Professional Electrician & Installer October 19

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

OCTOBER 2019

PRODUCT TESTS LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, NEW TOOLS AND TRAINING COURSES – ALL REVIEWED INSIDE

GUEST COMMENT WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER EMPLOYING A MATURE TRAINEE

TECHNICAL & TRAINING INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTING ON LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS

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

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

October 2019 Volume 35 No.9

Regulars 7 11 23 37 38 46 59 77 88

VIEWPOINT NEWS LETTERS MK ELECTRIC 100 YEARS THE CODEBREAKERS MADE 2 MEASURE AURORA SPOTLIGHT PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE CAPTAIN C-TEC

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News & Views 19 Why you should consider a mature trainee 27 Profiling an electrician who is at the front of the grid 30 We catch up with the new man in the hot-seat at Certsure 33 A guide to the forthcoming VAT ‘reverse charge’ laws

Citroen’s new Berlingo van gets the off-road treatment

Products & Business Solutions Technical & Training 41 Insulation resistance testing on low voltage circuits 45 Crabtree answers a common surge protection query

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61 We learn more about the inspiration behind a new time saver for sparks 62 How to upsell a premium fan

49 Selecting and installing earth electrodes

65 Zano’s dimming control solutions come to the rescue on a complex lighting project

53 We review Blauberg’s BPEC Domestic Ventilation Installer training course

69 Why Scolmore’s EVO LED bulkheads are just the job for social landlords

54 A look at the latest training courses available to electricians

73 What to consider when specifying automatic LED lighting for the garden

108 The top videos making it to the smaller screen this month

74 Ford reveals its electric vision for the future of commercial vehicles

111 Showcasing the installations that make our readers proud

81 Hitting the road with Vauxhall’s new Vivaro

112 An extra helping of Caught on Camera from PE’s social channels

57 Class I appliances connected to the fixed wiring of an installation A ‘Wiser’ way to control your heating?

84 Norman Bradshaw puts DeWALT’s electrician’s stapler to the test 87 We get the verdict on two great lighting solutions from ALL LED

91

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

Bristol building sees the light

Digital Digest 107 Our look at the latest website and App releases

Competitions & Giveaways 24 WIN Six electrical lock-out kits to be won 59 WIN A snap-off knife could be yours this month

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 3

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Assistant Editor CIAN BRITTLE email: cbrittle@hamerville.co.uk 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 CreativeUnblock.co.uk 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. © 2019

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): Pg 19 Mature electrician © MonkeyBiz Pg 20 Adult trainee © MonkeyBiz Pg 33 VAT © BankRx Pg 34 Calculation © Wutzkoh Pg 45 Lightning © Libor

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

Two’s company n what has been a particularly busy few weeks for news in the electrical sector, two stories have really pushed their way to the front of the 'worthy of discussion' queue for this issue’s Viewpoint column.

NAPIT's acquisition of Stroma – which had been the subject of speculation for a number of months – has finally been confirmed, and rightfully takes its position as the main headline-maker this month.

The acquisition will result in NAPIT taking over and operating the Stroma installer activities in the building services and building fabric sectors. Following the acquisition announcement, NAPIT Group Chief Executive Mike Andrews stated: “We're confident that the acquisition of the installer activities part of the Stroma Group will result in a stronger and more robust Registration and Certification Body for the industry. This opportunity will bring together the best of what both organisations have to offer, alongside our combined experience, which will enable us to take the business forward in new and exciting ways for both our members and employees.”

Clearly the move is a good one for NAPIT. In recent years, Stroma has emerged as a credible alternative to the longer-serving CPS providers operating within the electrical industry, so the addition of the brand to the NAPIT stable will strengthen its own portfolio considerably.

From a market and end-user perspective, the proof in this particular pudding will come at a later stage. As a neutral, the over-riding concern when a main player is removed from a market, or incorporated within a competitor organisation, is that the lack of competition will negatively impact the overall product. There's absolutely no certainty that will be the case here, so the hope will be that NAPIT can use the acquisition as a further springboard to tightening up the domestic side of our industry.

We’ve no doubt that existing Stroma members, in particular, will have a number of questions regarding the issue, so Mike has offered to answer a selection of your most pressing queries in the November issue of PE. Keep your eyes peeled for that.

Elsewhere, and a story that broke just as we

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were about to go to press this month, the IET has announced the provisional details for what looks to be a significant amendment to BS 7671. The first amendment will consist of a standalone update to Section 722: Electric Vehicle Charging Installations, and is due to be published in early 2020. It will then only form part of a consolidated set of new regulations, following the next major amendment to BS 7671, which is expected in 2022.

Although fairly vague in its detail currently, the amendment looks to provide a more practical solution for the installation of charging points, allowing them to be deployed more widely than ever before. It will also reduce the cost of installations for both installers and consumers.

Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “By producing Amendment 1 to BS 7671:2018 as a stand-alone, free-to-view document, this updated Section 722 will reach industry much quicker than a full, consolidated amendment would allow, enabling installers to take advantage of BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 as soon as possible.”

Although details of the exact changes are yet to be disclosed, the quotes from the IET suggest that a new type of technology may be deployed in electric vehicle charging equipment, so it will be interesting to see what form this takes.

Our Government has pledged that, by 2030, at least 50% of new car sales will be ultra-low emission, so it's no surprise to hear that measures are being put in place to make it easier for the charging infrastructure to grow.

As long as said new technology doesn’t bypass the need for competent and qualified persons to install EV equipment, we’re all for any measures that can make life easier for installers, particularly in an area that offers such growth potential.

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 7

news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Vulnerable residents at risk from ‘underqualified workforce’ The safety of hospital patients, those in care and the residents of high-rise buildings could still be at risk if those who work in higher risk premises lack the necessary experience-based qualifications and competency, according to the ECA. Following the Hackitt Report on building fire safety, ECA has broadly agreed with the Government’s ‘Building A Safer Future’ proposal for an ‘overarching competence framework’ for those who work on and in higher risk buildings.

However, the ECA points out the framework must reinforce and extend experience-based qualifications. Without meeting this requirement, the ECA argues that electrical and other installations in higher risk residential buildings could pose an unacceptable risk of electrocution and fire.

In its response, the ECA underlined

that, for a competence-based qualification system to ensure safety and quality in the higher risk premises, all workers should undertake a suitable apprenticeship as a minimum.

Alternatively, comparable qualification routes should also be provided for existing, experienced workers.

Mike Smith, Technical Director for the ECA, commented: “ECA fully supports moves to ensure that those who work in higher risk premises are suitably competent to do so, notably in the electrical and wider engineering services workforce.

“However, regulated competence-based qualifications, including apprenticeships, are fundamental to ensuring that installation and maintenance work delivers fire and electrical safety. Without this essential

HiKOKI launches competition for apprentices HiKOKI Power Tools has announced its College Build Off competition for young tradespeople in the industry, offering the chance to win some powerful 18V tools.

For the competition, HiKOKI is asking young tradespeople to design a product or tool that would be useful in their everyday job. It could be a workbench, an unusual toolbox, an upcycled vehicle, or something weird and wonderful that catches the judges’ eye.

Whatever the apprentices choose to design, they need to have the necessary skills to build it; the best designers will be invited to the company’s Milton Keynes HQ to build their creations at the Build Off Final.

All potential participants have to do is post their design to Instagram using the hashtag #HiKOKIBuildOff and tag @HiKOKIUK by 30th November for the chance to take part. Don’t forget to post what the item is and what it does.

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/ei001

foundation, the residents of high-rise buildings and hospitals will remain at risk.”

Mike added: “These short courses (notably in the domestic consumer market) seriously undermine the take-up of apprenticeships in the industry. Their continued existence undermines calls from Dame Judith Hackitt and the Government to ensure the public is properly protected from fire risks in high rise buildings.”

Certsure appoints new Technical Director Certsure (NICEIC & ELECSA) has appointed John O’Neill, who has almost 50 years’ experience in the industry, as its new Director of Technical of Excellence.

John started his career as an apprentice at Vauxhall Motors in Luton before working as a maintenance supervisor for General Motors in Canada and the USA. He returned to the UK to set up his own electrical contracting business, specialising in electrical work and integrated control systems.

He joined NICEIC in 2010 and has filled a number of technical positions, including Area Engineer, Customer Relations Engineer and Technical Helpline Manager.

John will continue to represent Certsure on the JPEL/64 committee, contributing to the BS 7671 wiring regulations.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 11

news

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

Citroën gives its New Berlingo Van the World Rally treatment Fresh from winning International Van of the Year 2019 and What Van? LCV of the Year 2019, Citroën’s New Berlingo Van has been handed over to Citroën Total WRT pair Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm to put it through its paces.

The ‘Worker’ version was selected due to its suitability for rough terrain, including use on building sites and unmade country roads. It made for a stark change for the drivers, who are far more used to wrestling their Citroën C3 WRC around the world’s most challenging rally tracks.

In a WRC season that has seen the pair land two podiums (Rally Sweden and Rally Finland), the one-off bonus stage at Langley Park allowed Lappi and Ferm to demonstrate the New Berlingo Van’s robust

nature and enhanced occupant comfort.

Lappi commented: “I was surprised that it handled the rally stage so brilliantly.

The van was strong, very comfortable to drive and managed the corners exceptionally well. I might not swap my

C3 WRC for a Berlingo, but it would definitely be useful as a reserve option!”

To watch Lappi and Ferm testing out Citroën’s New Berlingo Van, visit: www.rdr.link/ei002

@proelectrician

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Syncbox launches Golden Ticket giveaway To celebrate its fifth birthday, Syncbox, the company behind the universally adaptable, invisible wiring and hidden socket system, is running an autumn giveaway throughout October and November for its customers.

As part of the promotion, the company is making over 150 prizes available to customers, including Xbox Ones, Fit Bits, Echo Dots, handy tools and Syncbox-branded travel cups.

In order to be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is purchase a Syncbox; if you then find a special Golden Ticket inside, you’re definitely a winner! You can then call Syncbox with your unique code to find out what you have won.

Syncbox can be configured to any specification for a home’s technical automation requirements, including TV, media, audio and power. In May of this year, Syncbox was awarded the Smart Home Solution of the Year 2019 at the National Technology Awards.

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/ei003

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

NAPIT provides bespoke portable appliance testing training The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) are to be provided with a series of bespoke courses by NAPIT, which have been developed following a request for tailored staff training.

Specifically devised for Trading Standards Officers and for Environmental Health Officers in Northern Ireland, the one-day ‘Basic Awareness of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)’ courses aim to educate attendees on how to effectively screen incoming goods at ports and borders.

Head of Sales at NAPIT, Steve Melton said: “The officers we are training are responsible for inspecting potentially

unsafe and non-compliant goods entering the country.

“Awareness training in PAT will enable them to confidently pass compliant items as safe to enter the UK market, or identify when there is a need for goods to be sent away for further testing.

“This training is particularly important as small electrical goods, typically from the Far East, often do not meet UK safety standards and can pose a significant risk to consumers. These can include items such as hair straighteners, mobile phone chargers and VAPE chargers.”

The first two of the series of training courses have recently taken place in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Spotlight on C.K as it launches new promotion C.K has launched its Autumn/Winter promotion – Spotlight – which will run in-store from September 2nd to December 31st.

The brochures will detail savings across the C.K, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp brands.

Products on offer include the T4659 12-piece Coloured ⅜” Sure Drive Socket & Spanner Set, the T4658 17-piece Coloured ¼” Sure Drive Socket Set, the T4346M12ST Colour Coded Combination Spanner Set of 12, the 595008 Premium Kit Pro and the T9715R 15W Rechargeable Flood Light.

Value Packs will also be available in-store, such as the Mighty Rod PRO Super Set 12m plus a free Gloworm Cable Router and a free Spiraflex, whilst the Mighty Rod PRO Set 10m comes with a free Head Torch.

Sion Lewis, Trade Marketing Executive at C.K, commented: “We are delighted to introduce Spotlight. Designed to deliver a fantastic package of innovative products, Spotlight also includes some superb discounted product deals and unbeatable value packs.”

To have a look through the Spotlight brochure yourself, visit: www.rdr.link/ei005 14 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

To find out more about NAPIT’s series of bespoke courses for the Department for BEIS, visit: www.rdr.link/ei004

ECA announces Power Players prize This year’s ECA Power Players initiative has seen the addition of a prize from Schneider Electric – a business learning trip to Grenoble in the French Alps.

The two winners, to be announced later this month, will also be able to take part in an overseas fundraising trip with the Electrical Industries Charity and benefit from a mentoring lunch with Sir John Parker of Anglo American, as well as winning a new iPad. Steven Heathcote, Customer Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric, commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Power Players initiative and look forward to welcoming the winners to our manufacturing site in Grenoble, where we are working at the cutting edge of electrical engineering technology.”

Power Players is an initiative which aims to identify and promote some of the leading individuals across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.

Anyone working in the industry under the age of 39 is eligible to enter.

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/ei006

GUEST COMMENT

Does the electrical industry do enough to support and encourage older people to join the sector? Lee Cowie, Technical Operations Manager/Compliance Manager at Skanska Facilities, gives his view.

"YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A MATURE TRAINEE!" he electrical contracting sector is heavily focused on the employment and development of apprentices. This method of entering into the contracting world has been the standard for many years, with schools focusing on attracting students into apprenticeships straight after education.

Typically, if you didn’t follow this path, then getting into the industry became extremely hard – most could only gain entry as an electrician’s mate.

In recent years, the desire for

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individuals to enter into the industry coupled with the shortage of skilled MBCPVS has led to many ‘schools’ and AUSBJOJOH centres’ popping up, offering DPVSTFT UIBU come with proclamations UIBU BGUFS completion, the person will be a RVBMJGJFE electrician. We all know that, in SFBMJUZ UIJT is rarely the case.

This culture has led to under-skilled individuals undertaking works incorrectly, leaving the customer with poor quality work and a task remaining for an experienced electrician to correct at the increased expense of the unsuspecting

consumer. It could be argued that the CPS providers prevent this from happening but, in my experience, it’s simply not the case – some do slip through the net.

Having been an adult trainee myself, that is one of the reasons that I believe more electrical businesses should consider taking one on.

My story Since school, I always wanted to get into the electrical contracting world but during my leaving interview with the careers advisor and after looking at my projected

GUEST COMMENT

“As I approached my mid-to-late twenties, the future of my working life and its restrictions were starting to dawn on me – I was extremely unhappy and going to work was damaging my mental health.”

GCSE results, the teacher announced that I was simply ‘not smart enough’ and I needed to look for ‘simpler’ career options.

Damage to mental health After receiving this rather brutal assessment of my future working life, I ventured into supermarket work until the age of 21. I then found a job at a local plastic manufacturing factory, earning slightly better money. I was always a hard worker and did reasonably well in my field, progressing through the ranks to a semi-skilled tool setter on extrusion machinery and eventually ending up as a shift team leader. As I approached my mid-to-late twenties, the future of my working life and its restrictions were starting to dawn on me – I was extremely unhappy and going to work was damaging my mental health.

One day, I had an altercation with a manager who had taken a disliking to me; it was after this incident that I realised I needed to make a change or this was going to kill me. I decided at that point that I was going to become an electrician.

At the time, I was working continental shifts and dedicated my days off to learning the trade. I trawled through the phone book ringing electrical contractors and offering free labour in exchange for training. I was turned down time and time again.

Eventually, I found work labouring for a local contractor in the next city and this began to show me a few things. After spending nine months working for the company on my days off, I was able to find work with a local contractor called SB Electrical in Derby. I called Simon (the owner) and persuaded him to take me on working for free on my days off. He was

20 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

reluctant at first but, after a few weeks working for the company, we became friends. It was Simon who taught me the installation side of the business and supported me through my qualifications to finally become an electrician.

I had reached my goal through hard work and sheer determination to change my career but, little did I know at the time, my journey had only really just begun.

Whilst in my final few months of training with SB Electrical, the Engineering Manager at my workplace approached me and told me that he’d heard I was putting myself through electrical training. He was impressed and asked if I would be interested in a position at the factory in the maintenance department. I thought I could do the job for a short time whilst I set myself up, before leaving to move into contracting with Simon and the other electricians that I had met throughout the course of my training.

I took the job in the maintenance department and was placed with an older engineer to learn the ropes; this was when things really changed. Over the following 18 months, I was exposed to many different aspects of electrical engineering, everything from PLC controls to DC shunt motors and drives; I was hooked and ended up staying for eight years.

Throughout my time at the company, my manager was extremely supportive and I was sponsored to go to university and complete a degree in electrical and electronic engineering. I now work as an electricial engineer in the facilities arm of a major construction company, while also finishing my Master’s degree. I’m also in the

process of applying for chartered status.

When I look at my career progression, I feel that I’ve achieved everything I wanted to and more. I could not, however, have done it without being given the chance initially by an individual or a company, and it is one that I’ve seized with both hands. I’ve since been contacted many times by others wishing to follow the same path, and unfortunately the opportunities are still very scarce. Don’t forget, there are many people out there who either didn’t have the best start in their working life or didn’t decide what they wanted to do until later in their career.

The perfect remedy In my experience the electrical contracting industry, like many others, seems to close its door to all but apprentices. The desire for people to change track and move into the industry has led to new training establishments and short-form courses popping up all over the country, promising large salaries and a good career as an ‘electrician’, but does this just dilute the quality of entrants into the industry?

I believe there is a remedy to this problem and it is the adult trainee. I feel that Individuals that have already gained experience in the working environment tend to have a better work ethic and will, therefore, bring more benefits to a company.

For these reasons, I’d recommend that any potential employers give the mature trainee path some consideration – you could change and improve an individual’s prospects while gaining a loyal, hard-working member that will likely stick with your team for the duration of their working life.

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Letters PE readers share their thoughts on the big industry-related issues.

Is it just another scheme?

Dear PE, In response to your news article about the NAPIT/SparkSafe collaboration (July/August issue), my question is: how could this possibly be good for the industry?

For me it seems like just another level of bureaucracy designed to intimidate and exploit electricians. Anyone asked to enrol on this scheme to get on a contract tendering process should challenge it, as SparkSafe appears nothing more than a conglomerate of large contractors trying to protect their own interests.

The political situation in N. Ireland might mean racketeering and protection operations can still prosper, but not the rest of the UK please. The industry already has too many competing bodies doing the same thing – we don’t need another!

Thomas Jeffers (Sparkybiz) ----------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Thomas, Many in the UK electrical contracting industry are perhaps justifiably sceptical of initiatives to overcome the fragmented nature of our sector.

Morale is low, and doubt in the leadership and direction of the industry is often high.

The effort between NAPIT and SparkSafe is aimed at helping responsible Clients discriminate between competent workers and ‘cowboy’ or ‘rogue’ operators, who work on the UK’s commercial and industrial projects.

Root cause analysis of our industry has convinced SparkSafe that the remedy and corrective measures for the deterioration of the sector are ultimately in the hands of informed, equipped and responsible Clients.

SparkSafe is a registered Charitable Trust. As such, there are no shareholders and the organisation is overseen by a voluntary, dedicated and unpaid group of SME

stakeholders. The objective is to do the right thing by improving quality and raising standards.

Sadly, racketeering and protectionism are dark realities across many parts of the UK. Board members and the staff of SparkSafe are conscientious, community-minded, family-orientated and socially responsible individuals. The collaboration between NAPIT and SparkSafe is founded on shared ethical values which fully support the UK’s detection, law enforcement, and legal systems in addressing such criminality.

Evidence from those on the ground across the country strongly suggests that the present gatekeeping systems may not be entirely effective.

Despite best efforts, too many unqualified, underqualified and self-designated workers have entered the sub-contract supply chain.

Efforts to collaborate between organisations around specific industry needs are partly aimed at addressing the complaint of “too many competing bodies.” As an independent and impartial Charitable Trust, SparkSafe is open to working in synergy with others where the common good of the industry, its workers and customers are best served.

NAPIT and SparkSafe are cooperating to enhance the Client facing profile of workers within a Licence to Practice system by distinguishing those who have achieved the appropriate qualifications and have also been assessed on-site to UKAS standards.

Doing the same thing, the same way isn’t working. SparkSafe offers a unique process that equips the Client with an online resource that obliges the main contractor only to employ an electrical sub-contractor who only employs licenced electrical workers.

Derek Thompson, CEO of SparkSafe LtP

PRIZE DRAW

W IN

6 ELECTRICAL LOCKOUT KITS TO BE WON! The newly-released Kasp Electrical Lockout Kit from C.K could be yours this month. asp, C.K’s safety and security brand, has enhanced its Safety Lockout range with the addition of the Electrical Lockout Kit and Pin Out Wide Lockout. Designed to offer electricians the very best solutions for safe energy isolation, the Kasp Lockout products are must-have items for electrical contractors working in domestic and industrial environments.

An essential safety procedure, Lockout/Tagout relies on quality products for safeguarding personnel whilst important electrical maintenance work is being carried out. The range has been expanded in light of research undertaken

by C.K which highlighted the demand for Lockout products.

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Kasp offers unrivalled features and benefits: Kasp Electrical Lockout Kit (K81300) A unique compact kit that’s perfect for a range of electrical situations. It can handle single MCB, wide MCB over 60A, and MCB with bar switch, and is suitable for use on isolator switches and electrical cupboards. ● The contents of the kit are all held in a sturdy, zippered pouch with carabiner for easy storage. ●

Kasp Pin Out Wide Lockout (K81200) ● Ideal for use on wide switch MCB and those fitted with a cross bar. ● Extra wide for larger breakers over 60A. ● Universal lockout capabilities.

24 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning a Kasp Electrical Lockout Kit from C.K this month, simply go to: www.rdr.link/ei007 and fill out the contact form.

Six winners will then be chosen at random from all of the entries.

Deadline for entries 10/11/2019.

Usual T&Cs apply.

For more information and product specifications on the expanded Kasp Safety Lockout range from C.K, visit: www.rdr.link/ei008.

READER PROFILE

CAR SPARK PE talks to 20-year-old Jack Bartholomew to find out what it’s like for the Sussex-based electrician to balance his work with the pursuit of his racing dream. onday morning: a sharp reminder of reality for most of us mere mortals.

Yet, for Jack Bartholomew, this barely scratches the surface. He spends his working week as an electrician, following in his father’s footsteps for Chris Bartholomew Electrical Contractors, based in Lewes, East Sussex.

However, every so often, a weekend comes along where he gets to step out of the electrical world.

We sat down with Jack after one such weekend; he had participated in the first race of the 2019 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe at Silverstone Circuit. If that wasn’t enough, he came out of the weekend with two podium finishes, including a race win. As recently as a year ago he was competing in the Asian edition of the series, which for Jack meant “flying out on the Tuesday before a race weekend, and then getting back into England on the Monday or Tuesday after.”

One thing is for certain, however; Jack is able to balance the two lives well, and he’s had plenty of experience doing so.

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He explains: “I guess I’m quite good at balancing the two now; I was racing karts between the ages of nine and 16, so it was always difficult balancing school and racing.”

Jump start Although racing is his passion, Jack always knew he would end up in the trade at some point. He says: “I’ve been racing for almost 11 years now, and it’s obviously been a bigger part of my life than the electrical stuff. With my father being an electrician and running a company, it was inevitable I was going to end up in the trade.”

In particular, Jack says that, over the last few years, the company has done a lot of work on “renewable energy and solar installs, so a lot of my time has been spent on rooves puling in big armoured cables for solar installs.” And there is the potential for an exciting avenue of work in the future, as he explains: “We’ve just set up another company installing solar in Vietnam, which my brother is in charge of.

That will be a really cool project and, hopefully, I’ll be able to get over there and

potentially do a bit of work and manage some larger projects. Career-wise, that would be really good for me.”

Importantly, it’s working for the family business that allows him the freedom to pursue his racing dream, as Jack admits: “As much as I love the electrical industry, I don’t plan to be doing it forever, and I hope to go professional with the racing.”

How easy could this be to achieve? Jack says: “To get to the position of being a factory/paid driver, you need to have money behind you and have partners and investors to put backing into you. I think the fact that I’ve gone to work with the family business has helped that side.” He

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 27

READER PROFILE

recently took a step closer to this reality as he was announced as one of 13 drivers on the 2019 Young Driver Program for Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

Electric avenue Although his future plans lie away from the electrical industry, Jack only has good things to say about his day-to-day work.

He recounts: “I finished school in 2015, and then started work in the August of that year. I’ve now just got to finish the AM2 and I’m done. It’s been just over three years since I started, but it’s been brilliant.” In terms of the near future, he says: “Within the next two to three years, I’d like to do the next level of training and become approved.”

Despite his dreams, Jack is clearly down-to-earth with his goals. He explains: “As with any athlete in any sport, things can always go wrong. You can get injured or things can happen at the wrong time, so it’s important to have a plan B.” Acknowledging his place in the next generation of electricians coming through, he knows the importance of the industry prioritising young talent. He states: “I know an apprentice is a cost for the first year or two, but you have to see it as a long-term investment. It’s about changing the stigma surrounding apprenticeships.”

Furthermore, Jack recognises that the electrical work has produced certain benefits for his racing. For example, he explains: “Some of the days working on

28 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

solar are quite physical, so from a fitness point of view, that’s good.” Above everything else, however, he notes: “The biggest thing is discipline: when you have places to be, you have to be up on time.

People have school runs and schedules of their own, so when it says 8am, you have to be there at 8am.”

Formula for success At the moment, Jack believes both sides of his work offset each other well. He says: “You can have a particularly bad day at work, which motivates me to want push on with my dream of racing. Alternatively, I can have a bad race weekend, but I can crack on with work and suddenly the next race weekend comes around. They definitely help each other.” Although, he admits: “To then come back to work on Monday morning is a bit of a comedown, but you do get used to it and get more motivated for the next race weekend.”

So, realistic with his goals, Jack’s sights are firmly set on racing professionally one way or the other in the future. He concludes: “I know everyone aims for Formula One, but that’s not possible unless you have between £15-20 million behind you. The single seater formulas are very expensive to run and you basically have to buy a seat with one of the teams. A realistic goal for me is to be a paid GT driver, which is what I’m doing now with Lamborghini. Who wouldn’t love to be paid to drive fast cars around the world? It’s an absolute dream.

I’ve been living this dream for the last 11 years, but I want it to be a full-time career.”

SPECIAL REPORT

A CHANGE CAN do YOU GOOD

Kevan officially opened NICEIC & ELECSA’s Live South event in May

Earlier this year, Kevan Parker was announced as the new Managing Director of NICEIC & ELECSA (Certsure). We caught up with him to find out what life is like in the hot-seat of two of the most recognised brands in the industry. evan was officially appointed Managing Director of Certsure in April, stepping up from his position as Director of Certification & Operations, where he led the team of engineers who carry out more than 30,000 inspections each year on behalf of NICEIC and ELECSA. “It was an honour to be asked by the board to take the helm,” he says. “The NICEIC brand has been around for more than 60 years and is a brand that’s associated with standards and technical excellence. That’s something I’m keen to take forward.”

Having now had more than six months at the helm, Kevan is settling into the new role and driving plans for the future.

He says: “It’s been a whirlwind few months with a lot to take in, but we’re at the start of a process that will take the organisation and the industry forward.

K 30 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

“Our customers come to us because of the prestige that comes with being NICEIC or ELECSA-registered and the support we provide. It sets their business apart, so it’s important that we maintain and continue to improve our brand qualities through delivery of quality certification.”

Kevan continues: “The industry is evolving, and the regulatory landscape post-Grenfell will mean change is inevitable, which is a positive thing for all stakeholders. I’m a firm advocate of continuous improvement. As businesses or sectors develop, so should the standards and procedures that underpin them.

“We await the outcomes of the Government’s consultation on changes to the building safety regulation system and what that might mean for the installation industry. It’s my job to ensure we’re ready whatever the outcome and that our model, which has served the industry well over the last 60 years, is still fit for purpose.”

So does that mean large scale changes are coming? “Not necessarily,” replies Kevan. “There is much debate about a need for individually assessed competence or a license as the way forward. I’m not convinced that works for all sections of the electrical industry, but I’m certainly open and flexible to change.

“We must also understand, however, that for many electrical contractors the Qualified Supervisor (QS) model fits their needs; it allows them to service their clients and train the industry. It’s been the benchmark for our industry for more than 60 years, and the model is approved by Government and adopted by all Competent Person Scheme (CPS) operators.”

He adds: “We need to create a journey to help those in the industry to aspire to be recognised, via assessment, as fully competent and to ensure that competence is maintained and developed throughout their working lives.

“Yes, it can be tweaked and adapted, but whatever changes take place we must ensure that technical standards, consumer protection and ongoing professional development through assessment are at the core.

“We also need to be clear that any change is customer driven and doesn’t place an additional cost burden on contractors. The industry already has the appropriate processes and checks in place. It’s now down to those organisations to work together and develop a way forward post-Hackitt.”

New regulations for the future Also on the horizon is the introduction of five-yearly electrical safety checks in the private rented sector in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The proposed regulations are currently sitting with policy makers in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), but it is expected to become law in 2020/21.

“Mandatory electrical checks are something we have long campaigned for and that we welcome in the future,” says Kevan.

“We’ve seen the positive effect such a policy has had in Scotland and will continue to work with others to ensure the policy has a similar impact in England.”

Elsewhere, away from political matters, Kevan has spent a large part of his time on the front line meeting with contractors.

He also opened NICEIC & ELECSA’s Live South event in May. “To see more than 400 electricians in a room, committed to updating their professional knowledge, demonstrated to me the dedication our contractors have to providing the best possible service. It’s too easy for others to say that electricians aren’t interested in learning new things or upholding standards but, from the people I met and spoke to that day, this is clearly not the case.”

He concludes: “One of our key priorities as an industry is to develop individuals and organisations that operate with integrity, maintain and promote professional development and keep up-to-date with regulations.

“From the people I’ve been lucky to meet so far, there’s a will and desire to improve as individuals, or as a business, and that’s something we should all look to build on.”

Special Report

© BANKRX

A GUIDE TO THE VAT REVERSE CHARGE

Lawyers Ronan Lowney and Michelle Essen from Womble Bond Dickinson give a detailed overview of the upcoming VAT reverse charge.

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ou’ve probably heard about VAT changing for the construction industry in 2020, but some of the information about those changes can be very complex for non-tax-experts.

How VAT currently works A very simplified structure for a construction project could be as follows: Developer wants to build the project, enters into a building contract with a contractor.

Contractor agrees to build the project, enters into the building contract with the developer, and a subcontract with a subcontractor.

Subcontractor agrees to help the contractor build the project, enters into the subcontract with the contractor.

In this scenario, VAT broadly works like this at the moment: Developer pays VAT to the contractor on amounts invoiced by the contractor.

Contractor pays VAT to HMRC for

works and services that it provides itself, and pays VAT to the subcontractor for works and services that the subcontractor provides and invoices to the contractor.

Subcontractor pays VAT to HMRC on the works and services that it provides and invoices to the contractor.

So, all the VAT payments cascade downwards, with more than one party paying VAT to HMRC on the project.

How VAT is changing As of October next year, VAT will change for construction, with ‘reverse charge’ VAT rules coming into force – through section 55A of the Value Added Tax Act 1994.

Some works and services will still fall under the current VAT regime, but we expect the reverse charge VAT rules will apply to many projects and construction industry businesses, bringing major change to VAT obligations and processes in construction.

It’s called ‘reverse charge’ because the flow of VAT is going to change from the downwards process (set out in the example earlier) to an upwards one.

Subject to the below, under the new rules, the “recipient” of the works and services up the chain will, instead of

paying the VAT to the party charging it, retain that VAT and pay it to HMRC (essentially discharging the VAT liability of the supplier of the works and services).

However, if you’re the “end user” of the works and services, you’re not that recipient.

What does that actually mean?

It means that the simplified structure above would change, so it would work like this: Developer is the last party in the chain and is the end user of the works and the services. So, as before, the developer pays VAT to the contractor.

Contractor is now the last recipient of the works and services before the end user – so it retains the VAT chargeable on the invoice supplied by the subcontractor (instead of paying the VAT to the subcontractor). It then pays to HMRC (i) that VAT it has retained, and (ii) after accounting for that retained VAT as ‘input tax’, the balance of the VAT it charges the developer. In essence, this means it would account for the full amount of VAT expressed in the invoice to the developer, whereas in the past it would’ve only accounted for the amount by which that exceeds the ‘input VAT’ which the contractor itself had been

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 33

Special Report

charged by the subcontractor.

Subcontractor is not the last recipient of the works or services before the end user – so no longer pays the VAT to HMRC on the works and services that it provides, as this is done on its behalf by the contractor. It will still invoice the contractor for VAT, but the contractor will withhold or deduct the VAT from its payments to the subcontractor. In its tax return, the subcontractor informs HMRC that VAT was invoiced but that it was paid by the contractor.

So, the VAT payments flow upwards now, with only one party (in this example) paying VAT to HMRC on the project, including on others’ behalf.

Changes to the chain The chain described could change though; for example, if a purchaser wanted to buy the project from the developer while works were continuing. That would make the purchaser the end user, and the developer the last recipient of the works and services before the end user, so the developer would have to account for the VAT which it had been charged by the contractor.

How does this affect me?

The first thing to consider is whether the reverse charge VAT rules actually apply to your project, works or services. In particular, consider whether any

exemptions apply e.g. for new buildings, or zero-rated supplies of goods or services.

If the rules do apply, points to consider include: 1. What is your status in the chain? Are you an end user or the one who has to pay the VAT to HMRC (there may be more than one end user e.g. the property owner and a tenant depending on the facts)?

2. If the chain changes, reassess your position in the chain and whether your obligations in relation to the reverse charge have changed.

3. Do you need to make changes to your building contract or subcontracts to reflect the parties’ obligations under the reverse charge rules? For example, if you are the one who has to pay the VAT to HMRC, does the contract allow you to withhold or deduct VAT from your payments to others down the chain? Does the contract cover a scenario where the end user changes if it could affect you?

4. Are your accounting staff sufficiently trained on the VAT changes and are your accounting systems updated to process the reverse charge VAT? 5. Will the reverse charge impact your cash flow (because the 20% VAT payment is no longer passed down to you when your bill is paid, or because your bill is queried by the party who is to pay it)?

6. Whether you should be applying the reverse charge on ongoing contractual

34 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

payments (as the reverse charge will apply to all construction contracts which are operational on 1st October 2020, not just new contracts entered into from that date). HMRC will grant a grace period of six months as suppliers and recipients come to terms with the new regime, and will allow supplies between the same parties to be treated in the same way whilst the parties determine whether the rules apply to each type of contractual supply.

7. The position of developers can be quite sensitive in this new regime. In many cases, it may be obvious that it is the end-user, but a change of intention or a further supply of a completed building by the developer to an investor could raise tax complications and contradictory tax objectives due to the interaction of SDLT and VAT rules.

HMRC’s approach HMRC has issued guidance – VAT: domestic reverse charge for building and construction services – which includes helpful information, such as a list of services affected by the reverse charge and list of services excluded from it.

Finally in the guidance, HMRC has clearly stated: “HMRC understands that implementing the reverse charge may cause some difficulties and will apply a light touch in dealing with any errors made in the first six months of the new legislation, as long as you are trying to comply with the new legislation and have acted in good faith. Any errors need be corrected as soon as possible. HMRC officers may assess for errors during the light touch period, but penalties will only be considered if you are deliberately taking advantage of the measure by not accounting for it correctly.”

This article has set out some very simplified examples of how the reverse charge will work, and some key points for you to think about. In practice, the VAT landscape is inevitably going to be far more complex than those examples, and the points that you need to consider will vary from project-to-project.

To view the HMRC’s guidance document on next year’s changing VAT laws, go to: www.rdr.link/ei009

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OF SAFETY Emma Segelov, MK Electric’s EMEA Marketing Operations Manager, explores how the brand is championing safety in a world increasingly reliant on electrical devices.

When it comes to 13A switchsocket outlets, it’s vital to specify options that feature a three-pin operated ‘child-resistant’ shutter system, which comes as standard across most of the MK Electric range.

These products are designed to prevent access to the electricity supply unless all three pins of a standard British plug are in position, providing additional protection against electrocution. This is particularly important in homes or properties with young children; for example, if they attempt to force foreign objects into switchsocket outlets.

Small differences MK Electric pioneered this safety feature with the release of the first ever shuttered socket in 1928: ‘anti-flash’. This was the first design to conceal the live and neutral contacts when the plug was pulled out of the socket, eliminating the alarming ‘flash’ that accompanied plug withdrawal at

the time. Despite this, shuttered sockets were not required by law until British Standard requirements were updated in the post-war era.

Extensive testing British Standards dictate that switches must be tested up to 40,000 operations and sockets tested to 15,000 insertions and withdrawals.

However, as part of MK Electric’s commitment to quality and reliability, in-house testing can exceed such requirements by 50 or even 100%.

Since its grand opening in 1982 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, the MK Electric test laboratory and its dedicated staff have maintained the high standards for which the brand is known. The laboratory was recently re-certified by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s national accreditation body for determining the technical competence of testing and certification services.

New technology All USB integrated sockets provide convenient and flexible access to power for mobile devices, but MK Electric’s range is also electrically protected against an overload or short circuit, preventing damage to the socket and injury to the user in either of these instances.

What’s more, the integrated socket outlets have all of the safety features associated with MK Electric’s 13A switchsocket outlets, including the three-pin operated ‘child-resistant’ shutter system, double pole switching and 3mm minimum switch contact gap. As wiring devices evolved over the past 100 years, MK Electric has remained committed to upholding the highest levels of quality, reliability and safety.

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/ei010.

mkelectric.co.uk

THE

CODEBREAKERS OLLIE TOWNER: I found this installation whilst carrying out a re-wire. The VRI cable is still in use with obvious signs of more recent wiring installations.

As a general rule of thumb, where Vulcanised Rubber Insulated (VRI) cables are encountered on an EICR, provided they’re still in good order or are adequately contained, they would attract nothing more than a C3.

Where the insulation is found to be crumbling, and doesn’t have access to live parts but has the potential for danger, it can be escalated to a C2. In all cases where the cable has degraded, and the conductors can be accessed or touched without any form of barrier, the only option would be a C1.

When carrying out any alterations, it’s always recommended to replace VRI cables. The most contentious areas are when lighting fixtures are being changed, and the VRI cable vaporises before your eyes; you get that sinking feeling of what to do next.

The insulation in Ollie’s photo is clearly starting to break down, although not catastrophic at this stage. The other wiring present could well have been there when the VRI was more serviceable and not deemed an issue. As this is a re-wire, there’s no problem, and the installation is being dealt with.

From an EICR perspective though, I’d see the VRI as a C3, bearing in mind I’m coding from a photo and can’t see more closely. That said, I’d want to know what the red PVC conductor was doing and maybe consider an investigation to see if a neutral has been borrowed from somewhere else to go with the single red PVC conductor.

SAM GREENFIELD: A builder left the shower cabin and lighting mains supplied via plug tops on an extension lead with tape ‘fixing’ multiple breaks in the cable. No RCD either!

There are quite a few things to be concerned about here.

Before looking at the general construction of the circuits, Regulation 701.512.3 expressly prohibits socket-outlets less than 3m from the boundary of zone 1, unless they are SELV and meet the requirements of 414. Regardless of the shower being a cabin/module, it still falls under these same requirements.

Where tape is used to repair damaged insulation, this is seen as inadequate and repairs must be appropriate to the damage, and/or taken inside an appropriate enclosure. These kinds of bodge repairs are potentially dangerous in any circumstance, let alone in a room containing a bath or shower. Tape notoriously breaks down, goes brittle and falls away, so is never seen as an acceptable means to “repair” the insulation of a cable.

The cable containment isn’t acceptable, and there is likely to be a strain on terminations. Additionally, unsupported solid core conductors could fracture, potentially causing arcing, which could lead to a fire. This is why Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are now being recommended by the British Standard.

Using solid core cables connected by a BS 1363 plug isn’t acceptable. This type of plug isn’t designed for solid conductors and has the potential for danger but, in this case, is also overridden by the requirement of 701.512.3. Extension leads shouldn’t be used to permanently connect a piece of current using equipment in this way, especially where the reel of cable isn’t fully extended. Failing to ‘unlead’ an extension lead can cause overheating and is a real potential for fire.

This isn’t directly covered by BS 7671 but the extension lead is effectively now forming part of the fixed installation, so can be coded.

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.

38 October 2019 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

TERRY HUDSON: We found this on a recent EICR for a domestic re-wire: there's thermal damage, a 2.5 cable coming out of the mains tails for a fused spur, and many other issues that are too long to list.

Luckily for the owners of this property, they’ve agreed to have a re-wire and upgrade to the latest version of BS 7671. The list of issues is a long one, and most of them seem to be a fire risk, given the evidence we can see.

The first point of concern for me would be the incoming tails having no barrier inside the CU, and a piggy-backed circuit with no overcurrent or fault protection, clearly showing signs of thermal stress. Several of the other conductors are also showing significant thermal damage, whilst some are showing signs of repair after thermal damage. Several fuse carriers are also showing signs of thermal damage, and one seems to have burnt severely.

The installation appears to have VRI cables which may well be past their effective life, and appear to have been sleeved in some way, which isn’t necessarily an effective repair. The earthing system is unclear and not entering the metal CU at the same point as the main tails, which may cause eddy currents.

The IP rating of the top of the CU is compromised in multiple areas. The supply tails are also not adequately supported, nor many of the circuits surrounding the CU. Possibly the most innocuous fault here, but the only one to attract a C1.

PAUL LINCOLN: I was carrying out modifications in a school and found this. I always wondered what the third pole was for when used on a single-phase circuit!

What seems, at first glance, to be an innocent mistake, has the potential for far more. We also have to accept that it may not have been a mistake and there is a real danger that the installer didn’t actually know what the requirements are, which is a concern, especially in complex systems where the correct level of training and experience are vital to ensure safety.

Just because there are spare terminations on an isolator, it doesn’t mean they can be used regardless. It’s not allowed to isolate or switch protective conductors in this circuit arrangement.

There is a possibility that the live conductors could be energised, as the rotary switch operates from “off” to “on” before the CPC is in circuit, which would leave the equipment without protection for a period that could cause harm. Likewise, if isolating, the CPC may disconnect before the live conductors which has the same potential to cause harm.

It’s only acceptable to switch a protective conductor, under certain conditions, using a particular device. I don’t feel that this installation type meets any of those conditions, nor am I convinced the rotary isolator fulfils the requirements for an isolator for that purpose.

The protective conductor in this case must be continuous and the connection should be made at the highlighted earthing terminal within the isolator, just to the right of the main rotary block A secondary observation would be the fine wire conductors from what look like HO7 cables. These should ideally be terminated with pin crimps, when used with standard screw terminations. If the terminations were cage type terminals they may be acceptable, but there isn’t enough detail here to give an accurate observation.

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/ei011

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

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42 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

QUESTION TIME: SURGE PROTECTION Dave Enefer, Devices Product Manager at Crabtree, answers a common contractor query regarding the use of SPDs, in accordance with the 18th Edition. e’ve decided not to fit SPDs within the single dwellings we currently maintain within our contract, but will be fitting them in our tower block communal CCUs. Can you confirm whether we’re OK to do this, and that I’ve interpreted BS 7671 as being correct?

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Section 443 of BS 7671 deals with the protection of electrical installations against transient overvoltage of atmospheric origin transmitted by the supply distribution system, including direct strikes to the supply system, and against switching overvoltages generated by equipment within the installation.

For some electrical installations, 443.4 tells us that, regardless of their location or construction, protection against overvoltage should be provided where its consequence could, for instance, result in serious injury/loss of human life, interruption of public services, interruption of commercial activity or affect a large number of co-located individuals. For installations that fall outside of these criteria a risk assessment shall be performed. If the risk assessment isn’t performed, then the installation shall be provided with protection against transient overvoltages.

The risk assessment method is described by 443.5 and takes account of

three elements of data relating to an installation’s supply and its environment.

This data is entered into a formula, the sum of which returns a value for CRL or ‘calculated risk level’. If the CRL value is less than 1,000 then protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin is required. It should be noted that the purpose of this risk assessment method, in generating a value of CRL, is to determine the level of risk.

To not perform the risk assessment, simply acknowledge the existence of risk and provide protection as a default, is a valid option and will fulfil the requirement of this regulation.

The only stated exception to the selection process of section 443 is for single dwelling units where the total value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify such protection. For this exception to be valid, the installation must be within a single dwelling where the electrical installation itself, along with its connected equipment, is of such low value that the unknown risk level can be ignored.

Consider a typical single dwelling and its many items of equipment containing electrical components vulnerable to transient overvoltages. Some items of equipment are permanently connected, such as smoke/heat/CO2 alarms, the central heating boiler and heating controls, while others are permanently connected

by the dwelling occupants, e.g. a fridge or freezer, broadband, TV box or LED lighting.

In summary, BS 7671 tells us that, for certain installations, protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided.

For all others, either carry out a risk assessment or simply be risk averse and include transient overvoltage protection.

In the case of single dwelling units, is an exception that ignores risk, and so ignores protection, justified? Does the cost of protection really outweigh the value of potential loss?

To download a handy bite-sized guide, offering more 18th Edition technical advice and support, go to: www.rdr.link/ei012

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 45

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

You asked: I’VE HAD ONE OR TWO NASTY “BELTS” OVER THE YEARS, WHEN I THOUGHT A CIRCUIT WAS DEAD AND IT WASN’T. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE SURE THAT CIRCUITS ARE PROPERLY ISOLATED SO THAT THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN?

46 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

We say: You need to use the right equipment and the correct procedure for proving that the circuit is dead. The equipment you need is a two-pole tester, such as the Megger TPT320, and a proving unit like the Megger MPU690. Don’t be tempted to use a voltfinder – they’re handy little tools, but they’re not suitable for proving circuits are dead. With the two-pole tester and proving unit, the procedure is simple. First, check the output of the proving unit with the two-pole tester, which must verify that the output voltage is present. Then, use the two-pole tester to check the circuit that you want to prove is dead. The tester must show that there’s no voltage present. Finally, you need to check that the tester hasn’t failed during the test, which you do by simply reconnecting it to the proving unit when, once again, it must show voltage present.

Carry out these three steps carefully and conscientiously, and you can be sure those unpleasant – and potentially dangerous – “belts” will be a thing of the past.

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

SELECTING & INSTALLING EARTH ELECTRODES NAPIT’s Don Holmes has more essential advice for electricians. he installation of earth electrodes is becoming an increasingly significant part of electrical installations. Examples of such installations are where the Electrical Safety and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) prohibit the connection of a PME earthing facility to any metal work of the installation.

Typical installations where this requirement may apply are:

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Remote buildings, Construction and demolition sites, Agricultural and horticultural sites, Caravan/camping parks, Marinas, Exhibitions, show and stand sites, Electric vehicle charging points, Onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels, Temporary electrical installations for structures, amusement devices and booths at fairgrounds, amusement parks and circuses.

Another example of where an earth electrode is required is where an electrical installation forms part of a TT system.

In view of the importance of earth electrodes, this article will consider some common types of earth electrodes and their methods of installation. The requirements of BS 7671 regarding earth electrodes are found in Regulation Group 542.2.

Types of earth electrode

Regulation 542.2.2 lists the types of earth electrodes recognised by BS 7671. They include earth rods, earth tapes or wires, and earth plates.

Earth rods Available earth rods are made from solid copper, stainless steel or copper bonded steel. The most popular choice is the copper bonded steel core rod due to its combination of strength, resistance to corrosion and lower cost.

Earth rods are available in various lengths and diameters. Typical sizes are 9.5 x 1200mm (fixed) and 12.7 x 1200mm (extendable) using an earth rod coupling and driving head, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 49

Technical & training

Contact resistance Contact resistance is often thought of as one of the main factors contributing to high earth resistance readings, but if the electrode is free from paint and grease and the soil is packed firmly around the electrode, this value will be negligible.

Earth rods are generally used where electrical installation earth fault currents are expected to be low, as is the case where the electrical installation is protected with an RCD or circuits with RCBOs.

value. Multiple earth rod electrodes can be used to achieve a lower resistance and, as a rule of thumb, the rods should be spaced apart a distance at least equal to the driven depth.

Earth tapes or wires Earth tapes or wires are usually bare copper. The usual size of copper strip is 25mm wide x 3mm thick as illustrated in Fig. 2. The minimum diameter for a stranded conductor is 3mm.

Earth tapes or wires are generally used in areas where the ground consists of rock and it’s difficult to install an earth rod.

Earth plates Earth plates are usually made of cast iron or copper and are square in shape, with a surface area about 1m2 to 2m2 as illustrated in Fig. 3. Earth plates are generally used where high earth fault currents are expected, an example being where a property owner has to provide their own earthing system requiring a low resistance.

Another factor is the resistivity of the soil which is measured in ohm-metres (Ωm). Soil resistivity is dependent upon the soil’s composition, moisture content and temperature. The ideal location for installing an earth electrode is wet marshy ground (Table 1).

Earth electrode resistance area The total resistance value of an earth electrode is made up of three main components:

Soil resistance Where the earth is of uniform resistivity, an electrode will radiate current in all directions under installation fault conditions. This current has to traverse concentric layers of the surrounding soil.

Since the soil is a relatively poor conductor of electricity, and as the cross-sectional areas of the layers of soil nearest to the electrode are small, the result is that of a graded resistance concentrated mainly in the area of the soil adjacent to the electrode, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

As the resistance immediately surrounding the earth electrode is greatest, most voltage will be dropped across this layer under fault conditions. Approximately 80% to 90% of the fault voltage appearing at the electrode will be dropped within the first 2.5m. This is known as the surface voltage gradient and is illustrated in Fig. 5.

1. The resistance of the electrode itself, which depends on the material it is made of and the connections to it, 2. Contact resistance between the electrode and the soil it is installed in, 3. Resistance of the surrounding soil.

Earth electrode resistance In most cases, the greatest influence on the value of earth electrode resistance is the depth the electrode is installed.

Doubling the depth can often achieve a reduction of up to 40% in the measured

50 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Electrode resistance Electrode resistance will vary slightly due to the type of material used. Contact resistance between connections is where issues may arise, especially where incorrect terminations have been made and corrosion occurs.

Inspection pit Earth electrodes must be correctly installed below ground level and installed

in an inspection pit to ensure the electrode termination is accessible for inspection and testing in accordance with the requirements of BS 7671 (Fig. 6).

corrosion by applying grease or paint.

Remember to fit the 'Safety Electrical Connection – Do Not Remove' label as required by Regulation 514.13.1 of BS 7671.

Conclusion It’s essential that earth electrodes are installed correctly, and that the area where the electrode is to be installed is thoroughly checked to avoid any damage to other services during installation of the electrode.

For more detailed information, reference should be made to BS 7430: 2011 + A1:2015, Code of practice for protective earthing of electrical installations.

Earth rod clamps When connecting an earthing conductor to an earth electrode, the earthing conductor must be insulated where it enters the soil to avoid any possible dangerous surface voltage gradient under fault conditions.

The connection of the earthing conductor to the earth electrode must be carried out using proprietary earth clamps and must be suitably protected from

As a NAPIT Registered Installer, you can access a wealth of technical information, guidance and advice.

If you would like more information on joining a NAPIT scheme, visit: www.napit.org.uk, call 0345 543 0330 or go to: www.rdr.link/ei013

“The greatest influence on the value of earth electrode resistance is the depth the electrode is installed. Doubling the depth can often achieve a reduction of up to 40% in the measured value...

It’s essential that earth electrodes are installed correctly, and that the area where the electrode is to be installed is thoroughly checked to avoid any damage to other services during installation of the electrode.”

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

BACK TO SCHOOL Pete ‘Monty’ Monfort blows the cobwebs away as he tries out Blauberg’s two-day BPEC Domestic Ventilation Installer training course.

one are the days when tradesmen could be pigeon-holed into one set of very specific skills. The interaction of the various aspects of building regulations requires electricians to have a broad knowledge of all trades.

With the addition of Appendix 17 to BS 7671 requiring electricians to consider energy consumption, the topic of heat recovery in domestic properties is an important one. So, I was excited to attend this course – despite wondering what could possibly fill two days of training!

Blauberg sent me their training manual well in advance of the course, with clear joining instructions. This was incredibly useful; it allowed me to cover the course content in my own time – and yes, there is a lot to cover!

The course was held at Blauberg’s specialist training centre in Leicester, which was easy to find, had ample parking

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and was close to several suitable hotels.

Blauberg has a fantastic teaching venue. It’s clean and modern, with examples of all the key ventilation systems. There are cutaways that allow trainees to see exactly how the equipment works, as well as fully operational type 4 MVHR for practical training.

The instructor (Rob Holton) was clearly passionate and very knowledgeable on the topic of ventilation. His relaxed and humorous approach meant he was able to handle a mix of expertise presented by our group, which consisted of four tradesmen: an electrician, a builder, a gas engineer and a heating specialist. The mix of trades made for some very interesting discussions!

The course covered installation, inspection, testing and commissioning of Domestic Ventilation Systems for both new and existing buildings. Also, the issue of supply ventilation was really driven home. I had never previously appreciated how, since modern homes are so air tight, the installation of a fan can be rendered useless. There needs to be proper consideration for airflow into a property, as it is akin to sucking air through a straw from a sealed box.

After lunch on the second day, we sat a multiple choice examination. It was closed-book, which made it quite challenging! Following the exam, we undertook a full commission and test of a MVHR system. It was straightforward but it required significant patience. The process

was made easier by utilising a laptop display to make all the adjustments to the mechanical ventilation system.

Overall, I found the course exceptional, and would absolutely recommend it to other sparks. I came away with a long list of improvements to phase into my own contracting work, and there’s no doubt my students at Arena Training Centre will learn from my experiences too.

If you are interested in attending Blauberg’s two-day training course on BPEC Domestic Ventilation Systems, email: rob.holton@blauberg.co.uk or go to: www.rdr.link/ei014

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

BECOME A WISER APPROVED INSTALLER If you’ve not seen it yet, Wiser is Drayton’s simple multi-zone heating system, offering a better, smarter, and easier way to personalise home heating.

Back by popular demand, the Wiser roadshow gives professional installers an exclusive opportunity to become ‘Wiser Approved’, providing access to the discounted Wiser shop for limited special offers and priority technical support, along with sales tools and exclusive website leads to help you grow your business.

During the half-day training you’ll learn everything from commissioning and set-up, to how the product integrates with existing heating systems. The training will leave you completely confident with installation and how to get your customers started with the system.

In addition, you’ll also get to take away a Wiser Multi-zone Kit (worth over £200) for you to try at home or use on a job. Plus, you’ll be signed you up to Drayton’s 9° Network (if you’re not already a member) to enable your Wiser Approved status and give you workwear and a van sticker!

It's £80 to book your place, with the roadshow visiting the following venues this month: 8th October - Hatfield 10th October - Sittingbourne 22nd October - Derby 29th October - Leeds 31st October - Manchester For more details and to register, go to: www.rdr.link/ei015

FREE TRAINING FOR ‘SMART’ INSTALLERS Energenie MiHome is offering free training to installers who want to diversify and upgrade their existing offering to customers in the wake of increasing consumer adoption of smart home technology.

Energenie MiHome’s installation service launched last autumn, with growing regional coverage across the UK due to the increasing consumer demand for smart home installation.

Unique to Energenie MiHome’s installation scheme is the on-site support given to installers in the form of a freephone UK-based dedicated installer hotline that can be called Monday-Friday for on-the-job advice should it be needed.

Energenie MiHome’s products are all retrofit and are easy to install. Adding smart home to your business will simply involve using your existing skills and adapting them to Energenie MiHome’s easy-to-install smart home products.

No pre-existing IT skills are needed; the training just focuses on using your skill-sets to install a new range of products.

Energenie MiHome offer a range of training to support the needs of MiHome installers. They understand that many are busy during the day, so they have a range of online resources accessible via YouTube to help with product training and troubleshooting, offering flexibility to learn in the evenings if necessary.

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They also run free face-to-face MiHome Installer training programmes, offering full training on the entire range of Energenie MiHome products. The next training date is 22nd October from 9am-11:30am or 12:30pm-2pm at The Waterfront, Brierley Hill, in Dudley.

To find out more about the installation programme, and to book your place on the course, go to: www.rdr.link/ei016

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

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Technical & training

58 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PRIZE DRAW

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WIN A SNAP-OFF KNIFE FROM HULTAFORS TOOLS We have 20 up for grabs this month! his month’s prize is the SRP Snap-Off Knife from Hultafors Tools. It is an ergonomic, robust knife, ideal for cutting materials like plasterboard, insulation, aqua panels and wood. Designed with a rubberised grip to make it suitable for cutting materials that need more power, it’s also tapered for control and to allow a better view of the cutting area.

It can hold a dispenser that takes three blades and is made from a durable polycarbonate plastic, with a steel core for added stability. There’s also a 1mm-thick blade rail for additional stability and its overall symmetric design makes it ideal for left or right-hand use. It also comes with a set of replacement blades.

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For more information on the full range of Snap-Off Knives and Blades from Hultafors Tools, visit: www.rdr.link/ei017.

HOW TO ENTER To enter your name into the draw to win one of the 20 Snap-Off Knives available, simply go to: www.rdr.link/ei018 and fill out the contact form. The winners will then be chosen at random.

Deadline for entries: 10/11/2019. Usual T&Cs apply.

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

YOUR MATE, BOXMATE Designed to help electricians overcome a common issue during the first and second fix stage of installations, we learn more about the inspiration behind BoxMate. s is so often the case with new and innovative products that are introduced for trade professionals, BoxMate was originally invented by an experienced electrician and site supervisor.

His aim was to address a problem encountered all too frequently on-site: during plastering, plaster can often find its way into back boxes and will then dry into a solid mass. Then, when the electrician returns for second fix, they have to dig the plaster out and clean the box before fitting the face plate – a waste of skilled time and effort.

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The solution to this issue was to design a temporary cover that would prevent plaster ingress. As well as being able to withstand site conditions, the cover also had to be easy to fit and remove. During trials, another requirement became clear: the cover had to be able to accommodate small variations in box sizes.

After several iterations, the BoxMate design was finalised. This great new product features tabs to accommodate variations in box height, and a material which compresses laterally to accommodate variations in box width. Its

central door means it can be easily removed after tapping off any plaster skin, and the product can be re-used several times, bringing the cost down to as little as 4p per use.

Although its main use is to eliminate unnecessary work and reduce electricians’ time on-site, BoxMate also offers protection to cables.

Available in the UK from Cattano, to view more product, pricing and specification details for BoxMate, go to: www.rdr.link/ei019

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Ensure cables are coiled up and tucked into the back of the box.

Rest the bottom edge of the BoxMate on the bottom edge of the installed box.

Use both thumbs to press the top edge home into the box. Then ensure the BoxMate is pushed fully into the box and rests against the fixing lugs.

REMOVAL After plastering, there is likely to be a thin skin of plaster on part of the face of the BoxMate. This can be easily removed with a few taps from a small hammer, or a screwdriver handle.

FINALLY...

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B

Just push in the central door, hook your finger inside and pull out the BoxMate!

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PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 61

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

With so many variations of fan on the market, what features should electricians look for and what is likely to appeal to end-users? Steve Totman, Product Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia, shares his advice. ith consumers increasingly interested in products that help improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), there’s a real opportunity today for electricians to upsell and offer premium fans that provide the latest in intelligent control.

Such has been the level of technical advancement in recent years, there’s now even a fan on the market that features Odour Sense Technology – Vent-Axia’s PureAir Sense offering – which can ‘smell’ air pollution.

Whilst this new technology is sure to be an attractive choice for households, there are a host of other features that end-users will be keen to benefit from.

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Quiet please Households want to use their bathrooms in peace and quiet, and this just isn’t possible with some noisy unitary fans.

Some households are so irritated by the noise that they’ll turn off their fan altogether, potentially leading to mould growth and poor IAQ, which can lead to ill health. Quiet operation really is a ‘must’.

Timer is of the essence The latest smart fans now include clever controls such as adjustable timers that are triggered via a light sensor. The latest

FEATURE COMFORTS intuitive light sensors can recognise room occupancy through light movement and shadows, but can distinguish between car headlight flashes and people moving about to avoid nuisance running.

The sensor means these timer fans can be wired in with just two wires; a massive benefit when fitting in older properties. It’s also useful to select a fan that includes a ‘delay-on’ feature which avoids the fan being triggered in the night during quick bathroom visits.

Moisture monitoring An intelligent humidistat for moisture control is also another great feature for electricians to offer households. This means the fan learns to run only when it can make a difference to IAQ. For example, Vent-Axia’s PureAir Sense continually monitors/records the moisture content and maps the humidity profile throughout the year.

This process enables the fan to run only when it can lower the moisture content in the air, reducing nuisance running and helping ensure a healthy environment.

Air apparent Meanwhile, an airing function is another

62 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

feature which consumers will love. Fans with this option automatically run long enough to rid a room of stale air if the fan has been inactive for over a day.

For households, this means no more stuffy, musty odours in the bathroom when they return from holiday or in an occasional use room.

Installer benefits Reliability, no call-backs, and ease of installation – all things that make an electrician’s life easier as well as ensuring a happy end user customer.

Fans such as the PureAir Sense offer these benefits, as the product is delivered with factory settings that will be perfect for the majority of projects. This means the install only involves fitting and there’s no need for set-up, saving time on-site.

If a customer does require customisation, the fan’s features can easily be altered via a touch panel or a smartphone App. And, as it comes with a seven-year guarantee, electricians really can ‘fit and forget’ the product.

To download a technical data sheet, offering more details on the PureAir Sense range of fans from Vent-Axia, go to: www.rdr.link/ei020

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

WHEN ALL HOPE(TOUN) IS LOST Faced with a complex lighting project in one of Scotland’s greatest ballrooms, Del Campbell of Westrigg Electrical Services was in for a challenge. He had no idea how complex the job would turn out – or how simple the solution would be. e all know that great LED lighting effect and dimming capability is essential to a perfect finish in a commercial venue; it sets the mood, enhances appearance and significantly reduces overhead costs.

But the big question is: how can you achieve this with 90 LEDs across three 18th-century chandeliers without the need for an expensive, bespoke dimming pack?

Recommended by his local wholesaler in Livingston, Del was appointed to undertake a complex LED upgrade at Hopetoun House in Edinburgh, dubbed ‘Scotland’s finest stately home’.

After months (if not years) of frustration with the existing lighting set-up in the ballroom, Hopetoun House’s General Manager knew something had to be done.

He was desperate for a simple, effective and maintenance-free solution to lighting the ballroom at Hopetoun, a highly sought-after wedding venue with a high-end vintage aesthetic.

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The planning phase Del soon discovered there was far more to the job than simply replacing the lamps with vintage-looking LEDs. The existing system used to control the lighting level in the ballroom was headache-inducing.

Flicker and buzz were a nasty by-product of an outdated lighting control panel, and the maintenance team were deeply frustrated with constantly replacing the chandeliers’ lamps – sometimes changing as many as 20 a week.

Fed up with flickering, buzzing lamps, the client required a simple, maintenance-free solution to lighting that would finally bring to life the magnificence of Hopetoun’s grand ballroom. The upgraded chandelier system needed to be: maintenance-free, dimmable from one single point, completely silent, 100% flicker-free, styled with vintage-aesthetic LED lamps, and able to cope with a large load of 90 LED lamps.

The project scope With the project requiring 90 LEDs that needed to be connected to existing

wiring, finding a dimming solution to cope with a load of that size without an expensive bespoke dimming system would be a challenge.

Aware of the issues associated with pairing LED and TRIAC dimmers, and that finding a solution to cope with such a load would be tough, Del asked his wholesaler for some product advice. Within a few minutes he was on the phone to a member of the Zano tech-team.

Del had heard about Zano’s problem solving products prior to this project, but hadn’t previously tried and tested the LED dimmers himself. Zano took no time in finding the solution: to cope with the

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 65

number of LEDs required and resulting inrush current, the chandeliers required the ZBARLED1000, an off-the-shelf remote dimming pack that was easy to install.

Zano frequently test lamps for compatibility with its dimmers, which meant it could advise on a specific brand of dimmable vintage aesthetic LEDs too. The three chandeliers in the ballroom required a total of 90 LEDs, all at a wattage of roughly 4W per lamp.

With the inrush current accounted for, Del was looking at a total load size of just under 700W/VA.

ZBARLED1000 was to install, Del got straight to work fitting the 90 LEDs, soft LED uplighting around the ballroom perimeter and connecting the lighting

Fantastic results Impressed by how straightforward the

PROJECT SUMMARY Total number of circuits: Six (three chandeliers, two circuits on each) Dimmer: ZBARLED1000 & ZBARCR Lamps: 90 x BELL LED 4W LED 35mm Dimmable Candle Clear – SBC, 2700K full load is 648 W/VA Lamps/wattage per dimmer: 1,000W per ZBARLED1000 dimmer Wiring: SWA cable

control solution up to the chandeliers from one central point in the room.

Despite a minor hold-up in the form of an ITV drama being filmed at Hopetoun (which in-turn meant the ballroom was out of action for a solid 24 hours being used as a dressing room), the process went smoothly. Del was able to return the following day to programme the dimmer (using Zano’s exclusive Smart Settings) in time for a wedding taking place in the ballroom that weekend.

By adding a specifically designed controller for the ZBAR remote dimmer (one that’s ideal for multiple control points and large loads), Del enabled rotary dimming control of the three chandeliers from one point in the ballroom. This finally gave Hopetoun House’s management team lighting control in the ballroom that produced spectacular results without compromising on the light output of the LEDs. To visit and use Zano Controls’ interactive product finder tool, go to: www.rdr.link/ei021

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

INSTALL EVO-LUTION Andy Walls, Property Maintenance Manager for Kingdom Housing Association, explains why he turned to Scolmore as the solution to a full refit project. ith responsibility for over 4,000 domestic properties, and in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Fife-based Kingdom Housing Association (KHA) decided to act; it needed to increase the general and emergency lighting provision in all of its communal areas, over and above any likely guidance emanating from the Hackitt report.

The proposal was to refit emergency lighting into existing blocks of three storeys or above. However, the challenge it faced was to procure a product that did not require rewiring, as most of these blocks were wired in two-core cabling.

With the need to keep costs, installation time and disruption to a minimum, it was Scolmore’s EVO LED bulkheads which provided the ideal solution.

Andy Walls commented: “The Scolmore fitting is capable of working on two-core cabling whilst still providing battery supply for the emergency operation of the fittings. It is also capable of supplying a background light during the day, as it has the capability to have the LEDs on at a reduced rating or turned off fully. This also suited our needs as we have several blocks that have darker areas and this

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would also provide better security and comfort to our tenants.”

The Inceptor EVO Bulkhead was designed by Scolmore to be quick to install and simple to use. As well as integrating the control gear and the light source within the diffuser, the bulkhead has the added benefit of a Flow plug which allows for fast and simple connection and disconnection for testing and maintenance of the luminaire.

With other bulkhead projects, the installer will need to first unscrew the diffuser and then the gear tray, fix the base to the wall, terminate the conductor, re-attach the gear tray and re-screw the diffuser. Scolmore has taken away the need for time-consuming and unnecessary screws and integrated the control gear and light source within the diffuser and added a Flow connector.

Therefore, the installer simply removes the diffuser, fits the base to the wall/ceiling, wires the conductor into the flow connector and secures the diffuser in place. The products specified for installation by KHA were the EVO microwave sensor & emergency version for the emergency lighting provision, and for the replacement of general lighting it was the EVO standard bulkhead.

Andy continued: “What is so great about working with Scolmore and having this product designed to meet our requirements is that they have enabled us to save time and money on a lot of aspects of this project, as well as ensuring delivery of the product to meet our timescales.

“The fact that the bulkheads are so quick and easy to install with the minimum amount of cabling and no rewiring required meant a huge saving in labour costs. In addition, the energy efficiency of these bulkheads, their 50,000 hours of life, plus the minimum amount of maintenance required to service them, all added up to a positive situation for us.

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

“The projected average lifespan of 50,000 hours also means we will not need to replace these for a further 10 years and, with maintenance visits required every two years to replace the old 2D fluorescent fittings, this more than pays for the new units with no ongoing maintenance costs. The degradation of the light fittings is also far less than the fluorescent type, thus providing our tenants with a good light source during the lifespan of the fitting.

“We also looked at the environmental aspect of the project and concluded that we would be reducing the pollution to the environment from not having to recycle the old fluorescent tubes.

This eliminates the harmful gases and pollutants that these products produce and also uses less energy

over the lifespan of the product.”

Scolmore’s IP65-rated Inceptor EVO LED bulkhead is available in two formats – Circular and Eye-Lid – with each format offered in four different options: Standard, Emergency, Microwave Sensor, and Emergency and Microwave Sensor Combined. In addition, vandal-resistant metal housings with an IK10 rating are available in Circular, Eye-Lid and Grille formats to enhance the potential applications for the range.

This provides contractors and installers with a range of easy-to-install LED bulkheads, suitable for a variety of domestic and commercial applications, including walkways, corridors, stairwells and communal areas, and public areas such as schools, offices, shopping centres and urban spaces.

For more information on the Inceptor EVO LED bulkhead range from Scolmore, please visit: www.rdr.link/ei022

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Andy Douglas, MD at Timeguard, talks us through what to consider when specifying automatic LED lighting for a garden.

HERE’S A BRIGHT IDEA our customer wants some automatic LED lighting for their garden, so what do you do?

Grab the first one you see at the wholesaler? Pick out the cheapest item on the assumption that price comes first? In our experience, it’s always best to spend a minute or two thinking about the spec before you buy. If one option is priced higher, there’s bound to be a good reason.

With customer expectations higher than ever, there are a few key elements that we recommend you look for when trying to source the right product:

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Polycarbonate reflectors and windows Aluminium can tarnish within a few months; whereas, polycarbonate keeps its good looks. It’s a much better option than fragile glass, which also has long-lasting properties.

Moreover, some models do away with the need for front covers altogether with rugged reflector plates and lens covers.

Light quality and coverage LEDs emit a straight beam: if the array isn’t designed with side-emitting diodes as well as forward-facing ones – or with prismatically diffused design – the unit will have a spotlight effect. A good tip is to look out for lenses over the diodes, a sure sign the designer has considered light beams and angles. When you have a big area to illuminate, choose LED floodlights with arrays designed specifically to provide the wide beam required.

Efficient heat sinks LED life will be extended if overheating can be avoided. Efficient heat sinks are especially important indoors or where ambient temperatures are high. Look for metallic vanes to ensure maximum efficiency.

Choice Floodlights can offer anything from 10W to 100W – be sure to make the right selection for the location. Also, don’t assume that PIR switching is the only option; Timeguard’s LEDPRO range provides a choice of plug-in photocell, RF and PIR controllers.

You don’t have to settle for black either.

Pure white units will hardly show against a modern fascia or soffit, and that keeps the customer happy.

Easy installation Every supplier claims their goods are installer friendly, but be vigilant. What you really want to look out for are captive

screws, big terminals and spare terminals for looping out and adding slaves. Ask questions like ‘does the bracket clip on and off easily?’ so you know if you can easily pre-fix it to the wall.

Easy set-up Are the lux level and time on control adjusters clearly labelled? Or even labelled at all? Does the bracket allow for tilt?

Some offer pan as well.

Is the PIR detector easy to direct and, if necessary, can it mask to give the right detection field and avoid nuisance switching? These are all important questions to consider, as it’s your time that will be spent on the initial set-up.

Is corrosion going to be an issue?

In coastal and damp areas, rust can lead to tell-tale trails down the wall. Choose rust-resistant models, with top quality stainless steel componentry, if this might be an issue for your customer.

Is it guaranteed?

There’s really no need to settle for less than three years. We stuck our necks out when we first started offering extended guarantees, and now they’re the norm amongst good suppliers.

To download a copy of the latest Timeguard product catalogue, featuring the LEDPRO range of floodlights, go to: www.rdr.link/ei023

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 73

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Ford has revealed its vision for the future of commercial vehicles and it is an electric avenue. Lee Jones reports from the manufacturer’s ‘Go Further’ event in Amsterdam on the forthcoming additions to the Transit range.

LIVING THE ‘HY’ LIFE he automotive sector is now experiencing some of the most significant challenges in its history, and commercial vehicles are far from exempt.

Ever since Henry Ford opened the road for the common man with the launch of the Model T, the mechanisms behind vehicle power have seen little fundamental change, and, given that we’ve never been more mobile, it is technology that has served us well.

The problem, of course, is how to balance our drive to move forward with the need to address issues of air pollution and global warming. The way to do it is with alternative powertrains, and the smarter, more efficient use of our transport.

Of course, for an electrician, the van is just another tool, and its size needs to be in synergy with the demands of his business. Those considerations, however,

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now increasingly extend to what’s under the bonnet. For city drivers, the potential additional costs of congestion charging and low emissions zones make clean diesel, hybrid or even electric solutions highly advantageous to a company’s bottom line, whilst productivity in our increasingly crowded little island is critical.

What diverse sectors like the construction industry need from manufacturers like Ford is a mix of solutions and, in terms of propulsion choices, that’s just what is presented to customers. The Eco Boost petrol engines available on the Transit Courier, Connect and Fiesta van are tailored for lighter urban use, and clean Euro VI Diesel will continue to power the bulk of the trades, with the latest two tonne Transit models providing up to a 7% increase in fuel efficiency.

These established answers will shortly be joined by a first in the segment, with

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EcoBlue hybrid technology in the Transit and Transit Custom offering significant efficiency improvements. Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) represent a lower cost entry point to a purely electrified vehicle, with the ability to travel in and out of ULEZ urban areas on zero emissions battery power without the range anxiety often associated with a purely electric unit.

Ford will, in fact, be the first volume van manufacturer to offer a hybrid in a one tonne unit – a vehicle that can travel on just electric power for up to 50km, with the one-litre EcoBoost petrol engine extending that distance to 500km. There’s no compromise on payload either and, through a series of London-based pilot schemes (featuring up to 20 prototypes at any one time), the vehicle has already found favour with end users.

On the final production models, drivers will benefit from four selectable modes,

which means either electric or conventional power can be selected, for instance, maximising the efficiency of the combination of internal combustion engine and battery.

Lithium-ion technology is advancing, its costs are decreasing whilst ranges are extending, and the ultimate aim is an all-electric Transit, which should connect with its customers at some point in 2021. In the meantime, the Transit PHEV will already be on the charge in the mission to provide lower emissions and fuel consumption, but other technologies can also make telling contributions to a reduced cost of ownership.

We’re living in an increasingly inter-connected world and Ford is plugging into it with the introduction of on-board modems on all of its commercial vehicles from the end of this year – a feature already available on the Transit Connect. If you think that telematics systems are just for fleets then think again, because the functionality of the Ford Pass App will deliver benefits right to a user’s smartphone.

Of course, the beauty of an App is that it can be continually updated and a whole host of new features have been added.

Parking locations can be filtered according to the height of the van, and a locator will find the nearest Transit Centre, whilst security concerns have also been addressed.

Given that an electrician’s van is parked up outside the job for much of the day, this makes it vulnerable to the opportunistic thief. Ford Pass is once again your friend here, letting you know if your wheels are receiving unwanted attention and if the alarm has been activated.

Ford knows vans as well as anyone, and it is that which makes the company well-placed to secure the sector’s sustainable tomorrow. What has driven the market for many years is the provision of a dizzying array of options, lengths and heights to suit every conceivable business, and, thanks to the makers of the Transit, it will now extend to the method of propulsion.

Want to find out which electric vehicle is best suited to your requirements? Ford has produced a handy guide, which you can download by going to: www.rdr.link/ei024

Products IN PRACTICE

Bristol building achieves ‘outstanding’ rating With products and support from CP Electronics, Aurora has become the first building outside London to achieve an outstanding rating from BREEAM. Also designed to LEED Gold Standard, the automated control and energy efficiency provided by the lighting has been a key factor in gaining this recognition.

Aurora is a 95,531 square foot office building situated in central Bristol on the Finzels Reach development. With a brief to meet high energy standards and future-proof the building, CMB Engineering turned to CP Electronics for specialist support in design, specification and installation.

James Wallace, Area Sales Manager at CP Electronics, said: “The variety of space involved quite a bit of planning, as well as a wide range of technologies to make the project work. To ensure this flexibility, we put CP’s Vitesse Plus 7 system at the heart of the solution.”

Vitesse Plus 7 is a versatile seven-channel system that’s ideally suited for commercial spaces where control, cost and convenience are key requirements. With an integrated PCB computer, the stand-alone lighting control module (LCM) is designed for simple plug-and-play installation and is easy to commission.

Combined with PIR detectors, each Vitesse Plus 7 module typically controls between six and nine luminaires within the office areas to provide maximum efficiency by ensuring lights only come on when a workstation is in use. To further reduce energy usage, the detectors also contain graduated daylight dimming technology and will dim the two rows of lights nearest the windows when enough natural daylight is present.

Glyn Luffman, Contractor for CMB Engineering, concluded: “The Vitesse Plus 7 system was impressive. As a standalone system with no network cabling, we could commission the system quickly ourselves thanks to a programmable handset, plus the support we received from CP Electronics was excellent.”

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/ei025

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 77

Products IN PRACTICE

sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

UNITRUNK ABC Buildings

BRITISH GENERAL The Radisson Hotel British General (BG) has completed a refurbishment project of The Radisson Hotel located at Dublin Airport. BG worked with National Electrical Wholesalers, PDMK Electrical Contractors/Engineers and Global Design Concepts to reduce the energy levels consumed by old fittings. The goal was to undertake a whole refurb completed floor by floor, allowing the hotel to remain open and operate as usual to limit any financial impact. This was achieved by supplying and fitting the first floor of rooms with a range of HDMI ports, Nexus metal USB switches and sockets, meeting both the client’s needs and providing guests with stylish and practical accessories to assist them during their stay. Since the project, BG has received a further program of work with The Radisson Hotel to refurbish an additional 88 rooms across the other four floors. www.rdr.link/ei026

Cable management systems from Unitrunk’s Rapid Installation Systems (RIS) range have been installed as part of the rejuvenation of the ABC Buildings in Manchester. Unitrunk’s EasyConnect cable basket and UniKlip cable tray from the RIS range were selected for the project to ensure ease and speed of installation, enabling new tenants to take occupation as early as possible. The cable trunking and UniKlip cable tray have been installed in raised access floor voids of all areas of the buildings, and the UniKlip cable tray has also been suspended from the ceilings as part of an exposed installation for an industrial aesthetic. Richard Fleming from Encon Maintain, a mechanical and electrical contractor on the project, commented: “The Unitrunk RIS systems have not only made the installation easier, but have also reduced installation times by around 40% compared to conventional alternatives.” www.rdr.link/ei027

LUCECO Manchester Central Luceco has supplied over 550 Climate luminaries to relight the parking facilities at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.

Ageing T8 fluorescent fittings were removed and replaced with energy efficient 6ft twin output LED luminaires. Climate Extra is a robust LED IP65-rated luminaire offering an efficacy of 140Llm/cW, with increased performance for improved energy efficiency.

It is also available with DALI drivers and emergency back-up variants (including Self-Test), as well as integral microwave sensors in on/off, 10% corridor function or batten fit PIR sensors. Constructed from polycarbonate, the Climate Extra has stainless steel anti-tamper clips and an opal diffuser to ensure a sturdy, cost-effective alternative to traditional fluorescent luminaires for many industrial applications. www.rdr.link/ei028

MEGAMAN West Kype Farm Prior to Megaman’s LED lighting solution, West Kype Farm in Lanarkshire, Scotland, had attempted to use sodium halide lights as floodlights. The units used too much power and caused the farm’s power circuit to trip, causing blackouts. Not only did the blackouts make events difficult to run, but the lights took a long time to cool down after tripping. Megaman’s Ensio integrated LED floodlights were the ideal solution. The manufacturer provided an energy efficient fixture with a lower heat output than the previous lighting solution and an asymmetric light distribution design which reduces shadows that can often spook horses. The owner of the farm Linda Anderson commented: “It was great to connect with Megaman and to upgrade our existing floodlights. The centre has now been fitted with four of the company’s Ensio 180W LED floodlights, which turn on to their full brightness very quickly and aren’t giving us any issues.” www.rdr.link/ei029

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Vauxhall is now Britain’s largest indigenous van manufacturer, and with the launch of the new Vivaro at its Luton home, it’s set to maintain this lofty position.

We review the latest model.

VAUX NEWS t’s been an avowed ambition of our business leaders in recent years to rebalance our economy in favour of manufacturing. Where once Britain was the workshop of the world, that sector’s share of the wider economy has been steadily shrinking, but there are, of course, those iconic stalwarts who have held firm on these shores.

Vauxhall, for instance, has seen vehicles roll from its Luton production line from as far back as 1905, and this tradition is continuing with the third generation of the Vivaro, now one of the few remaining light commercial vehicles that can genuinely wear the ‘Made in Britain’ motto. Indeed, with a multi-million pound investment in a new assembly line, including enough robots to double as a scene in the next Terminator movie, this is a site that looks to remain secure for the foreseeable.

Whilst much has stayed the same there has also been great change, not least new owners, with this historic name in the UK automotive market now under the guardianship of PSA group. As a result, where previously the Vivaro shared a platform with the Renault Trafic, today it finds its inspiration from the already very successful Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Toyota Proace.

I

The latest incarnation of a name that’s been steadily winning fans with van users since it initial launch in 2001 is actually slightly more compact than its predecessor, a feature that will no doubt find favour with tradespeople operating in our increasingly congested towns and cities. Vivaro is now available in two lengths (L1H1 4.95m and L2H1 5.30m) and three trims, whilst body styles include panel van, double cab for up to six occupants and a platform chassis.

Packing a punch A leaner machine it may be but it still packs a punch in payload, with a maximum capacity in the business end of the vehicle of 1,458kg, up 200kg on the outgoing model. Similarly, towing weights have climbed 500kg to 2,500kg, whilst the factory-fitted tow bar option comes standard with Trailer Stability Control (TSC). TSC uses an electronic stability programme to dampen the vibrations of the trailer as necessary. If severe

vibrations are detected – which indicates an unsafe and unstable driving condition – then the system will slow the vehicle to a critical pace.

Access to the cab is made more convenient with twin doors on either side, and there’s increased space between the wheel arches. If you’re looking to open those doors and happen to have both hands full at the time, then fear not, because a rather convenient feature has been added. Simply move your foot towards the sensors on the vehicle and they’ll open automatically.

In their mission to achieve maximum cargo carrying capacity within a manageable footprint, manufacturers are increasingly looking to exploit every available space, and that’s just what Vivaro’s FlexCargo allows. If you happen

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 81

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

to be carrying long items, an optional flap under the front passenger seat allows objects up to 4.02m long to be stowed securely in the 5.30m version. Not only that, but the same system allows the back of the middle seat to fold down, transforming your cab into a mobile office, with a table for working on documents, a notebook or a tablet.

Anyone who can remember the days when electric windows on a commercial vehicle were a novelty will know that the levels of comfort in the cab, not to mention recent innovations in driver assistance technology, have transformed

the end user experience in a relatively short space of time. Today, the market is demanding continuous improvement and that’s what Vivaro hopes to deliver with three trim levels providing an upward scale of sophistication.

Loads of features The aforementioned dual side sliding doors, driver/passenger airbags and cruise control with speed-limiter are all available as standard for the first time, whilst Sportive includes body coloured mirrors, handles and body side moulds, alarm, auto lights and wipers, acoustic

windscreen and thickened side glazing.

The top-of-the range Elite model features the latest safety technology as standard, including Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Information, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Detection.

The Head Up Display, which provides information on speed limits without taking your eyes from the road, is a particularly useful function, and overall, with a ride and handling that few can rival, the Vivaro remains one of the best driving experiences in the medium panel van market.

Next year, Vauxhall is promising the introduction of a purely electric powertrain, but it is clean and efficient diesel which presently holds sway, and there’s an array of options under the Vivaro bonnet.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is now the third most popular vehicle in its class and, with increased capacity at its Bedfordshire home, the ambition is to extend that market share still further.

What’s more, with a vehicle that will favourably compare with any in its sector, Vauxhall can still proudly sport that ‘Made in Britain’ emblem.

PRICING & SPECIFICATION Edition: From £22,020 (ex VAT) Sportive: From £24,270 (ex VAT) Elite: From £26,370 (ex VAT)

To view more details, specifications and prices for the new Vauxhall Vivaro, go to: www.rdr.link/ei030 82 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Norman Bradshaw of Nabelec sees if the DeWALT DCN701N Electrician’s Stapler can unseat the trusty hammer from your toolbox. lthough technology has come a long way in a short space of time, I never thought that the humble (yet essential) hammer would come under threat as a result. Having had the chance to trial DeWALT’s DCN701N Electrician’s Stapler over the past few months, I can safely say that the hammer’s place as my ‘go-to’ tool for first fixing tasks is now in jeopardy.

The simplest way to describe the tool is that it looks like a big tacker gun or stapler, but it is used for clipping/tacking electrical cables to wooden joists or

A

84 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

A STAPLE DIET beams. I’ve used a number of cable tackers in the past whilst installing alarm/telecommunication cables, but I never thought that we’d see the day where one was introduced for twin and earth cable. Now it has arrived!

The unit utilises an 18V battery pack and comes either as a bare unit in a carton or as a kitted version with two batteries and a charger in TSTAK case. If you already own DeWALT batteries and a charger, you’ll find they’re easily interchangeable with this tool.

The tool itself feels balanced in your hand, which is important when you’re

first fixing as, if it’s too heavy, you’ll quickly return to your trusted hammer. If you’re right-handed, you may find it easier to clip and pull the cable straight as you go along, or you could put some clips in and run the cable afterwards, especially with smaller cables like twin and earth or 3-core.

The clips are ‘one size fits all’ and are installed by sliding back the rail housing, which can be unclipped at the rear of the tool. To install the clips, you simply turn the tool upside down and load the clips into the magazine channel, which takes 2 x 15 staples. The loading action is smooth

and I had no difficulty in loading or reloading the device. As you pull the trigger, there is the standard light which illuminates the area you’re working on.

The staples are large and the machine is able to punch at least 25mm of the staple into most types of wooden surfaces. DeWALT states the staple sizes are 19mm wide with a 4.4mm insulating sleeve. This is so the cables aren’t damaged as they’re secured by the clips.

Plenty of clips The magazine comes with 15 clips joined together, and these are housed in a large box, so it’s more than enough to first fix your standard three or four bedroom house. One area for possible improvement here would be if the tool had the ability to insert different sized staples – for example, one magazine for the larger-sized cables and one for the smaller twin and earth cables.

This tool is designed to clip flat twin and earth cables to wooden batten or similar soft materials. It comes with a holster clip so that the unit can be attached to your hip, and the unit features a useful release catch which is deactivated once the machine is placed over the cable that you wish to secure. With a firm clicking noise, your staple is fired out and your cable is secured in place.

Because the product is around 200mm wide, it can fit in between your standard joist spaces. This means it can also be used quite effectively when rewiring in situations where you don’t want the cables to be laying on the ceiling, or need them to be kept away from water and central heating pipes.

The clips provided are of a very good quality and, in general, they hold the cables nice and firmly. Due to the clips’ metal construction, they will also meet the new requirements for supporting cables in areas of escape routes.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to get to grips with this new tool. Let’s be honest, you might not be able to work as fast as you can with a standard hammer, but the lack of repetitive strain on the user and

consistency of the results from the Electrician’s Stapler more than make up for this, saving you time and money in the long-run and ensuring neat workmanship throughout.

If you want to stay ahead of the game, this should be a real consideration for your toolbox.

For more information and specifications on the DeWALT DCN701N Electrician’s Stapler, go to: www.rdr.link/ei031

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Steve Hewish, Approved Electrician for Turrell Electrical Contractors, tries out a couple of the leading lights from the ALL LED range.

ALL’S WELL STRIP LIGHTING Strip lighting is really gaining in popularity, thanks to the flexible and unobtrusive way that it can be fitted and utilised. Boasting a very healthy selection of options and styles, ALL LED’s strip lighting is available in a number of outputs and lengths to suit the end user’s requirements.

Strip lighting can be particularly useful where some sort of ‘effect’ lighting is required and, having installed some of ALL LED’s productT – AST020/30 with aluminium profile (APA004) and driver (ADRCV24200/IP) – in a garage retrofit I’ve been undertaking, I was impressed by the general spread of light output and brightness that it offers. It illuminated the space so well that there was no need for another light source when working at night. Indeed, this type of strip lighting is absolutely ideal for those locations where installation space is limited at best.

One of the pitfalls of using strip lighting is that electricians can often come unstuck when trying to cut it to specific lengths, so it’s good to know that ALL LED offers a bespoke service for specific types of installations. All the installer has to do is request the types and lengths of LED strip required, along with the desired length of

tails, and ALL LED will do the rest for you at the factory. Clearly this is going to speed up installation times and lessen the margin of error for the installer.

ALL LED also have a huge variety of aluminium profiles to help diffuse the light evenly, as well as large slimline drivers up to 400W in 24V. DIMMABLE FIRE-RATED DOWNLIGHT Another product area that continues to evolve is the fire-rated downlight, with ALL LED’s dimmable range offering 30, 60, 90 and 120-minute fire-rating capabilities.

The product that I was given to review was the AFD010D/30 downlight, and one thing that I particularly like about the range is the push terminals and low voltage connection between the driver and the downlight, which is simple and secure and made for a much easier installation process.

There’s also a nice choice of bezels on offer, which is particularly appealing because it allows you to select from a number of different finishes, dependent on the overall desired look.

The ALL LED dimmable downlight offers a very good light output, with the warm white downlight that I fitted giving a

really pleasant colour temperature. Of course, there are other colour temperatures available, based on what the customer desires, but I’ve had no complaints so far.

Overall, I was glad to have the opportunity to try out these products from ALL LED and would recommend that you take a look at the brand when considering your next lighting installation.

To download a copy of the latest ALL LED lighting catalogue, go to: www.rdr.link/ei032

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 87

Did you know...

Every accessible toilet should have an emergency assistance alarm fitted?

Furthermore, did you know that it must have a call acknowledgement function so staff responding to a call can reassure the person inside that help is on its way?

BS 8300 states that: “visual and audible feedback should be provided to indicate that, when the alarm has been operated, the emergency assistance call has been acknowledged and is being actioned.”

C-TEC manufactures the UK’s biggest selling range of accessible toilet alarm kits and components including:

Disabled Accessible Disable ed Persons Toilet o Alarm Kit Toilet

Accessible TToilet ooilett Reset Point c/w Sounder

Single Zone Call Controller c/w 12V 140mA PSU

Overdoor Light c/w Sounder

MULTI-ZONE ACCESSIBLE TOILET ALARM SYSTEMS

Ceiling eiling P Pull ull U Unit nit C

Anti-Bacterial Wipe Clean Pull Cord Accessory Pack

Have ave yyou H o seen our stylish and very cost-effective ctive new 800 Series 1100 and 20 zone call controllers?

Compatible with our entire range of 800 Series call points, ceiling pulls, monitoring points, infrared receivers and overdoor lights, they’re ideal for use in multi-zone toilet alarm systems, changing room/interview room call systems and infrared panic attack systems.

www.youtube.com/user/CTECUKTV www.youtube.com/user/CTECUKTV

www.c-tec.com Want to find out more about C-TEC’s products and services? ZZZ UGU OLQN HL

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Work Trousers

DRAYTON Wiser Multi-Room Heating System Drayton has introduced a series of updates to its Wiser multi-room heating system. The Wiser OpenTherm module has been updated to allow a boiler to continuously adapt its system temperatures by forming a connection between the boiler and heating control, providing real time room temperature demand updates. Once the heating control detects the home or individual room is reaching the desired room temperature, it will tell the linked OpenTherm boiler to lower the system temperature. Additionally, the Wiser Heat app has been updated to include new functionalities. Under the new ‘Functions’ pull-up tab, users can locate the ‘Boost All’ and ‘Cancel All’ features. ‘Boost All’ will temporarily increase the temperature across every room thermostat and radiator thermostat by 2°C for one hour. If the user wants to turn off the boost earlier, they can do so using the ‘Cancel All’ button. When using these functions, hot water will not be affected. www.rdr.link/ei034

Updating its work trousers range, Snickers Workwear has introduced the Flexiwork 2.0 trousers with 4-way stretch fabric. The AllroundWork range has seen the addition of the AllroundWork women’s stretch trousers to the existing loose-fit AllroundWork stretch trousers with a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel. They are especially designed for optimal comfort and freedom of movement.

The new FlexiWork Denim Work Trousers, made of washed stretch denim, combine workwear and streetwear in a slim-fitting look. Also released is the regular-fit RUFFWork Canvas+ heavy duty trousers. www.rdr.link/ei035

MEGGER MTR105 Static Motor Analyser Combining all of the functions frequently required for testing electric motors in a unique and innovative handheld instrument, Megger has unveiled the MTR105 static motor analyser.

The tester, which weighs less than 1kg, provides facilities for a comprehensive range of insulation tests and for making four-wire low-resistance measurements. It also offers capacitance, inductance and temperature measurement, along with phase rotation checking and diode test features. It incorporates a graphical display, and all major functions are selected with a single rotary dial. An internal memory with capacity to store 100 test results is provided; these can either be recalled to the display or downloaded to a standard USB thumb drive. The MTR105 offers insulation resistance testing at user-selectable voltages from 50V to 1,000V, and it also supports PI, DAR and timed tests. It also features a guard terminal that can be used to help eliminate the effects of surface leakage. www.rdr.link/ei036

COLLINGWOOD LIGHTING Solis LED Panels Collingwood has released the Solis range of LED panel lights, ideal for lighting office spaces, schools and communal areas. The IP44-rated panels ensure a uniform light distribution and, when combined with the low glare ratings, guarantee high performance after installation. The panels offer savings of over 60% in energy costs when compared to traditional light sources, such as T8 and T5 fluorescents, and they are also claimed to be maintenance free. The panels are available in sizes of 600 x 600mm, 1200 x 600mm and 1200 x 300mm, and they come with a five-year extended warranty for peace of mind. www.rdr.link/ei037

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

LIGHTWAVE L82 Smart Mini Relay Lightwave has unveiled the versatile L82 Mini Relay which can be utilised in a wide range of situations, including water features, garage doors and lighting circuits. It is operated wirelessly from a Lightwave Smart Dimmer. Despite its small size, it can be added to any electrical circuit up to 500W, offering both On/Off and Open/Stop/Close functions. It operates ‘volts-free’, giving you on/off control of the device on that circuit without controlling the power to the device. It also has a power cut restoration feature which returns the device to its previous state if power is lost. It also features additional automation possibilities, stateful (on/off status display in-app) and six customisable LED indicators. Lightwave’s Smart Relays all connect wirelessly to Lightwave’s Link Plus hub and are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, offering two-way communication and built-in energy monitoring functionalities. It has an optional IP56 housing for professional install and has a two-year warranty as standard. www.rdr.link/ei038

C-TEC NC951 Accessible Toilet Alarm Kit C-TEC has introduced a BS 8300 compliant emergency assistance alarm. A ‘Call Accept’ function allows staff to send an intermittent call acknowledgement signal to inside the WC to confirm help is on the way. The UK-manufactured alarm is easy to install and simple to use and it can be wired in 4-core stranded security cable. For multi-zone emergency assistance alarm systems, look no further than C-TEC’s NC910 and NC920 range of 10 and 20 zone call controllers and expansion units. Housed in plastic enclosures, they also include a ‘Call Accept’ function and are fully compliant with C-TEC’s full range of 800 Series field devices. www.rdr.link/ei039

METREL A1507 3-Phase Active Switch Adapter Metrel has introduced a 3-phase active switch adapter A1507 to increase the safety surrounding making and breaking connections when working on 3-phase systems. It is used in conjunction with either the MI3152 or MI3155 multi-function testers and automates the testing process. You make the connections, ensure there is a Bluetooth connection between the tester and switch adapter, set up the test parameters and, once the test sequence is complete, decide the validity of the results and whether to save them for downloading into the certificate. The connection to the installation is simply made using croc clips or, even more conveniently, using a CEE 5-P 16A or 32A plug. www.rdr.link/ei040

OLSON Intelligent Power Management Unit Expanding its available range, Olson has announced the Intelligent Power Management Unit. The Intelligent unit allows remote monitoring through a modular system which comprises a main monitor module with a built-in graphical display and keypad. It offers the option to connect up to four 8x output switching modules, allowing a total of 32 16A switched outputs to be controlled (total 32A). Whether you need to match the unit to your corporate colours, have an individual outlet arrangement or require surge protection or a sequential start for added reassurance; Olson can ensure your requirements are met. Additional features include energy consumption monitoring, remote monitor & switching, external temperature & humidity sensors, programmable UPS and it is SNMP-enabled. www.rdr.link/ei041 92 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Products ROUND UP

Hamilton launches next generation Hartland range Hamilton Litestat has revealed the Hartland G2, an update on the Hartland box fix plate. The screwless faceplate is easy to install thanks to an engineered clip, making it a simple push-to-fit. Moreover, the patented clip is spot-welded to the faceplate to ensure the design solution is robust and delivers extra stability.

Thanks to its simplified design, along with reduced parts and manufacturing costs, the Hartland G2 delivers Hamilton’s quality and reliability in a screwless design. It comes in six finishes: Antique Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Stainless, Richmond Bronze, Matt Black and Matt White – the latter two being new finishes for this collection. Inserts come in a choice of colours, either White, Black or Quartz Grey. A further three finishes are set to be added to the range in the coming months.

The new range offers both Grid and EuroFix options, as well as 2.4A Dual USB sockets as standard, plus 4.8A Type A and C output connectors, allowing for both smartphone and device charging with ease.

The Hartland G2 collection also comes with a fit and forget 25-year product guarantee.

Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s Head of Marketing, said: “The second-generation Hartland G2 screwless plate makes one of our most popular design solutions available and accessible in a screwless finish at a very competitive price. The new push-to-fit clip ensures easy installation, whilst the streamlined design means we can offer it at a price point that’s accessible for even more applications, particularly in situations where the Hartland box fix would ordinarily be the most suitable and affordable solution.” www.rdr.link/ei042

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Products round up

The IDEAL solution for your circuit tracing needs IDEAL Industries EMEA has released the SureTrace Circuit Tracer, allowing electricians to quickly locate wires or cables behind walls, pinpoint opens/shorts and identify fuses and breakers on both energised and de-energised circuits from 0-600V AC/DC. It is designed to keep productivity high and operational costs low, with four defined ranges to allow the user to select the proper sensitivity for a specific job. The device’s display provides a numeric value between 0 and 99 and a variable pitch/tone audible indication as fast-response for tracing feedback, whilst its peak detector instantaneously registers signal strength.

Another time-saving advantage is that handset signal communication is tuned tighter to reduce false signalling on noisy circuits.

It also features the only rotating display in the industry.

Regardless of what position the user puts the receiver in, the SwivelDisplay display will orient itself so that the reading stays upright. It rotates automatically in 90° (OLED) or 180° increments (LED) so it can be read from any position.

A high-energy fuse and CAT III 600V design gives electricians the confidence to go about the job without worrying about equipment safety. Its advanced transmitter will not affect RCDs or sensitive electronic equipment, and its inductive clamp allows non-intrusive tracing on low-voltage cable. In addition, ruggedized over-moulding on the housing ensures maximum impact resistance.

The SureTrace models feature CertainCircuit detection technology. After an electrician identifies and trips the correct breaker, CertainCircuit senses the loss of power and sends a different signal back to the receiver at the panel that the right circuit was de-energised. www.rdr.link/ei043

Products round up

NVC LIGHTING Issue 04 Lighting Catalogue NVC Lighting has released Issue 04 of its catalogue detailing its product range. Issue 04 is split into two sections: the core and contractor ranges. The core range of products offer good value, an economical purchase price and are suitable for many regular lighting applications.

The contractor range products are of good value, high quality design and materials, offering excellent performance. Much of the contractor range also provides flexible configuration for sensors, drivers and controls. With an emphasis on making sure products are quick and easy-to-install, NVC Lighting is the ‘go-to’ for lower on-site labour costs. www.rdr.link/ei044

RF SOLUTIONS LoRaLyser RF Solutions has launched a plug and play dongle – the LoRaLyser – which plugs into an Android smartphone/tablet and provides various graphical displays and information of the RF Signals. User programmable to 868/915MHz FM and LoRa spread spectrum operation, it features an RF Waveform Oscilloscope style display with user configurable trigger level and time base. It also has a RF packet sniffer with signal strength, a walk test/ping mode displaying received signal strength indication (RSSI) and time of flight. LoRaLyser provides a handy development tool for design engineers with embedded radios and for electricians surveying/installing remote controls. www.rdr.link/ei045

CENTAUR Light Oak Wood Effect Profile

HULTAFORS TOOLS ‘Snap-Off’ Knives

uPVC extrusion manufacturer Centaur has extended its decorative light oak wood effect finish to the Meridian range of three compartment dado trunking. The soft-edge profile of Meridian features flexible internal and external bends, hinged covers and pre-pierced base to assist a quick and easy installation. The light oak effect makes this a solution for applications such as a boardroom, an office or a lecture theatre. www.rdr.link/ei046

With 13 different knives and four long-lasting precision blades, Hultafors Tools has launched a range of ‘Snap-Off’ Knives. They are suitable for a wide range of jobs, from industrial and warehouse applications to specialist work on-site. Symmetrically designed so that the blades can be turned over, they’re adaptable for both left and right-hand use so that left-handed craftsmen and women can adapt the knife to their own usage. The blades are available in three widths of nine, 18 and 25mm with different blends of sharpness. www.rdr.link/ei048

FINDER 72 Series Monitoring Relays & Float Switches Finder’s ACS-certified 72 Series monitoring relays and float switches are suited for level regulation of portable and liquid foodstuffs. With relays available with fixed or adjustable sensitivity, the 72 Series offers both options to best suit your needs. The float switch includes two watertight chambers and is available in five, 10, 15 or 20m cable lengths making it the perfect fit for any device. It is also applicable for both emptying and filling modes with a max depth of 40m. www.rdr.link/ei047

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PRODUCTS ROUND UP

CRABTREE Stack Lighting & Power MCB Distribution Boards

AICO BS 5839-6:2019 Pocket Guide

Crabtree has unveiled 125A vertical stack lighting & power MCB distribution boards.

The Crabtree Loadstar Vertical Stack Lighting & Power MCB Distribution Boards are available with both standard and MID meter options. The boards are a direct response to customer feedback to improve the previous Loadstar solution, which used separate lighting and power boards combined together using a vertical stacking kit. The new options alleviate the need for extra steps when taking meter readings, whilst still giving installers maximum configuration options with both top and bottom boards available in four to 24 ways. By using the dual connection isolator, both boards are able to give individual readings without any additional need for offline addition or subtraction. This easy-to-install, preassembled solution includes the ability to take separate lighting and power readings from one dual-channel meter in the standard option and through two separate meters on the MID option. www.rdr.link/ei049

In light of the recent changes to BS 5839-6:2019, Aico has condensed the information into a pocket-sized guide. BS 5839-6:2019 covers specific recommendations for fire alarm systems in all domestic premises and covers both new-build and existing properties.

The standard contains a large amount of detail on all aspects relating to the design and installation of fire alarm systems, including the type of alarm to install and the areas of the property to protect. To further support customers with the changes, Aico has updated its counter mat for wholesalers with a picture of a house with alarms in-situ, providing information about where to site alarms conforming to the changes in BS 5839-6:2019 Table 1. www.rdr.link/ei050

HAGER Surge Protection ‘Reality Check’ Guide To provide an at-a-glance overview to help contractors better understand their surge protection responsibilities to remain compliant with the 18th Edition, Hager has produced a Reality Check graphic guide, which is available to download from the company’s website.

The Reality Check sets out the key points to consider when thinking about where surge protection devices should be fitted on commercial installation projects, and outlines the range of potential overvoltage scenarios contractors need to be mindful of. It also highlights instances where risk assessments should be undertaken, as well as offering practical guidance about approaching residential applications.

To help electrical contractors, Hager provides a pre-fitted distribution board which includes a surge protection device built-in, removing the need for additional wiring.

To download the guide, go to: www.rdr.link/ei070

98 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

REHAU LINIAN Push-fit Fire Clip REHAU has launched the new LINIAN Push-fit Fire Clip in response to the 18th Edition regulations. The new fire clip set provides fire-resistant cable support compliant with the 18th Edition, with the updated model based on the already-established LINIAN Push-fit Fire Clip, which REHAU has adapted to meet these new requirements. The new fire clip is fitted with fire-rated stainless-steel cable-ties to contain the cables.

The resulting design is suitable for all REHAU cable trunking systems. One fire clip can carry two cable ties, which can in turn secure cables in two cable compartments, such as with the REHAU PROFILA Data.

The installation of the fire clip is extremely simple – installers only need to drill a small hole through the trunking into the wall, where the fire clip can then be pushed through. Once the wiring is complete, the cabling is secured by attaching and threading the stainless steel cable ties through the fire clip. www.rdr.link/ei071

Products round up

BOSCH 18V BITURBO Range Bosch has expanded its 18V cordless range to include saws, rotary hammers and angle grinders that are able to achieve equivalent performance to corded tools rated between 1,000 and 1,800W. The Bosch BITURBO models require just one compact 8 or 12Ah capacity ProCORE18V battery. Cordless SDS-max rotary hammers make their first appearance in the Bosch range, with the GBH 18V-36 C and GBH 18V-45 C Rotary Hammers available. The GBH 18V-34 CF Professional SDS Plus Rotary Hammer will be added to the range in 2020. There is also a Hand-held Circular Saw, Mitre Saw and Plunge Saw added to the range: the GKS 18V-68 GC, the GCM 18V-216 and the GKT 18V-52 GC, respectively. Finally, there are four Angle Grinders – GWS 18V-15 C, GWX 18V-15 C, GWS 18V-15 SC and GWX 18V-15 SC – which cut up to 50% faster than the most powerful Bosch cordless angle grinder previously available. All but one of the new BITURBO products can be fitted with a Bosch connectivity module. www.rdr.link/ei051

SAXBY LIGHTING Pillo LED Bulkheads Saxby Lighting has extended its available range with the addition of the Pillo, a compact, functional and robust collection of polycarbonate LED oval bulkheads. Each fitting may be small, but they are available in a 12W LED SMD or a larger 18W LED SMD. The range is low energy and offers an output of either 1,000 or 1,400 lumens. The high output and IK10 rating makes it suitable to commercial applications as well as domestic. The Pillo has a slim design and can be used on both walls and ceilings, with an IP54 rating for outdoor use as well. Two sizes are available, plus extra bezels which are on offer separately. There is a choice of plain or eyelid casings in a black or white finish. www.rdr.link/ei052

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Products ROUND UP

Get connected with Starlite Tamlite Lighting has partnered up with Wiz Connected to launch the Starlite Connect range of downlights, bulbs and LED tape, bringing advanced home lighting solutions to customers.

This makes the installer’s job easier than ever, as Starlite’s 24-hour tech support means that customers can raise any commissioning queries with them, not with the contractor.

Simple connectivity The products sync directly to users’ phones, tablets and voice assistants o including Google Home, Amazon Echo and Apple SirJ o without the need for an additional gateway or hub.

Using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, connection is quick and simple, meaning users can get creative with their home within 30 seconds.

Paint with colour Starlite Connect lights come with an option of either tuneable white, providing 64,000 shades of white, or RGB, which includes over 16 million colours to choose from in a variety of combinations, allowing users to light their house, their way.

Ease of installation As would be expected from an experienced lighting manufacturer, Starlite Connect downlights, bulbs and tape have been designed with installers in mind. With a simple product design and no hub to install, sparks can fit the luminaires in the same way that they fit standard fixtures. The commissioning can then be done post-installation by the user.

More than just lighting Starlite Connect works with IFTTT (If This Then That), allowing the lighting in the home to work with other connected devices.

For example, you can change the colour of the lighting to red for an emergency, blue for when the pizza arrives, or a tailored lighting scene ready for when you get home. With Starlite Connect and WiZ Connected, anything is possible.

To view a promotional video, offering more details about Starlite Connect, go to: www.rdr.link/ei053

100 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PRODUCTS ROUND UP

FLUKE PQ400 Electrical Measurement Window Fluke has introduced the PQ400 Electrical Measurement Window which provides immediate access to voltage and current sensors inside an energised electrical panel. This offers decreased maintenance costs and reduced downtime. Power quality and energy measurements can be made using the external access points without opening the panel door, thus offering safer access and speedy connections. Once installed, users can simply unlock the window cover, lift the lid and connect the analyser or logger leads. The Fluke PQ400 provides access to critical power quality and energy data to help reduce the risk of arc-flash and electrocution. Also, by reducing the hazards associated with taking measurements on open panels, troubleshooting process time can be faster and connections can be made without impacting operations. The PQ400 windows are safety-rated to CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V. Full 360° rotation allows the electrical measurement window to be oriented in any direction. www.rdr.link/ei054

GIRA Gira Video Home Station 7 Recently awarded a Red Dot Award 2019, the Gira Video Home Station 7 is designed to help users achieve a comfortable and secure living environment. The seven-inch touch display automatically switches on when someone rings the doorbell.

Users can define ‘favourite’ functions from the start screen, as well as ‘one-touch’ buttons that allow for super quick and convenient light control and door entry – even when the display is set to off mode. ‘One-touch’ also provides access to communication records, allowing users to review missed visitors, deactivate set ringtones, manage image memory, make internal calls between installed systems and check system status. It is available in two colour options – Pure White Glossy and Black Matt – with each variant designed with a matching glass surface. The system can either be surface-mounted on the wall or deck-mounted using its base. It is also designed with an ‘alert feature’ which means, if the user is visually or hearing impaired, the home station can provide tactile feedback by vibrating during full touch operation. www.rdr.link/ei055

Products round up

CED IP54-Rated LED Site Lighting Expanding its Axiom brand, CED has introduced a range of IP54-rated LED Site Lighting.

Rechargeable and portable Worklights include 10, 20 and 30W options, plus a 15W Task Light with USB port. The floodlights comprise 20W (240V) and 50W (110V) Folding Work Floods, plus single 18W and twin 36W Floodlights with Tripods. All come in aluminium with glass diffusers. Completing the new range is an SMD 30W (110V) Hanging Lantern, impact resistant 20W (110V) portable Task Floodlights, and 18 or 36W LED tube Uplights with tripods. All products meet BS EN standards, are CE marked, RoHS compliant, and come with a two-year warranty. www.rdr.link/ei056

ESP Sangamo Choice Wi-Fi Thermostat Expanding its Sangamo range of heating controls and time switches, ESP has introduced the Choice Wi-Fi Thermostat. It enables the user to control and monitor the room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world through the free to download Sangamo Choice App. It features a large LCD display, whilst it can be wall-mounted or used with the desk top stand. It has a 100m open field range from thermostat to receiver (868mHz) and six programmable events each day of the week. The thermostat has a 5 – 35°C set point range and comes with frost protection as standard. www.rdr.link/ei057

PRODUCTS ROUND UP

STARLITE CONNECT S4 Downlight

DIETZEL UNIVOLT UK Catalogue Dietzel Univolt has launched a dedicated UK catalogue as part of the firm’s UK growth and expansion plans, whilst building further on its position in the Low Smoke and Fume Zero Halogen (LSF0H) market. The catalogue contains a complete and comprehensive product listing, detailing the firm’s PVC, PVC-LSF and LSF0H ranges, including all accessories and specifications. They will continue to supply a full range of PVC and steel wire cable basket management solutions, but with greater emphasis on PVC-LSF and LSF0H above standard PVC products. www.rdr.link/ei058

Starlite Connect, in partnership with WiZ Connected, has developed the fire-rated S4 downlight. It is fire-rated to 30, 60 and 90-minute certification, it has an efficacy of 77lm/W and can be fitted using the quick fix power entry cable for easy installation. The luminaire can connect directly to phones, tablets and smart devices, including Google Home, Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa, without the need for a hub. The S4 takes just 30 seconds to commission and, once installed, can be freely customised by the user to suit the living space. It has over 16 million colours and 64,000 whites available, which can be utilised from the provided lighting control. The S4 can also be controlled from anywhere in the world thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. There is also the option to set up automatic vacation modes, ensuring that lighting comes on when no one is home as a security deterrent. www.rdr.link/ei059

TIMEGUARD 100A Fused Switch Unit Timeguard has introduced the CUFMS100 100A Fused Switch Unit, with 80A or 100A HRC fuses, designed to make installations to sub mains or system extensions easier. It has 230V A/C protection and allows for isolation of incoming mains electricity. Furthermore, it’s fully compliant with BS EN 60947-3.

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear.

Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units. www.rdr.link/ei060

SNICKERS WORKWEAR ProtecWork Protective Wear Snickers Workwear has expanded its available range with the addition of the fully accredited and independently tested ProtecWork Protective Wear for heat and flame, electrostatic and chemical risk environments. The benefits include the hi-tech, advanced fabric technology integral to the Base-, Mid- and Top-Layer garments for both men and women. Research carried out by Snickers Workwear has concluded that the best ways to improve your level of protection against electric arc hazards is to wear layers. The main benefit of wearing layers is that the air gap formed between different garments provides increased protection. There is no general rating for how much increased protection the air gap between layers provides. However, Snickers Workwear’s appointed test lab has conducted a number of tests that show the air gap increases protection by more than 5 cal/cm2.

The calorie level of the extra protection depends on a variety of factors, such as fabric structure, thickness and construction. ProtecWork clothing is fully accredited to a variety of risk and bad weather working environments, and all the garments are manufactured from tailor-made fabrics designed to respond to the demands of the conditions in which they are worn. There are 60 different garments available in a range, ensuring there is the right protection, visibility, flexibility, comfort and durability on offer. www.rdr.link/ei061

104 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

DIGITAL ROUND-UP

Selectric launches new website and online store Selectric has launched a new website and online store for electrical wholesalers. It showcases the entire product catalogue and provides much-needed information for wholesalers and end users alike.

With detailed product images, product dimensions, technical diagrams, data sheets, wiring instructions for qualified electricians and photometric information, the website acts as a valuable resource for all Selectric customers.

Wholesalers will be able to access their trade accounts online, amend their details and view real time information, such as current pricing offers. For those that do not have a trade account, they will still have access to the full product catalogue online. They will also be able to retrieve a large range of downloadable information for each item.

The website also displays a range of external projects that Selectric is proud to have been involved with, alongside company information, location and contact details. The site will also be updated on a regular basis with news, product launches and new content.

To check out the new Selectric website, go to: www.rdr.link/ei062

Martindale unveils redesigned site

Collingwood rebrands website Collingwood Lighting has launched its new website, including many additional features to make navigation around the site quick and simple.

The user can browse by product type or application, whilst there are key features to help the user find the right product, including filters for each product range, such as colour temperature, finish, IP rating and more.

In addition to this, there is a bespoke ‘how many lights’ calculator which is based on the information you provide. There is also a driver selector which helps you find the appropriate driver based on the products you have selected and your requirements.

Contacting Collingwood Lighting has also been made easier, as each product page now gives the option to enquire about the relevant product.

To see the latest products on Collingwood’s new website, visit: www.rdr.link/ei063

Fresh new look for RF Solutions RF Solutions has launched a new website with a fresh look and feel. The site affords users the opportunity to navigate through RF Solutions’ extensive product offering with ease. Now delivering a fully responsive experience, installers will be able to download and view valuable information, such as instruction manuals and datasheets, whilst being on-site via a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Customers will be able to effortlessly locate the products they want and need direct from the manufacturer, with the support team being readily available to help and answer any questions.

Rebuilt from the ground up, Martindale Electric has unveiled its redesigned website.

It features a new Know-How section, which brings together all the essential information to get the most out of your test equipment and easily understand all the implications of the latest changes to the electrical safety standards. Technical articles, useful measurement tips, application notes and videos are all easily accessible and carefully organised to be as relevant as possible.

The Support area provides assistance if you need help with a Martindale product, with repair or calibration services, product manuals, training resources and catalogues all available. You can register in My Account to download product catalogues, electrical safety resources and other useful information.

The site is supported by a live chat operated by Martindale’s knowledgeable Watford-based applications team.

To see the website for yourself and create an account, visit: www.rdr.link/ei065

Check out the new website by going to: www.rdr.link/ei064 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 107

VIDEO WATCH

TCP Smart Smart Lighting Installation Guide The TCP Smart lighting range offers a host of innovative lighting products that can be controlled by just using your WiFi, allowing end users to create the perfect lighting scene in any room with voice control (using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) or by simply using the TCP Smart App from anywhere in the world. Users can group lights by products or by rooms, set timers or routines, dim the lights or set the ambience with over 16 million colours.

Offering step-by-step instructions in a quick and punchy way, this useful video will help you to understand the simple process involved with installing and using TCP Smart lighting.

www.rdr.link/ei066

WORTH A LOOK! Gripple

Marshall-Tufflex

Abbey Grove Case Study

Reassuringly Recycled

In this video, MIES Building Services, the nominated M&E contractor for the development of an impressive apartment complex for older adults on the site of the former Abbey Grove Independent Living Centre in Worksop, explains why it opted to use the Gripple Fast Trak – Side Loading range for installing electrical containment.

As a company, Marshall-Tufflex continues to prove its dedication to using recycled material in its product portfolio. In this interview, Paul Hetherington, CEO, talks about why recycling and sustainability is such a crucial part of everything the company does.

www.rdr.link/ei067

www.rdr.link/ei068

Keep up-to-date with the latest technical and product-related videos from around the industry by subscribing to PE’s dedicated YouTube channel at: www.rdr.link/ei069

108 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

ELEX2019

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Sponsored by

The Electricians’ Exhibition

Leading brands, live demos, tech talks, show specials – all under one roof!

NEXT SHOWS Sandown Park, Surrey: Thursday 7th & Friday 8th November Featuring:

Register for free at www.elexshow.info

I N S I T A N L L S T W L N A A L IIN STA ALL L LW WAL LL L DIGITAL DIGEST

case those u the chance to show yo s ve gi l al W l d a CU, al st Our monthly In Whether you’ve fitte d. ou pr ly ar ul ic rt pa u funky new installs that make yo omer or installed a st cu a r fo m le ob pr aps to fixed an irritating ctures. Post your sn pi ur yo e ar sh to t e wan ply email lighting scheme, w agram pages or sim st In d an er itt Tw s. , us via our Facebook e best on these page th e ar sh ll e’ W . uk ville.co. them to: pe@hamer

BARRY O'SULLIVAN

I recently second fixed this DB at Chelsea design centre .

S FLOW ELECTRIC stomer’ like this! y cu Nothing says ‘happ

LAWRANCE WALLIS

CTRICAL SHIRE ELE pole installed for ata e little power Nic and d akes power Norbrook. M droom. y in the boar nice and tid

STEVEN HILL, TORUS ELECTRICAL

I upgraded an old plastic split load board for the new Wylex micro RCBO consumer unit. All cab les were existing and I managed to move the consumer unit over 300mm to ge t the extra length and to straighte n the cables.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2019 111

CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A H Electrical (via Instagram): This was spotted on a recent EICR…. C2, F1?

SOCIAL SNAPS!

Mark Parker (via Facebook): I was called out to a nuisance tripping complaint and found this.

They’d drilled through a window frame and bubble wrap to protect it from the rain.

David Hammond (via Facebook): That's a live terminal block hanging, with a screwdriver added so you can hold on to it!

Darryl Lawson: (via Twitter): Stuck my head up into the loft during an EICR. Regretted it immediately…

Scott (via Twitter): Had a call from a customer complaining of no power, so I thought that perhaps a circuit breaker had tripped! This is what we found…

Hudnott Electric (via Twitter): I was called to look at a shower installed by a plumber last month.

Probable loose connection on an old rewireable fuse board with no RCD protection.

112 October 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

ADVERTISER INDEX Aico Ltd ....................................................................................... Page 21

Lewden Metal Products Ltd ................................................ Page 102

ALL LED Ltd............................................................................... Page 76

LINIAN Supply Co Ltd........................................................... Page 105

Aurora Ltd ................................................................................. Page 80

Logic4training ......................................................................... Page 105

Blauberg UK Ltd ................................................................ Pages 12,13

Megger Ltd................................................................................ Page 56

Carl Kammerling International Ltd ...................................... Page 99

Metrel UK Ltd............................................................................ Page 72

CED ............................................................................................. Page 96

Milwaukee ................................................................................. Page 83

Collingwood Lighting Ltd ................................... Inside Front Cover

Mitsubishi Motors .................................................................... Page 22

C-TEC Ltd ............................................................................Pages 19,85

ML Accessories Ltd................................................................. Page 36

Cudis Ltd .................................................................................. Page 103

NAPIT........................................................................................... Page 71

DANLERS Ltd ........................................................................... Page 113

NICEIC........................................................................................ Page 80

Di-LOG Test Equipment ................................................... Pages 16,17

Olson Electronics Ltd ............................................................. Page 40

DSN Innovate Ltd .................................................................... Page 89

Olympic Fixings Products Ltd ............................................... Page 51

Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) ......................... Page 63

Prefect Controls Ltd .............................................................. Page 109

Electrium Sales Ltd............................... Page 10,Inside Back Cover

Proteus Switchgear................................................................. Page 64

Electrorad UK Ltd ..................................................................... Page 15

Rointe UK .................................................................................. Page 55

ELEX ........................................................................................... Page 110

Safety Technology International Ltd ................................ Page 109

Elite Security Products Ltd.................................................... Page 83

Saxby Lighting.......................................................................... Page 35

Emelux Lighting Equipment ................................................. Page 101

Schneider Electric ............................................... Pages 23,26,70,90

Energenie .................................................................................. Page 79

Scolmore International Ltd ................................................... Page 66

ERA.............................................................................................. Page 52

Seaward Electronic Ltd.......................................................... Page 68

Finder plc .................................................................................. Page 96

Selectric...................................................................................... Page 47

flex7 Ltd ..................................................................................... Page 93

Technical Consumer Products Ltd..................................... Page 101

Fluke (UK) Ltd........................................................................... Page 25

Test Instrument Solutions Ltd ....................................... Pages 31,93

Ford Motor Co Ltd.................................................................... Page 18

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)... Page 106

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd ............................................... Page 32

Timeguard Ltd.......................................................................... Page 86

Garo Electric Ltd ...................................................................... Page 48

Trade Skills 4U ........................................................................ Page 101

Gira .............................................................................................. Page 43

Tungsram UK Ltd .................................................................... Page 113

Google Nest........................................................................... Pages 8,9

Tysoft Software Ltd ................................................................ Page 113

GreenBrook Electrical plc ..................................................... Page 44

Unitrunk Ltd .............................................................................. Page 29

Hager Ltd ................................................................................. Page 105

Vauxhall Motors Ltd............................................................. Pages 4,5

Hamilton Litestat...................................................................... Page 75

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

Hollycroft Software Ltd .......................................................... Page 97

Walraven Ltd ............................................................................ Page 60

Hultafors Group UK Ltd............................................................ Page 6

Wiha Tools Ltd ......................................................................... Page 95

IDEAL Industries Networks Ltd .......................................... Page 109

Wise Controls ........................................................................... Page 97

Klein Tools................................................................................. Page 67

Zircon Corporation ................................................................ Page 106