Professional Electrician & Installer July/August 2022 by Hamerville Media Group

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TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

JULY/AUGUST 2022

PUSH-TO-FIT ON A BUDGET! WHY HAMILTON’S HARTLAND G2 DELIVERS WITHOUT COMPROMISE

TEST EQUIPMENT & TOOLS IS YOUR EQUIPMENT MEASURING UP TO MODERN DEMANDS? ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: TECHNICAL ADVICE l NEW PRODUCTS l INDUSTRY NEWS l REVIEWS AND MORE...

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

July/August 2022 Volume 38 No.7

Regulars 5 VIEWPOINT 7 NEWS 20 THE ROAD TO NET ZERO 22 CODEBREAKERS 39 BUSINESS MATTERS 50 MADE 2 MEASURE 70 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 79 CAPTAIN C-TEC 80 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

News & Views 15 Reﬂecting on the journey of the Building Safety Bill and how it will impact the construction industry in the future

How you and your customers can ‘outmsmart’ the cost-of-living-crisis

COVER STORY

18 We learn why the Hartland G2 range by Hamilton Litestat is every electrical installer’s answer if they want a quality ﬁnish on a budget

Technical & Training

Test Equipment & Tools

Products & Business Solutions

25 Considering the several methods

41 Full guidance to ensure the safe

57 How do the new smart charging

that may be used to determine an appropriate diameter of conduit for the installation of conductors

29 Discussing energy efficiency and electrical installations

testing of EV charging points

44 Taking a look at some of the lesser known causes of errors when testing

46 Why proving dead effectively

32 A look at the changes in surge protection requirements with the introduction of Amendment 2

35 Following the announcement of new legal responsibilities for building dutyholders, we look at behaviours as an aspect of competence

and safely is vital for electrical operators

48 The key features you should be looking for in a thermal imaging camera

49 Should you test an SPD? 51 The value of energy monitoring

and measuring equipment as the demand on electrical systems continues to increase

54 Reviewing the Ideal 61-347 Digital Multi Meter

Prize Draw The Road to Net Zero starts at home

16 WIN! Bag yourself a Fort Smart Alarm Kit from ESP

regulations work?

58 Snickers Workwear’s LiteWork shorts get the product review treatment

60 The key beneﬁts of ﬁbreglass ladders and why they are a great choice for installers working in diverse environments

63 Some of the ways that you and your customers can ‘outsmart’ the cost-of-living crisis

64 How can you become a smarter installer?

67 Cable management: the benefits of using the right tools for the job

68 Highlighting the latest improvements to the BG Storm outdoor socket range

73 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN July/August 2022 3

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@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

Digital Manager REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant ADAM ROBERTS email: aroberts@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER email: ianturner@hamerville.co.uk Design ADEEL QADRI Production Assistant KERRI SMITH Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Managing Editor TERRY SMITH Printed by: WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH Published by: HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF Tel: 01923 237799 Fax: 01923 246901 Email: pe@hamerville.co.uk PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry. It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK. © 2022 Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available. Please contact us for rates.

Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 15 Accountability © Tasha Tuvango Pg 20 House Floods © Fresh Ideas Pg 29 Energy Efficiency © New Africa Pg 32 Lightning Strike © Sergey Nivens Pg 35 Team Meeting © Manit Pg 44 Spirit Level © PhotoDuets Pg 45 Accuracy © Fontriel

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

Government can’t let this opportunity go to ‘waste’

t’s been a particular hobby horse of ours for years, of course, but finally there are signs that this one at least could finally be destined for the knacker’s yard. Or more appropriately, perhaps, that it should be sent to the local recycling centre, because it’s been announced recently that fees to dispose of certain types of building waste could be scrapped. Consultation documents published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) propose scrapping charges for getting rid of small quantities of rubbish such as shed or fence panels, tiles, plasterboard, and paving slabs. It seems that the government has finally woken up to the fact that the big stick approach to recycling isn’t necessarily the holy grail for a better world, and that a more relaxed approach will actually save local councils much needed cash in the long run. Paradoxically, the change of mood seems to be the result of one of the consequences of the pandemic, which has seen an explosion in home and garden improvements these past two years. Good news on many levels but, unfortunately, even the smallest DIY project creates waste which needs to be disposed of and faced with unprecedented queues – and a bewildering scale of fees for various types of rubbish – some unscrupulous members of the public invariably choose to dump their waste down quiet country lanes and local beauty spots. Apart from the obvious risk to life and limb, of course, there is the not inconsiderable time and resources invested by local authorities to remove this unsightly and potentially verminous waste from blighting our communities. In fact, in 2021 local councils recorded a mind blowing – but almost certainly conservative – one million incidents of fly tipping, and those appalling numbers show no sign of abating despite the return to some semblance of normal post-COVID life.

Not all of the blame can be laid at the door of anti-social home improvers, of course. Unfortunately, we’re only too aware of those who operate on the fringes of our own industry and will cut all manner of corners to secure a contract for lucrative renovations and repairs. Doing away with a skip, or ignoring the legal requirement to secure an appropriate waste licence, or commercial vehicle permit, can be the difference between winning a job or not. It should also immediately ring alarm bells amongst potential customers who should never be afraid to ask probing questions about where their waste will end up. Perhaps it’s too much to ask, but a bit of common sense at the recycling centres really wouldn’t also go amiss. In our experience the whole process varies tremendously from one depot to another with some staff adopting a very different stance with certain items. Overzealous enforcers seem to view the casual visitor with deep suspicion as though, instead of being a responsible member of society, they’re somehow trying to get one over the system. And who considered it was a good idea to charge an annual fee of £40 for green waste wheelies? The only thing that has achieved is the proliferation of something we thought had long been condemned to the dustbin – backyard bonfires and all the implications that has for a cleaner environment. Hopefully, this new document will see the light of day and bring in a much lighter touch to the whole process of rubbish disposal. It’s a rare opportunity to right a growing wrong and one that none of us can afford to quite literally let go to waste. Have a good summer and we’ll see you again in September.

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN July/August 2022 5

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news @proelectrician

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

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

ESR leaflets help to explain Electricity at Work Regulations The Electrical Safety Roundtable in the Workplace Group has worked collaboratively to create two new technical summary leaflets to promote a better understanding of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWAR). The leaflets have been produced in collaboration with over 25 different organisations after concerns were raised about the lack of understanding and compliance seen within workplaces in relation to managing electrical safety. It was suggested that this may be because of the multitude of complex and overlapping Regulations which can make it challenging to understand what is needed, which is what these freely available leaflets have been created to assist with. The initial two summaries are the first of

many to be part of an extensive collection of technical advice documents and summaries of important Regulations to enhance electrical safety. The first leaflet provides a three-page overview of the EAWR and the second focuses on Systems. It is hoped that the leaflets will be welcomed as useful resources for raising awareness of the importance of the EAWR and enhance compliance with them. Commenting on the leaflets, Paul Meenan, ESR Workplace Chair, said: “Often these complex Regulations are skimmed through or overlooked, and these leaflets provide a great overview and starting point for understanding the full Regulations. As a group we hope these leaflets will add to an ever-increasing culture of enhanced health and safety in workplaces.”

ACCESS THE TECHNICAL SUMMARIES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI001

ESP fires up its training programme schedule Contractors and wholesalers are invited to take advantage of ESP’s free training sessions, which have returned to the company’s Midlands-based head office. There are two separate training programmes available. Training course 1 is a one-day ESP Product Overview and up to 12 candidates can be accommodated. It provides an overview of ESP’s core product categories – Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting and Sangamo timers and controls – with full features and benefits covered. The aim is to simplify the installation process, demonstrating ease of set-up and programming, with live demonstrations of working systems incorporated into the session. Technical support is also covered. All candidates completing the training programme will be issued with an attendance certificate. Training course 2 is the ESP Addressable Fire System Programming. This is aimed at competent contractors that already have a good knowledge of installation and regulatory requirements, when it comes to fire system installation. The session is practical based, with a supporting presentation, and the aim is to help the installer with the final

programming of the ESP system. The course is completed in a single day, with each candidate supplied with their own copy of the PC programming software, as well as a certiﬁcate for the attendance of the MAGPRO Addressable Fire Programming course. As part of its continuing commitment to investing in technical resource capabilities, Scolmore has also announced the appointment of a new Technical Engagement Engineer – Tim Benstead, Chartered Engineer and member of FSH12 and FSH12/1 (BSI committees for ﬁre detection and alarm systems) and the Chairman of JPEL64/B responsible for thermal effects relating to BS 7671. Katie Plumstead, Scolmore’s Group Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have Tim on board. For Scolmore, contractor engagement has a vital role to play in helping us to gain constructive insight into how contractors like to work, the issues they face and what they need to help them do their

work in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way.” GET FURTHER INFORMATION ON ESP TRAINING COURSE DATES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI002

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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 releases free guide to elevate EV installations In response to the recent government funded audit into the installation of Domestic Electric Vehicle Chargepoints (EVCPs) under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, NAPIT has created a ‘Top 10 Tips’ leaflet to provide valuable advice to installers of EVCPs. The audits revealed several areas that should be enhanced to enable greater safety and compliance and made a series of useful recommendations to support the installation of EVCPs. This new Top 10 Tips guide outlines some key areas of focus for installers of EVCPs, and NAPIT is encouraging all those who undertake EVCP installations to take some time to read it as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Areas of focus within the guide include how to approach existing electrical installation checks, ensuring the correct earthing of chargepoints, adequacy of supply, how to alert the DNO and labelling and certiﬁcation requirements. Commenting on the new guide, Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer at NAPIT, said: “The Audits commissioned by the Office of

Zero Emission Vehicles into Domestic Chargepoints outlined several common oversights made by installers that were often quite simple to rectify. “We hope this guide will enable greater compliance and safety standards as we remain committed to supporting our members and the wider industry in enhancing their understanding as new technological advancements are made.” ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI003

Ansell Lighting and Bradford College join forces Ansell Lighting has teamed up with Bradford College to support the building of a house for electrical installation students to practice on. The house, or Active Learning Area, has been built in the atrium of the leading West Yorkshire college and worked on by City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 students from a range of building services and construction courses, including electrical installation, plumbing, bricklaying and joinery. Ansell has sponsored the project, which has been named the Ansell Lighting Academy, and provided Prism

Pro CCT Fire Rated Downlights for use in the kitchen and bathroom areas, as well as ﬂoodlighting, a mini ﬂoodbox and exterior wall lights. Electrical students will be wiring the lighting and power while the plumbing students will be piping the services and radiators. The house has also been ‘futureproofed’ so it can be re-used each year for new students to get active practice. Ansell’s products are also being used in a series of bays for student assessments and the college hopes to build a two-storey house in another part

Luceco has AMD2 CPD covered Not sure what RCDs are acceptable now? Are SPDs and AFDDs required in all installations? You can take the stress out of updating your Amendment 2 knowledge with the Luceco Academy. This free training CPD course covers all the key changes to circuit protection in the updated Amendment 2 of the 18th Edition of BS 7671 including: - Types of RCD that are acceptable - The easier route to deciding if SPDs are required - Exactly where AFDDs should be installed All Luceco Academy CPD courses are fully accredited, and each provides one credit towards annual CPD requirements. SIGN UP AND TAKE THE COURSE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI004 8 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

of the atrium to create one of the largest Active Learning Areas in the country.

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news

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

‘The electricians’ best friend’ launches in the UK Fergus, the software designed to save electricians hours of time on admin, has launched its platform in the UK. Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, Fergus (whose UK customers include Little Miss Electrical, pictured right) was founded in 2014 by tradesman Dan Pollard, when he set out to solve the admin problems that had plagued his business for years. Since that time, the company has transformed the way trade businesses in New Zealand and Australia operate and has become recognised as a global leader in software for tradespeople. Currently serving over 18,000 tradespeople in eight countries, Fergus’s mission is to provide electrical contracting businesses with access to software tools to organise their business without burying them in admin. The Fergus App also ensures healthy finances and that you get

paid quickly; all aspects of a job that need to be done to get paid are in the workflow and, as the only system tracking labour and materials back to the job in real time, Fergus ensures each job is profitable. James Chillman, UK Country Manager, says: “The trades have been left behind and ignored by the software industry, mainly because the average size of trades businesses was considered too small to matter. Fergus is designed specifically for the trade and has all the user friendliness built in for those company owners looking to spend less time on admin and more time doing the things they enjoy.”

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT FERGUS SOFTWARE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI005

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@proelectrician

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

Niglon changes lives with £50,000 charity donation A £50,000 donation is set to support the wide-ranging work of the electrical industry’s charity. Niglon became the first ever corporate partner of the Electrical Industries Charity last June – and now, 12 months on, has handed over what is hoped will be the first of many donations. Commercial Director, Paul Dawson, says working alongside the charity has opened his eyes to the breadth of services offered to current and former electrical workers – and their families. As part of the partnership, Niglon has donated 10% of the profits plus VAT from every single sale of its Median wiring accessories range during the last year. The company has also worked to highlight and spread awareness of the great work of the charity among the industry through traditional media, company marketing materials, and on social media.

Paul says: “When I found out the EIC was launching the commercial partnership scheme, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the answer – an ongoing link which would enable us to make a real difference, and to demonstrate our commitment to the electrical industry and the wellbeing of those within it. “We really can’t thank the EIC enough for their continued hard work when it comes to making sure no one from the industry is alone, and we hope this donation goes some way towards showing our appreciation.” EIC CEO, Tessa Ogle, said: “Through

being a representative of the charity, donations like this make a massive difference to people in our industry who need help when they’re experiencing challenging times. This will beneﬁt in so many ways, from mental health aid to ﬁnancial and legal support.”

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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

Lighthouse Club partners with Ford to “Make It Visible” The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has teamed up with Ford to “Make it Visible” – a new high-visibility campaign using higher-viz safety vests to grab attention and point people in the direction of help when needed. The leading UK commercial vehicle brand is stepping in to help combat the issue with as many as two construction workers lost to suicide every day, according to the Office for National Statistics. Despite extensive physical safety measures taken to protect on-site workers, construction workers in the UK and Ireland are taking their own lives, unaware of the help and support available. Actively promoting wellbeing Working with the Lighthouse Club and Balfour Beatty, Ford is actively promoting wellbeing awareness amongst its customers. With Ford accounting for almost one in three new commercial vehicles sold throughout 2021, putting mental safety on an equal footing with physical safety on construction sites, is an important step for this customer group. By helping to make the support more visible, more workers will be able to seek assistance from available resources. “This campaign is hugely important to Ford and highlights the importance of mental wellbeing alongside physical wellbeing on the construction site”, said Mandy Dean, Director of Commercial Vehicles at Ford of Britain. “As the UK’s

best-selling commercial vehicle brand, it is likely the majority of construction workers are Ford customers and operators, so we have a duty to support them.” The Make it Visible campaign follows on from Ford’s Time to Change launch “Elephant in the Transit” from 2018, building awareness of male suicide and promoting the front seat of a vehicle as a safe space to talk This latest initiative sets out to provide counsellors a means to get to construction sites, with on-site posters matching the vest’s colours. These posters will direct workers to a safe place to talk off-site, so more can seek help easily. Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Ford to deliver the ‘Make it Visible’ campaign. These highly distinguishable vans, will be visiting sites across the

country to deliver visible support to the boots on the ground workforce. “The vehicles are manned by the Lighthouse Club’s On Site Team who are all Mental Health First Aiders with relatable experiences in the construction industry and I’m convinced that this initiative will have a positive impact on workforce wellbeing and ultimately save lives.” The Make it Visible campaign launched at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, supported by a fully liveried Transit Custom in matching high-visibility tones. These highly distinguishable vans will ultimately provide real support on the ground, transporting Mental Health First Aiders to the sites and workers around the country, with the aim of making it the go-to beacon on the street. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE MAKE IT VISIBLE CAMPAIGN AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI006 WATCH THE CAMPAIGN INFORMATION VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI007

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COMMENT

BUILDING SAFETY ACT-ION! David Cowburn, Chief Operating Officer at NAPIT Group and member of the Interim Industry Competence Committee, reﬂects on the journey of the Building Safety Bill and sets out how it will impact the construction industry.

ntroduced in the House of Commons on 5th July 2021, the Building Safety Bill received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022. The 262-page Act provides the vehicle for government to introduce secondary legislation to change how residential buildings are constructed, maintained and made safe following the recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, published in 2018.

Five years in the making The Building Safety Act has been ﬁve years in the making, and many of the Act’s powers will not be realised for another 18 to 24 months due to the need for secondary legislation. Whilst some progress has already been made towards the formation of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) within the Health and Safety Executive, which will be responsible for enforcing a more stringent regulatory regime for buildings in scope, as well as overseeing the safety and performance of all buildings, the Building Safety Act sets out the powers for this to be officially established.

The Act also provides the powers for the formalisation of three new groups, currently operating in an interim capacity. Over the next 12-18 months, the Residents Engagement Panel, Building Advisory Committee and Industry Competence Committee will be formed to serve as advisory groups to the BSR. Higher-risk buildings (HRB), or in-scope buildings, are defined as those that contain at least two residential units and are either 18 metres in height or 7+ storeys, whichever is met first. Care homes and hospitals that meet the same height threshold are also included in the definition during design and construction. The Golden Gateway to success? The introduction of 'Gateways' and the 'Golden Thread' will be the most significant changes that the industry will have to manage during the design and construction phase of an HRB. The Gateway system introduces ‘stop’ points at three stages of design and construction to allow for detailed checks to be made on compliance with building regulations and fire safety standards. Detailed requirements about the Golden

“The introduction of ‘Gateways’ and the ‘Golden Thread’ will be the most significant changes that the industry will have to manage..” Thread will be introduced via secondary legislation, but its purpose will be to require those responsible for an HRB to keep detailed, clear and accessible information about the design, construction and safety of critical features of the building. The removal of the requirement for all occupied HRBs to have a Building Safety Manager was perhaps the most contentious amendment to the Building Safety Bill during its passage through Parliament. This was proposed to ensure that responsibility for the safety of the in-scope building was managed but was removed due to concern over the cost of this role on leaseholders. Whilst this requirement was removed, the Building Safety Act requires each HRB

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COMMENT

to have a named Principle Accountable Person with overall responsibility for meeting specific statutory obligations for the whole building. The Principle Accountable Person will be responsible for creating a Safety Case Report which will be required to be submitted to the BSR for assessment. The use of competent people to undertake work on or in HRBs is critical to the building safety reforms, and the government is working with the industry to determine these requirements. HRBs will face a number of new mandatory reporting and registration requirements over time. These will include requiring all occupied HRBs to be registered with the BSR, mandatory occurrence reporting of certain fire and structural safety issues to the BSR, and the registration of all building inspectors and building control approvers. In addition to the aforementioned design and construction requirements, the Building Safety Act makes provision for the establishment of the National Regulator of Construction Products, powers for the creation of a New Homes Ombudsman Scheme and various measures to protect leaseholders from costs relating to cladding remediation. Interestingly, it also gives the government authority to refuse planning permission to companies that do not cooperate with the government on funding building safety remediation. So, whilst the number of changes outlined in this article may appear daunting to the design and construction sector, they shouldn’t come as a surprise, and action isn’t expected to be taken immediately. With all secondary legislation still subject to consultation, there is still some uncertainty about many of the requirements and there remains an opportunity to influence how they are implemented. We eagerly await these consultations and fully expect the focus on enhancing building safety and the competence of those undertaking work on and in buildings to remain at the heart of the reforms.

PRIZE DRAW

WIN A FORT SMART SECURITY KIT! To celebrate the continued success of its Fort Smart Security range, ESP is giving you the chance to win a Fort Smart Alarm Kit.

W IN

ort, the latest range from security solutions supplier, ESP, is a comprehensive range of smart security products which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under the ‘Click Smart+’ App, which is subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ App, users have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. The Fort Smart Security range has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home. The range features contemporary styling and is simple to install, maintain and use, providing a hassle-free security solution. At the heart of the Fort smart security range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notiﬁcations directly to the Click Smart+ App. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system. There are six different kits in the range, with the basic kit containing one each of the following – a smart hub, PIR, door/window contact and remote control.

HOW TO ENTER ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A FORT SMART ALARM KIT FROM ESP BY FILLING OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI008 Deadline for entries: 31/08/2022. Usual T&Cs apply.

16 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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COVER STORY

A QUALITY SOLUTION FOR THE COST-CONSCIOUS CUSTOMER

With the growing trend for investing in existing property – be that kitchen/diner extensions in the home or interior updates in hotels or holiday lets, renewing wiring accessories can be a quick win for those looking for a quality finish on a budget. We discover why the Hartland G2 range by Hamilton Litestat is every electrical installer’s answer to such scenarios.

updates as the plate can simply be popped off to paint or paper and pushed back on once decoration is complete.

well-known British brand for quality switch plate and socket solutions in an array of designs and finishes, Hamilton has value engineered one of its most popular box-fit designs to create a screwless and versatile faceplate that satisfies interior style aspirations, while staying true to a more prudent budget. A practical solution for the home, hotel or office Produced from a pressed metal rather than cast, the Hartland G2’s push-to-fit-plate not only makes life easier for electrical contractors and offers an

overall cost saving when compared to their cast plate counterparts, but it does so without compromising on quality or ﬁnish. Additionally, with the front plate easily removed, it is the ideal solution for high traffic areas requiring regular décor

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On-trend and Paintable Slim and elegant with soft round edges, Hartland G2 offers a choice of 11 finishes – including NEW of-the-moment Anthra Gray and is available as a Paintable option too – so customers can colour match to their taste and make every flick of a switch feel totally unique. Sockets and switches for every scenario A comprehensive range of rocker switches, grid switches, LED dimmer switches and power sockets with 20AX switches – complete with printed word or symbol appliance identification on the switch, means that not only is there a switch for every requirement but it’s easy to identify too. Full charge for a digital-centric generation Meeting the demand for technology at our fingertips, the Hartland G2 also includes a double switched socket complete with two 2.4A USB-A outlets as standard, but the NEW combined double switched 2.4A USB-A & 2.4A USB-C plate is rapidly becoming the ‘must-have’ install for charging phones, tablets, smart watches and other electronic devices. Complete control in one convenient location For customers dreaming of a clean interior finish, the Hartland G2’s 6, 8 or 9 gang grid plates, available in eleven finishes including matt black, offer the perfect solution. The push-to-fit plates allow 20A double pole appliance switches, along with light switches and other controls to be operated from one plate and easily changed without fuss or damage to surrounding decor if switch functions need to be altered after fitting. NEW Paintables option switches personalisation up a notch While off-the-shelf options work for many, the desire for personalisation grows – whether within the home, the hotel or even the workplace setting. Hamilton’s Paintable colour-matching service allows customers to achieve just this. Using a durable, powder coating process, accessories can be painted in any colour to compliment an interior scheme. Simply select your RAL colour, place your order with your wholesaler and leave the rest to Hamilton.

A case in point: Hamilton Hartland G2 compliments Victorian grandeur in Hove Kings House in Hove is a stunning Grade II listed building – meticulously refurbished into 69 luxurious apartments all with uninterrupted sea views. Hamilton’s Hartland G2 range was selected by Portsmouth-based electrical contractor MR Electrical to use throughout the development. Chosen for its quality – to compliment the opulent Victorian architectural features – as well as for its simplicity of installation at a competitive price, it was the natural choice. 2-gang double pole switched sockets were used throughout in an Antique Brass finish with black inserts, complementing the property’s brass fixtures and fittings. In the higher specification apartments, dual switched sockets were upgraded to incorporate 2.4A USB-A Ultra charging outlets, while lighting is controlled throughout with a mixture of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-gang rocker switch plates. In the kitchens, installed within antique-styled mirrored splash backs are two double-switched sockets and a 2-gang 2-way grid plate that controls the integrated strip LED lighting. In the residents’ lounge – a striking focal point of the development – private lounges and bedrooms, EuroFix media plates include a TV+FM/DAB+SAT1+SAT2 quadplexer and a RJ45CAT6 outlet for internet access. READ THE FULL CASE STUDY AT: HAMILTON-LITESTAT.COM

BROWSE THE FULL HARTLAND G2 RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI009

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

Extreme weather: when it takes smart, net zero homes to address climate change

n this post-pandemic world, ‘home’ is where our lives are. It’s the place where we work, connect with family and friends, where we entertain and unwind. We instinctively trust our homes to be safe – and we invest significant time and energy into making them secure. But are we protecting our dwellings from all of the right threats? And what is the role that smart, net zero homes can play in assuring our security and our future? It’s commonplace to think of some of the better-known risks such as fire and burglary first. Yet our homes – if they aren’t designed to be future-proof, smart and net zero – are also vulnerable to other, newer and largely unforeseen threats: climate change and natural disasters. On the horizon, population growth and accelerated economic development are combining to create a perfect storm for the people who live at the forefront of ecological change.

Energy efficiency starts at home It is a self-perpetuating cycle. The more emissions we produce, the more unpredictable weather patterns are likely to become. That’s why decarbonisation and emissions reduction have always been a core strategy in the fight against climate change. Immense progress has been made over the years, with many industries adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Yet homes have long been a blind spot. Households are growing into one of the largest producers of CO2 emissions. It’s important therefore that we rethink how we build and run our homes – not only to protect them from direct damage, but to ensure they deliver sustainability at their core. Embedding clean and smart methodologies into

building construction and operations helps to protect the planet and the things that we love. In the domestic sphere, the fastest way to achieve this is through IoT-connected smart, net zero home technologies. Embracing smart technology Smart sensors and devices, placed at key points of a home energy system, give homeowners access to a new world of data and insights. When connected to a central dashboard, they can report back crucial information – everything from consumption data to carbon emissions produced by a specific room on a certain day. With enough granularity, a homeowner can see what rooms or specific appliances are consuming the most energy. With fresh insight gained from smart devices, people can finally take control of their energy consumption. They can see where the problems lie and moderate their behaviour to eliminate unnecessary wastage. This not only reduces emissions, it cuts energy costs in the home as well. Over time, smart and net zero home technology isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for people’s energy bills. Many of the threats facing our homes today are abstract or invisible. The damages caused by a fire, a climate change-linked flood or storm are difficult to appreciate until they have actually struck. Yet the consequences can be severe. Smart, net zero home technology is an invaluable ally here in every respect. Digital makes the invisible visible, allowing us to live safer and more responsible lives, while efficient energy use helps us put a lid on emissions. By being smarter and more data-driven in our approach, we can truly become the master of the house.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHNEIDER'S DRIVE TO NET ZERO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI010

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CODEBREAKERS MARTIN S: THIS MAIN GAS BOND WAS FOUND DURING A PERIODIC INSPECTION OF A COUNCIL-OWNED SHOP UNIT IN LEICESTER. I THINK YOU'LL AGREE IT BEGGARS BELIEF! We often stress that where any protective bonding, either main or supplementary, is in place, it needs to be adequately attached, with good mechanical and conductive properties, in accordance with Regulation 134.1.4. An appropriate warning notice in accordance with Regulation 514.13.1 should also be affixed near the connection point, which looks to be in place. The problem is with the sheer stupidity and ignorance that the installer has shown by screwing directly into the gas main to attach the main protective bonding. They have actually caused a far more dangerous problem by attempting to ensure mechanical strength and conductance. Whether the gas was isolated or not at the time of the work, the risk of gas leaking is likely to be high, the integrity and strength of the gas pipe wall is now compromised, and the hardware used to make the connection is likely not designed or certified to be used in this way. A staggeringly stupid installation practice that has affected another non-electrical service that could easily cause a loss of life!

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: Main protective bonding conductor not terminated correctly, risk of a possible gas leak and explosion Note: I feel the severity of Coding can be escalated to C1 in this case, due to the presence of the general public

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

134.1.1, 132.11, 134.1.4

C1 C2

Updated for BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, NAPIT’s EICR Codebreakers publication is purpose-written to aid contractors, inspectors and clients, and now includes updates to align with Amendment 2 of the IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. The book is the perfect technical aid for electrical professionals and their customers.

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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

SEAN DIXON: WE WORK FOR A LOCAL RECYCLING FIRM AND THEY HAVE GOT ANOTHER CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT SOME WORKS ON-SITE. THIS IS THE QUALITY OF WORK – NEWLY INSTALLED ‘PICK & MIX’ WITH MCB DB AND THEIR VERSION OF AN IP65 RATED ENCLOSURE. It’s always frustrating when you see new work which obviously isn’t compliant, but the inspection and associated EICR can only note what is there. First off, the enclosure in Photo 2 has been significantly modified and is unlikely to offer the IP rating envisioned by the manufacturer. If the enclosure is in place to stop a particular external influence and does so with the extensive modifications to it, there isn’t a problem. If, however, the IP rating is required for fluids and/or solids entering from above, it’s likely the DB no longer has adequate protection from those types of external influences. Secondly, the mixed manufacturers’ equipment types that are in use in the DB, Photo 3, are an issue. There are five different manufacturers’ MCBs in use; their opening and closing states are in the same direction, there are no signs of thermal damage, and the DB enclosure hasn’t been modified to house them. I can’t comment on their connection to the busbar, as that information isn’t available. That may or may not be a problem, depending on the individual

manufacturers’ busbar offsets. Something the client may need to be aware of, which wouldn’t necessarily be covered in the EICR, is that the original installer is now the manufacturer and is responsible for type testing unless the DB manufacturer has given their permission for this configuration. Should a fire or other damage be caused by the DB in the future, the original installer, who is now the manufacturer, will be liable if it is proven that the configuration of the different equipment types wasn’t suitable and/or caused the aforementioned damage.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: IP rated enclosure may no longer offer effective protection

132.5.1, 134.1.1, 522.3, 522.4

FI C2

MCB busbar connection offsets may or may not be acceptable, given different manufacturers’ designs

134.1.1, 536.4.203

FI C2

DB contains five different manufacturers’ equipment, with no signs of thermal damage Note: If no permission from the original DB manufacturer to use different equipment manufacturers exist, the original installer is now classed as the manufacturer for any type testing or related liability claims

134.1.1, 134.1.4 536.4.203

The A2:2022 18th Edition Codebreakers publication is priced at £22.00 (members) and £24.00 (non-members). It is available in both hard copy and digital versions * Price is VAT exempt and excludes postage and packaging.

ORDER YOUR COPY OF NAPIT CODEBREAKERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI011

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

CONDUIT SIZING

The experts at NICEIC look at several methods that may be used to determine an appropriate diameter of conduit for the installation of conductors, taking account of the number of conductors to be installed and the most onerous section of the conduit system into which they will be drawn.

efore we start, it should be noted that cable grouping factors are not considered in this article. Regulation 522.8.1 requires that wiring systems shall be selected and erected to avoid damage to the cables and their terminations during installation, use or maintenance. BS 7671 does not provide guidance on how compliance with this regulation may be achieved. When considering a conduit system, there are generally two accepted methods for determining the diameter of the conduit to be used:

both conduit and conductors to ensure that, for the particular conduit installation, the conduit factor is larger than or equal to the sum of the factors for the cables to be installed, with the intention that single-core cables can be pulled in without the use of undue force. For short, straight runs of conduit, the friction between cable and conduit is less than for longer runs or for runs containing bends. As a result, separate tables are used for conduits arranged in: l

straight runs not exceeding 3 m in length, or

straight runs exceeding 3 m in length, or runs of any length incorporating bends or sets.

In the examples shown in this article, use is made of data given in the tables listed in Appendix A of IET Guidance Note 1 (GN1). Reference to this publication may aid the reader when working through the given examples. Example 1 Four 4 mm² single-core PVC conductors are to be drawn into a 3 m length of conduit with no bends. Using the per unit

Fig 1. Conduit system arrangement for Example 2 l l

The unit system method, and The space factor method.

There is a tendency amongst some electrical contractors to select the conduit size based on previous experience. However, this often results in the selection of conduits of insufficient diameter such that it becomes difficult to draw the cables in, increasing the likelihood of damage to the cables. Method 1: The use of conduit and cable factors (unit system method) This well-established method for sizing conduit is based on practical tests that take into account both the distance between drawing-in points and the number of bends in a particular run, both of which hinder the ability to draw the cables into the conduit. This method involves the designer using standard tables to obtain factors for

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Fig 2. Usable space within a conduit (bearing in mind the non-uniform arrangement of installed cables)

method, determine the minimum size conduit that should be used. Answer 1 From Table A1 of GN1: For 4 mm² conductors the factor is 58. So, for 4 x 4 mm² conductors the total cable factor is 4 x 58 = 232 From Table A2 of GN1: For a straight 3 m length the smallest conduit with a factor equal or larger than 232 is 16 mm, which has a conduit factor of 290. Example 2 Four 4 mm² single core PVC conductors are to be drawn into the conduit system shown in Fig 1. Using the per unit method, determine the size of conduit that should be used. Note: A double set can be treated as being equivalent to a single right angle bend (see A1 of GN1).

system, the smallest size conduit that should be used in either section is 25 mm. It should be recognised that the position of the drawing-in points may impact the size of conduit used. Altering the location of the drawing-in point or adding an extra drawing-in point may provide the designer with the option of reducing the size of conduit used. Comparing the answers given in examples 1 and 2 illustrates that, for a short straight run, a conduit with a smaller diameter may be used due to the friction between conduit and cable being less than that for the longer, more complex shape. Method 2: The use of a space factor A space factor may be used as an alternative method for determining the minimum size of conduit for those types not covered by the tables in Appendix A of GN1 and Appendix E of the OSG. The current edition of GN1 recommends that the area occupied by the cables should not be more than 35% of the internal area of the conduit (see Fig 2). In order to use this method, the following information, typically provided by the manufacturer is required: l

Answer 2 From Table A3 of GN1: For 4 mm² conductors the factor is 43. So, for 4 x 4 mm² conductors the total cable factor is 4 x 43 = 172 From Table A4 of GN1: For Section 1, having one bend and one double set (effectively a conduit run having two right angle bends) in 7 m, the smallest conduit with a factor equal or larger than 172 is 25mm, having a conduit factor of 311. For Section 2, having three bends in 5 m, the smallest conduit with a factor equal or larger than 172 is 25 mm, having a conduit factor of 260. Consequently, for the proposed

The overall diameter of the cable, including its insulation, and The internal diameter of commonly available sizes of conduit.

Where a conduit contains cables of the same size, the minimum internal diameter of the conduit is given by:

Where: n = number of cables in conduit d = diameter of the cables in the conduit (including insulation) 0.35 = conduit space factor

26 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

However, where the conduit contains cables of different sizes, the minimum internal diameter of the conduit is given by:

Where d1 and n1 are the diameter and number of the ﬁrst set of cables and d2 and n2 are the diameter and number of the second set of cables. Example 3 Determine the minimum size steel conduit that will accommodate four 4.0 mm2 single-core cables with an overall diameter of 4.8 mm and two 2.5 mm2 single-core cables with an overall diameter of 4.2 mm. It can be assumed that the heavy duty conduit used has a nominal wall thickness of 1.6 mm. Answer 3 Using the formula to determine the minimum internal diameter of the conduit:

Taking the nominal wall thickness of the conduit as 1.6 mm would give a minimum internal diameter of 19.1 + (1.6 x 2) = 22.3 mm. Therefore, the minimum standard size of conduit that complies with the 35 % space factor is 25 mm. Summary When conduit is used it is necessary to determine the maximum number of cables that can be drawn in to ensure there is sufficient free space remaining to prevent overheating. There are two methods of achieving this; one uses the unit system method, which relies on using cable factor tables, the second involves verifying that the area occupied by the cables does not exceed 35 % of the internal area of the conduit. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT NICEIC REGISTRATION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI012

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Jake Green, Scolmore’s Technical Engagement Manager, provides some insight into the integration of electricity generation, energy efficiency management systems and energy storage into a prosuming whole.

he ever-rising cost of energy has become a signiﬁcant factor in the drive to improve energy efficiency. Whilst data gathered by the government in England and Wales highlights that since 2005 there has been a downward trend in the usage of gas and electricity in all properties irrespective of their age, present price trends are on a rapid upward curve. The current prosuming technologies (PV, generators etc.) provide an opportunity to integrate electricity generation, energy efficiency management systems and energy storage into a prosuming whole, enabling a more varied means of supplying and using electricity. It may transpire that a new Chapter 81 will be introduced into Amendment 3 of BS 7671 whenever that happens in the future. The introduction of Chapter 82 into Amendment 2 of BS 7671 has provided additional guidance for the integration of energy efficiency/energy management into the operation of electrical installations.

This article briefly considers some of the guidance provided by the informative Appendix 17 (Energy Efficiency) detailed in BS 7671 and the Harmonised Document published by BSI, Low-voltage electrical installations Part 8-1: Functional aspects – Energy efficiency (IEC 60364-8-1: 2019) and discusses some of the factors that should be considered when looking at energy efficiency and energy management. Legislation In all parts of the UK there are specific requirements detailed in the associated building regulations for energy efficiency. In England reference should be made to Part L and the associated guidance found in Approved Documents L1 and L2; in Scotland reference should be made to the Building Regulations Technical Handbooks (domestic and non-domestic). Reference should always be made to the legislation and guidance issued by the various parts of the government in the UK.

Appendix 17 The purpose of Appendix 17 is to ‘… provide additional recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations, including installations having local production and storage of energy, for optimising the overall efficient use of electricity.’ Whether human behaviour has a greater impact on energy usage than any energy management system, controls will play a signiﬁcant role in any design considerations (clause 17.2). It is the case that little thought is given for ‘…optimising the overall efficient use of electricity’ when an electrical installation is being designed. For example, cable sizes are determined based on the design current of the circuits, the rating of the protective device(s), and various rating factors. The selected cable is designed to limit the rise in temperature during current-carrying conditions to a safe level within the limitations of the cable. Currently there is no regulatory imperative for the designer to take

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account of any energy efficiency factors. A proposed Chapter 81 based on the current Harmonised Document (HD) would require the designer to factor the efficient use of electrical energy into any calculation. Clause 17.11 (Appendix 17) suggests that the design of an electrical installation should consider energy efficiency at every stage, including the impact of different load demands, usage etc. One implication of this is that distribution boards will need to enable the segregation of circuits supplying each zone or mesh as deﬁned. It will be necessary for the user to be able to monitor the electrical installation (clause 17.12) and, therefore, the measurement of total consumption in kWh for every hour of each day should be logged and stored for a minimum of one year and be accessible to the user. However, a simplistic approach to energy efficiency might fail to consider, for example, embodied energy – that is the ‘unconsidered’ energy demands in the production of more/larger boards/cables and the like. The designer should not, therefore, simply increase cable sizes to limit voltage drop, or create meshes and zones thinking that these alone will necessarily reduce energy usage. Design considerations When considering the availability of electrical energy, the designer and user will have to consider, as a minimum, the following (clause 17.2): l l

Selection of energy efficient appliances Assignment of load priority for use as an input of the load optimisation process – including any load shedding

The intended use of the installation in providing an energy efficient design, and The provision of a manual override facility enabling the user to take control from any automatic functions.

The design requirements detailed in clause 17.3 are: l l

l l l

Load energy proﬁle Availability of local generation, such as PV, wind, generator and the like Reduction of energy losses in the electrical installation The tariff structure Arrangement of circuits The nature of the customer demand.

For the design of any energy management system the user speciﬁcation is critical and to that end, prior consultations must be made to ensure that the energy efficiency management system (EEMS) is correctly set up. Furthermore, the user must have the ﬁnal decision over whether or not to operate a service at optimal or nominal values, or not to operate for a period of time should the need arise; for example, where someone is ill and a room requires additional heating or when a company receives an urgent order that must be completed (clause 17.2 Note). Data gathering What is clear is the need for good data gathering. Such data will include the presence of people, temperature, air quality, daylight, operating time and cost of energy (clause 8.3.1.1 BS EN 60364-8-1). The means of gathering data will vary

30 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

according to the need. Table 1 in BS EN 60364-8-1: 2019 provides guidance on measurement applications. Without this data, the effectiveness of the EEMS will be limited. Clause 17.8 of Appendix 17 states, ‘Measurement is a key parameter to determine the efficiency of the installation giving the user an awareness of energy consumption.’ The EEMS should be designed in such a way that there is no reduction in the available supply or in the safe operation of any part of the installation. Conclusion This article has only been able to touch upon a few important elements and will likely have raised more questions than answers. Such questions might include: l

What is the likely direction of travel for monitoring all electrical energy usage within an electrical installation? What support is available to train designers of electrical installations in energy management systems? What are the likely payback times for the additional measurement systems? What consideration has been given to embodied energy?

It is clear that there is enormous scope for energy monitoring systems, data logging systems and training support for electrical designers as they begin to consider energy efficiency as part of the norm when designing electrical installations.

BROWSE THE ELUCIAN PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI013

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

TO SURGE OR NOT TO SURGE? Richard Townsend, Technical Development Engineer at NAPIT, considers the changes in surge protection requirements with the introduction of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022.

Previously in BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 When surge protective devices (SPDs) took centre stage in BS 7671:2018, they became arguably one of the most signiﬁcant changes in BS 7671 for some time. Although surge protection had been around for many years, it was only given a cursory glance in previous BS 7671 editions. That risk assessment and greyscale map of the UK really did put the cat amongst the pigeons. Even now, four years on, there remains confusion regarding what SPD type, where, and how to comply. There was constant feedback to the National Committee, JPEL 64, that it should simply be mandatory unless there is a particular client who doesn’t want it. We listened The National Committee listened to the feedback, deliberated the pros and cons, and have come up with the next step in surge protection for BS 7671. It wasn’t an

easy process, and the DPC and subsequent alterations to the proposed changes were difficult to keep up with. Regulation 443.4.1 was modified heavily; the complex risk assessment, the Calculated Risk Level (CRL) factor, and the greyscale map of the UK are no longer included, therefore removing all of the stuff that was difficult to understand. It is now actually much simpler, with BS 7671:2018 +A2:2022 requiring that protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage could: (i) Result in serious injury to, or loss of, human life, or (ii) Result in failure of a safety service, as defined in Part 2 or (iii) Result in significant financial loss or data loss. For all other cases, SPDs shall be fitted to protect against transient overvoltages

32 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

unless the installation owner declines such protection and wishes to accept the risk of damage to both wiring and equipment as being tolerable. There’s more, though; there’s always more! As we can see, it has now become much easier to understand. There is, however, one more piece to the puzzle. The changes say that where the owner wishes to accept the risk of damage to both wiring and equipment as being tolerable, they can state they don’t want SPDs fitted. This is fine and is absolutely their prerogative. This client refusal caveat is not new; it was in the original BS 7671:2018. However, the main difference is that this caveat is now available to all domestic, industrial and commercial installations. Therefore, if a business or homeowner doesn’t wish to have SPDs fitted, they don’t have to. If a client states they don’t want SPDs fitted, our advice is to obtain this in writing as proof that they refuse to have them.

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Any documented refusal to fit SPDs should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the benefits of SPDs and the consequences of not fitting them. It is essential that the benefits are clearly explained to the client and documented. A failure to obtain this documentation can result in a range of problems in the future, particularly if equipment is damaged, and the client claims they were unaware of the importance of the SPD. That’s still not it! Those of you with keen eyes will notice the particular wording of the second indent in the change to Regulation 443.4.1: ‘Result in failure of a safety service, as defined in Part 2’ As defined in Part 2 of BS 7671, the definition of a safety service roughly states that, a safety service is any system or equipment provided to warn people in the event of a hazard, or equipment essential to their evacuation. So that kind of changes things, as the caveat cannot be used to refuse the fitting of an SPD if any part of the installation is a designated safety service, which is fed from the

supply that the installation of a SPD would protect. Examples of safety services are: l l l

Fire alarm systems Emergency lighting Mains supplied smoke alarms fitted within dwellings

It is almost a given that every industrial, commercial and domestic dwelling should, or will, have some form of smoke detection, fire alarms or emergency lighting. The caveat to not install SPDs is almost meaningless now because there are very few installations, if any, that meet the criteria for not having SPDs installed. Is it better? We think the new approach represents a significant step-change in the fitment of SPDs. Gone are the long-winded risk assessments and the numerous ways of misinterpreting the Regulations, which could lead to failure to comply. What is in now is simple to understand. SPDs are a part of our installation culture and they should almost always be installed.

“If a client states they do not want SPDs fitted, our advice is to obtain this in writing from them as proof that they refuse to have them.” It is much easier to operate this way as the confusion is gone. If you’re changing a CU/DB or making major modifications on a project, an SPD or SPDs should be fitted. We still need to be careful though In any case, great care should always be taken, as different earthing arrangements require different types of SPD, and if they are mixed up, the consequences can be disastrous. Likewise, SPDs used in PV systems, which are DC, must not be installed into AC systems, and vice versa. Always seek manufacturers’ advice; if you are unsure of the type of SPD that should be used, they are more than willing to give you the advice you need. To complement the launch of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, all of NAPIT’s comprehensive suite of technical guidance publications have been updated to provide you with the latest advice. They’re available in print or electronic formats from: www.napitdirect.co.uk

SPD refusal should only follow a documented explanation of the beneﬁts and consequences

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI014

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING Following the announcement of new legal responsibilities for building dutyholders, ECA Technical Director, Mike Smith, focuses on behaviours as an aspect of competence.

WHEN DUTY CALLS

any in our sector will be familiar with the dutyholder responsibilities under the CDM Regulations 2015 (Construction Design and Management). These are set out clearly on the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk) which provides a list of CDM dutyholders: clients, designers, principal designers, principal contractors, contractors and workers.

Extending the duties Even so, in 2022 we’re set to see a significant extension of duties under new building safety regulations, which will have wide applications across construction and maintenance. Significantly, the upcoming changes will apply far beyond buildings covered by the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings) Regulations 2022, since they will be implemented through the competency requirements of the Building (Appointment of Persons, Industry Competence and Dutyholders) Regulations 2021. The dutyholder and competency requirements in the draft 2021 regulations apply to

virtually all notifiable building activity. While the Building (Appointment of Persons, Industry Competence and Dutyholders) Regulations 2021 are still in draft form, they’re due to be introduced later this year, in line with the forthcoming Building Safety Act. Because of their wide application, all engineering services businesses need a solid understanding of the proposed competency duties along with the other regulations that will support the new Act. The new dutyholder responsibilities arise mainly from Dame Judith Hackitt’s post-Grenfell Tower fire review. They reflect the pressing need for a substantial change in attitudes to, and behaviours around, responsibility for delivering buildings that meet new regulatory requirements. The updated responsibilities for building safety dutyholders naturally include, but go beyond, the assurance of skills and knowledge needed to carry out work. Similarly, they complement, but are not the same as, the dutyholder roles under CDM 2015. For example, while a CDM Principal Contractor role may appear similar in some ways to a Building Safety

Principal Contractor role, the former is meant to deliver building project safety while the latter is meant to deliver a building that is safe to occupy. In other words, all the new building safety dutyholders will be legally required to adopt and promote new behaviours across the construction industry. Demonstrating behaviours The draft Building (Appointment of Persons, Industry Competence and Dutyholders) Regulations 2021 state that, where one dutyholder appoints ‘any person’ to carry out any design or building work, they must ‘take all reasonable steps’ to ensure that person fulfils the competence requirements in the legislation. The term ‘competence’ here has broad implications. A person carrying out building or design work must not only have the skills and experience to carry out the work, but also demonstrate a set of required ‘behaviours’. New ‘behaviours’ required in the draft 2021 regulations include refusing to carry out any building work that isn’t compliant with relevant requirements, or to provide

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any design work that wouldn’t be in line with regulations. As such, the updated regulations are designed to drive behavioural change just as much as requiring practical skills, knowledge and experience (SKE). And if the ‘person’ appointed is an organisation or business then that business must have the management policies, procedures, systems and resources in place to ensure that individuals under its control are themselves competent to carry out what is required to ensure building safety, and particularly ﬁre safety. One example of this is that a contractor must provide each worker under their control with ‘appropriate supervision, instructions and information so as to ensure that the building work is in compliance with all relevant requirements (of building regulation)’. Good communication and training across the whole project team will be key to achieving compliance with this aspect of the regulations.

WHAT DOES EACH TERM MEAN? There are now several terms being used in current and draft legislation which denote different areas of responsibility. To summarise some different meanings: Dutyholders This term denotes several key roles in a project, such as client, principal designer, designers, principal contractor and contractors. In addition to CDM 2015 dutyholder roles there will be additional building safety dutyholder roles with the same titles (but complementary overall Additionally, all dutyholders under the new regulations will have to ‘take all reasonable steps to ensure the work carried out by them is planned, managed and monitored so as to be in compliance with all the relevant requirements. Each dutyholder will also have further specific duties aligned to creating a cooperative approach and

aims) as described. Accountable Person The Building Safety Bill identiﬁes new dutyholders as ‘Accountable Persons’ (APs) for residential high-rise buildings (HRBs). They are the person or organisation who owns or has responsibility for the building. They must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent building safety risk such as ﬁre or structural failure, and to reduce the seriousness of the incident if one occurs. requiring effective communication. All this will be in addition to any dutyholder roles held by a business under CDM 2015, to ensure a safely delivered project or other building work. GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ECA MEMBERSHIP AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI015

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BUSINESS MATTERS In this regular column, Emerson Patton, founder of Bright Business Advice, creator of the ‘Bright 7-Sector Orbit’ business model and author of Bright Business Transformation for Contractors, shares his advice for building a better business. WITHOUT STRONG LEADERSHIP YOUR BUSINESS ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. Leadership is the cornerstone of any business. It’s the central structure of your business on which everything else sits and without it, the rest of the business crumbles. When we talk about leadership, we use our ﬁve-level segmentation model: UNITE. Each letter represents a different stage of the leadership process, growing in sophistication as you grow as a leader. Let’s take a closer look at each level so you can begin to see the journey you’ll take as a leader in your business:

the vision for this. Having a vision for your life goals will give you, the leader of the business, the passion and energy to develop strong leadership that will help to drive the business forwards. I’d suggest starting with a ‘vision board’. I regularly create these with my clients to help them gain clarity on the direction for the individual and for the business.

1. Unify The uniﬁcation of tasks and time is the most basic level of good leadership. Most business leaders have two separate tools: a diary and a task list. But what many don’t realise is that to work effectively, tasks should consistently be blocked out in your diary. This simple yet highly effective time management strategy allows you to dedicate time to team meetings, ﬁnance reviews, marketing sessions, and other key tasks that often get put off.

3. Insight The I in UNITE stands for Insight – gaining the knowledge you need to grow as a leader and developing emotional intelligence to allow you to connect with your team so that you can inspire and motivate them. Most leaders gain insight through experience. They adopt a ‘learn-as-you-go’ approach and are proud of the struggles and hard knocks they’ve taken. But I believe there’s a much quicker, more effective way to get the knowledge you need to drastically improve your leadership style. And that’s through reading books, audio books, podcasts, online training, mentoring and coaching. Having a mentor allows you to shortcut the process of gaining experience and gets you to a place of better leadership much more quickly.

2. Next The N in UNITE stands for Next – it’s about life goals and what you want to do next. What’s your vision for your life goals? Your business needs to support

4. Teamwork Have you ever seen the boat race between Oxford and Cambridge? The rowers are so in-sync with one another, all being led by the Cox. That’s what

we’re aiming for with your business. True leaders know how to work as part of a team, to hold their team accountable, and pull them together to reach goals. As a leader, you need to create an environment where your staff will hold their hands up and take responsibility for mistakes but also get praised for success. Finding that balance of accountability, delegation, and feedback is key to growing your business. 5. Enrichment Finally, E is for Enrichment. When your business has achieved great things and you’ve got all the money and time you need, it’s time to look for ways to enrich your life. Now is the time to think about building a legacy and leaving behind a life you’re happy with and proud of. Think about someone like Bill Gates. He built an incredibly successful business and now does a lot of charity work. He has built success and now uses that success to enrich the lives of others.

WANT TO POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS IN 2022? ACCESS BRIGHT’S FREE BUSINESS TOOLKIT FOR CONTRACTORS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI016

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‘CHARGE’ POINTS OF REFERENCE

he demand for electric and hybrid vehicles has been rising steadily over the last few years and now, with government policy being implemented to ban the sale of pure internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030, this rise will continue exponentially. As a result, the need for a comprehensive charging infrastructure is paramount, with charging points already found in public car parks, company premises and many domestic properties. But is charging the vehicle batteries at these locations always safe? As with any new electrical installation, the EV charging point circuit is required to be tested in accordance with the latest version of BS7671, to minimise the risk to individuals and their vehicles by ensuring the installation is safe. This brings in to question how a contractor can fully test the protective devices within the charge point itself.

Mode 2 or 3? It is worth noting that EV charge points with a dedicated circuit that are used solely for the purpose of recharging electric vehicles, are described as Mode 3 Charge Points. Mode 2 uses a socket-outlet, with the cable between the

The experts at Megger offer guidance to ensure the safe testing of EV charging points.

socket-outlet and the vehicle incorporating an “In-Cable Control and Protective Device” (IC-CPD). Mode 3 charging stations and charging points can operate with either a single phase 230 V or 3-phase 400 V AC supply. They can generate very high currents to allow vehicle batteries to be charged in as short a time as possible. This continuous load can, however, cause faults or overloads in the electrical systems if not designed and installed correctly. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations. For this reason, all charging points must be equipped with suitable protective devices which, in the event of a fault materialising, operate to remove the potential of electric shock, damage to a vehicle (or it’s batteries) or fire. Therefore, periodic inspection and testing should be carried out on the charge point, as with any other electrical circuit, in accordance with the latest amendment of BS7671. Guidance on initial verification and periodic inspection and testing is given in the IET Guidance Note3: Inspecting and Testing and, upon completion of the required tests, either an Electrical Installation Test Report or an Electrical Installation Condition Report should be issued. Be aware that special locations often require compliance with other regulations,

for example, inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for filling station installations should comply with APEA/EI publication: Design, construction, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of filling stations. Who can test? Any work carried out on an electrical installation must be performed by a suitably qualified electrician and/or competent person. The definition of this can be found in the latest version of BS7671. There are now specific Level 3 City & Guilds course designed to cover EV charging equipment installation in domestic, commercial and industrial and street applications, 2919-01 and 2919-02, that covers both the theory and practical aspects of installation and verification. On completion of an installation or inspection, and before being put into service, the installation must be inspected and tested to verify that it complies to BS7671 as well as any charging equipment manufacturer’s specific instructions. On completion, an Electrical Installation Certificate, together with any schedules of inspection and test or an Electrical Installation Condition Report shall be given to the client/owner. Megger CertSuite provides several specific EV

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Test Certificates that can be incorporated into these reports. How is testing of a Mode 3 EV charge point carried out? The following sequence of electrical and functional tests are detailed using the Megger EVCA210, along with the MFT1741+ Multifunction Tester: On completion of the installation of the charge point and the relevant fixed installation tests of the supply circuit, a number of additional tests are undertaken. The required functional tests are: l PE Pre-test (confirming no potential on

the earth to vehicle) l PE Error (safely creates an earth fault or

missing earth on vehicle) l CP Error (safely creates a fault on AC

side of the charging circuit)

the charge point operates correctly in the event of a fault conditions. Both tests require the charge point to be in a charge-required state. This is achieved by two rotary switches on the front of the EVCA210 that define both the proximity of a vehicle (vehicle connected) and the rate of charge required. Details of the various adaptor settings can be found within the EVCA210 manual. At this point it should also be confirmed that the interlock (if fitted) should prevent the connector from being removed.

l Mechanical interlocking of the

connector l Further tests as required or as

recommended by the charging point manufacturer. The required electrical tests are: l Earth loop impedance l Testing of the protective devices (RCD

and RDC-DD) l Phase sequence (for 3-phase systems). With the supply circuit turned on and the EVCA210 plugged in to the charge point, a PE Pre-Test must be carried out. This test is completed prior to any other testing to confirm no dangerous potential is present on the earth. If a potential is indicated, further testing must cease, and the cause must be investigated and rectified as a potential high voltage may be present on the earth, giving rise to the risk of an electric shock to the operator or other persons nearby. The PE Pre-test is easily completed using any EV adapter designed in accordance with the IEC/EN61851-1 and IEC/HD60364-7-722 standards. Following the PE Pre-Test, two further functional tests are completed to ensure

Functional tests The first functional test is the PE Error. This safely simulates a PE conductor disconnection that, when pressed to initiate, should cause the EVCA to stop the charge process immediately and disconnect the charging circuit. Once released, the charge point should automatically reset and commence the charging process again. The second is the CP Error. CP (Control Pilot) is the means by which a vehicle connected to the charge point communicates the level of charge current required. When pressed, the CP Error button should again cause an immediate disconnection of the charge point current and stop the charging process. As before, when released, the charge point should automatically reset and a new charging session start. Following completion of the functional test, the electrical tests as defined above are then completed using relevant electrical test equipment. The Megger MFT1741+ model allows the user to complete all the tests required. In the event of a 3-phase charge point being tested, a phase rotation test should be completed to verify the phases have all

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been terminated correctly. Then a simple earth loop impedance value should be measured using a proprietary no-trip test to ensure the protective device in the charge point or distribution board does not disconnect. Next, a complete RCD test must be undertaken. In addition, however, all new charge points installed today have an additional 6 mA DC monitor – or in some cases an RDC-DD – that ensures that no DC can be fed back into the utility supply. This test is a simple DC ramp that should measure the leakage current and ensure that a trip occurs within the 6mA threshold and the allowed 10 seconds time. Finally, if no vehicle is available, a simple load test can be carried out – to ensure that charge point is delivering the correct charge current – through the EVCA210. This is limited to 10A for a short duration. Mode 2 charging cable Even if a mode 2 charging cable is included with the electric vehicle, this shouldn’t be used as a permanent charging solution. These mobile charging cables are intended for charging at standard 13A (BS1363) or industrial (BS EN 60309-2) sockets, when no permanently installed charging device is available. For regular operation, charging at a charging station or permanently installed charge point is recommended. The combination of the EVCA210 and MFT1741+ will still allow the safe functional and electrical testing of a Mode 2 charging cable with a IC-CPD installed. WATCH A DEMO VIDEO OF THE MEGGER MFT1741+ AND EVCA210 IN ACTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI017

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DOES YOUR EQUIPMENT MEASURE UP? Shaky hands, fat fingers or built-in errors? The team at GAMBICA, the trade association for the test and measurement industry, looks at some of the little known causes of errors.

hose working on or testing electrical installations need to know that their equipment is measuring accurately if they are to stay safe and their test results are to be valid. You may be used to thinking that any errors are the fault of your fat ﬁngers but is that really the case? In its publication, Measurement Accuracy, GAMBICA has married together impartial information from all the major suppliers of test and measurement equipment, offering a thorough explanation of how errors can occur in measurement, and also acknowledging the limitations of instruments and how they affect performance. What is for certain is that no instrument can be guaranteed to give readings that are absolutely accurate every time or provide the exact same readings as another apparently identical instrument. So, where do errors come from? Errors that affect the overall accuracy of an instrument such as an installation multi-function tester can come from either the instrument or its accessories, or even from the circuit under test. The two most common types of measurement that can

suffer significant variation are Continuity and Loop Impedance. They each have their own sources of error which are detailed in the concise publication. It’s not just errors you have to worry about… BS EN 61557 is the European wide standard which defines the performance of test instruments used in the verification of low voltage electrical installations under 1000 V AC. It sets an internationally agreed minimum performance to which all instruments must conform. This includes the test range, the types of test necessary and the minimum accuracy required. “So that’s OK then”, we hear you thinking; “If I buy an instrument which conforms to BS EN 61557, I’ll be alright!” Well yes, up to a point… As an engineer you’ll often find yourself working at the upper or lower limits of an instrument’s capabilities. It is under these conditions that variations in resolution and accuracy have the greatest effect. Awareness of the precise limitations of your equipment is essential to ensure correct application of a test and interpretation of results. It all comes down to range, resolution, accuracy and display count. If you don’t

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understand these properly, you can ﬁnd yourself making poor or even dangerous assumptions. Transparency of accuracy is vital No instrument can provide perfect measurements in all conditions. But every instrument should declare an accuracy within which it should perform for any measured value. This performance is checked during manufacture against stable, reference sources under laboratory conditions, and should be checked periodically to ensure they remain within their stated accuracy. Does your instrument offer the accuracy you need for your task? Don’t confuse accuracy with display count. Some digital instrument manufacturers, especially when it comes to digital multi-meters, publish additional or alternative information about the measurement display. This is expressed as a “display count”. A display count is useful in understanding the resolution of a measurement on each measurement range, and when the range changes up or down a decade, but it doesn’t tell you anything about the accuracy. It is important to understand both how the accuracies of instruments are deﬁned

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resolution of 0.01 Ω cannot be guaranteed to give accurate results. Always try to make the measurement with an instrument where the expected values are well within the limits of the instrument. Where this isn’t possible, understanding the effects of different types of error can help in assessing whether the measured results are dependable or whether other methods of assessing the circuit’s characteristics would be more appropriate, such as calculated values based on manufacture’s declared data or considering an unenergised impedance reading. Both of these methods can help to avoid an argument with the consulting engineer’s calculated values.

and the sources of error in measurement, especially where the values are at the extremes of the instrument’s measurement ranges. For example, many loop impedance

testers are used for measuring close to the source of the supply, where loop impedances can be very low – certainly less than 0.03 Ω. Using an instrument with a

This article has only been able to give you a taster of the new GAMBICA Measurement Accuracy publication. If you’d like to request a free copy, please email: jacqueline.balian@gambica.org.uk

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Proving dead effectively and safely is vital when it comes to safe isolation and the safeguarding of people and assets, as Steve Dunning, MD of Martindale Electric, explains.

A ‘DEAD’ CERT

roving dead sounds relatively simple, but choosing the right equipment to support the safe isolation process is key. By creating a complete safety system, along with implementing a high level of training and ensuring that a proving unit and lock off kits are always available and used, margin for error is reduced and points of failure are minimised.

What should you be doing? Firstly, has permission for safe isolation been obtained? If so, identify the point of isolation, lock it off and place warning tags onto the equipment. Lock-off kits are available to ensure that the right locking-off device is always to hand. A basic lock-off kit should include a selection of MCB and breaker locks, a padlock with a unique key, a hasp (if more than one person is working on a system) as well as lock-out tags and warning labels. If an accident were to occur, it’s not enough to say that you didn’t have the right device for the breaker because you could isolate the board. If you’re able to turn equipment off but can’t isolate it at the point of connection, trace the supply back to a point where it can be safely locked off. There is no point in proving dead if someone else comes along and restores power without your knowledge. A major problem encountered when working on existing sites is the lack of comprehensive circuit labelling. Even in cases where circuits appear to be properly labelled, alterations are often

made by unqualiﬁed or untrained staff. Even if the changes are safe, the labelling may frequently be incorrect.

Voltage indicators When choosing the right voltage indicator (VI) for a particular application, whether for residential projects, commercial or industrial facilities, reliability is crucial. Always ensure that the unit you’re purchasing complies with BS EN 61243-3, such as the VI13800 voltage indicator from Martindale Electric, which has been specifically designed to meet this regulation. When choosing the right VI, one of the main factors that set many units apart is a 1000V CAT IV safety rating following BS EN61010, as referenced in BS EN 61243. It is this safety rating, which ensures the product can cope with the risks from hazardous transient impulses on the mains supply system, which makes indicators such as the Martindale VI15000 and MTL15 suitable for supply-side LV applications in all installation categories as defined in the standard. That means that wherever you’re working, you can be confident in having a voltage indicator that is properly rated for the application. BS EN61010-1 Installation Categories (CAT ratings) are based on where you’re working.

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Test and test again The next step is to test for dangerous voltages on any circuit conductor to be worked on, whether single or three-phase. It is recommended to use a dedicated proving unit matched to the VI to fully test that all LEDs on all ranges are working. A proving unit is safer than the mains and provides a live source wherever you’re working. If there is no voltage detected and the circuit is dead, then the operator should proceed to re-test the VI using the proving unit. If it’s working correctly, then the operator has proved dead and the system is safe to commence work. For increased efficiency, Martindale Electric has introduced complete safe isolation kits, bringing together all the necessary equipment to prove dead and lockout the circuit being worked on. BROWSE THE MARTINDALE SAFE ISOLATION KITS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI018

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The team at Bosch examine the key features you should be looking for in a thermal imaging camera.

THE RULES OF THERM

hat is a thermal imaging camera? Thermal imaging is a method of detecting and measuring temperatures, through the process of converting infrared radiation into visible images which use colours to represent different temperatures. Thermal imaging technology can be used to locate both hot and cold spots in seconds, and this can be achieved at safe distances (up to 1.5m) due to being a non-contact method of measurement. Quickly analysing the current situation, clarifying the requirements for preparing an offer, and checking and documenting work results – Bosch thermal cameras make it easier to perform many common tasks. In the range, Bosch currently has two precise and versatile Professional Thermal Cameras – the GTC 400 C and GTC 600 C. These tools can help identify weak spots as well as thermal bridges, for example, overheating of structural components such as switch cabinets.

systems, cables, or equipment. This allows for easier and more efficient diagnosis of faults, therefore increasing productivity. Thermal cameras have many beneﬁts for electricians. They allow you to detect faulty components earlier, for example, by investigating unusual hot spots before it leads to failure. Conversely, a component that has already failed may not heat up in the same way and show up as a cold spot. A major beneﬁt to catching problems early is reduced repair costs, and also being able to visually show clients where the fault lies for accurate quotes.

Applications for electricians Thermal imaging cameras are an extremely useful tool that can be used during electrical inspections. They can check electrical components and pinpoint failures in

48 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

What should you look for in a quality thermal imaging camera?

Resolution With thermal imaging, resolution comes in two components: the infrared sensor resolution and number of pixels on the display. The higher the sensor resolution, the more accurate and clearer a single measuring point will be. This is essential if the job at hand requires measuring smaller objects at further distances. Pixel size indicates the level of detail that the screen displays. The higher number of

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pixels, the sharper and more detailed the image quality. A combination of high sensor resolution and high number of pixels will give you the clearest quality. ( 5$ $ (5$ $

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Temperature measurement range Thermal imaging cameras come in a variety of measuring ranges, so it is important to choose a model that covers the range needed for your job. The latest model from Bosch, the GTC 600 C, hosts an impressive range from -20°C to +600°C, providing additional applications in many environments.

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Connectivity An extremely useful feature is the ability to store and export data. The GTC 400 C and 600 C are both equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which the tool uses to establish its own Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect your smartphone or tablet to the tool and import the thermal images, including the measured data, via the Bosch Thermal App. This makes it possible to process information immediately and pass it on quickly to your customers or colleagues. Alternatively, all data can be transferred to a PC via USB-C cable and processed there by means of the free GTC Transfer Software. The GTC 400 C can store up to 500 images, whilst the GTC 600 C can store up to 600. Furthermore, the GTC 600 C now hosts a new voice note function, allowing you to add a voice note up to 30 seconds long to recorded images. The voice note is easily and conveniently recorded via the integrated microphone and saved in the gallery together with the real and thermal image. This avoids assignment errors, making documentation even easier. All Professional Bosch power tools have a one-year warranty, which can be extended to a total of three years if the tool is registered on the Bosch Professional website within the ﬁrst month of purchase. WATCH A FULL DEMO VIDEO OF THE BOSCH GTC 600 C THERMAL CAMERA AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI019

SHOULD YOU TEST AN SPD?

Kirsty Johnson, Technical Sales Director at Surge Protection Devices, answers a common question that installers will often raise.

ith the increase in the application of surge protection devices to our electrical installations, we’ve seen an increase in testers being marketed as being capable of testing SPDs. This therefore raises the question: should we test SPDs? The simple answer is ‘no’. Any test on an SPD will involve passing voltage though the device to ensure activation. This passing of the voltage will degrade the components within the SPD and therefore shorten the lifespan of the device. The SPD doesn’t know the difference between voltage for test purposes and a surge, which it is designed to remove from circuits. Certificate of conformity SPDs have certiﬁcates of conformity to demonstrate that they’re built to the relevant part of the BS EN 61643 series for that type of device. If the SPD is unable to provide protection, whether this is due to a fault within the device itself or that the device has come to the end of its lifespan, the indication on the device will show the failure. Simple explanation Realistically, any simple tester that can apply voltage will demonstrate that the SPD will activate when required. Just because you can do something, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should! GET MORE DETAILS ON THE SPD TRAINING ACADEMY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI020

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

You ask: I NEED A TESTER FOR MAKING QUICK VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENTS AND ALSO TO USE AS A VOLTAGE INDICATOR (TWO-POLE TESTER). I NEED TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH AC AND DC VOLTAGES UP TO 1,000 V. DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?

Megger says: Our suggestion is the new Megger MET1000 all-in-one tester. It measures AC and DC voltage up to 1,000 V, AC current up to 200 A, and resistance up to 50 kΩ. For AC voltage and current, the measurements are all true RMS. The voltage measurement function continues to operate even if there are no batteries in the tester or if they have run down. This means it complies with EN 61234-3:2014 so you can use it as a two-pole tester for safe isolation testing. Other important beneﬁts of the MET1000 are that it can be used on circuits protected with RCDs and RCBOs without tripping the devices, it has a large digital display with a data-hold function, and it also has a bright built-in torch that’s a big help when working in poorly lit locations. In addition, the test probes are detachable and can be easily replaced if they become worn or damaged. The MET1000 even comes with a carrying holster with a belt loop, so it’s easy to take with you everywhere. We’re conﬁdent it’s just what you’re looking for! BROWSE THE MEGGER MET1000 PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI021

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MAXIMUM DEMAND AND LOAD MONITORING

Julian Grant, Managing Director of Chauvin Arnoux, discusses the value of energy monitoring and measuring equipment as the demand on electrical systems continues to increase.

any domestic installations today are seeing changes in the nature of the electrical equipment being installed in them, or requested to be installed in them, and notably the addition of some fairly high current loads, including most recently heat pumps and EV chargepoints. Domestic air source heat pumps can typically consume from 3kW to 7kW (13A to 30A) of electricity, dependent on the size of the unit, the temperature settings, the weather conditions, and the thermal insulation efficiency of the property. Add a single-phase home EV charger, which could require another 7kW (30A), and bearing in mind all of the other potential “electricity hungry” appliances in the installation, such as showers, water heaters, hot tubs, ovens, etc. and it's easy to see the issue. Full to capacity In the best of cases the installation will already be served by a 100A main fuse, however, it is more likely that an 80A or

even 60A fuse may be present. Either way, conventional maximum demand and diversity calculations, as described in the On-Site Guide, are increasingly revealing situations where a large part of the capacity may already be taken up, leaving insufficient headroom for any desired or required additional loads. In the 60A/80A main fuse scenario, a larger fuse could be requested, but the immediate granting of these may not necessarily be straightforward, or cost-free, depending on the local supply capacity and the nature and rating of the equipment and cable feeding the property. So where does that leave the property owner and the electrical installer?

Well, there’s potentially another way to look at the maximum demand of the installation, referred to by the Energy Network Association (ENA) in their guidance on connecting electric vehicles and heat pumps to the network, and that is to measure and monitor it. In this scenario electricity demand data is measured and recorded, ideally over a

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your own office, and providing knowledge of the monitoring results prior to re-visiting the customer. This in turn means a considered proposal can be put together and presented when the product is retrieved. two-week period at ten-minute intervals, before being analysed to arrive at an accurate maximum demand figure. This “evidenced” load assessment will often reveal spare capacity, where diversity calculations did not, or at the least could indicate the times when spare capacity may be available. This could, for example, enable the fitting of a smart EV charger that incorporates load monitoring to ensure maximum demand isn’t exceeded, and with the knowledge that it will actually be able to charge an electric vehicle for significant periods of time without being throttled down. A logger can get you out of the jam A simple and non-intrusive way to monitor and measure energy use over time would be to temporarily install a modern portable energy logger (PEL), such as the PEL103 or PEL104 from Chauvin Arnoux. PELs can be installed quickly and non-intrusively at the distribution board, in many cases without even having to turn off the supply. They will log electrical energy data over any time period you choose – hours, days or weeks – so that you can get a detailed picture of the electricity usage. But that’s not all a PEL will tell you. Another important concern with EV

chargepoints, for example, are harmonics. The supply system is AC, but to charge a vehicle battery you need a DC supply, so at some point in the charging system – either in the charger itself or in the vehicle – there is going to be a rectiﬁer. Rectiﬁers are inherently non-linear loads that generate harmonics, and if the harmonics in the installation are too great all sorts of strange anomalies, and a general reduction in the electrical efficiency of the installation, may occur. A PEL will give you accurate information about any harmonics that already exist in the installation, perhaps as a result of LED lighting, IT equipment, or the plethora of other non-linear loads that exist today, once again logging this information over a period of time. When it comes to retrieving information from a PEL, apart from the obvious process of going to the installation and downloading the contents from the instrument’s internal memory via a USB connection, the latest generation PEL104 from Chauvin Arnoux has been provided with additional communication options such as Wi-Fi, 3G and GPRS. This makes it possible to establish a remote connection to the PEL, enabling analysis of the data from the comfort of

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Other useful applications In other situations, having a PEL with remote data access makes it possible for users to set alarm limits for most key parameters and, if these are exceeded, the PEL can be set up to immediately alert them via the remote connection – whatever type that may be. In addition, the PEL can be conﬁgured to email reports of selected parameters at regular intervals chosen by the user. As we’ve seen, a PEL is a very useful asset for load monitoring and maximum demand calculations when planning the installation of high-power electrical equipment, and also after the installation is complete, to verify that the loading and harmonics are within expected limits. Apart from that, a PEL will effectively monitor and measure any supply you connect it to and can check for 3 phase voltage and current balance, frequency, power factor, harmonics, and any unexpected out-of-hours electrical usage. A truly useful tool that could add a lot to your business! BROWSE THE CHAUVIN ARNOUX PEL100 SERIES BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI022

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Reece Hardy gets to put the IDEAL Industries 61-347 Digital Multi Meter through its paces.

“A MULTITALENTED METER”

he IDEAL 61-347 Digital Multi Meter is a CAT IV 600 CAT III 1000V rated auto ranging true root mean square (TRMS) digital multi meter that measures up to 10 Amps AC and DC current via the test leads in series with the load. This new range of multi meters consists of four models in total – ranging from the 61-327 through to top-end 61-357 – all designed to cover every operator experience level. I was given the opportunity to trial the 61-347 which has a large 6000 count display and is guaranteed for two years. It arrived complete with a soft belt case, user handbook, test certiﬁcate, test leads and K-Type Thermocouple. The unit is capable of measuring 1000V AC, 10 Amps AC and DC, capacitance, resistance (continuity/diode), and temperature (via the K-Type Thermocouple), amongst other things. Non-contact voltage is sensed by a pickup toward the front and the display shows EF. The item is True RMS for AC voltage and current and it also has a display alarm for voltages over 30V. The battery compartment holds 3 x AAA

type cells and fellow users will notice two distinctive fuses – if either of these fuses for current reading are open circuit, the meter will display FUSE to alert the user. In use, the meter has a fold out stand and features a protective soft shell jacket around the unit to protect it from bumps and dents. The grooves on the rear of the product can park the probes and they’re also able to project one probe for two handed (or one handed with 4mm plug lead) use. Putting it to the test So, how has it fared? I’ve found that most situations you’re likely to come across can be handled using this DMM, with the only advantage of the next meter up in the series (61-357) being that it offers low impedance for current and a bar graph display. I’m a big fan of the exceptionally large display, which allows for long distance viewing, and I’ve found the unit to be very comfortable to hold (weighing in at a little over 500g) and exceptionally easy to use. The backlit option on the display also provides the user with the capability to make readings out in darker conditions. One feature that I particularly like is that

54 July/August 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

the 61-347 uses an illuminated red LED in the centre of the meter and will emit audible tones to notify when voltage is above 30 V, when continuity is detected and when the NCV senses voltage within its set range. The rubber boot has two probe storage points, and built-in probe tip holders to allow measurements while holding the meter in one hand and the second lead in the other hand. The meter also has a hanging strap mount (compatible with all other IDEAL meters with this feature) that allows for a hanging strap (sold separately) to be attached to the meter so it can be hung from a nail, screw or magnetic surface. Additionally, an industrial grade over-moulding enhances grip and drop protection. I also really like the easy open, fully accessible storage pouch with a belt loop that allows for meter, probes and thermocouple storage. If you’re in the market for a quality, reliable DMM, I’d recommend taking a look at this product. BROWSE THE 61-347 IN THE IDEAL T&M CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI023

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

CUT DOWN RCD TRIPPING WITH THE ETHOS 3650

With the 18th Edition requiring that earth leakage currents remain under 30%, reducing nuisance RCD tripping is of critical importance. Here, Ethos Instruments explains more, and details why its Ethos 3650 is the ideal testing device for this requirement.

he 18th Edition came into force in January 2019, and a new requirement is needed to check the cumulative leakage on an installation, with speciﬁc values to check. The 18th Edition now makes it clear that the accumulation of circuit protector currents/earth leakage currents which are present during normal operating conditions shall not be more than 30% of the rated residual operating current of the RCD.

Integral testing solutions The Ethos 3650 – 200A digital earth leakage clamp meter – is an integral part of an electrician’s test equipment, and is perfectly safe and simple to use. Not only does it help identify where RCD tripping may occur, but it also provides the following features:

Reducing nuisance RCD tripping To reduce nuisance RCD tripping that isn’t due to a fault, but the result of cumulative leakage currents from appliances, the 18th Edition now includes speciﬁc values for maximum protective earth currents (Regulation 531.3.2). This is a great help in identifying when division of the installation is required, and wasn’t a part of the 17th Edition. But what are acceptable limits for leakage current, and how do you know when you’re approaching the limits? The 18th Edition states: the accumulation of circuit protector currents/ earth leakage currents that are present during normal operating conditions shall not be more than 30% of the rated residual operating current of the RCD e.g. a PE current of no more than 30% of 30mA, which is just 9mA. This is necessary when you consider that it’s not unusual for a 30mA RCD to trip just above 15mA. The trouble is, how do you know when you’re approaching 9mA? Computers, printers and other appliances can easily generate leakage currents in the range of 1mA to 3.5mA each.

- Three settings at 200mA, 2A, and 200mA - Resolution at 200μA on 200mA setting - Data hold - Auto power off - Max hold - Backlight - Shielded transformer jaws. The Ethos test equipment range is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding electrical engineers and contractors making their job faster and easier, whilst helping the user comply with the latest legislation. Ethos products form a full range of test equipment with features to suit users of all levels. The perfect fault-finding solution The Ethos 3650 is also a fantastic device when it comes to fault ﬁnding. The ﬁrst thing the user should do is place the 3650 digital earth leakage clamp meter around the meter tails that are being tested. If the

user observes an inconsistent reading that is varying from one second to the next, this may be an indication that there could be a fault somewhere in the system. In this scenario, Ethos recommends switching off MCBs and then turning them back on individually to locate the source of the fault (the reading on the Ethos 3650 will make it clear which circuit is causing the issue). To ﬁnd a fault on the circuit and identify which circuit it is (for example, a lighting circuit), if the cables are accessible try and judge where the middle of the circuit is and clamp the Ethos 3650 around the outgoing line and neutral conductors. If there still appears to be a fault then it is further along the circuit, but if the fault has gone then it is further back towards the consumer unit. This allows you to quickly identify the offending item that’s causing excessive leakage.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE ETHOS 3650 AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAI024

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