who must redo the work, but

there is also the very real risk that poor workmanship and ignorance of regulations will result in the safety of those involved being compromised. This is much truer of the electrical industry than it is of many others, with electric shocks and electrical fires both posing a serious threat to human life. The general feeling from those

Special Report

Picture courtesy of @osborneelectric on Twitter

time-served electricians who have followed a traditional apprenticeship route before entering into gameful employment in the electrical industry, is that the introduction of short-form (or ‘fast-track’) courses that allow previously unqualified electricians to become ‘competent’ in a much shorter time-frame, has eroded the quality of entrants working within the domestic market, in particular. Indeed, it's rare that you'll have a conversation with an electrician without the ‘P’ word coming up! The reality, of course, is that the current issues our sector faces run far deeper than that. In previous times, frustrated individuals could often feel that they had no voice, or that their concerns were not being be addressed, due to the limited options available to communicate with companies. Nowadays, with the explosion of social media adoption within the electrical industry, YouTube ‘influencers’ popping up on a daily basis and the increase in networking and trade show events, it's much easier to make yourself heard, especially when a collective approach is taken. The e5 Group is the ultimate testament to this...

One significant aim Formed by a handful of electrical professionals with bags of industry years and experience under their belts, the e5 Group has one key aim: the continuous development of those in the electrical industry and of the industry itself. Consisting of founding members Paul Meenan – an Asset Manager for Trenitalia c2c Ltd, Ryan Dempsey – the CEO and founder of The Compliance Workbook, David Watts – an electrical trainer and the founder of the SparkyNinja YouTube channel and training resources, Paul Skyrme – a machinery and electrical engineer and consultant, Dan Jackson – a business coach and consultant to the electrical and fire industries, and the latterly introduced John Ward – owner of Flameport Enterprises and the man behind the popular John Ward YouTube channel, e5 was founded upon a set of principles outlined by the Engineering Council and is in fact where the group’s namesake can be traced to. “I started doing some research and came across a document called the ‘Engineering Council’s statement of ethical principles’”, Paul Meenan explains. “A very simple process, it asks people to apply the

Ryan Dempsey 22 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Dan Jackson

following principles (in the workplace): accuracy and rigour; honesty and integrity; respect for life, law and the public good; leadership and communication. “I didn’t see that being practiced too much when I was on the tools and people were switching off because it was mainly about the money. You would have to battle to do the job right. It’s not just active ignorance causing the problems. Many electricians just don’t know that they’re putting lives at risk due to their failure to comply to industry regulations. We feel that not enough professionals know what to do in certain situations or who to turn to for help and guidance when they’re unsure of what to do. This is where we want to change things.” You only have to look at the Avengers Assemble, or even pro-wrestling's Four Horsemen, to understand that the strongest groups are often an example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, and that is where the e5 Group's real strength lies. Each individual comes from a different standpoint and area of expertise from within the electrical sector, and all bring different personalities and qualities to the Group. One way that the Group has realised it can affect change is in the exchanging and sharing of knowledge, training and technical information for electricians – something made inifitely easier by the aforementioned rise in social media and digital platforms, along with live networking events. It's safe to say that e5 has risen to that particular challenge spectacularly, with the individuals in question putting in the miles, hours and graft to voluntarily deliver CPD, training and technical knowledge to electricians

Paul Skyrme

around the country. Lest we forget, for those individuals to feel empowered and informed enough to present content around compliance and regulations, hours of personal CPD and research must be undertaken first. Moreover, its all available to recipients for free, making the group fully inclusive to any trade or organisation. “It's important that we bridge the current knowledge gaps in order to create a safer workplace, and one in which ethical considerations matter over anything else,” says Ryan Dempsey. “Our industry is in danger of having its reputation damaged further by malpractice and negligence, so we've basically decided to use the Engineering Council’s code of conduct to direct and support our decision making process. More than that, we’re a bunch of lads and lasses who are going to help each other out, use our technical knowledge, our skills, and our expertise to support each other.” Although its still relatively early days in the life of e5, the past year has seen a noticeable momentum shift in the Group’s activities, interest and popularity. The hours FOLLOW THE E5 GROUP ON

David Watts

of research, preparation, filming, cutting and recording that the Group puts into its podcasts, videos and seminars, have ensured that a growing number of grateful eyes and ears are now open to its content and comment. A very successful outing for the Group at November's Sandown Park ELEX show was the icing on the cake for what has been an extremely productive 12 months.

THE E5 7AL6ES 1. INSPIRE 2. INFORM 3. EDUCATE 4. SUPPORT 5. INFLUENCE

2020 vision With 2020 now upon us, there’s no sign of a slow-down in the world of e5, with some exciting activities and initiatives in the offing for this coming year. Despite its growing popularity, however, the Group and its individual members will never lose sight of its core objectives. Paul Meenan concludes: “We want to make it clear that we’re not out to create another scheme or CPS for that matter, but instead are focused on individuals who want more support than is currently on offer. We want to put our minds together, identify everything that needs (@GROUP_E5)

Paul Meenan

to be improved objectively, and highlight that to the necessary authorities. It’s like with anything, if businesses lose the hearts and minds of their membership or the people who look up to them, there is no business at all.” A refreshing and welcome movement with a positive message and goal, it's safe to say the e5 Group is here to stay.

(@THEE5GROUP)

ACCESS E5 PODCASTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL003 WATCH E5 VIDEOS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL004 (@E5GROUP)

John Ward PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 23

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Adam

Thomas

NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION Emma Segelov, MK Electric’s EMEA Marketing Operations Manager, discusses the importance of nurturing the next generation of skilled workers. It seems like every day there is a new story in the press about the severity of the UK’s skills shortage, with it fast becoming an issue that the industry must address. The statistics about the skills shortage are alarming. In 2018, employers said their workloads were going to increase by approximately 78% and further research shows 203,000 people with Level 3+ engineering qualifications are needed per year to keep the UK engineering industry running. These figures make for bleak reading, especially when we consider that changes to the Apprenticeship Levy have slashed the number of starts from the previous year. So, what can manufacturers do to alleviate the pressure on the industry, and generate highly-skilled labour? Initially, manufacturers need to reach out to educational establishments and communities to help promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and increase awareness about how interesting, varied and rewarding careers in these fields can be – for all students. Establishing an interest in these subjects early on in a student’s education will encourage them to

mkelectric.co.uk

choose STEM careers and help to create a steady stream of future engineers. To facilitate this, educators must also ensure that higher education courses are accessible and offer the right level of training. With rising university fees, apprenticeships are rapidly becoming a viable alternative, with their appeal largely based on the ability to gain practical skills and ‘earn whilst you learn.’ There is still a long way to go before apprenticeships are as popular as their degree-based alternatives. One factor that adds to the appeal of apprenticeships is the prospect of full-time employment following the completion of their courses – something not all apprenticeship providers currently offer. MK Electric runs apprenticeship schemes with the aim of creating highly skilled labour to safeguard the future of the business. After all, a skilled workforce is indispensable and is what will carry us through the next 100 years of MK Electric’s operations. Most recently, MK Electric had two apprentices, Tim Mann and Thomas Hunt, shortlisted for BEAMA’s Young Manufacturers Award. Thomas was crowned the 2018 winner of the competition, a testament to the incredible head start that a high-quality

apprenticeship can give a young person’s career, as well as the value of companies investing in such schemes. Additionally, companies can raise the profile of their stand-out employees by boasting about their personal achievements. In 2012, MK Electric celebrated the success of Adam King, a technician from the Southend-on-Sea factory. Adam was selected to be a part of then-Business Minister, Mark Prisk’s ‘30 under 30’ list of rising stars in the manufacturing industry. He was selected for being a true high-flyer and his ability to identify creative ideas for process improvement. Following this achievement, he became an ambassador for the ‘Make it in Great Britain’ campaign. Employing the best talent has not only helped MK Electric to reach a centenary, but also ensured that it has continued to innovate throughout. It’s crucial that the industry works together to preserve its workforce by ensuring these skills are passed down to the next generation.

For more information, visit: www.mkelectric.co.uk

ELEX2020

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Sponsored by

The Electricians’ Exhibition

ELEX: COMING TO A VENUE NEAR YOU! Record numbers of electricians attended their local ELEX show last year. The show is back for 2020 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. f you’re yet to make the effort to attend our ELEX show, the UK’s premier regional exhibition dedicated solely to the electrical contracting trade, then a visit should certainly be at the top of your ‘to do’ list this year. Featuring hundreds of the top names in the industry – from parts and equipment suppliers to solutions providers and technical experts – the two day events are simply a ‘must’ for those electricians that are serious about investing in their business, and themselves.

So why attend? As the world of electrical contracting continues to develop at a pace, it’s essential that professionals keep up-to-date with the latest parts, equipment and regulations that will ensure they’re ahead of the game. ELEX offers you an unparalleled opportunity to talk to key suppliers and experts face-to-face, witness demonstrations on the latest innovations and take advantage of fantastic ‘show-only’ offers and bargains.

COMING UP: ALEXANDRA PALACE, LONDON

Furthermore, that all important technical information is literally on tap. Featuring a comprehensive seminar programme, covering topics such as technical regulations and new business ideas, ELEX provides delegates with the chance to glean valuable information from some of the industry’s most respected authorities and organisations. You’ll also get the chance to participate in a bit of healthy debate and network with like-minded professionals. We’ll even furnish you with a bacon roll and special edition t-shirt for your troubles. And the cost to you? You couldn’t put a price on the amount of expertise and promotions on offer, but the good news for electricians is that ELEX is completely FREE to attend – the only cost is your time. ELEX kicks off at Ally Pally later this month, before stops in Manchester, Exeter, Harrogate, Coventry and Sandown. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

29th & 30th January; 10am – 4pm The iconic Alexandra Palace venue, situated in Muswell Hill, London, plays host to our first show of 2020. Outside of the bustling exhibition hall you’ll have the chance to see the stunning sites of the capital.

How to register Securing your FREE show ticket couldn’t be easier – just follow the link below. VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL005

FOR MORE GENERAL SHOW DETAILS, VENUES AND DATES VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL006 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 27

S Y A W ] A E V I G [ 15

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to win

20 x 6 PIECE PZ2 to win MAG BIT TIC TAC SETS TO BE WON! After the successful launch of its 14 Piece Twister Drill-Drive set, Armeg is excited to announce that the 50mm Mag-Bits are now available to purchase in Tic Tac multi-packs. Perfect for use in an impact driver, each Mag-Bit features a strong magnetic collar which locks onto the fastener, holding it firmly in place at any angle for no more dropped screws. A range of Mag-Bit sizes are available, including electricians’ favourite, PZ2. Each size is packaged in a great value six-piece multi-pack Tic Tac box which can be stacked and locked together to provide a versatile and safe storage solution.

HELLBERG SAFETY 15 x EAR DEFENDERS TO BE WON! With a slim profile and comfortable fit around the ears, these Ear Defenders from Hellberg Safety provide great quality and fit for all users on-site. They’re light and durable with soft cushioning and easy adjustment for all head sizes and will provide Protection Level 1 safety for general industrial work and activities on-site, such as using drills, disc cutters etc. ENTER THE FREE DRAW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL008

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COMPETITION WINNERS Electrifying winner of Bendex prize

The IDEAL way to start the year for winners

Martin from Glover Electrical in Nottingham has been chosen as the lucky winner of a 43” Toshiba LED HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, after entering PE's Bendex competition at the end of last year. Bendex, a British owned and based manufacturer, supplies its electrical installer customers with PVC-U trunking, conduit, cable guard protection, surface boxes and IP rated sockets. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Bendex offers excellent quality products at competitive prices.

Even more lucky PE readers have started the year with a bang after winners were chosen for a trio of competitions from IDEAL Industries EMEA. Mike Terry and Linda Bradshaw were both the recipients of an In-Sure Box bumper pack, while the winners of a Push-In & Lever Wire Connector Premium Kit were revealed as Charles Nichols of CJ Builders, John Taggart of JayTee Construction and Damion Evans. Brian Shore and Danny Weels were also announced as winners of the company’s daily giveaway prize on offer at our ELEX Sandown Park exhibition.

VISIT THE BENDEX WEBSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL009 28 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

VISIT THE NEW IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA WEBSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL010

THE

CODEBREAKERS NEIL WOODMAN: I FOUND THIS SHOCKER ON AN EICR. THE SHOWER WAS WIRED INTO THE RING MAIN MCB, THE COOKER AND HOB WIRED DIRECTLY TO THE CU, THE HOB LIVE EXTENDED WITH A PIECE OF MELTED 1MM2 CABLE, PLUS THERE WAS NO EARTH SLEEVING ETC. Most of us will have seen this on an EICR at some point, it’s either client DIY or very inexperienced labour. The list is excessive for this one, so I’ll try and break it down by different issues. I’ll also assume it’s a sub-board as there appears to be no meter tails or lighting circuits present: 1. Shower circuit connected to the Ring Final Circuit (RFC) OCPD. Separate final circuits should be connected to separate ways in a CU/DB. This can be mildly abused for radial socket circuits, lighting circuits, and lighting circuits supplying a smoke alarm, or a hob and oven. It is to prevent the energizing of a circuit that it is required, for some reason, to be isolated. Showers fed from the same MCB as a RFC show a poor understanding of BS 7671. It’s likely that the shower exceeds 7kW, so the shared 32A MCB and combined RFC loading is likely to exhibit unwanted tripping in times of high load and usage. Other than the aforementioned requirement for circuits being on their own way in a CU/DB, we need to make a judgement call as to whether this would attract a C2 or a C3. Although not an ideal design, the potential for danger may be low. The cable containment of the shower cable and absence of an RCD are also a problem. Without knowing the Earthing and bonding (Main and Supplementary) requirements, it’s hard to call if the RCD warrants a C2 or C3, so I’ll assume all bonding is in place and there is no RCD protection from the main CU, which offers up a C3.

2. The cooker and hob appear to be fed from the same 40A MCB on the right of the picture, which isn’t a crime in itself and depends on loading requirements of the equipment to say if it is underrated. The

1mm2 extension of the cable is strange though, as it appears there is enough slack cable to reach the MCB. It may be that the MCB doesn’t have the capacity for both the oven and hob conductors, which isn’t

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

30 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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

something I can say from just a picture. The 1mm2 cable is definitely underrated though, with signs of thermal damage. Cable containment of the oven supply is also an issue. Where Neil has stated the oven is wired directly to the CU, I‘m assuming he means that there is no cooker connection unit and/or cooker connection plate, and the supply cable exits the wall and is connected directly to the oven. Although not best practice and poor workmanship, the lack of a cooker isolation switch isn’t technically required, as the MCB and main switch both offer isolation when needed (reference Table 537.4). The lack of a cooker connection plate is not a Regulation issue, provided when not connected to an oven or hob, the cable is adequately terminated and supported, but does have limitations on maintenance, if the cable becomes damaged too close to the wall to be repaired or replaced. There are mixed equipment types, but they appear to show no signs of thermal damage. The socket-outlet circuit appears to have no RCD protection; if the sockets are supplying equipment outside, this would be a C2, otherwise a C3. If the inspector has good reason to suspect sockets-outlets are being used to supply equipment outside, but they're not at the time of the EICR (if an electric mower, strimmer, or pressure cleaner, etc. are stored nearby and obviously being used at some point, for example) it is more than acceptable to give a C2 code for no RCD. I’m assuming this isn’t a commercial/industrial scenario, where RCD protection for individually marked socket-outlets may be omitted, with the presence of a Risk Assessment in accordance with 411.3.3. The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be. C2

Shower and ring final circuit occupying the same OCPD

134.1.1, 314.2, 314.4

Shower OCPD underrated for equipment type, unwanted tripping and future possible thermal damage of OCPD

132.2.2, 134.1.1, 134.1.2, 433.1

Shower does not have RCD protection

704.411.3.3

Hob supply cable underrated at 1 mm2 extension cable, signs of thermal damage

132.6, 523

Hob and Oven conductor sizes, may exceed the OCPD manufacturer’s capacity

134.1.1

Hob and oven not connected via a dedicated cooker isolation switch or cooker connection wall plate

134.1.1

Shower, and oven cables not adequately contained, strain on connections

134.1.1 522.8.5

Shower supply cables have basic insulation not taken into an adequate enclosure

526.8

Equipment types of different manufacturers in one manufacturer’s enclosure, no apparentsigns of thermal damage

536.4.203

C2 C3

JUSTIN NEEDHAM: THIS ONE WOULD HAVE GIVEN MR RAT A TOOTHACHE! THOUGHTS OF THE NEW REGS FOR AFDD TECHNOLOGY SPRING TO MIND. The threat from vermin damage of any kind is always a problem, which can be exasperated for installations in either rural locations or where access for vermin is unavoidable. In circumstances such as these,where damage can be expected, careful choice of the wiring system to limit or deter vermin should always be determined. Where damage has been found, especially in extreme cases such as this one, the potential for fire can be high, as well as increasing danger due to access to live parts. The use of metal/plastic conduit systems, trunking and armoured cables are all useful in protecting against vermin, but not always practicable, especially in domestic scenarios. After repairs are carried out, the installation of AFDDs could disconnect the circuit before any future damage could initiate a fire risk. AFDDs, however, won't remove the vermin, so a call to a reputable pest controller would also be a good idea for the client. The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be. Access to live parts, from vermin, damaged cables

416.2, 651.2

Wiring system may require further mechanical protection

522.10

Potential fire risk, including those from ARC faults, derived from vermin damage

421.1.7

To find out how you can order your copy of the updated 18th Edition Codebreakers publication, priced at just £19.99 (non-members) or £17.99 (NAPIT members), VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL011

Technical & training

TAKING YOU STEP BY STEP THROUGH PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Determining Zs for a lighting circuit

he aim of this article is to explain why it is necessary to determine the value of earth fault loop impedance, and considers the different options available for the contractor when needing to obtain the measured value for a typical lighting circuit. Note that this article particularly applies when performing periodic inspection and test of older installations which pre-date recent editions of BS 7671. Introduction

Typically, the earth fault loop path comprises the external impedance (Ze) and the impedance within the installation (R1 + R2). If the overall impedance of the fault path is too high the fault current will be insufficient to meet the required disconnection time for operation of the protective device.

circuit for example may not be generally suitable as it involves unnecessarily working on or near exposed live parts. It is recognised that luminaire plug-in adaptors are available which facilitate a safe and reliable connection to live terminals during a test. However, the use of such adaptors may become irrelevant when a connection to earth is required, usually within the luminaire. The removal of covers for access to the earth terminal may inherently expose persons to live parts. To conform to Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, unnecessary work carried out on or near live conductors should be avoided wherever possible.

In order for the protective device to operate within the maximum permitted time of Table 41.1 of BS 7671, the earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for the circuit must not exceed the maximum earth fault loop impedance values for the protective device given in Tables 41.2 to 41.4 of BS 7671. This article will discuss the loop impedance testing of a lighting circuit only. Obtaining the value of earth fault loop impedance for a lighting circuit can be determined by one of the following options: 1. Adding the result of external earth fault loop impedance (Z e) test to the measured value of (R 1 + R2) obtained at the furthest point of the circuit, or 2. Taking a direct measurement of (Z s) using an earth fault loop impedance test instrument. Although it may be more practical to take a direct measurement (option 2) on circuits such as the ring final circuit, carrying out such a test on a lighting

Such a test verifies the presence of a means of earthing and provides the ohmic value of this which is expected to lie within the parameters for the intended earthing arrangement. This process will however, involve working on or near live parts at the origin of the installation, in which all necessary precautions must be taken to prevent danger. Before carrying out the test, the installation must be totally isolated from the supply, and the means of earthing disconnected from all other protective bonding conductors within the installation. Guidance on an appropriate safe isolation procedure is outlined in the Electrical Safety First publication Best Practice Guide 2.

RCD

Pfc LOOP

OFF

V ÎŠ

Earthing conductor

Fig 1

MÎŠ

AUTO

RCD

Meter tails

External earth fault loop impedance

Regulation 643.7.3 of BS 7671 permits the value of earth fault loop impedance to be determined by means other than a direct measurement, we shall therefore, only discuss the use of option 1 in this article. Measurement of (Ze)

Regulation 313.1 requires the value of (Ze) to be determined for every installation and is typically carried out during the initial verification of the installation and once during any subsequent periodic inspection and test.

The test is typically carried out using a two-lead, as shown in Fig 1, or three-lead earth fault loop impedance test instrument, although the testing procedure may vary depending upon the instruments, manufacturer, On completion of testing and before the installation is re-energised, the earthing conductor or other protective conductors that were previously disconnected to facilitate the measurement of Ze must be reconnected. Measurement of (R1 + R2)

Before carrying out the (R1 + R 2) resistance

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 33

Technical & training measurement, the relevant circuit must be isolated from the supply. Earthing terminal

Such a test is carried out between the circuit protective conductor and the associated line conductor and measures the series resistance of both conductors for the circuit under test.

Lighting point

Light switch

The purpose of measuring the (R1 + R2) for a circuit is:

RCD

PFC LOOP

OFF

•

to obtain the highest resistance of the circuit under test at the most distant point or accessory of the circuit from the consumer unit, and

•

to verify continuity of the circuit protective conductor to each point and accessory, and

Furthermore, a correctly performed (R1 + R2) test allows for the veriﬁcation of polarity. Having temporarily connected together the line conductor and circuit protective conductor at the consumer unit, the instrument test leads can be connected to the terminals of the line conductor and the circuit protective conductor at the accessory. To allow for the worst case scenario of earth loop impedance to be determined, the highest value of (R1 + R 2) resistance should be obtained at the accessory at the furthest point within the circuit. Testing instrument

The values of (R1 + R2) are measured using an ohmmeter having a low resistance range, typically between (0 to 2 Ω or similar) or a multi-function test instrument set to the continuity range. It should be noted that the resistance of the test leads will be signiﬁcant, therefore for maintaining accurate results, it will be necessary either to record the resistance of the test leads for subtraction from the overall measurement or use the auto-null function, where ﬁtted, on the test instrument prior to carrying out the testing. Determining the measured value of Zs

Having obtained the value of Ze for the installation and the (R1 + R2) for the furthest point of the lighting circuit we can calculate the value of Zs, as shown:

•

MΩ

ST TE

AUTO

RCD

Temporary connection (only for circuit to be tested)

Main switch OFF

Fig 2

Fig 2 Continuity testing using the (R1 + R2) method

Where: Zs = Ze + (R1 + R2) •

Zs is the earth fault loop impedance (Ω)

•

Ze is the measured value of external impedance (Ω), and

•

(R1 + R2) is the measured value of resistance (Ω) for the line conductor and protective conductor, at the most distant point or accessory from the distribution board or consumer unit.

However, where the lighting circuit is supplied from an additional sub-board located at a distance away from the origin, an allowance must be made for the impedance of the sub-mains cable, as shown below: Where: Zs = Zdb + (R1 + R2) Zdb is the measured value of earth loop impedance (Ω) at the distribution board or consumer unit to which the ﬁnal circuit is connected. To satisfy the requirements of Chapter 41 of BS 7671 for the earth loop impedance, the measured value of Zs as described in the above examples, should not exceed 80% of the required values as given in Table(s) 41.2

to 41.4. For overcurrent protective devices not covered by those Tables, further information relating to the limiting values of Zs must be obtained from the device manufacturer. Where the protective device is a nondelayed RCD, the maximum value of Zs can be found in Table 41.5 of BS 7671. Although the Zs values in Table 41.5 are intended for a TT system they may also be applied to a TN system. Note that where an RCD is used to provide the necessary disconnection time in a TN circuit the values of Z s given in Table 41.5 may be used. Summary

While it is a requirement to determine the earth fault loop impedance for every circuit within an installation, determining such a value for a lighting circuit should be obtained through other means than taking a direct measurement, thereby reducing any unnecessary contact with live terminals. To comply with Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, unnecessary work carried out on or near a live conductor should be avoided where ever possible.

For other guidance and publications please see the NICEIC and ELECSA website. For information about the NICEIC and ELECSA Approved Contractor or Domestic Installers schemes, visit www.niceic.com, www.elecsa.com or call 0333 015 6626

www.niceic.com | www.elecsa.com

34 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

AFDD TECHNOLOGY AND THE 18TH EDITION Paul Fisher, Managing Director of Wylex, offers a reminder as to why AFDDs have made it into the 18th Edition. overnment statistics show that over 13,000 electrical fires occur each year. More than 7,500 of those are reported to be in electrical distribution, with the balance involving electrical appliances. Even more shocking is the human cost – every year electrical fires cause numerous deaths and thousands of injuries. These statistics underline the importance of electrical safety and keeping up with the latest requirements and recommendations in terms of best practice and advancements in technology.

What’s new? The fundamental principles in the latest 18th Edition wiring regulations are not new. The regulations require designers and installers to provide for the safety of people and property against dangers that may arise from the reasonable use of electrical installations. It states that the risk of injury may result from excessive temperatures that are likely to cause burns, fires etc. while also stating that risks of injury may arise from arcing or burning. Protection from such dangers is a requirement. A significant new development for providing additional levels of this element of protection is the recommendation that Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are

installed to mitigate the risk of fire (from arc faults) in AC final circuits. This is referred to in Chapter 42 (section 421) which includes requirements to protect against fire from electrical equipment and states that harmful effects from heat or fire may be caused by insulation faults, arcs sparks and high temperature particles. AFDDs are viewed as a provider of additional protection. While this is a new recommendation, it would be unwise for designers, installers and owner operators to ignore the regulator’s advice. Any intended departure from this recommendation should be carefully considered and justified in writing by the decision-maker. It should also be recorded on the electrical installation certificate and the alternative design must not result in a lower degree of safety than would otherwise be achieved by compliance with the 421.1.7 recommendation. How do AFDDs work? AFDDs monitor electrical circuits for unusual conditions that are indicative of a series or parallel arc and automatically trip the circuit when a dangerous electric arc is detected. Arc faults can arise from cable insulation faults, poorly made connections, crushed cables, frayed conductors, DIY mishaps, and daily deterioration of

36 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

insulation materials. They create a build-up of heat that can ignite flammable materials and trigger a fire. Arc faults aren’t easy to detect but AFDDs are extremely sensitive and can identify arc fault signatures. AFDDs are miniature, modular devices that are easily installed in consumer units. They can also be combined with MCB and RCD technology to provide arc fault protection in addition to overload, short circuit, earth leakage and electric shock protection on each circuit. How is the industry responding? Our research shows that electrical professionals are very familiar with AFDDs and recognise the benefit – 92% have heard of AFDDs and 71% agree that AFDDs could prevent fire, protect lives and property. Similarly, awareness of the latest regulations is also good – 88% of electrical professionals know that AFDDs are included in the 18th Edition. There has, however, been a slow take-up to install AFDDs, with 90% of professionals yet to fit an AFDD. Some of the reasons for not using AFDDs show a lack of understanding of what is available in the market. 31% say that AFDDs take up too much space and aren’t practical to install. The good news is that the latest models from Electrium are much smaller. Similarly, 33% say they’re too costly – yet the newest versions also offer greater value for money because they actually incorporate three products – the MCB, RCD and AFDD – in a single module device. Finally, some professionals say the demand is not there from homeowners. This isn’t surprising as amongst consumers, awareness is low. However, like many other safety issues, we strongly believe that it is the job of the industry to drive forward the adoption of AFDDs and promote best practice. Consumers may not be asking for them but you can be sure that when the benefits of the device are explained, they will be keen to see them installed. DOWNLOAD A FREE WYLEX AFDD FACT SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL012

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

BACK TO THE FUTURE Bill Allan offers advice on dealing with scenarios where an existing installation may comply with an earlier version of BS 7671, but not the current edition. hen carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on an electrical installation which had been wired or rewired a decade or so earlier, the electrical inspector is likely to be reminded that the requirements of BS 7671 have changed in that time. Take for example, an EICR on an existing installation in a home which is supplied by a TN-C-S system. The premises had been rewired in November 2008 and the test results of the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) are available. When testing the value of earth loop impedance (Zs) on a ring final circuit (RFC), the inspector notes that the measured Zs value is above the maximum value permitted by BS 7671:2018.

The RFC is protected by a Type B 32A circuit-breaker (cb) to BS EN 60898 and the maximum Zs value permitted by Table 41.3 (a) of BS 7671:2018 is 1.37 ohms but the measured value is 1.43 ohms. Clearly, the required 0.4 second disconnection time in the event of a line to Earth fault on this circuit couldn’t be guaranteed. Having carried out the ‘dead’ tests, the inspector concludes that the high Zs value isn’t due to damage or loose connections. On consulting the EICR, the inspector discovers that when the house was rewired, the first version of the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations was in use (the one with the red cover). Being curious as to whether the Zs figure of 1.43 ohms complied with this earlier version of BS 7671, the inspector digs out the old 2008 book which was gathering dust in the garage. The inspector discovers that Table 41.3 (a) of that edition permitted a maximum Zs value for a 32A Type B CB of 1.44 ohms.

38 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Therefore, the measured Zs value of 1.43 ohms was acceptable in 2008. But an EICR must be carried out to the current BS 7671, so this measured value is no longer acceptable in 2019. The inspector notes this result on the EICR, and in Section K, Observations, gives a FI, Further Investigation, which can lead to a C2 classification code to such circuits, indicating that the installation is potentially dangerous. If the C2 code is confirmed, the inspector must record in Section E, Summary of the condition of the installation that the installation is in an unsatisfactory condition for continued use and recommend in Section F, Recommendations that urgent remedial action is required. Prior to handing over the EICR to the customer, the inspector can consider some options available to reduce the Zs value.

Protection by 30 mA RCD As the installation was designed to an earlier version of BS 7671, the socket-outlets may not be protected by a 30 mA residual current device (RCD). If this is the case, the inspector can recommend that one or more RCDs be ﬁtted and rely on them to give the 0.4 second disconnection time. Table 41.5 allows a maximum permitted Zs of 1,667 ohms for a 30 mA RCD although Note 2 to Table 41.5 states that a value exceeding 200 ohms may not be stable. Appendix 3, Table 3A of BS 7671 shows that a 30 mA general, non-delay RCD will operate within 300 mS (0.3s). It should be noted that the use of a 30 mA RCD to increase the maximum permitted Zs level can be used on TN systems as well as TT systems (see Regulation 411.4.204) but an overcurrent protective device will still be required for overload and fault current protection in accordance with Chapter 43. Replace CB with an RCBO The 32A CB for the RFC could be replaced by a 32A RCBO to BS EN 61009, making the measured value of 1.43 ohms acceptable. Reduce the current rating of the CB If the CB is overrated for the load, the current rating of the CB could be reduced. Reference to Table 41.3 (a)

shows that reducing the Type B CB from 32A to 20A would increase the maximum permitted Zs to 2.19 ohms.

where, R = the maximum resistance in ohms Ia = the current in amps required to operate the overcurrent protective device within 5 seconds. For an RCD, Ia is the rated residual operating current of the RCD, I∆n.

Run an additional circuit protective conductor (cpc) Running an additional cpc will reduce the value of R2 and hence the value of Zs. Use supplementary equipotential bonding Regulation 419.3 permits supplementary bonding in accordance with Regulation 415.2 to be used where automatic disconnection cannot be achieved within the required disconnection time. Section 419 should be consulted for the full details. The requirements for additional protection by the use of supplementary bonding are found in Regulation 415.2 and Regulation Group 544.2. Supplementary equipotential bonding may reduce the Zs but it’s purpose is to hold the voltage between simultaneously accessible metallic parts to 50 V for five seconds in the event of an earth fault until the relevant overcurrent protective device operates. Regulation 415.2.2 requires that the resistance, R of the supplementary bonding conductor in AC systems is limited by the equation 50 V R≤ Ia

Worked example An AC final circuit is protected by a 32A Type B CB and the csa of the copper bonding conductors is 4mm2. What is the maximum permitted length of the bonding conductors? Solution Maximum permitted resistance, 50 V R≤ Ia Fig. 3A4 in BS 7671 indicates that a current of 160A will disconnect the 32A CB within 5 seconds. 50 V ≤ 160 ≤ 0.3 ohms The resistance of 4mm2 copper conductors is given in Table I1 of the On-Site Guide as 4.61 mΩ/m (0.00461 Ω/m). Maximum permitted length, 0.3 L= 0.00461 = 65 metres Conclusion The completion of the EICR enabled the electrical inspector to draw attention to the fact that the installation didn’t comply with the present edition of BS 7671 and to decide whether it was in an unsatisfactory condition. The inspector is then able to make specific recommendations for the most suitable remedial action.

Regulations for completing EICRs have changed significantly over the past ten years

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL013

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 39

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

The technical team at Timeguard advise on how to eliminate glow and flicker in LED and CFL lamps in standby/off mode.

HOW TO FIX GLOW AND FLICKER he evolution of LED, coupled with smart switches and home automation systems, has certainly delivered on energy saving. But like with so many new technologies in the past, LED brings its own collection of problems for the installer. You’ve only got to take a glance at the internet to see electricians desperately trying to find answers to the same problems with LED lighting. Often the complaint will be that an installer has replaced a customer’s old incandescent lamps with LED lamps only to find that the damn things won’t switch off! “No matter what you do, they just glow or flash”, or “The automatic light switch seems to have stopped working after a week! “

down through the switched live connection to operate the switch whilst in standby. This isn't a problem for incandescent or halogen but can be for LEDs, which continue to glow and flicker. Another common problem arises when LEDs are switched on: due to the circuitry needed to power the actual LED chips a momentary power surge is created – commonly known as an inrush current – within the lighting circuit they’re connected to. This can be enough to damage many switches.

What’s causing the problems? As hinted above, the ‘culprit’ is the automatic switch, but there is finally a fix for the problem. LED lamps use a fraction of the power of incandescent or halogen, so quite logically it only takes a fraction of the power for them to illuminate. Any small voltage/current within the circuit can cause LED lamps to glow or flash. Now, most automatic switches are designed to operate as replacements for a standard 2-wire light switch, where there is normally no neutral connection available at the switch. For these to function, a small amount of power has to be drawn

What’s the solution? The obvious answer of changing to a different (and probably more-expensive) LED lamp manufacturer, rarely works. Changing the automatic light switch doesn’t help either (assuming you’ve already made sure the one you put in has a specific LED rating and that it’s high enough). Designers have also tried introducing dummy loads into circuits, but with very limited results. The one solution that’s having universal success seems to be Timeguard’s patented Automatic Load Controller. It uses semiconductor technology to create

the right electrical environment for 2-wire automatic switches and LED lamps to operate in harmony, and there’s no need for manufacturers to modify the electrical design of their automatic switches (timed, PIR or photocell operated) or LED lamps. The ZV900 works straight out-of-the-box with just about any smart wall switch and lamp combination. It can be used with any make of LED-rated smart wall switch (not just Timeguard’s own models) and off-the-shelf LED or CFL lamps. You simply wire it in series with the lamp and then hide it away by popping it neatly through a standard 50mm aperture. One device per circuit is sufficient to eliminate flicker and glow in up to 200W of LED or CFL lighting, and it will consume less than 1W itself. In fact, using the Automatic Load Controller can also boost the switching power of most existing automatic wall switches up to 200W, while also providing built-in surge and current inrush protection. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC LOAD CONTROLLER FROM TIMEGUARD AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL014

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

You ask: I OFTEN NEED TO SIZE CABLES AND CALCULATE VOLTAGE DROPS WHEN I’M WORKING ON-SITE, SOMETIMES IN PLACES WHERE I DON’T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS. IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO DO THIS, BEARING IN MIND THAT FROM TIME-TO-TIME I USE LARGE OR SPECIAL TYPES OF CABLES SUCH AS FIREPROOF?

We say: You’re in luck! Megger has just released Version 3.0 of its popular CableCalc+ App, and it’s available free of charge for both Apple and Android devices. It’s good for installations up to 25 kW and currents up to 100A, and it covers a wide range of cable types, including SWA 2-, 3- and 4-core XLPE and PVC, light- and heavy-duty MICC, and tri-rated. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the App, it works without an internet connection – all you have to do is to enter the cable type, reference method, maximum load and cable length. CableCalc+ will then instantly show the voltage drop and the minimum cable size for the circuit. Just to be sure, however, you should always check the results against the cable manufacturer’s data and current regulations. As a bonus, the CableCalc+ App also includes a handy guide to the use of electrical test instruments and links to instructional videos that you can watch when you have an internet connection. DOWNLOAD THE CABLECALC+ APP AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL015

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TRAINING ROUND-UP

‘SMART THINKING’ WITH THE GIRA ACADEMY ira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology that requires a good working knowledge of modern electrical installations. Thanks to the Gira Academy, you can now grow your knowledge and expertise via web-based training, Gira webinars and face-to-face tutelage. “Our in-depth knowledge of products and technological developments are passed on to professionals through the Gira Academy,” says Mark Booth, Managing Director, Gira UK. “This facility is essential for developing the professional knowledge of modern electrical installation, which in turn, will make consulting easier and

ensure more satisfied customers. By taking on new segments with the help of the Gira Academy, delegates will be able to tap into new revenue potential and expand their business into previously untapped markets.” “The Gira Academy gives the freedom to customise, so each training course can be personalised to each new learner. By combining various learning methods – on-site, on demand and online – users can determine their own training program as part of a group or remotely at home,” explains Mark. The Gira Academy can become a personal educator and mentor, enabling users to learn about the latest Gira products and intuitive home systems that

facilitate increased home comfort, will monitor energy use, save time, enhance security and ensure a future-proof revenue stream for your business. “Evolving your commerciality as we move into an age of home automation is essential for growth,” says Mark. “Ongoing learning is crucial to ensure you don't fall behind. This is particularly true in the electrical installation sectors as contemporary methods, changing markets and new business fields and regulations make it necessary to constantly be up-to-date.“ FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE GIRA ACADEMY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL016

TURN ON TO LUTRON he Lutron European Experience Centre is a state-of-the-art interactive learning space, showcasing a full range of Lutron commercial and residential solutions. The centre has been impeccably designed to promote the very best in lighting and shading systems, making it the ideal location to train the next generation of electrical contractors. The training centre offers a wide variety of courses designed to suit all levels of expertise; the sessions are delivered by knowledgeable staff who are keen to share their passion for the world of lighting control. Popular training courses include RA2 Select and Vive training, which provide a full overview of the products, installation tips and

hands-on experience with the products. RA2 Select training provides attendees with a detailed overview of wireless technology and the smart home market, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Vive training offers a commercial overview, discussing the differences with conventional installation methods and the scalability of the product. TO REGISTER FOR A LUTRON TRAINING COURSE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL017

VIVE UPCOMING DATES: 8th January 3rd March RA2 SELECT UPCOMING DATES: 7th January 2nd March

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

IS YOUR FINGER ON THE INDEX PULSE? How important is CRI for commercial spaces? The experts at V-TAC provide the answer. ales posters and coupons are great, but if your commercial client is serious about driving sales, CRI is a term you must understand. CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index and it measures the quality and accuracy of artificial light at rendering colours. The CRI is measured on a scale of 0 - 100 and compares a light source against natural sunlight to indicate how closely it can replicate the true colours of an object. Natural sunlight and incandescent lighting have a CRI of 100, while most common light sources have a CRI of between 80 - 90.

What do you lose by using low CRI lighting? Low CRI lamps can deliver dull washed-out colours, sickly skin tones and lifeless eyes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; failing to accurately portray a product to a viewer. With high-CRI lamps, colours pop, textures stand out and finishes have a deep lustre to them. A high CRI is especially crucial to colour critical applications where presentation, colour accuracy, and visual appeal is important. High CRI lighting can make food and produce in a grocery store look appealing, highlight clothing at a retail outlet and make a house on the market look vibrant and homely. Indeed, it is often considered the fourth element of good design, as it turns colours and textures into a vivid palette of finishes. Equally important to finishes and colours are how an individual looks under a lamp. High-CRI lighting, specifically R9 and R13 values, produce more natural skin

tones with better depth. CRI values of 80 and above effectively portray colours and finishes, but if the most accurate rendering is necessary, lighting with values of 90 and above is recommended. What are the benefits for the workplace? The CRI of a light source will show the finer details in objects. In shipping yards, factories, warehouses and other industrial facilities, the ability to clearly see finer details is extremely important. Aside from the obvious safety regulations, workers can easily see the markings on boxes, manuals, containers and other objects. Simply put, lamps with the right CRI levels provide the most productive lighting levels for a working environment, as opposed to orange or monochromatic blue-white light output. The variety of light distribution patterns available allow facilities managers to maximise fixture spacing, lighting levels and ensure uniformity. As a result, operations costs are reduced while the safety, efficiency and quality of light in the workplace is improved. In the era of incandescent lighting, CRI was not an issue due to its superior colour rendering. However, poor energy efficiency led to incandescents being phased out for more energy-efficient options, like fluorescent lighting and LED lighting sources. LEDs have been lauded for their energy efficiency but they also boast other benefits like a longer lifespan, absence of

hazardous materials and reduced cost of maintenance. Modern LEDs such as V-TACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of high-CRI lighting solutions now boast colour rendering levels in the range of the 90s, at a fraction of the energy consumption of fluorescent lamps.

DOWNLOAD THE V-TAC LIGHTING CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL018

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 45

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

TERMINATOR TOO In this case study feature we find out how one electrical contractor is now able to prove that it’s data cable terminations are right first time, thanks to IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA. erberus Systems is an electrical contracting company that designs, installs and maintains intelligently configured and high quality electrical systems, IT networks, CCTV and access control systems. With a team of experienced electricians and systems integrators working across London, the company installs electrical, data and voice networks to diverse client premises including radio studios, offices, warehouses, showrooms and shops.

What’s the challenge? Regardless of the type of structured cabling required, Cerberus Systems’

clients need the work finished within tight deadlines and with minimal disruption to people and processes. To avoid delays when installing data cable, it’s important for cat5e and cat6 cable terminations to be done correctly first time. The type of installations Cerberus performs often requires technicians to install RJ45 plugs at the end of links which connect directly to CCTV and access control systems. Field-terminated RJ45 plugs are prone to installation errors because they require the installer to trim the conductors to a precise length prior to placing the plug onto the cable – too short and there will be open circuits discovered when testing; too long and terminations

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look sloppy or performance can suffer when pairs are exposed outside of the plug body/cable jacket. It’s also easy for a conductor to move during this process and go unnoticed until the cables are tested. This makes identifying and resolving faults challenging and time-consuming, particularly in large areas, such as the 15,000 sq. ft office buildings Cerberus Systems often work in. Failed terminations can also mean that faults need to be investigated in difficult locations, such as in the case of externally mounted IP CCTV cameras. A recent large IP CCTV installation project, consisting of 160 plugs to terminate and no time for error, offers a

good example. As a complex job where other trades were waiting to come on-site, any delays would cost the client time and money. It is therefore vital for Cerberus Systems to complete their work without having to return and replace faulty terminations – a difficult task with the tools traditionally used. What was the solution? While preparing for the IP CCTV installation, Cerberus Systems discovered the new FT-45 Feed Thru Modular Plugs and Crimp Tool from IDEAL. “We’d been using electrical products from IDEAL for a number of years,” says Nick Shone of Cerberus Systems. “I ordered this new solution straight away as I knew the upcoming job required multiple terminations in a very tight timescale.” The new IDEAL FT-45 solution speeds up and simplifies termination of RJ45

plugs by eliminating the need to precisely trim conductors to length before inserting the cable into the plug. Unlike the plugs with closed ends usually used for RJ45 connections, the FT-45 Feed-Thru Modular Plugs feature open channels that allow the conductors to be fed completely through the connector before crimping. This lets installers visually check conductor order and, if necessary, remove the connector, reorder the conductors and replace the connector. Once the proper order is confirmed, the FT-45 tool crimps and trims the cable in one step. This makes terminations faster, provides better performance by allowing the cable to fully seat into the connector and virtually eliminates connector waste. The FT-45 modular plugs and crimp tool has also been designed to complement other IDEAL products, such as the VDV II cable verifier, to provide a complete end-to-end solution. What were the benefits? “Across our business, we like to invest in the equipment that helps us to get jobs right first time,” says Nick. “This helps us to reduce delays and keep our clients happy.” In this case, preventing mistakes and delays ensured that all trades had access to the site when required, so no additional

costs were incurred by the client. It also helped Cerberus Systems to move on to the next job on time, keeping operations productive and profitable. For Cerberus Systems, FT-45 proved to be ideal for working with patch cords in IP CCTV installations, as well as for fitting IP access controls. It makes installing extended patch cords easier (to enable video conferencing, for example), and can also be used to create a cat6 cable backbone for linking data cabinets together. The FT-45 solution also proved simple to use. The modular plugs are suitable for cat5e and cat6 cable without a need for complex assembly, while the versatile crimp tool is capable of crimping and cutting feed-thru, standard and shielded connectors in one action. “Since purchasing and using FT-45, we’re now using it on most of our projects – I never take the FT-45 plugs and crimp tool out of my kit bag,” adds Nick. “I’d recommend the FT-45 package as you can genuinely reduce errors in terminations and get things done right first time.”

TO DOWNLOAD AN FT-45 INFORMATION SHEET, CONTAINING MORE DETAILS AND RESOURCES ABOUT THE RANGE, VISIT : WWW.RDR.LINK/EL0

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

The experts at Tansun answer some of the most common questions regarding infrared heating as well as revealing the truth behind some of the myths.

IR HEATING: FACTS VS FICTION nfrared heating is growing in popularity, and is fast becoming one of the top choices for home heating in the UK. Developed to be 100% efficient, many people are taking an interest in this new form of technology. As with anything new, some end-users have misconceptions about using infrared heating in the places they occupy every day, especially as a replacement for something like central heating. To ease some of these concerns, let's take a look at a few commonly asked questions about the technology:

Is infrared heating safe and is it comfortable? Infrared is actually the oldest and most natural type of heat as it’s what the sun emits but without any harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. Infrared heat transmits natural heat in an efficient and safe way, eliminating the unhealthy emissions and smells that come with some gas heaters and oil burners, and guarantees clear air with zero emissions and no odour. It’s so safe, in fact, that far infrared (the gentlest form of infrared) is often used in incubators for babies to keep them warm. Can infrared panels burn? Like any traditional heater, infrared heaters will get hot when they’re in use.

The heat levels are similar to that of a gas radiator to the touch, but have the advantage of not having to be installed at floor level and can be fitted on walls and ceilings. Are infrared panels difficult to install? Infrared heating panels are highly cost-effective to install as they don’t require pipework to function and simply plug into the wall like a regular appliance. Because of their versatility, it’s also possible to gradually introduce infrared heaters as they can be quickly and easily installed by an electrician, making it cheaper than most other forms of heating. Additionally, disruption is also minimal as panels can be installed in less than a day, making it much more desirable than having to move things like carpets and floorboards. Does infrared heat lead to a suntan? While infrared heat is designed to be similar to what is generated by the sun, it’s the sun’s UV component that enables people to tan and not infrared. Infrared heat doesn't tan the skin but instead stimulates circulation and eases muscle pain. As such, it's widely used as a source of heating in yoga studios and health facilities. Will it damage the wall or ceiling? Infrared heating panels only contain a

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few components, with one of the most important being insulation to ensure walls and ceilings are protected from any heat generated. It’s designed to push the infrared energy outwards in order to heat the room more effectively. Is infrared heating reliable? Because the heaters contain so few components and no moving parts, infrared heaters require little/no maintenance and can last for many years. Developed to be highly energy efficient, Tansun’s radiant panels are cost-effective, can enable significant heating cost savings and come with a full five-year warranty. Do infrared devices interfere with each other? If every radio used the same frequency, everyone listening would be able to hear multiple stations at once, which is why each station has its own frequency. Infrared works in the same way by using different frequencies to others to avoid any interference.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON TANSUN'S RANGE OF IR HEATERS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL USE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL019

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

MAKING CITIES SLICKER The focus for smart lighting is shifting from interior to exterior and the outdoor lighting industry is ready to flick the switch. Martin Allcock, CP Electronics’ OEM Sales Manager, looks at how new technology is shaping the smart cities of tomorrow. he proliferation of smart technology and the internet of things (IoT) has galvanized the modern home. We’re currently living in the era of the ‘smart revolution’ and this isn’t expected to slow down. This technological revolution, however, is now extending beyond the home. The ‘smart city network’ is entering the public’s consciousness – people are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits these exterior sensors and connected systems offer and are beginning to trust them. Monitoring everything from air and noise pollution to lighting, the introduction of ‘smart city networks’ is putting sustainability, health and safety and energy efficiency at the forefront.

Taking the indoors outdoors Neon and sodium street lamps have been used to illuminate parks, pathways and building perimeters, retail parks and warehouse bays for decades. Street lighting gives the general public a sense of security and can often act as a deterrent to criminal activity. However, traditional street lighting is typically left on or dimmed during the early hours of the morning when no one is around, costing in both energy and finances. In April 2019, Hampshire County Council made the move to switch lights off on certain residential streets for three hours a night, between 1am and 4am, equating to £230,000 of energy cost savings per year. Alongside this, turning street lighting off during the darker hours brings its own security concerns. There’s a risk that crime rates may spike in the areas where lights have been switched off, and residents won’t feel as comfortable or as confident as before. Similar to their indoor counterparts, innovative outdoor lighting solutions feature passive infrared sensors (PIRs) that are added to street lamps and light-up when a human enters the sensor’s radius. While the principles of outdoor and indoor lighting are similar, there are key differences. Exterior lighting has to

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withstand harsh elements from the outside environment, such as dust and damp. To combat this, a new breed of smart lighting technology has been developed and addresses these issues with many sensors rated as IP66 and IK08, guaranteeing class-leading protection against impact and the ingress of water and dust. Smart outdoor lighting is an excellent solution that can help curb energy usage, cut costs and help reduce safety concerns. Connecting to multiple benefits Outdoor solutions rely on intuitive controls that detect movement and only light-up when people are nearby. They can be added to lamps and can be programmed to switch off, or to dim down when not needed. They can also work in relay, using motion detection to detect movement and lighting up the luminaires in front of, above and behind the person. This is a significant step-change to conventional streetlights, which stay lit up at the full output during

specifically programmed times, or from dusk till dawn when the photocell detects that there’s not enough light. Importantly, these lighting sensors gather information about the surrounding environment, such as footfall and the public’s behaviour. The information is then shared via building or remote management systems to improve knowledge and performance. For the public, this means higher levels of safety and comfort. For owners, they benefit from reduced energy costs and improved data gathering to drive further efficiencies in maintenance. A new ‘plug and play’ standard While smart lighting will incur financial savings in the long run, the initial outlay of smart sensors may be difficult for investors, local authorities and building owners to justify. In order to combat this, the outdoor lighting industry must ensure these solutions are specified and future-proofed, so that return on investment (ROI) is recognised. One of the world’s most respected manufacturers, Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) has established a new industry standard for outdoor lighting control. The Sensor-Ready Driver (SR) is paving the way to a smart city network, as the SR driver accommodates technologies, components and gateways from SR

partners such as CP Electronics, thereby increasing choice, minimising risk and ensuring a genuinely scalable approach for specifiers. In the words of Dervan Alleyne, Signify’s OEM Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland: ‘If you’re using SR today, you’re future-proofing for where the industry is heading, such as multiple sensing and the demand for data’. At the heart of each system lies an SR certified driver, such as Philips’ own Xitanium digital SR LED driver. This is a version of DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), the widely accepted standard for the lighting industry. The driver essentially powers each sensor in its network, eliminating the need for a wired supply for each one. The choice of sensor will be driven by the exact nature of the application and the desired benefits. For example, specifiers will need to consider whether the outdoor lighting or street lights operate as stand-alone units, or if they work together. Another factor is whether dimming is a requirement, or if they simply need to trigger when certain levels of light have been achieved. Thanks to the growing interest in smart cities, a wide range of externally rated sensors are already available, all compatible with SR drivers, each offering a range of performance parameters. It’s certain that innovation will continue to drive advances, giving investors in the technology and installers a wealth of choice. A recent development is Legrand’s ground-breaking Wattstopper FDP-301 Series, recently introduced into the UK by CP Electronics. Externally rated and with a detection range of 30m diameter, Wattstopper sensors can be mounted up

to 12m high, making them suitable for virtually all outdoor lights. Installation is quick and easy too – the sensors simply plug into the lighting unit and can be commissioned, monitored and controlled either locally or through the smart city network, giving engineers greater flexibility and control. Functionality in the series includes motion detection, ambient lighting levels and even dimming control so that the public never need to walk into a totally dark area. The firmware can also be upgraded, thus future-proofing the product and installation. Finally, for commissioning or if any settings need to be changed at a later date, the Wattstopper sensors can be easily programmed and managed via a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet. Switching it up for smart cities The fact is, the smart city is virtually here, and sensors are lighting the way forward. The key, as with all projects, is to ensure that when switching to new solutions, they deliver the benefits required at optimum cost in the area specified. Lighting up the outdoors will require a unique approach, depending on the street or building in question, and this will come down to factors such as footfall, costs, the needs of the people, whether it is a high-crime area, environmental issues, and budgets. Thanks to the SR platform and a steadily increasing range of technologies, there is a solution that should fit most, if not all needs, that will take us into the next generation of connectivity. GET MORE DETAILS ON THE RANGE OF LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FROM CP ELECTRONICS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL020

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager for Cable Management at Legrand, talks through some simple tips you should adopt during specification of cable management systems.

CABLE MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATION: TOP TIPS 1. Location Consider what elements the cable management system will be exposed to. If the system is to be located in a corrosive environment or a marine location, for example, the requirements will be very different to that of an internal commercial building installation. Legrand’s industry experts and cable management technical product guides can offer in-depth advice on what to consider when selecting your material. 2. Consider the cable used It’s important to consider what type of cable will be used throughout the installation and if support/protection is needed. Single insulated (non-sheathed) cables require additional mechanical protection (as per BS 7671), as well as support, and therefore an IP4X or IPXXD distribution trunking system is generally the solution of choice as it fully encases the cables. If using armoured cables, an open cable management system, such as steel wire cable tray, perforated tray or cable ladder, is considered more suitable. 3. Weight Calculate the total weight to be supported by the cable management system, taking into consideration current requirements

and potential needs in the future. Remember that the total loading should be calculated based on not only the weight of the cables, but also any ancillary items that are subsequently fitted to the cable management system, such as light fittings, and also external forces such as weather and the surrounding environment. 4. Regulations and Standards Wiring regulations can differ depending on the installation or location of the project you’re working on, so it’s imperative to monitor and review the guidelines, prior to an installation. Amendments to BS 7671, for example, have to be monitored and respected. This can influence the selection of cable management systems as you may need to opt for a solution that ensures avoidance of premature collapse of the cabling system. In this instance, metallic solutions may be the preferred option. 5. Scalability It can be tempting to build in redundant capacity during the design and specification stages of a project rather than designing a system that can be easily adapted in the future. Planning ahead has the potential to save businesses time and money in the longer term, so it’s worth considering in the design stages.

Remember, when considering scalability, retrofitting can be expensive and not all systems can be easily integrated with one another. Consider this at the design stage by specifying a system that can easily interface with others. 6. Range of accessories Take the time to specify a system that offers a full range of accessories including brackets, fixings and couplers, from one source. Work with your supplier to ensure you specify the correct amount of fittings, brackets and fixings in order to prevent delays on-site. Effective cable management can help to enhance cable performance, longevity and future flexibility in terms of business growth, if implemented effectively. There isn’t a “one solution fits all”, so it's vitally important that the correct system is chosen from the outset. By selecting a cable management system that excels in each of these areas, you will not only have a system that reduces installation time, but also one that can meet your needs today and tomorrow. DOWNLOAD LEGRAND'S LATEST CABLE MANAGEMENT CATALOGUE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL021

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PE reports on the leading lights from Super Rod’s ‘Hall of Fame’ inventor’s event.

FAME ACADEMY ronically, it was a certain Thomas Edison who first uttered the words: “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration”, and he should certainly know. The prolific American inventor, who held over 1,000 patents to his name, is obviously best known for inventing the electric light bulb – a development from which ‘the light bulb moment’ originates – but he clearly understood that even the very best idea can struggle to see the light of day without the drive and investment it takes to bring a new solution to market. We’re sure that locked inside the heads of many trade professionals are ideas and concepts that could literally be ‘gamechangers’, and it’s sad to think that so many of these are likely to remain a pipe-dream. In the electrical industry, however, that dream has far more potential to become a

reality thanks to the help of suppliers/ manufacturers like Super Rod, whose commitment to listening to and realising the ideas of those that matter most – the end user professionals – is helping to create a whole new generation of inventors. As someone who has an invention or two to his own name, as well as striving to give back to an industry that has provided him with gainful employment, Super Rod’s MD, Malcolm Duncan (and the team around him), has made it somewhat of a personal mission to promote and encourage ideas from those working at the coal-face of the industry. In turn, this has resulted in the introduction of some truly excellent problem-solving devices into the Super Rod range in recent years. To help showcase the latest generation of inventions in the Super Rod range, the company recently organised a ‘Hall of Fame’ event, where members of the press – including this humble publication – plus

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special guests (such as Rich Heppell from Art of Smart and Alfie Johnson of Diode Electrical) were given unique access to an array of fantastic ideas and the brains behind them. What we found on the day was a group of bright, engaging and hard-working individuals who had each come up with a terrific idea, born out of their day-to-day working experiences, that can now be found in the toolboxes of many of their electrical industry colleagues. GOT A BRIGHT IDEA? If you’ve got an idea or invention that you’d like to discuss with Super Rod, you can email the company at: sales@super-rod.co.uk

CABLE TONGUE & CABLE TONGUE PRO

Invented by Tom Shelbourne, Director/Owner of West Country Tech – a CCTV, Wi-Fi and networking installation company – Cable Tongue is a flat and flexible tool designed for pulling cables through partition walls, above ceilings and below floors. Tom’s idea arrived after spending time working in Australia and witnessing electricians ‘stealing’ tongue and groove flooring plastic to pull cables.

“Some people will complain they they don’t have the time. Work between 7pm and midnight and 4am until 7am. If you're passionate about it, you will work all hours outside of your working day.”

DUOXIM ARBOR

Conceived by Kyle Gamble, an electrical contracting company Director, the Duoxim Arbor is a former PE ‘Top Product’ award winner. The tool allows you to quickly and easily make any hole bigger without causing any damage to surrounding surfaces, an idea that came to Kyle after spending time on a job at a very expensive property in London’s ‘Billionaire's Row’. Faced with the replacement of a whole house full of downlights and a client revealing that £40,000 had been spent on redecorating recently (so damage to the ceiling and decor was out of the question), Kyle set about designing and making a tool that would allow electricians to do the job.

“No matter how simple your idea may be, still look to develop it. The simplest ideas are often the best ideas.”

WATCH THE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL022

WATCH THE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL023

QUIKREEL The brainchild of Patrick Lenaghan, an electrical contracting business owner, QuikReel is designed to get cable off the reel quickly, smoothly and safely without the use of bars, racks or stands. After becoming fed up with the pain and frustration of trying to get cable off a reel without setting up any complicated dispensing system, Patrick decided that the answer could lie in the form of something small, sturdy, lightweight and self-contained, which could be used instantly as soon as it was taken out of the van. While rewiring an old farmhouse he accidentally discovered an old enameled dish and, after seeing the way it spun on its own axis, the seed was sown for the design of the QuikReel.

“If you experience pain and frustration with the way you do things, there’s a good chance thousands of other people like you are having the same problem, so ask yourself ‘is there a better way to do this?’, then start thinking! Keep that question at the front of your mind every day.”

WATCH THE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL024

FERRET WIFI

Designed by award-winning New Zealand tech company The Cable Ferret, Ferret WiFi is a multipurpose wireless inspection and cable pulling tool which has taken New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and now the UK, by storm. The product uses the latest electronics technology to stream high resolution video to a smart device in real time, making it the ideal tool for fast and accurate close up visual inspections and troubleshooting in places which are too confined or hard to reach. The camera has six adjustable bright white LEDs on the front to provide crisp, clear 720p images, even in complete darkness. The Ferret WiFi is used in connection with a free and intuitive Android or iOS App, which allows installers to save their videos and photos directly onto their smart device. This feature helps identify issues and also provides proof of a problem or repair to customers, which is ideal when quoting or invoicing for jobs. The Ferret WiFi is suitable for a wide range of applications including locating, reaching, inspecting, retrieving and reporting work for all kinds of trades. It is a winner of a 2019 Professional Electrician ‘Top Product’ award. WATCH THE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL025

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Did you know... C-TECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new HAK/1 Hush-ActiV Grade C domestic fire alarm kit is now available? Designed to lift the level of fire protection in flats, apartments and other residential dwellings, the kit includes everything you need to create a typical LD2 fire alarm system to BS 5839-6 (2019). Key features include an attractive Central Controller with accessible HUSH and TEST buttons, comprehensive monitoring of open circuit, short circuit, battery and power supply faults and only one rechargeable 72 hour standby battery for the entire system. Manufactured by C-TEC in the UK, the fact the Controller's HUSH and TEST buttons can be operated whilst standing at floor level also helps facilitate full compliance with the Equality Act.

HAK/1 Hush ActiV BS5839-6 Grade C Domestic Fire Alarm Kits

contents HAK/1 Kit co ontents

Lounge Kitchen

1 x Hush-ActiV Controller

c/w 72 hour standby battery

Bedroom Bathroom Supply

Supply

TEST

Fault

Alarm

Hushed

HUSH

www.c-tec.com

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT C-TECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL026

A PROUD BRITISH A

sed be u ation n a C u D y sit in an e Grade larms r whe attery A d ifie s/B Main are spec

1 x 230V/24V 250mA 250m mA A PSU 1 x ActiV multi-sensor 1 x ActiV smoke detector 1 x ActiV heat detector 3 x ActiV detector bases 1 x ActiV base sounder c/w lid

FA C T U

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

LOOK AFTER YOUR HEARING Peter Dumigan, MD of the Hultafors Group UK (owners of Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Safety Footwear and Hellberg Safety PPE), explains why you need to be proactive when protecting one of your most important organs on-site. ong term damage to your hearing can be caused by the noise from regular daily use of even the most basic hand tools – drills, angle grinders, disc cutters, circular saws, and hammers – if you don’t wear proper ear protection. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are designed to protect workers on-site from the risks caused by noise. Noise induced hearing loss is the most commonly reported occupational disease, with over

800 million people around the world affected by the condition. Over 30% of all workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels and one in four manufacturing workers who are exposed to loud noise don’t use hearing protectors. Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise at work is permanent and incurable with research estimating that over 2 million people can be exposed to noise levels that are potentially harmful. More often than not, hearing loss is gradual as a result of prolonged exposure to noise, but when

combined with normal loss of hearing as you age, it becomes a rapidly deteriorating condition. As an added hazard, exposure to unsafe noise levels can also result in tinnitus, a permanent sensation of background ringing or buzzing in your ears. But in the most serious of cases, immediate damage to your hearing can also be caused by sudden loud noises. Regulatory protection As far as the health and safety regulations are concerned, the noise threshold for

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 57

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

vital for how we communicate with others. Aside from issues with your mobile phone, think how you’d cope in hazardous situations if you couldn’t hear an alarm bell, a car horn or someone calling to you. We rely on our hearing in so many ways, which is why we should protect it. Unfortunately, for a significant part of the population, this ability is partially or entirely lost, because of exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss can never be restored but avoiding damage to your hearing is, in most cases, a matter of selecting and wearing the proper protection. Our hearing isn’t designed for many of the sounds we're exposed to today, especially the unwanted sounds – those that can potentially damage your hearing. So remember, if you need to raise your voice or scream to be heard when standing about one metre from someone on-site, its more than likely that the noise around you is dangerous!

providing hearing protection is now a daily exposure of 85 decibels. More importantly, the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with risk information and training is now 80 decibels. So, making the right, well informed decision is as important for the self-employed as it is for employers. As an employer, you have to provide your employees with properly maintained hearing protectors if they ask for them and if their noise exposure is between the lower and upper exposure thresholds. You also have to make sure they use them properly and establish hearing protection zones where the use of hearing protection is compulsory.

What is noise and how does it relate to working on-site? Sites are noisy places. Not just your mate’s banter and the radio in the background, but the working environment. Machine tools and plant all make noise, so does the process of using tools and applying fixings. It’s constant, almost incessant. Working on-site all day means that noise is constantly being poured into your hearing. But what many people don’t realise is that every noise source and the length of time you’re exposed to it has an exposure level measurement and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can reach the maximum daily safety exposure dose without proper protection. For instance, drilling into wood at 92 decibels would only give you 10 minutes safe exposure against your full day’s allowance. Drilling into metal creates 96

Don’t take your hearing for granted Too often we take our health and wellbeing for granted and rarely stop to consider what fantastic sensory organs our ears actually are. As well as helping us communicate, our hearing helps to keep us safe. It is the link to our surroundings and is

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decibels of noise, a chain saw 99 decibels, a circular saw 101 decibels, drilling into concrete 108 decibels and an angle grinder 109 decibels. So take a look at the chart (pictured below) and you’ll see that if you haven’t got proper hearing protection, you shouldn’t be on-site working and handling tools for very long at all! Choosing the right hearing protection Always use hearing protection when exposed to harmful noise and, if necessary, choose a protector adapted to your work environment, i.e a product with ‘level dependent hearing protection’. Hellberg Safety recommends that the calculated level under the hearing protector should be around 75 decibels given that its real-life (attenuation) performance may be affected because of incorrect fitting, misuse and poor maintenance. Performance protection can even be affected by anything that impairs the hearing protectors seal, such as long hair, facial hair and glasses!

USEFUL TIPS WHEN CHOOSING PROTECTION 1. Choose hearing protection that fits correctly and is comfortable the entire time you're exposed to noise at work, even if you’re mowing the lawn or strimming. 2. Make sure you’ve got 100% wear time in noisy environments and, remember, the use of eyewear can reduce the hearing protector’s attenuation of between 3-8 decibels. If possible, select thin eyewear frames. 3. Finally, your health and wellbeing on-site is just as important as getting a job done quickly, efficiently and in comfort. Choose your PPE products carefully.

TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE LATEST HELLBERG SAFETY PRODUCT CATALOGUE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL027

Products IN PRACTICE

A Heck of a job for Red Arrow When Heck Foods, a family-run food manufacturer known for its premium and vegetarian sausages, needed an LED lighting system for a production area and two storage areas in its newly built York factory, it turned to Red Arrow for some inspiration. The installation at the new factory needed to conform to commercial Part P building regulations – including energy saving and automation – as well as provide comfortable lighting for employees working at the premises. As a factory environment, Red Arrow needed to create the best lumen output and colour rendering possible, with the correct IP ratings for a warehouse and food production area. The LEDs also needed to be suitable to install on to high ceilings and, in certain areas, be automated to dim or switch off when the space was unoccupied. The biggest challenge was to create a uniform light output throughout the space while limiting the number of fittings, as requested by the contractor. As a result, Red Arrow recommended installing a reduced number of higher-output LEDs, regularly spaced to avoid hot spots and shadows. In the warehouse and cold storage areas, two different types of dimmable Linear LED Hi-Lo Bays were chosen to create a 400 lumens output: a 12100 lumen and 23200 lumen model, both IP65 rated for a factory environment. For the main production areas, a bright, consistent lighting effect was created with 1,500mm, 4000K waterproof LED non-corrosive fittings. Microwave sensors were also added to the warehouse and storage areas. These were set to dim LEDs to 10% when the room was not in use and, after long periods without activity, turn off completely. The end result was that the project met all specifications, conforming to regulations and meeting the contractor’s commercial cost and installation time requirements, without compromising on lighting quality and comfort for those working in the building. FOR MORE DETAILS ON RED ARROW’S FULL LIGHTING RANGE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL028

60 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

Interact Pro is real deal for Tata Steel Wales-based Tata Steel, one of Europe’s largest steel producers, wanted to upgrade the lighting in its innovation room in order to impress visitors as well as save energy. The solution needed to include the ability to remotely monitor the system and provide simple and easy to use lighting controls for employees. Interact Pro, with Philips Interact Ready luminaires was chosen. Interact Pro is a connected lighting system that works with Philips Interact ready luminaires to allow for real time energy monitoring. Crucially it uses a wireless Zigbee Mesh network to connect luminaires, sensors and switches. This means no additional cabling and a much quicker installation time compared to many existing lighting control systems. The innovation room, where the system has been installed, is an attractive and exciting place to bring visitors and new employees. It is used to show the latest innovations in the steel industry. This meant Tata Steel needed a lighting system that could impress visitors but remain simple to use for employees. The Key Account Manager working on the project worked closely with the customer to understand what kind of system was required. Interact Pro was suggested as it provided full lighting automation as well as the ability to pre-set scenes and schedules so that the lighting in the room is only used when it is needed, and the light level can be tailored to employee requirements. Whilst light switches were added to the system, employees have stopped using them as the automation allowed by sensors and the personal control App mean that they are not required.

This reduces energy consumption beyond a standard LED upgrade by ensuring that the lighting is only on when the room is in use. “Installation was easy and not having to worry about switch wiring made it very simple and quick,” said Jason Wilkes, Electrical Engineer. “We’re now looking at other areas where we can use Interact Pro”. DOWNLOAD THE INTERACT PRO INSTALLER PRODUCT GUIDE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL029

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

SLIDER WAY Jeff Jones of The Technical Department gets his hands on the latest addition to the Van Vault family. aving owned an original Van Vault for over 15 years, I was interested to hear that the company had introduced a new version of the product – the Van Vault Slider. Although my original Van Vault has stood the test of time, the Van Vault Slider features a modern, innovative design that offers some definite improvements for trade professionals. Prior to the purchase of my first Van Vault, I’d invested in a new van and, with security in mind, had added all the optional extras from the dealer, such as upgraded locks, alarm system and grills. I then parked the van overnight in a secure car park – it was well-lit and there was a CCTV camera pointed right at it. What I’ve now come to realise is that all those security measures

won’t protect you. If someone wants to get into the van, they will. As a result, I was completely cleaned out. Since then, my Van Vault has been a trusty companion in various work vans, keeping my tools safe. Sadly, this summer, I had my van broken into again – another victim of the disgusting epidemic that has affected so many tradesmen and women over the last few years. Fortunately nothing was taken on this occasion, as all of my gear was safely stowed in my original Van Vault. 15 years old and still performing flawlessly! One issue that I have had with my original Van Vault is/was its size – I found that it was a bit on the small side. You could get a couple of drills into it and a tester, but that was about it. The Van Vault Slider caters for this

62 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

issue and has easily enough space for six average-sized power tool cases, and possibly more. After all, the drawer can take a payload of 300 kilos. I currently have 2 x drills, 1 x labeller and 2 x MFTs stowed away in mine, with plenty of room still spare. Another issue with the older model was the top opening lid. No matter the van you have, space is always at a premium. No sooner had you packed up your job, leaving plenty stacked on top of the Van Vault, before you’d realise you had missed something and needed access to the Van Vault again. You would then have to move everything off the lid, which could be a tedious process. The Van Vault Slider is a much-improved design. I no longer have to lift the lid to access inside and the top of the slider is non-slip. The Van Vault

purchased. This way, these can be displayed clearly on the outside of the van to advertise the fact you’re using a Van Vault! Hopefully, this can deter thieves before they even attempt to break in.

acts as a handy shelf for other storage boxes, further improving the organisation of the van. Built like an oversized drawer, it has heavy-duty, smooth-action drawer runners so, even with your weighty tools inside, it’s smooth and effortless to pull out. Once the drawer is fully extended,

you can easily access all your tools from the top. Plus, it has a reinforced plate over the lock mechanism to give you added peace of mind. If I had to make any improvements, I would perhaps add some Van Vault stickers in the drawer when it is

An update – another break-in Following the submission of this review for PE, my new Van Vault Slider was put to the ultimate test. My van was broken into outside my house (see picture, left), but thanks to the Van Vault Slider all of my gear was protected safe and sound. So, thank you to PE and Van Vault for allowing me to review the product as it’s saved me all the money and hassle that would have resulted from having to replace my tools.

DOWNLOAD PRODUCT SPECS FOR THE VAN VAULT SLIDER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL030

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

HOME IS WHERE THE HARTLAND IS PE Product Tester, Norman Bradshaw, gets to grip with the latest batch of accessories from Hamilton-Litestat.

‘f

ashions fade, style is eternal’ and that is so true when choosing not only the location but the brand of accessories for your client. One way I used to help my clients choose their accessories and best locations to showcase them, was to keep a couple of samples in the back of my vehicle. I’d go and collect the accessories out of my van, sit them on the kitchen worktop, (that’s the accessories, not the client!) and let them imagine how their new kitchen was going

to look. Very often by the next morning they were convinced and orders could then be taken. Today the stakes are so much higher because so many clients just want that minimalistic look in their kitchen, which often excludes seeing our electrical accessories on display – banishing them to the back of a dark cupboard. So, I ask you fellow sparkies, if our clients can’t see our masterful work (as most of it is hidden behind plaster board or under flooring anyway) how are they going to really appreciate what we do?

64 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

One way is by fitting accessories that they WANT to see and show-off and to this end Hamilton has definitely risen to this challenge with its new Hartland G2 screwless range. What’s in the box? After receiving my package of accessories my interest was piqued immediately as the cardboard box in which they arrived didn’t just open up by lifting the top flap – oh no, this box opened up by removing the two side flaps simultaneously and then lifting the lid to reveal the satin stainless steel sockets and switches inside. Hamilton describes them as ‘quality accessories on a stylish slim plate’, and slim they certainly are. The G2 range comes in a number of finishes, so be sure to check them all out to maximise the options available to you and your client base. The cover plate is removed by inserting a small terminal screwdriver in the two slots at the bottom, and the plate simply slips off. To replace it, you just place over

the socket frame and push the four corners – it’s that easy. On closer examination I could see that the screwless plate was secured by four spot-welded metal clips. The sockets each had a plastic profile which stylishly clipped itself to the socket frame. This means that when you second fix these sockets they’ll sit snuggly on the wall. No gaps, no shadowing, no bowing, just pure style. The kitchen that I chose to showcase Hamilton’s G2 range already had a well-known brand of accessories installed, so the big question was whether my client would want the upgrade. As I had no previous samples of the Hartland G2 range I arranged the order and placed them down on the worktop counter. I then let my client get on with their work while I began fitting the accessories. As it was just a faceplate change, it didn’t take long to carry out, but in no time the kitchen was transformed from a standard kitchen to a bespoke kitchen. One of my client’s original requests was that they were not keen on have many

accessories on display, so I opted for the 20A grid plate method to control all the different kitchen appliances and central heating. When I explained my requirements to Hamilton the company looked at the brief and provided accessories for the kitchen and master bedroom. One nice element here is that Hamilton can provide bespoke labelled switches, which is particularly useful for kitchen installations where the ability to indicate switch usage in this domain (i.e. control of appliances), can have a significant impact on the selection of wiring accessories. I requested switches that were labelled up as: Fridge/Freezer, Boiler, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer, Cooker Hood, and Dishwasher. On completion my client was fully satisfied. The biggest selling feature of the Hartland G2 range of accessories is that they have a screwless face plate which, in my view, improved the styling tremendously. The switches on the accessories when operated have a clear ‘click’, which the client said was slightly

more noticeable than on the previously fitted accessories, but not so audible to be of a major concern. All the socket outlets had double poled switching, so excellent when complete isolation is required. The other feature I really like is that if you need to decorate a room the screwless plate-switch covers can be removed and replaced after the painting has been finished, thus saving you the time required to take the accessories off, only to have to put them all back on again. This can be very frustrating, especially as clients rarely want to pay you more for your extra work. Hartland’s G2 double sockets are also available equipped with two 2.4A USB outlets for charging tablets and phones alike. For this project two were ordered – one in the kitchen and one in the master bedroom. The USB double sockets were slightly deeper than the standard double socket outlets so, in my opinion, they would benefit from being installed in a deeper back box so that dressing the connecting cables is not such of a tight squeeze. Overall, the difference these Hartland accessories made to the whole feel of the project was enchanting. I’m confident that wherever you fit this range, your client is going to be pleased that they’re not hidden in the back of a cupboard, behind some tins of beans or similar items. Because the range comes with an impressive 25-year warranty you could say that, once fitted, they’ll likely see out your mortgage. My next job now will be to convince the client to get the rest of the house kitted out with the same accessories – a much easier task than when I first started the job. DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL031

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Products round up

Britclips RSWB shortens the odds Walraven has launched a shorter version of the popular Britclips RSWB (Rapid Sliding Wall Bracket) for gaps of 10-16" (25-40cm) – perfect for fixing in non-standard stud wall divides. No more noggins Traditionally, wooden noggins are used for fixing electrics in stud walls. Whilst this method has been used for many years, it is not the easiest or most convenient method for today’s busy electricians. The 16-24” RSWB has been around for some time, and is used by many electricians for faster fixing of electrical boxes in standard stud wall divides. Following feedback from installers that they sometimes cut the standard bracket down for smaller spaces, Walraven decided to make life easier for the trades and manufacture a shorter bracket. Use RSWBs for faster first fixing With two sizes now available, they'll fit any joist divide between 25 and 60cm (10-24"). Perfect for all first fixing needs from mounting electrical boxes, conduit, pipes and more in all joist divides. With pre-drilled holes along the bracket you can simply screw in the back boxes or conduit clips quickly and easily. Feedback from electricians Jordan Davies from Amigo Electrical in Liverpool commented: “We use the RSWB as standard now for all our first fixing. It’s so convenient, cost-effective and a huge time-saver.” Request a free sample The RSWB is widely available from electrical wholesalers and Walraven is offering free samples for installers to try before they buy. REQUEST YOUR FREE BRITCLIPS RSWB SAMPLE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL032

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CED Meridian Complete LED Lamp Range Whilst CED Electrical Group’s 25th Anniversary year saw many new Meridian light fittings released, a comprehensive package of traditional style lamps – all with energy saving LEDs – is also available. Starting with GU10s, there are 3W/5W full face plastic lamps, including dimmable options, plus 5W glass or ceramic alternatives. A60 style opal lamps follow with five options from 7W up to 18W. Both ranges are available with warm or cool white colour. Candles comprise 3W/5W clear and opal, standard and dimmable lamps whilst Globes are clear and non-dimmable. The warm white Filament range, with a 25,000 hour average life, boasts Standard A60 styles with 4W/6W/8W options, Candles in 2W and 4W, plus a 4W Tipped version and 4W Golf ball. CE marking and ERP approvals guarantee quality across the range. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL033

SNICKERS WORKWEAR ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets These new ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets deliver a great all-round performance on-site with a Ripstop water-resistant outer fabric and a coated inner fabric for extra durability. They’re wind-resistant too and have the features and functionality that you’d expect in quality clothing. Designed for optimum comfort and flexibility when you’re on the move, they’re great-looking working clothes that will keep you feeling comfortable wherever you are and whatever you’re doing at work, in cold and windy weather. There’s also a range of Base- and Mid-layer garments plus accessories like gloves, hats, face warmers and beanies to ensure that every part of you stays dry and warm. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL034

SCOLMORE Half media plates The latest product development from Scolmore sees the launch of a new range of half media plates which have been developed as the direct result of requests from 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. There are five new half media plates available - Polar White, Polished Chrome (with a choice of black or white ingot) and Satin Chrome (with a choice of black or white ingot). DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL035

Products round up

Alarm installers in a rush for Hush C-TEC has launched Hush ActiV, an innovative new BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire alarm kit. Designed to increase the level of fire protection in flats, apartments and high-rise residential buildings, each kit contains everything you need to create a LD2 stand-alone conventional fire alarm system in an individual dwelling – easily and cost-effectively. A key feature of Hush ActiV is its accessibility. Residents are provided with easy-to-use detection, alarm, silencing and test facilities at light-switch level, so they can test their own devices, be alerted to system faults and hush any false alarms. In addition, the fact that the Controller’s HUSH and TEST buttons can be operated whilst standing or sitting in a wheelchair at floor level helps facilitate full compliance with the Equality Act. An eco-friendly solution, Hush ActiV offers up to a 50% reduction in the mains power of a typical Grade D system, less plastic and just one replaceable lithium-ion battery per system (providing over 72 hours standby). Each kit contains a Controller, 24V PSU, ActiV multi-sensor, heat detector, three detector bases and base sounder. Additional ActiV detection and alarm devices are available to accommodate larger systems or those requiring LD1 coverage. Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Manager, said: “We're very excited about Hush ActiV. As a fully-monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C system, it constantly interrogates the status of the system’s wiring circuits, battery and power supply, reporting any faults to the main Controller. As a result, it offers higher levels of fire protection than the unmonitored Grade D Mains Battery Alarms typically used in domestic dwellings.”

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Supporting video To help you discover more about C-TEC’s Hush solutions, the company has produced an animated video: “The Evolution of Fire Protection in Residential Dwellings”. WATCH THE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL036

DICKIES FLEX Workwear Dickies has introduced the FLEX Workwear collection, which incorporates new fabric technology designed to enhance flexibility and comfort. The range is launching with two new trouser styles: Universal Flex Trouser and the Lead In Flex Trouser, both of which feature Dickies’ FLEX Fabric, its latest innovation, created to provide optimum mobility and all-day comfort. Available with or without holster pockets, the Universal Flex Trouser features FLEX fabric panels in key places such as the back of the calves and the waistband. Designed in a smart, slim fit, the trouser also features Cordura reinforcements for added durability. Easy to move and stretch in, the Lead In Flex Trouser is designed with a tapered leg, creating a more simple, minimal look. GET MORE INFO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL037

UNICRIMP Q-Fire Range Extension Unicrimp has extended its Q-Fire range of fire-rated products to include new metal fire safe cable clips in two additional sizes – 40mm and 50mm. As well as enhancing the existing range, the new products will meet the increasing demand for these particular sizes to assist with a range of installations that end-users are working on. Designed for use when fixing cables down in 40mm and 50mm trunking, the fire-rated cable clips – with a pre-drilled 6mm hole in the base – are made from annealed steel and provide installers with a solution to help satisfy the latest wiring regulations. Unicrimp’s fire safe cable clips are now available in 25, 40 and 50mm sizes, with each size available in packs of 10 units. WATCH A VIDEO OF THE Q-FIRE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL038

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Products round up

Farron away a better LED batten Megaman has released its new integrated LED batten, Farron, available with a flexible, in-built choice of wattage and lumen outputs. The batten is a direct replacement for T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes and is ideal for education, office or retail applications, providing a wide and even light distribution. Farron is also backed by a five-year warranty. With a beam angle of 120°, built-in opal diffuser and a colour temperature of 4000K, Farron LED battens are available in four dual wattage and lumen outputs -10/21W, 20/40W, 22/52W and 26/52W – that can be easily switched between, at the touch of a button. The fixture also comes in four sizes: 600, 1200, 1500, and 1800mm, all with a height of 65mm, and a width of 80mm. Farron is a traditional style batten that offers a simple yet effective solution for multiple applications. As well as an optional built-in microwave motion sensor, the unit is also available with a three-hour emergency option, which provides a back-up solution in the event of power failure. The Farron also offers easy installation, with ability to connect both ends by 20mm conduit and 20mm knockout holes. Cable entries and through wiring allow for linear series connection between lamp fixtures and there is a direct one-to-one replacement of T5 and T8 fluorescent battens. Most importantly, the battens are energy efficient with an averaged rated lamp life of up to 50,000 hours and efficacies of up to 100 lumens per watt. And TEGO too... Also released last year by Megaman, TEGO is a fully fire-rated, integrated LED downlight, tested to provide fire protection for 30, 60 and 90-minute ceiling constructions. It boasts features such as in-built colour change technology, dimming capability and an optional tilt bezel for the 5W version. For indoor use, TEGO comes IP65 fixed and matte white as standard but it can be altered to compliment any building interior with the use of an interchangeable twist and lock bezel, available in chromium and brushed nickel. While TEGO is supplied fixed, the 5W option can be adjusted to tilt using the ingenious tilt bezel, which is also available in a choice of finishes. TEGO downlights are not only triac dimmable, but through the integration of Megaman’s Colour Changing Technology (CCT), end users are able to easily switch between 3000K warm white and 4000K cool white colour temperature. With separate terminal blocks offering Loop in/Loop out wiring, the unit is also quick and easy to install. GET FULL DETAILS OF THE MEGAMAN RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL039

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Take control of your future with KNX This year the worldwide open protocol for smart controls celebrates its 30th birthday. That means KNX has been around longer than the majority of recently qualified/apprentice installers and has had plenty of time to prove the value of open thinking in projects the world over. It’s been three decades of continuous improvement and this is the year when it becomes even easier for installers to make the transition to really smart installation thanks to the release of the KNX configuration software tool. With focus on all the devices and systems that combine to create a smart building (heating, lighting, ventilation, security, AV, etc.), these can now be brought under one control system umbrella more easily than ever. To recap, KNX is an open communications protocol, so

products from different manufacturers can be mixed and matched to create custom solutions. It’s scalable and it’s suitable for any building – from a house to a high-rise office block. KNX is future-proof because intelligence is at device level and new functions can be added to the nearest node on the bus cable at any time, with the guarantee that any KNX certified devices will work seamlessly alongside whatever is already there. How to get started? Visit the KNX UK website and check out the free taster courses offered by various members. Invest half a day in kick-starting your future and you’ll get great returns. LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING STARTED WITH KNX AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL040

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Products round up

Take the cable route to success C.K’s range of quality cable routing products offer innovative features and benefits to ensure the needs of professional tradesmen are more than met, including safe and efficient working conditions and equipment. Working with professional tradesmen helps C.K find solutions to end user needs and has enabled the company to develop it's advanced cable routing collection. C.K MightyRods PRO This range is specifically designed to combat the issues of painful splintering and snapping, thanks to an innovative SplinterShield coating – Europe’s first splinter-proof material – that fully protects the rods and allows for longer cable runs. SpiraFLEX Draw Tapes Understanding that flexibility is also key to successful cable routing, this product is super-flexible and perfect for accessing tight corners, bends and other obstacles. The SpiraFLEX draw tapes offer fantastic benefits when it comes to hassle-free cable routing. The super flexible and extremely tough 4mm Ø SpiraFLEX draw tape, offers a major improvement on standard nylon and steel draw tapes, which can be prone to twisting and kinking. C.K Gloworm Cable Router This solution adds another dimension to the range and is perfect for running cables around tight corners, through insulation filled walls, underneath flooring and across ceilings. Gloworm’s clever glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent polymer construction aids routing in low light conditions and easier navigation towards exit points. When charged under natural light, Gloworm provides an effective glow for up to 30 minutes. GET MORE DETAILS ON THE FULL C.K RANGE OF CABLE RODS AND DRAW TAPES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL041

72 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

AICO New-look Electrical Contractors Handybook Aico has updated and given its Electrical Contractors Handybook a brand new look. Following comprehensive feedback from customers, the new edition has all the essential information needed to help contractors choose, install and maintain domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection. The Handybook features the latest standards and legislation and the different types of sensors available across Aico’s extensive range of Fire and Carbon Monoxide products. It has been designed to help customers site alarms correctly and provide assistance with installation. The popular Handybook also provides information on the importance of the initial testing of a system following installation and then regular testing on an ongoing basis, as well as maintenance and fault finding. REQUEST YOUR COPY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL042

SWITCHTEC Enclosed Fused Switch Disconnectors

ARISTON Velis Evo Water Heater Ariston has added the new Velis Evo and Velis Evo Wi-Fi to its growing range of electric storage water heaters. Boasting an ultra slim twin tank design for up to 16% more hot water availability, these technologically advanced units have a best in class ErP rating and are available in capacities of 45 and 80 litres. Designed for use in residential apartments, studios, holiday homes and glamping pods, the water heaters are the perfect combination of comfort and premium Italian design, while they offer rapid reheat times and are shower ready in less than 30 minutes. The flagship model in the range is the state-of-the-art Velis Evo Wi-Fi – the only electric water heater of its kind currently on the UK market with Wi-Fi controllability, thanks to the iAqua Ariston Net App. All units in Ariston’s Velis Evo range have an easy to configure, smart ‘blue tech’ touchscreen, and are supplied with an unvented kit, as well as a five-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard. WWW.RDR.LINK/EL043

Now available with Rotary Isolator and separate Fuse Holder, Switchtec’s NTFS enclosed fused switch disconnectors offer improved performance at a more competitive price. The NTFS Fused Switches use the industry standard combination of Rotary Isolator linked to a DIN rail mounted fuse holder fitted into an IP65 metal enclosure. This enables Switchtec to offer a cheaper solution whilst maintaining the use of high quality components to ensure there is no compromise on quality. Fitted with high quality Telergon switches and Mersen Fuse Holders, the packaged enclosures are available in ratings 32, 63, 80 and 125A ex-stock. All of the NTFS enclosed fused switch disconnectors are supplied in a high quality IP65, RAL 7035, pale grey painted, mild steel enclosure, and for versatility they have removable top and bottom gland plates. The switches offer an IP20 level of internal protection with their touch proof terminals. They have a door interlocked, padlockable facility deployable in the operating handle ‘off’ position and are supplied with a door earth lead. All products conform to IEC60947-3, are certified by UL, EAC, CCC, and are CE approved. GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL044

KNIPEX Electricians' Folding Knife The KNIPEX folding knife (16 20 50 SB) for electricians is designed for everyday use on-site. Durable and robust, its top quality, extremely sharp stainless steel blade is made in Solingen, a German city famous for its steel and knives. The unit’s ergonomic handle design makes for a comfortable grip and easy guidance, while the handle is made from robust, shock-resistant plastic. The Folding Knife has good power transmission during use, with a stable blade suitable for all the usual cutting tasks. A useful tether attachment at the handle end allows a fastener to be attached. DOWNLOAD THE KNIPEX CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL045

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 73

Products round up

You'll be alright on-site with NAPIT NAPIT’s brand new publication, On-site Solutions – Practical Solutions to Electrical Installations in accordance with BS 7671:2018 – is now available. The guide features useful solutions for: 1. Electrical vehicle charging installations 2. Surge protection devices 3. Smart home installations 4. Outbuildings 5. RCD selection 6. Consumer unit considerations 7. Selection of equipment 8. Designing circuits 9. Safe isolation of electrical supplies 10. Inspection, testing and certification 11. Documentation On-site Solutions also covers the main requirements of the Building Regulations associated with electrical installation work in England and Wales, as well as relevant Health and Safety legislation. Additionally, the publication has had input from a range of supporting individuals and organisations to ensure the book's credibility within the industry. NAPIT’s Group Chief Executive, Mike Andrews said: “Since the announcement of our new publication we’ve received a lot of interest. We hope both individuals and organisations, who are professionals and experts in their field, find On-site Solutions a helpful and trustworthy guide. We look forward to hearing feedback and reviews from all of our customers.” YOU CAN PURCHASE NAPIT’S ON-SITE SOLUTIONS PUBLICATION BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL046

74 January 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

A small price to pay for peace of mind Prefect Controls has announced the arrival of a new member to the Hobsafe family, the PRE 9276. The single gang unit is installed between the hob and the cooker isolator switch at a convenient location for those preparing food, and ensures that hobs can’t be left on should the cook be distracted. This version of Hobsafe has the same features as the popular 2 gang versions but is more compact. The capacity of the unit is 30A with 15, 20, 30, or 45-minute run-times being selectable during installation. There are both a neutral feed terminal and a neutral output. These large (13.3mm) terminals make fixing easy and quick – eliminating the fiddly issue of doubling up two cables into one terminal. There are two modes of operation: Fixed – when the timer runs its course, or On/Off – where a second press of the button allows the time-run to be stopped at any point. Hobsafe is easy to use with simple button operation and clear LED indicators, which are dimmable. When the current time-run is about to expire, the red ‘hob active’ LED will flash to warn that the hob is about to be turned off, giving the operator the opportunity to reset the timer, if necessary. Hobsafe conforms with EN60730 and is moulded in PC/ABS, making the timer extremely durable. PC/ABS is fully UV stable and is resistant to cleaning products. A gloss finish overlay allows for easy cleaning. DOWNLOAD A TECHNICAL DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL047

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 75

DIGITAL DIGEST

"WE'RE A VOICE, A COMMUNITY" As part of PE Online's regular ‘Leading Ladies’ series of profiles, the team recently caught up with a woman creating a ‘boom’ in the sector, as she explains why it could be in your interests to join the electrical industry’s social club in 2020. y name is Karen Boom (aka KaBoom) and I'm an electrician who runs my own company – She's Electric. Having retrained almost a decade ago, I found the first few years of my career to be really intense, as I had to learn on the job and get my head around a lot of new stuff. In this job you learn very quickly that no two tasks are ever the same, because most (if not all) installations are completely different. Additionally, dealing with customers is another challenge that we electricians face. Every client is different so managing their individual expectations is a skill in itself.

Joining the ‘social club’ While growing my company and experience as an electrician, I've found that embracing social media and networking has benefited my business enormously. Over the last 12 months I’ve

finally felt that I have enough experience, knowledge and confidence to stick my head above the parapet and let everyone know who I am, as well as sharing experiences and product knowledge. On social media, I now feel like I have a whole new family and an instant connection to a host of relatively instant resources that are absolutely priceless. I've connected with some amazing people and also been told that I'm an inspiration. It warms my heart to know that I'm making a difference, however small, to people that I may not have met before. This is the power of networking and social media. We're a voice, a movement and a community and we all have a part to play in supporting one another and being able to seek support ourselves. Ready to take the plunge? For those wishing to take the plunge into social media I’d recommend that you establish yourself first. Comment, complement and empathise with other installers because that is what counts deep down. We're here to encourage and learn from each other, not to act as keyboard warriors! Post ideas and challenge perceptions because this will provoke discussion.

The industry is undergoing a massive period of change so initiating dialogue and developing knowledge is key. I have no hidden agenda or promotion of anything other than collaboration and transparency, and I use social media as a way to honestly promote my honest work. Getting the right balance Because of the nature of social media and the digital world, I do sometimes feel like I can’t find the ‘off’ switch, but this will generally depend on what kind of day I'm having. If I really need to get my head down because I'm working on an intensive job, I can simply switch the phone off. On the other hand, if I'm coasting a little I can engage in banter. It's all about balance. Social media has opened massive doors for me and these opportunities wouldn't have happened without my on-going investment in maintaining an online presence. Ultimately, I want to be seen as a positive role model for not just the trades and women, but to everyone who wants to come together and form a ’family’ of supportive and inclusive professionals. Our community has united and grown so much over the past year and it definitely makes the lonely days a better place.

YOU CAN FOLLOW KAREN BOOM ON TWITTER AT: @SHE'S_ELECTRICUK

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 77

VIDEO WATCH ESP Internet Protocol CCTV Range ESP has developed the IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV range to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions for a range of applications. The range features POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100 metres without the need for additional power. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera, and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to. There are two distinct IP ranges available – the REKOR IP 2 Megapixel range which has been tailored for the domestic market, and the HDView IP 5 Megapixel range which is aimed at larger applications with a wide choice of NVR and camera selection. All NVRs have features that include remote monitoring via the ESP IPView App, H265 compression, motion record activation and they are supplied with dependable surveillance hard drives for peace of mind. The new IP Range from ESP With Power over Ethernet, you can now set up your CCTV cameras with only one cable making installations easier and faster, as shown in this promotional video.

WWW.RDR.LINK/EL048

WORTH A LOOK! Bosch Professional UK Eric Explains – GSB 18V 55

Lightwave RF Introducing the Smart family

In this video Eric explains the features of the brand new Bosch Professional brushless combi. The new GSB has a powerful brushless motor, 13mm full metal chuck and a 2 speed metal gearbox for fast drilling and driving WWW.RDR.LINK/EL049 applications.

Mr Smart, Mrs Smart, Charlie and, of course, Watson the dog. The Smarts are the stars of Lightwave’s online lighting campaign. In five films (1 x 90 second film and 4 x 15 second clips) we discover how Lightwave lighting has synced perfectly to the family’s lifestyle – from waking up gently to bedding down in WWW.RDR.LINK/EL050 a cosy home.

DIGITAL ROUND-UP

National Ventilation launches 'Know How’ App National Ventilation has launched its ‘Know How’ App, designed to help electricians easily find the products they need at the touch of a button. This handy new App offers quick and easy access to the latest versions of National Ventilation’s brochures, datasheets and technical documents. Useful information, such as installation instructions, are simple to locate and always available. The App will also make life easier for electricians when they're on-site. Know How can help them find the right product for the job ahead of a visit to a wholesaler, or check installation details in the technical brochures. National Ventilation’s free design service is also bookable via the ‘About Know How’ section of the App, which gives an overview of the breadth of products available. Know How can be downloaded on a smart phone or tablet, on either iOS or Android platforms, and users can choose to view brochures, datasheets or technical documents. A search tool makes finding the product required simple and fast and the

option to bookmark the most commonly used documents makes for even easier access. Product information and documents can also be shared via air drop, email etc..

TO DOWNLOAD THE ANDROID APP, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL051

TO DOWNLOAD THE iOS APP, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL052

New web domain for Schneider To simplify website access and improve user experience on its digital channels, Schneider Electric has updated its web domain from www.schneider-electric.co.uk to www.se.com/uk. Easier to write and to remember, the new web address ensures quicker access to Schneider Electric online platforms which include a number of improvements to help customers find information about its products and services more quickly. Five key elements of the Schneider Electric website now have improved functionality and enriched content to help customers find information more easily, increase product and solution understanding and make well-informed decisions according to their needs. The new features include: Chat with a representative Customer Care Representatives available during business hours to answer questions about support, sales or detail information about products. Product details pages Information in one place with the most popular documentation just one click away: product features, related software, 15 different formats of CAD files, high resolution images, “How to” videos, and frequently asked technical questions.

Product documentation Over 150,000 technical documents accessible through a new powerful search engine. Product selectors Q&A tools to help customers select the right product for their needs, including full configurations with all the accessories required. Accessories for products Simple access to accessories and spare parts for Schneider Electric’s top offers. Find related product offers for easy browsing to create a complete solution. VISIT THE SCHNEIDER WEBSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EL053

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 79

WANT TO KNOW MORE? TO HELP YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANYTHING YOU’VE SEEN IN THIS ISSUE, WE’VE INTRODUCED A NEW DIGITAL INFORMATION SERVICE. RDR.LINK IS DESIGNED TO GET YOU FASTER ACCESS STRAIGHT TO THE EXACT ONLINE PLATFORM THAT HAS THE SPECIFIC INFORMATION YOU WANT. FROM VIDEOS TO TECHNICAL GUIDES, PDF’S TO PODCASTS – RDR.LINK WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT THERE.

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CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A Adam Scholes (via Facebook): At least they put the earth in a junction box.

SOCIAL SNAPS!

Anonymous (via Facebook): This was found at a local sun bed salon behind every one of their 10 tanning booths.

Rod (via Facebook): I think someone ran out of double back boxes. No worries though, as we can make one out of two singles instead. Adapt and overcome!

Current Electrical Banbury (via Twitter): We can honestly say we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen this one before. Are they on to something?

Dave Noakes (via Twitter): I think this find proves the need for electrical safety inspection. All issues are now rectified.

WMG Electrical (via Twitter): So which way do I go?

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN January 2020 81

ADVERTISER INDEX Aico Ltd......................................................................................... Page 8

Logic4training........................................................................... Page 69

ALL LED Ltd................................................................................ Page 16

Lux General Lighting Ltd ....................................................... Page 59

Carl Kammerling International Ltd....................................... Page 67

Metrel UK Ltd............................................................................ Page 20

Castline Systems ..................................................................... Page 69

National Ventilation Ltd.......................................................... Page 63

C-TEC Ltd................................................................................... Page 44

Ovia Lighting............................................................................... Page 11

DANLERS Ltd ............................................................................ Page 72

PASS (Portable Appliance Safety Services) Ltd .............. Page 63

Electrical Industries Charity Ltd............................................ Page 75

Prefect Controls Ltd................................................................ Page 59

Electrium Sales Ltd.............................. Page 19, Inside Back Cover

Rainy Day Trust ......................................................................... Page 71

Electrorad UK Ltd ....................................................................... Page 7

RF Solutions Ltd ....................................................................... Page 49

ELEX............................................................................................ Page 26

Scolmore International Ltd..................................................... Page 10

Elite Security Products Ltd .................................................... Page 40

Shayla Electrical Ltd................................................................ Page 32

flex7 Ltd................................................................... Inside Front Cover

Tansun Ltd ................................................................................. Page 78

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd................................................ Page 44

The Focus Training Group .................................................... Page 72

Google Nest ........................................................................ Pages 14,15

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .... Page 40

Hamilton Litestat ...................................................................... Page 37

Trade Skills 4U ......................................................................... Page 59

Hollycroft Software Ltd........................................................... Page 74

Tysoft Software Ltd ................................................................. Page 75

Hultafors Group UK Ltd ............................................................ Page 4

UNICRIMP Ltd ........................................................................... Page 49

LED Group ................................................................................. Page 25

Vent-Axia Group Ltd ............................................................... Page 52

LEDVANCE Ltd ......................................................................... Page 35

V-TAC UK Ltd ..................................................... Outside Back Cover

Legrand Electric Ltd ................................................................. Page 13

Walraven Ltd............................................................................. Page 29

Lightwave .................................................................................. Page 52

Wise Controls............................................................................ Page 74

Live Electrical Distribution Ltd.............................................. Page 35