WHOLESALER ELECTRICIANS
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS
EV INFRASTRUCTURE
Opening up new revenue streams through EV charging
Fire system commissioning requirements
Test your Wiring Devices & Controls knowledge with the EDA
24 FULLY CHARGED
How the EV revolution is presenting wholesalers with a golden opportunity to open up new revenue streams
27 SPECIAL DELIVERY
Why the time is right to consider electric delivery vans and chargers at trade counters
30 TOOLS OF THE TRADE
How the EV movement is placing the spotlight on the electrical trade
INSIGHT
Test your knowledge of Wiring Devices & Controls in this month’s quiz
20 WIN A FUSED SPUR TIMESWITCH COURTESY OF TIMEGUARD
Your chance to win one of three slimline fused spur timeswitches courtesy of Timeguard
36 HOT FUSS
The electric heating solutions sparking interest in the industry.
32 GOOD HOUSEMATES
The installation of CO alarm systems in Southend-on Sea social housing stock 34 COMMISSION CONTROL
A detailed look at commissioning fire detection and fire alarm systems
Editor Tracey Rushton-Thorpe tracey@pewholesaler.co.uk
Advertising Manager
Anthony Scott ascott@hamerville.co.uk
Assistant Advertising Manager Ian Turner Ianturner@hamerville.co.uk
Designer Gemma Watson
Group Production Manager Carol Padgett
Production Assistant Claire Thwaites
Circulation Manager Kirstie Day
Professional Electricians Wholesaler is an essential business magazine for those with decision-making responsibilities within electrical wholesalers
To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville.co.uk
Printed by Stephens & George
Published by
HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP
Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF.
Tel: (01923) 237799
Fax: (01923) 246901
Copyright © 2024
5,494
(Certificate of Average Distribution for the issues distributed between January and December 2023)
ALL CHANGE ?
By the time you’re reading this we might have a new Government, hopefully some sunshine and we’ll have a better idea of whether our home nations have crashed out at the first hurdle at Euro 2024 or are cruising their way to the later stages. I have absolutely no interest in football but if you see me decked out in orange at all it is because I have drawn Netherlands in the office sweepstake so they are my adopted country for now. Anyway, I will return to the football later.
Our special features in this issue are heating, EV infrastructure and fire & safety. Some might think it slightly ironic including a feature on heating in the middle of the summer but considering many of us probably had our radiators on in June this year perhaps it is perfect timing.
Fire & safety is particularly topical as Grenfell Tower was recently lit up on the seventh anniversary of the fire that tragically claimed 72 lives. The disaster brought the issue of fire safety in high-rise blocks, as well as building safety standards in general, firmly under the spotlight. In particular, government regulations came under scrutiny, while significant gaps in knowledge, standards and competency within the construction industry became evident. It’s devastating and unacceptable that things had got so bad, whether through complacency, ignorance or underfunding, that it took a disaster of this magnitude to highlight the many shortcomings. Since then, however, we have seen vital improvements, thanks largely to the outcome of the Hackitt report, which led to a number of recommendations aimed at changing industry practices to create safer living spaces and subsequently the Building Safety Act 2022 and more recently the Building Safety Regulator, which assumed the role of building control authority for higher-risk buildings.
Turning towards EV infrastructure, it may surprise a few people to learn that electric vehicles were around as far back as the 1830s, not quite on the level of technology we see on our roads today of course, but then at some point in the next 150+ years the internal combustion engine became the go-to technology for everyday driving while electric cars became more of a pipedream. And yet now here we are with three in-depth articles focusing on them, including one which even takes a look at some specialist tools designed for installing EV charging equipment. While there is plenty still to do to ensure we have enough infrastructure in place to ensure a totally electric future for the automotive industry, it is a rapidly growing market which tradespeople and wholesalers alike can really benefit from.
Now back to the football, I was trying to see how many Euro 2024 footballers’ names I could shoe-horn electrical trade references into. So far I have Kieran Trippier switch (England), Marc-André ter Stegenerator (Germany), Jonas Wind turbine (Denmark) and David Strelectrician (Slovakia). Erm, that’s it!
Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Tracey Rushton-Thorpe Editor
NEWS & VIEWS
CIRCULAR LIGHTING PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
CIRCULAR LIGHTINGLIVE2024 PROGRAMME UNVEILED
Aimed at the full supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2024 will take place on Wednesday 9th October at the Royal College of Physicians in London. The event brings together over 300 of the lighting industry’s top executives to consider how our sector can become part of the circular economy.
On the agenda in 2024 is the legislative and regulatory landscape, the role AI can play in assisting firms with data, the opportunities and challenges of the emerging lighting remanufacturing ‘ecosystem’, 3D printing, circular design and sustainable materials including bioplastics.
Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2024 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models.
Commenting on the importance of the event, Ray Molony, event chair said:
NEW UNICRIMP SHOWROOM WELCOMES ITS FIRSTVISITORS
Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has welcomed the first visitors to its newly opened showroom at its headquarters in Staffordshire.
Launched by Scolmore Group in 2014, Unicrimp has continued to enjoy success with its comprehensive range of cable accessory products and the requirement to invest in a visitor centre and showroom resource became a high priority. As well as showcasing Unicrimp’s ever-expanding range of cable accessories, it will serve as a
venue to host a range of events including internal meetings and presentations, product launches and demonstrations, as well as training sessions for customers.
Visitors to the new showroom facility will have the opportunity to get a close up look at the key products from across each range which are on display, as well as the most recent additions which include new trade tubs, armoured industrial brass cable glands and nylon cable glands, earthing plates and black and grey PVC cable sleeving. The
“Many have well-established environmental plans in place and will cheerfully deluge you with data about the provenance of their luminaires. Others are just embarking on their journey towards a circular economy. But what’s clear is that the mass movement has begun and it’s gaining momentum. Phrases like ‘remanufacturing’, ‘circularity’ or ‘embedded carbon’ are becoming common currency, and lighting designers are having serious conversations with clients about reusing luminaires.“
The early bird discounted booking rate ends on Thursday 31 July. Further details and bookings are available at www.circularlighting.live
displays also show how various Unicrimp products work in conjunction with other products from across the Scolmore Group, such as the cable ties, nylon meter tail glands and grommet strip trim roll with the Elucian consumer units, and the metal clad switches and sockets.
C-TEC PROTECTS RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTSAT RAILWAY STATION
Hush Pro, C-TEC’s BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire alarm system, is safeguarding a stunning residential development in Milton Keynes.
Located directly above the city’s central railway station and costing over £350m to renovate, Station House has been transformed from a disused office building into a modern complex of 200 stylish glass fronted apartments.
Gallico Systems was awarded the contract to equip the building with ultra-modern life-safety systems. The most important consideration from the client’s point of view was to provide the apartments not only with a superior level of fire protection but with a solution that would prevent false fire alarms - a
common occurrence in residential buildings housing multiple occupants. Hence the specification of Hush Pro. Specifically designed for flats, apartments and high-rise residential buildings, Hush Pro allows residents to test their own devices, be alerted to system faults and hush any false alarms at the hush button controller within their apartment. A fully monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C system, Hush Pro also integrates with the site’s BS 5839 part 1 landlord system to report any faults back to the fire panel and even allows management to remotely monitor the system.
Paul French, Gallico’s MD, said: “As a Grade C system, Hush Pro allows far greater control than any other fire system.
If, for any reason, part of the domestic fire alarm is compromised, this is immediately be reported to the building management team to allow them to action the fault and reinstate full fire detection coverage to the flat to ensure the safety of the residents.
“The system has also been hugely effective in preventing false alarms. We also secured the ongoing maintenance of all the building’s fire systems and can say with absolute confidence that we have had no issues whatsoever.”
NEWS & VIEWS
LEONARDO UK TEAMS UP WITH SIGNIFY
LEONARDO UK PARTNERS WITH SIGNIFYTO ACCELERATE CARBON REDUCTION
Signify has been appointed by Leonardo UK to help accelerate its carbon reduction as part of the company’s ambitious sustainability strategy.
In support of Leonardo's sustainability strategy – including a recently approved Science Based Target – and drive to Net-Zero in the UK, Signify has signed a 10 year Light as a Service (LaaS) agreement that includes the full turnkey installation of LED lighting with Interact lighting management software, across 14 buildings at the Yeovil site. The lighting in each building has been carefully designed to ensure a safe and productive work environment for the 3,300 highly skilled personnel across the site.
Signify’s LaaS model is a performance-based contract that guarantees light-level performance for the full duration of the contract. Crucially, the execution of the new lighting system does not require upfront capital investment –instead, Leonardo pays Signify an annual operating fee. This LaaS model enables Leonardo to realise cash-positive savings from the first year. Once completed, the programme is expected to reduce Leonardo's location-based CO2 emissions by an estimated 725 tons per year, supporting Somerset Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy.
Leonardo is one of the UK's leading aerospace companies and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD, making a significant contribution to the UK economy.
Leonardo’s Yeovil site is the Home of British Helicopters – offering end-to-end helicopter manufacturing, training, and lifecycle services to operators worldwide.
As part of the redesign, the buildings will also see the deployment of Signify’s lighting management system, Interact. The connected lighting system combines energy-efficient Philips LED fixtures with advanced sensors and Interact software.
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC LAUNCHES ONLINE FOOTBALL GAME
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC LAUNCHES ‘SCORE TO WIN’ COMPETITION
Purchasers/installers of selected Schneider Electric medium voltage products will have the chance to win some fantastic prizes with Score to Win - the new online football game from Schneider Electric. In this new game, players must beat the keeper from the penalty spot as many times as they can to win points and earn themselves a place on the leaderboard.
A top score could net the player a brand new 65-inch OLED television, a pair of Premier League hospitality tickets,
an e-gift card for Virgin Experience Days or Prezzee, or even a mystery football shirt box. What’s more, the first 3,000 first-time players will instantly win a complimentary £5 Greggs e-gift card, or – for the very lucky – Schneider Electric will give a £50 Mitchell & Butler e-gift card to every 50th player.
Visit a local participating wholesaler, purchase one of the qualifying Schneider Electric products and scan the QR code on the packaging to play. This competition ends on the 30th September 2024. Visit
www.se.com/uk/en/work/campaign/local /promotion.jsp to get started.
INDUSTRY URGES NEXT GOVERNMENTTO INVESTIN ELECTRICAL SKILLS
Leading industry voices are calling on the next Government to prioritise investment in the electrical skills necessary to achieve the UK's net-zero goals. As electrification plays a pivotal role in the nation's decarbonisation strategy, the demand for a skilled electrical workforce is becoming increasingly urgent. From heat pumps and solar panels to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the future economy will heavily depend on competent, qualified electricians to install and maintain these low-carbon technologies.
However, the industry faces a significant shortfall in skilled electricians. Despite over 20,000 aspiring electricians enrolling in classroom-based electrical courses annually, fewer than 10% advance to apprenticeships. This gap leaves the majority without a clear path to industry entry, undermining the workforce’s expansion just when it is most needed.
“ECA Members are feeling the impact of a flawed skills system daily,” said Jane Dawson, Head of Public Affairs, ECA. “The disconnect between education and industry results in inefficiencies that
hinder our progress towards net-zero. We need to ensure that aspiring electricians have clear, supported pathways into the profession, which means creating more apprenticeship opportunities and fostering stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry.”
To address this urgent issue, a coalition of industry leaders, including Green Alliance, Energy Networks Association, RenewableUK, Joint Industry Board, EAL, and BESA, have endorsed the ECA's Charter to #RechargeElectricalSkills.
WHOLESALER NEWS
ETIM MODELLING CLASS LAUNCHED
ETIM MODELLING CLASS INTRODUCED TO UK MARKET
ETIM UK, a partnership between the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), chose Digital Construction Week 2024 to introduce the UK to a tried and tested, cost-effective option for manufacturers that need to create 3D product objects for use in BIM models: ETIM Modelling Class or ETIM MC.
Whilst new to the UK, ETIM MC is already popular in a number of European markets. Margaret Fitzsimons, Board Director at ETIM UK and CEO at the EDA, opened the presentation and introduced Jeroen van der Holst, Community Director at ETIM International, who had flown in from the Netherlands.
“ETIM MC is an extension to the ETIM product data standard, which we introduced to the UK back in 2017 and which is now adopted widely. We are now making interested parties aware of another potential string to the ETIM bow,
the Modelling Class add-on, and our presentation today marks the start of the conversation,” explained Margaret Fitzsimons, adding, “Following our presentation on the Information Management Stage at Digital Construction Week, we invited representatives from across the construction supply chain to a focus group to hear their thoughts on the potential for ETIM MC in the UK. The creation and sharing of BIM objects is a complex topic with well-established
RED ARROWTODISTRIBUTE OSRAM PROFESSIONALLUMINAIRES IN UK
OSRAM is joining forces with Red Arrow’s RA PRO range as the UK-based lighting manufacturer becomes the partner of choice and exclusive licensed distributor of OSRAM Professional General Lighting luminaires.
OSRAM’s range of luminaires will complement those manufactured and distributed by RA PRO, with standout OSRAM products including the Pursos Floodlight and the LEDTouch Cylinder Downlight.
For Graham Lewis, Sales Director at Red Arrow, the partnership represents a natural pairing: “RA PRO is excited to showcase its luminaires alongside OSRAM’s Professional luminaires, and both ranges have been manufactured with the intention of promoting excellence.
“The OSRAM and RA PRO ranges complement each other in many ways, with a seven year warranty and a two year on-site warranty being a benchmark of the RA PRO range.
players, but ETIM MC offers tremendous potential for the many manufacturers that have not already created BIM objects for their products. This is very much the start of the conversation for the UK.”
Richard Appleton, Board Director at ETIM UK and Head of Digitalisation at the EDA, explained how ETIM Modelling Class works, “It is a valuable add-on to the widely used core ETIM standard that provides a structure for geometric product data that can render a 3D BIM object. ETIM Modelling Class is particularly suitable for repeatable BIM objects that come in many sizes and dimensions, but which are broadly similar in shape, such as cable trays and pumps.
“When combined with a hosted library of generic objects, ETIM MC enables the creation of manufacturer-specific 3D objects with sufficient detail for most practical mechanical, electrical and plumbing design and installation purposes.”
“Working together in collaboration will bring a new strong partnership into the lighting marketplace that above all, values the lit environment.”
In association with Scolmore
EDA INSIGHT
WIRED FOR SALES
Wiring Devices and Controls is one of the 12 EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules created to develop the professional knowledge and confidence of your team.
Training in Wiring Devices and Controls includes:
● Introduction to wiring devices and controls
● Switches
● Styles, mounting arrangements and backboxes for wall-mounted socket-outlets and switches and associated products
● Plugs and socket-outlets
● Fixed wiring to free wiring connection devices
● Modular wiring accessories
● Other overhead lighting accessories
● Ancillaries
● Smart controls
E-learning option now available via The EDA Academy All the EDA Product Knowledge Modules are available to study electronically via The EDA Academy, the Association’s e-learning portal. Each training course is delivered through video and interactive learning, but if the original hard copy text book is preferred these are still available. Talk to the EDA team and ask for a demo of the e-learning platform.
Years of knowledge to give your team a commercial edge City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team. EDA Product Knowledge Modules are also approved for Continuing Professional Development by The CPD Certification Service.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Wiring Devices and Controls module. Then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.
Q2: What are double-pole switches often used for?
Q1: What is the difference between a radial circuit and a ring final circuit?
Q3: A customer says that the screws supplied with a socket-outlet are too short to reach the holes in the flush backbox. What could you offer to supply, to help?
Q4: What does a Euro-plug converter do?
Q5: What do we call the part of an accessory where an electrical connection is made to the wiring?
Q6: What is a ceiling rose?
Q6: A ceiling rose contains terminals to connect both the fixed wiring from the lighting circuit and the flexible cable from which a standard lamp holder hangs.
Q5: Terminal.
Q4: It is secured around a European plug to permit it to be used with a UK socket-outlet.
Q3: Longer mounting screws, or extension studs.
Q2: Control of power to appliances like showers.
Q1: In radial circuits, the wiring goes sequentially from one accessory to the next. In ring final circuits, the wiring goes from one accessory to the next, until the final accessory, which is then wired back to the consumer unit to complete the circuit.
HOW DID YOU DO?
Full marks: Well done!
ANSWERS:
3 - 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?
Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.
WATCH THE VIDEO AND DOWNLOAD THE COURSE DIRECTORY
THERE’S PLENTY OF INFORMATION ONLINE AT WWW.EDA.ORG.UK INCLUDING VIDEOS AND A DOWNLOADABLE COURSE DIRECTORY, GIVING YOU A SUMMARY OF WHAT’S COVERED IN EACH OF THE 12 TRAINING MODULES. THE EDA TEAM IS READY TO HELP. VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV001
If you’re a manager looking for a flexible and convenient way to train your team to drive sales, get in touch on: 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk
ELECTRICALDA @eda_uk www.eda.org.uk An update from the Electrical Distributors’ Association
THE POWER OF TEN
As we approach EIC Day on 10th September, the charity highlights its ‘Power of Ten’ campaign and the different ways to get involved.
On 10th September, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) celebrates EIC Day, marking its anniversary. This day honours the incredible journey that began with 10 pioneers who each contributed £10 to help those in need within our industry. The EIC now invites readers to join in through the ‘Power of Ten’ campaign.
The Thames Moonlight 10 mile walk
One of the highlights of the celebration is the Thames Moonlight 10-mile walk, a symbol of unity and commitment. The EIC charity team will be taking part in this inspiring event, walking together under the moonlight to raise funds and awareness. Those working in the industry are encouraged to join the EIC on this journey, either by walking or by supporting its efforts through donations.
Create your own Power of Ten challenge
Can’t make it to the walk? No problem. Readers can still be part of the celebration by creating their own “Power of Ten” challenge.
Here are some ideas to get started:
● Run a 10k: Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement for a 10k run.
● Cycle 10 miles: Take your bike for a 10 mile ride through your favourite trails.
● Bake 10 cakes: Host a bake sale with 10 delicious cakes and donate the proceeds.
● Walk 10 miles: Organise a local walk in your community with friends and family.
Whatever challenge you choose, your efforts will help the EIC to continue providing critical support to those in need within the electrical industry.
How to get involved
Join the Walk: Sign up for the Thames Moonlight 10 mile walk and join the team for an unforgettable evening.
Create a Challenge: Set up your own Power of Ten challenge and raise funds in your unique way.
Donate: Support the moonlight walking team by making a donation. Every contribution counts and helps the charity make a bigger impact.
Spread the Word
Help spread the word by sharing the Power of Ten journey on social media. Use the hashtags #PowerOfTen and #EICDay to connect with others and inspire more people to get involved.
FACE TO FACE LUCECO
In this month’s Face to Face we speak with Wayne Hill, Managing Director at Luceco Group, to find out more about the company’s current operations and future plans.
QWhat is the history behind the company and which brands fall under the Luceco Group banner?
A. Luceco Group, the market leader in key electrical categories, has a heritage that dates back 80 years, growing rapidly and consistently in recent years to encompass established brands including British General, Masterplug, Kingfisher Lighting, DW Windsor, Nexus, Ross, SyncEV, DLine and Luceco Lighting.
QWith a vast array of fire-rated downlighters now on the market what should wholesalers focus on when considering products and solutions to stock?
A. There are a number of key points for wholesalers to think about when it comes to fire-rated downlighters. Firstly, think great product design. With lots of different downlighters to choose from, stocking a range that is designed with the installer in mind is essential. Your customers are looking for a reliable product that makes their job quick and easy, allowing them to move onto their next installation whilst leaving a good impression.
Space is always a challenge for wholesalers who want to ensure customers have access to as wide a product range as possible, whilst not overstocking. Carrying a brand such as the Lueceo FType enables a wholesaler to offer multiple lighting options and colour ranges, whilst stocking a much smaller amount of product, saving valuable space.
Having great stand out packaging, that is clear, concise and explains the product is
a benefit to wholesalers as it means the product can sell itself, freeing up staff to focus on other activities in store. It is also more likely to sell when the installer can clearly see what they are buying without having to spend extensive time reviewing the packaging to establish that the contents fits their required purpose.
Choosing to buy from a reputable supplier, with excellent facilities and experience across the lighting industry is important. Cheaper brands flooding the market may be backed by good marketing but not necessarily great products. Inconsistent manufacturing processes, unreliable components, poor design and build quality can all lead to end-user complaints, damage to the installer’s reputation and returns for the wholesaler.
Great supplier sales support and tailored merchandising options that suit your individual needs is essential. Wholesalers need suppliers who can support their product with eye-catching point-of-sale materials, merchandising units, demo kits for your sales team where required and on-the-ground support for your trade events and open days.
QWhat are some of the Luceco products and systems currently proving popular with wholesalers and installers?
A. BG wiring accessory products are very popular with electrical wholesalers and installers. Aside from an 80-year history of proven great products, the BG range offers something to suit every budget, from contractor to decorative, whilst delivering on reliability, style and superb quality finish.
Proving to be hugely popular right now, the Evolve range, which delivers a modern style and robust finish in eight colourways, was Highly Commended in the recent DIY Awards thanks to its ingenious removable clip on/off front plates that make for easy decorating and now includes new superfast charge USB-C sockets. In addition, the popular ‘on trend’ Matt Black finish products, available in FlatPlate, Nexus Metal and Evolve designs, are further strengthened by the newly launched Antique Brass finish.
In addition, our new Climate Essence and LuxPack Essence range of lighting, aimed at commercial properties and offering power and colour change options that enable wholesalers to reduce their SKU count, is very much in demand.
Designed with contractors to bring into play unique features which ease installation, our popular Fortress Consumer Units feature a useful lid retainer to allow hands free access, backed out retained terminals, an integrated spirit level and an offset incomer position to allow easier incoming meter tail terminations.
Finally, designed for speed of installation and to make commissioning quick and easy, the BG SYNC EV Wall Charger 2 is gaining enormous popularity with wholesalers and installers alike.
QWhat are Luceco and the wider lighting industry doing to improve sustainability?
A. Luceco has been very much at the forefront of LED advancements, driving LED technology especially in the commercial space with sustainability being at the heart of our designs. One major step was to develop our own advanced lighting control application known as PLATFORM – enabling companies to benefit from smart, adjustable lighting all supported with an easy, intuitive app.
The lighting team are also working on improving Lumen per watt constantly, with many Luceco products offering the ultimate in Lumen efficiency.
Luceco has not always loudly boasted their environmental commitments, often they have just been done ‘as standard’, such as removing all plastics from the Luceco Lighting packaging and utilising recycled materials wherever possible.
As well as bringing out great product designs, Luceco is also working to improve sustainable products such as designing LEDs and drivers that can be more easily replaced – reducing landfill in the longer term as only the LED needs to be replaced and not the whole unit.
QCan you tell us a bit about the Luceco Academy and the courses it offers?
A. Luceco Academy offers a range of free online CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses designed for electrical professionals.
Courses cover topics such as electrical design, health and safety, domestic fire alarms, lighting design, EV charge point preparation, circuit protection, smart home technology, rewires and renovation and compliance with building regulations. Each course includes video tutorials and multiple-choice reviews to validate learning,
helping professionals stay updated with industry standards and enhance their skills.
QWhat are Luceco’s key objectives for the next 12 months?
A. The next 12 months will see Luceco continue to extend its product development with innovative solutions across all brands, including commercial electric vehicle charging and home energy management. The key focus will remain as current - to help people harness sustainability every day by providing great quality products, supporting its much-valued contractor relationships as well as newcomers into industry through the hosting of the eFixx 30under30 Awards, Sparks Learner of the Year Apprentice Awards and our work with colleges throughout the country.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LUCECO VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV002
MOVERS ANDSHAKERS
It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we detail who has gone where.
Ruben Llanes SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
Schneider Electric has appointed Ruben Llanes as Chief Executive Officer of Digital Grid. Previously CEO of AutoGrid, Llanes delivered growth, introduced improved processes and methods, and launched new solutions. Llanes’ collective experience merges a common mission to digitise and modernise the grid, strengthening the value of Schneider and its ecosystem of portfolio companies, investments and partners bring to the industry.
“Ruben brings the right combination of leadership and expertise to deliver a more comprehensive solution to utilities and end-customers on both sides of the meter, with greater velocity and integration,” said Luis D’Acosta, CEO of Uplight and former Executive Vice President of Schneider Electric’s Digital Energy global business.
Tom Preece, Callum Tymon, Greg Faulkner ANSELL LIGHTING
Ansell Lighting has announced a string of new appointments as it strengthens and expands its UK sales team.
Three new Area Sales Managers have been appointed to look after the North, South East and Midlands regions.
Tom Preece has more than a decade of experience in the industry, working his way up from Graduate Trainee to work in a range of roles including both internal and external sales at a leading electrical wholesaler chain in Stoke, where he built a varied customer base. Tom will be looking after the Midlands region.
Callum Tymon has spent the majority of his career in electrical wholesaling, most recently in Preston. He will be working with Ansell customers across the North of England.
Greg Faulkner joins Ansell as ASM for the South East region, having spent more than 16 years working in the industry for lighting manufacturers, including ASM and National Account Manager roles.
COMPETITION
WIN A FUSED SPURTIMESWITCH COURTESYOFTIMEGUARD
Installers discovered the simplicity of combining automatic electronic timing with fused spurring in a single device thanks to Timeguard’s pioneering FST (Fused Spur Timeswitch) range. Safety, timing and the added benefit of boost timing features all fitted into a standard single gang back box.
This season make sure you stock the new member of the family – the even more compact and attractive Slimline FST with a hinge down cover to hide the controls, and with a choice of 24-hour or 7-day timing. The device fits a 35mm backbox and is supplied with a 10mm spacer for 25mm boxes. Timeguard will send a new slimline FST to THREE winners this month, because it knows you will appreciate great design when you see it for yourself and want to be among the first stockists for your customers.
HOW TO ENTER
To be in with a chance of winning one of three Slimline FSTs from Timeguard, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices
Q. What timer options are available on the Timeguard Slimline FST?
A)12-hour & 7-day
B)24-hour & 5-day
C)24-hour & 7-day
SIMPLY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV003 TO ENTER YOUR ANSWER
Deadline for entries 31/08/24
CHARGING AHEAD
With demand for EV charging solutions ever increasing, wholesalers and installers need to offer product that delivers on all fronts, especially in commercial environments. Here, Gareth Yeomans, Technical Manager in Electric Vehicle Charging for Sync EV, details the groundbreaking Pro Charger range of twin chargers, designed especially for the commercial market.
QWhat is included in the New Pro Charger range?
A. The New Pro Charger range features twin bollard EV chargers, available with or without amenity lighting option, and twin wall-mounted chargers. Both the wallmounted and bollard options come with PEN fault detection, touchscreen, RFID, 4G connectivity, and an MID meter as standard. This comprehensive suite of features ensures that our chargers are not only user-friendly but also future proof, catering to a wide array of commercial applications.
QWhat was the focus when developing the new Pro Charger range?
A. When we evaluated the existing market, we found that no product truly ticked all the boxes. Our goal with the Pro Charger range was to create a solution that excelled across the board, while maintaining one of our brands key features - ease of installation.
Q
What makes the Pro Charger range stand out from others on the market?
A. Starting with the visible features, we paid particular attention to the height and screen angles to ensure accessibility for everyone and complying with PAS 1899:2022. The Bollard’s side plates, and the wall unit’s full front cover offer interchangeable colour options and branding possibilities. Additionally, a sensor-controlled light-up infographics
area and an amenity light option on the Bollard ensure usability at all times of day. Internally, our true PEN fault detection eliminates the need for costly earth rods or other PEN fault devices upstream. Our loop in/loop out input connections accommodate up to 35mm cables, allowing daisy chaining of multiple EV chargers from a single supply cable. This reduces installation time and costs while maintaining correct overcurrent protection for each charge point. Payment terminal options enable tap-and-go control for easy use, and all units come with 4G as standard, ensuring reliable internet connectivity.
Q What is PAS 1899:2022?
A. PAS 1899:2022 outlines guidelines for accessible electric vehicle charge points to meet the needs of individuals with diverse accessibility requirements. It covers physical environment, placement, information provision, and design. PAS 1899 helps to foster innovation and efficiency in the deployment of EV charge points and it contributes to building confidence in the accessibility and inclusivity of EV infrastructure.
Q Do Sync have other commercial charging products?
A. Plenty! Whether you need single outlets or duals we can offer the full range of 7kw and 22kw options, our unique Balancer enables you to link up to 16 charge points dynamically to the building supply, ensuring you never overload the circuits, while protecting your assets with our stainless steel crash barrier. When it comes to software, we have you covered too, all our chargers can be used publicly or privately, suiting any installation requirements. Our dedicated team can be reached at commerical@syncev.co.uk to help you with set up and configuration.
Q What is the Sync EV Balancer?
A. The Sync EV Balancer is designed to ensure that the electricity supply is not exceeded by EV charging. When it comes to EV chargers, electrically you cannot
allow for diversity, so a 32A charger needs to always use 32A. When you start adding 2,3,4 chargers this soon adds up and you can see your charging facilities outweigh your electric supply. This is where the Sync EV Balancer comes in - the Balancer is a hardwired system for reliability and requires no subscription, its scalable for up to 16 charge points (16 duals gives you 32 charging bays). It dynamically manages the available building power, distributing it evenly between the connected vehicles, and is available in both single-phase up to 120A and three-phase up to 400A.
QWhere do you see the Pro Charger range being installed?
A. The versatility of our Pro Charger range means it can be installed in a wide variety of locations, from workplaces to schools and leisure centres, to hotels, hospitality, and public council car parking, there really isn’t any location they can’t be used in.
Q What vehicles can charge on them?
A. Our Pro Charger range features socketed charge points, making them compatible with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This universal compatibility ensures that no matter what type of EV your customers or employees drive, they can charge it at your facility.
QHow do you commission them?
A. Commissioning is straightforward. All of our chargers can be set up using a smartphone and our dedicated installer app, with comprehensive help, guidance, and training materials available in the installer portal at www.syncev.co.uk
QWhere will the Pro Charger range be available?
A. Our products are available to all electrical wholesalers. Simply contact your
local area sales manager for more details. This widespread availability ensures that no matter where you are, you can easily access and purchase our cutting-edge EV charging solutions.
QDo you have any exciting plans for Sync EV?
A. As part of the Luceco PLC Group, a multinational public company, we have unique opportunities to branch into other markets and include some of the group’s other successful brands that provide electrical and lighting products to almost every corner of the industry. For example, the amenity lighting on the Pro Charger was inspired by some of the groups lighting columns. As the EV and renewables technology sector continues to develop, we aim to be at the forefront with brand new concepts and product development. By addressing the current gaps in the market and focusing on innovation and inclusivity, Sync EV’s Pro Charger range sets a new standard in commercial EV charging. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing infrastructure or install new charging stations, Sync EV provides the solutions and support you need to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SYNC EV’S NEW PRO CHARGER RANGE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ WAV004
FULLY CHARGED
Ali Khan, Head of UK E-Mobility at Vestel, says the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, and the transformation presents a golden opportunity to expand business and drive new revenue streams for electrical wholesalers and their customers.
As an EV charger supplier direct to the trade, as well as an OEM partner for many of the UK's energy and fuel providers, Vestel UK is witnessing a rapid and significant increase in the demand for EV chargers. The EV market overall has seen exponential growth over the past few years. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that UK electric car sales reached record levels last year, with over 300,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold. That is a massive 50% increase from the previous year.
Almost one in five (19.8%, SMMT figures) of all new vans hitting the UK roads in the previous 12 months were electric – up 70% on the year before. That is a monumental shift in the type of transport being used to move goods and service providers around and outlines the huge potential for the market; there are some 6 million commercial vehicles in daily use in the UK.
The rise in EV sales is not just a statistic but a clear indication of the future of transportation that is driving demand for
chargers in homes and business premises. You're already ahead of the game if you stock residential and light commercial (7kW-22kW) chargers. But if you don't yet stock chargers, you and your customers are missing out on one of the most significant growth categories the electrical industry has seen for decades.
Charging demand
The increasing number of electric commercial vehicles drives the need for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure to new heights. For electricians and electrical wholesalers, this trend opens a vast array of
opportunities to supply and install EV chargers across various sectors.
Thanks to government incentives on EV purchasing, including low road tax, low or zero charges in low emission zones, massively reduced benefit-in-kind tax for company cars, and consumers looking to be part of a greener future, the reasons for consumers to go electric are mounting. At-home is the most convenient charging solution for EV owners with a driveway or garage space. It is also the cheapest, particularly if you benefit from a low overnight tariff – which can be as low as 10p/kWh.
An estimated 20% of UK homes have direct on-property space for a charger, equating to around five million homes. Add in the number of commercial flats and apartments looking to install car parkbased space-by-space charging solutions, and the potential residential customer base will be huge.
Businesses also recognise the benefits of installing EV chargers on their premises. This move is not only environmentally
friendly but also makes good business sense. It visibly enhances brand Image and sustainability credentials, enables customer and employee charging benefits, and attracts environmentally conscious customers and partners. Businesses can offer charging as a free, subsidised, or loyalty-based service to customers, helping to drive repeat business.
It is not unusual for SMEs to monetise their EV chargers by offering them for public use. With the right pricing strategy, this can become a fully automated and profitable revenue stream, particularly in high-traffic areas. The UK government's push towards zero emissions helps here, too, with grants and tax breaks available for businesses that install EV chargers, helping reduce installation costs and maximise returns on investment. With over 2m small businesses actively trading in the UK plus site branches of larger organisations, there is significant market potential for chargers.
“ From single-family homes to apartment complexes, SME and industrial estates, electrical wholesalers are perfectly positioned in the supply chain.”
Opportunity
For electricians, this means an increasing number of installation projects, many of them part-funded by government grants to businesses. From single-family homes to apartment complexes, SME and industrial estates, electrical wholesalers are perfectly positioned in the supply chain. Stocking a single charger that works equally well in the residential and SME spaces, capable of being configured from 7kW to 22kw and single or three phase, reduces stock SKUs and makes for the simplest proposition for electrical installer customers. The Libra model launching this month is a cutting-edge EV charger with flexible set-up options that are viable for a wide range of installations. For larger
wholesalers and projects, Vestel can offer volume discounts, charger customisation, and OEM branding.
The rapid growth of the EV market presents an unprecedented opportunity for electricians and electrical wholesalers. By expanding your knowledge and offerings in the EV charging space, you can tap into a lucrative market that promises sustained growth and significant business potential. Together, we can power the future of transportation and drive the transition to a sustainable world.
Jack Parser, Development Director at Crystal EV, says the time is right for electrical wholesalers to consider electric delivery vans and installing EV chargers at trade counters.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Close to one in five of all new vans registered in the UK in the year to April 2023 were electric – up 70% on the previous year. Given the additional cost of purchase, less convenient refuelling and smaller range than diesel ICE vans, why are so many UK businesses going electric?
Long-term thinking
While headline-grabbing tax breaks on commercial EVs and the available grants for businesses to install EV chargers are certainly incentivising the shift, fleet managers looking deeper into the sector are seeing a range of longer-term benefits. Cost savings on fuel and maintenance, improved operational efficiency, environmental benefits and goodwill from customers that brings, and even the profitability of operating trade counter chargers commercially and swinging the scales in favour of electrifying fleets. While the upfront cost of EV vans is higher than that of their ICE equivalent, thanks to the cost of Lithium battery packs, electric vans offer significant running cost savings compared to their diesel or petrol counterparts.
With electricity generally cheaper than fossil fuels, the cost per mile for operating an electric van is substantially lower. Modern diesel vans can achieve around 6-
7 miles per litre, costing circa 35p/mile @ 160p/litre. EVs like the new Ford E-Transit offer 2.5m/kWh, which is around 14p/mile even at a hefty daytime electricity rate of 35p/kWh. Get a better business tariff across the company or charge vehicles overnight, and that cost could be half!
Additionally, electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts, which translates to lower maintenance and servicing costs. Components like engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems are either simpler or non-existent in EVs, reducing the frequency and cost of repairs and reducing work downtime through breakdowns. Electric power trains will also last a whole lot longer than ICE, as Tesla's recent 660,000km clocked on a Model S on its original battery demonstrates. The upshot is potentially a longer replacement time frame for vehicles, with proportionally lower monthly lease or purchasing costs.
Incidentally, that same E-Transit has a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge, depending on load. Plugged in and charged overnight, how many vans in your local delivery fleet do more than that mileage per day? If they do, the question becomes, where would they charge if they were not at the depot? Contrary to public opinion there is a huge and growing number of commercial chargers available.
EV INFRASTRUCTURE
Just take a look at ZapMap, and there is barely a spot in England where you are more than 10 miles from a public charger.
Managed charging
On charging, one of the primary benefits of transitioning to electric vans is the ability to establish a unified charging infrastructure across your fleet. Unlike the often insecure and cumbersome use of fuel cards, electric charging can be centrally managed, reducing the risk of fraud and misuse. Charging stations can be installed at depots, warehouses, and trade counters, simplifying the refuelling process and ensuring that vans are always ready for their next delivery. For drivers charging at home, charges put into the company vehicle can be directly billed to the company (depending on the charger and energy supplier) and electronically protected against fraud or misuse as the charger establishes a connection with the vehicle.
“ The transition to electric delivery vans offers a compelling array of benefits for electrical wholesalers.”
How many customer vans visit your trade counters every day? Having installed chargers to fuel your fleet overnight, you can offer commercial charging to customers. The typical profit margin on commercial charging is in the order of 25p/kWh – or around £5.50 per hour per 22kW charger in use. Just a few chargers at each trade counter could prove lucrative, especially as more businesses turn to EV vans. Alternatively, charging on your site can be offered at a discount or embedded into a loyalty scheme to improve your customer attraction and retention.
Strategic move
As the adoption of EVs grows, having convenient charging options for customers sooner rather than later will set wholesalers apart from competitors.
The transition to electric delivery vans offers a compelling array of benefits for electrical wholesalers, from significant cost savings and environmental advantages to enhanced customer engagement and simplified fleet management. By carefully evaluating your specific needs and taking advantage of government incentives, electrical wholesalers can make an informed decision that supports their business goals and contributes to a sustainable future.
The shift to electric vans is more than a trend - it's a strategic move towards longterm efficiency and competitiveness in the evolving wholesale marketplace.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
The rise of the electric vehicle (EV) is well and truly upon us, as electric and hybrid car sales hit a global record in 2024.
The UK Government has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a robust, accessible, commercial, domestic and geographically abundant charging infrastructure – dedicating hundreds of millions of pounds of funding to support the delivery of thousands of charge points across England to facilitate the mass consumer adoption of EV.
But as the EV revolution continues to gain momentum, how will the electrical sector handle one of the biggest spotlights it has ever experienced? Designers, specifiers and installers will all have roles to play as they are tasked with the challenge
of EV charger installation with the prewiring, upgrades, maintenance and not to mention repairs of the growing number of chargers up and down the country.
And so, change is well underway in the electrical trade. Universities and colleges nationwide are offering courses in electric vehicle engineering and maintenance. A skills-led green labour market will soon be upon us. There will be no shortage of demand for installers, with a great opportunity to either switch career focus or supplement the existing workload.
But how do electrical wholesalers ensure installers have the equipment they need to do their job? What tools and accessories? How does it differ from a standard electrician’s or electrical contractor’s kit?
“ Designers, specifiers and installers will all have roles to play as they are tasked with the challenge of EV charger installation along with the pre-wiring, upgrades, maintenance and repairs.”
Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Head of Marketing at C.K Tools, discusses how how the EV revolution is placing a spotlight on the electrical trade.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology has launched its own code of practice to provide a clear directive on the considerations and mandatories for every type of EV charger equipment installation, in line with the very latest amendment to BS7671. While a tight code of practice (as you would expect), there is no specific requirement for new tools or accessories that aren’t readily available to the everyday electrician, more a requirement of specific tools and accessories to use.
Clarity, comfort and control
As we do with most of our product research and development here at C.K Tools, we spent time with our panel of electricians and installers to develop tools and kits specific for this job, to ensure clarity, comfort, control and efficiency on every job. As a result, we have assembled two high quality EV specific kits for both existing and newly qualified installers - an EV Hand Tool Kit and EV Power Tools Accessories (PTA) Kit. Combined they provide an easy onestop-shop for any installer.
The C.K EV Hand Tool Kit (T5984) is a collection of premium hand tools that provide everything needed to get the job done efficiently and professionally. It includes a state-of-the-art C.K Magma Technician’s Wheeled Case packed full of 52 premium hand tools designed to complete the stages of: inspection and quotation; routing the cable from MCB to charger; mounting the charge point; fitting the cable to the charger point; terminating to MCB; fitting an earthing rod; and reassembling the charge point.
The C.K PTA Kit (T5985) – which can be purchased separately - provides a great range of power tool accessories including quality drill bits, driver bits and hole saws to help complete the installation for EV chargers with the minimum of fuss.
The C.K EV specific kits offer everything needed to complete the steps involved to complete an installation
efficiently and professionally.
As the proliferation of EV continues and growing demand for charging points is set to scale up dramatically over the next decade, the impact on the skill, capabilities, qualifications and accompanying tool kits of the EV charge equipment installer may also change.
As a business that has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for more than 100 years and is passionate about driving product innovation to equip electricians with the tools they need to do their job effectively, we will continue to support our retail partners and the electrical trade as they navigate one of the biggest demands and opportunities in history on its workforce.
GOOD HOUSEMATES
PEW finds out about Aico’s longstanding relationship with Southend-on-Sea City Council and the installation of the council’s fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm systems in its social housing stock.
Southend has pledged to reach Net Zero emissions by 2030 and is now launching a proactive retrofit programme for its 6,000 homes, which currently constitute 46% of the organisation's carbon footprint.
Supported by Ben Harrsion, finalist for Aico’s Rising Star award in the company’s 2024 Community Awards, the programme is currently implementing a wide range of projects from internal training and data improvement, to insulation projects including Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) wave 2.1. The standout initiative within this programme is the retrofit show home which opened in November 2023.
By partnering with several council departments and obtaining support from the DEFRA funded ‘Catchment to Coast’ project, the housing team led a comprehensive retrofit of a solid wall 1950s semi-detached home which included:
● External wall and loft insulation
● Triple glazing
● De-centralised mechanical heat recovery ventilation
● Air source heat pump and electrical appliances
● Solar panels with a 6kW battery
● Grey water recycling Hydraloop that recycles shower water for toilet flushing
● Sustainable drainage and Hydrorocks to reduce risk of flooding
● Low maintenance bio-diverse and drought tolerant garden planting
● Aico’s 3000 Series fire and carbon monoxide alarms and HomeLINK environmental sensors
The project stands out for its holistic approach to sustainability, which included using recycled materials, local products, and future-proofing the home from overheating and drought risks in the home.
Educational resource
Hosting 250 visitors, the show home served as an educational resource for the entire community and enabled the council to showcase exemplary practices. The testand-learn approach to the show home also allows the project to inform which measures to roll out to the wider programme.
All retrofitting carried out in the show home adhered to PAS 2035 and will undergo ongoing assessment with Aico’s HomeLINK environmental sensors, which were used both prior to and after the retrofit to ensure that there are no unintended consequences, and that indoor air quality is being maintained moving forward.
Southend-on-Sea Council’s show home
is fully equipped with a Category LD1 fire and CO system using Aico’s Grade D1 3000 Series multi-sensors, future proofing it for any revisions to British Standard 5839-6. By using Aico’s HomeLINK Gateway and environmental sensors, temperature, humidity and CO2 levels can be monitored, giving insight into issues such as damp and mould, indoor air quality, fuel poverty and void properties. This information is seamlessly transmitted to the online HomeLINK Portal, so that Southend Council and its property management company, South Essex Homes, can see in real-time exactly how the house is functioning and can intervene before any issues occur.
Ben Harrison, Housing Sustainability Officer at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “The retrofit show home involved taking a holistic approach to sustainable housing which meant that we installed a wide range of interventions. The project is designed to test the latest innovations to inform us on where we should focus our efforts in the wider retrofit programme. Aico’s environmental sensors are crucial for understanding the impact of these measures and ensuring that we continue to evaluate the performance of the home beyond installation.”
Proactive approach to health and wellbeing
The utilisation of Aico’s HomeLINK app for residents has played a significant part in this project, enabling residents to take control of their own environment and take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing. The app facilitates direct real-time communication between Southend Council, South Essex Homes and the tenant through its messaging feature. In addition to this, Southend Council and South Essex Homes have collaborated with Aico on Smart Meter Integration, to offer the tenant and council an additional dimension to the app.
This system has garnered positive feedback and is not only being implemented in SHDF trials and void properties equipped with environmental sensors, but has also prompted a Category LD2 upgrade programme across all of Southend Council’s properties. This initiative underscores the commitment to prioritise tenant safety and compliance for both the council and South Essex Homes.
Southend Council’s retrofit programme has enjoyed remarkable success, achieving such acclaim that it has been honoured with the following awards and nominations:
● Winner of ACES Retrofit Housing award 2023
● Highly Commended at Essex Housing Awards’ 2023 (Retrofit)
● Shortlisted for RICS’ Eastern Region
● Shortlisted for MJ Awards’ Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value
● Shortlisted in the Unlock Net Zero Awards
Steve Morl, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer at South Essex Homes, commented: “Following on from the success of our show home we have been very impressed with the information that we are receiving, we are now extending this to all our SHDF homes, as we now have the ability to monitor and manage our stock by using the data on the portal. We are intending on rolling this out to our housing stock over the coming months in particular the higher risk properties bringing them up to LD2 standard.”
Forward thinking
Matt Golding, Regional Specification Manager at Aico, concluded: “The retrofit housing project that Southend Council and SEH have been tirelessly working on has really yielded some great insights across all aspects of the property, a real success and credit to them working to BS5839-6 Category LD1 and the forward thinking use of our environment sensors has future proofed this property for the eventual tenants and will provide them with great insights as to how the property environment is working and also how efficient Southend Council have made the property.”
ESP’s Managing Director, Neil Baldwin, provides a detailed look at the area of commissioning, as outlined in the BS5839 standard documentation.
COMMISSION CONTROL
The process of commissioning involves thorough testing of the installed system to ensure that it operates correctly in accordance with the recommendations of this standard and with the purchasing specification. At completion of commissioning, it also needs to be confirmed that all relevant documentation has been handed over to the user. The organisation responsible for commissioning the system might, or might not, be the same organisation that designed and/or installed the system, but the responsibility for commissioning needs to be clearly defined prior to the start of the installation work.
It is not, in general, the responsibility of the commissioning engineer to verify
conformity of the design, or of the installation work, to this part of BS 5839 (i.e., with Section 2 and Section 4 of the standard). In general, the responsibility of the commissioning engineer is to verify that the system operates correctly in the manner designed and that the installation workmanship is generally of an adequate standard. However, in practice, it might be difficult to ensure that the system complies in full with all recommendations of Section 2 until the time of commissioning. For example, commissioning might represent the first (and only) opportunity to determine whether the number and distribution of fire alarm sounders is sufficient to enable compliance with ‘clause 16.2’ in respect of sound pressure levels. Similarly, commissioning presents an opportunity to ensure that structural features of the building, of which the designer might have been unaware, do not compromise the effectiveness of the system as it was originally designed.
Verifying compliance
Accordingly, it is necessary for anyone responsible for commissioning a fire detection and fire alarm system to possess at least a basic knowledge of fire alarm design practices and of the recommendations of Section 2 and Section 4 of the standard. It is also necessary for the commissioning engineer to be provided with the specification for the system. In view of the importance now attached to the avoidance of false alarms, it is also essential that the commissioning engineer is able to verify compliance with, at least, the principles discussed in Section 3 of the standard.
Full fire protection package
As well as offering a comprehensive range of fire protection systems for the professional electrical contractor market, ESP provides its own commissioning service, which ensures that all installed ESP systems operate correctly and are fully compliant with the latest BS5839 regulations. This allows ESP to offer a full fire alarms systems package, with access to a free design service, a vast choice of products and solutions including the latest two-wire systems, the commissioning service, plus technical support from a team of qualified and experienced engineers. There is much more to commissioning a fire protection system than simply turning it on and setting detector addresses. It involves going through a comprehensive step-by-step checklist to ensure full compliance with the correct British Standard and carrying out a range of tests to ensure reliable and trouble-free operation. ESP’s commissioning service
ensures that a qualified engineer will confirm that the system has reached the relevant British Standard, and they will issue a certificate on completion of the project prior to system handover.
Dedicated ESP commissioning engineers are located throughout the UK to provide access to this valuable service to a widereaching audience.
BAFE accreditation
Further endorsement of ESP’s credentials is the company’s BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) accreditation for its fire design service. BAFE is the independent registration body for Third Party Certified fire safety service providers across the UK, and ESP now appears on the National BAFE Fire Safety Register.
BAFE manages and maintains a Scheme called BAFE SP203-1 which covers Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. This Scheme exists to deliver quality, independent evidence that providers – like ESP –are competent to deliver fire system designs
“ The BAFE Scheme is a set of comprehensive competency requirements developed to incorporate the high quality standards and best working practice for services within the fire safety industry.”
for its fire detection and alarm systems. ESP was only permitted to become BAFE Registered and appear on the national BAFE Fire Safety Register once the company had the appropriate/valid Third-Party Certification. ESP continues to meet the criteria of the relevant BAFE Scheme. This establishes robust evidence of competency requirements that demonstrates the provider’s commitment to quality. It also provides assurances to ESP’s customers that the company will deliver a fire system design that complies with all the relevant British Standards.
Comprehensive competency requirements
The BAFE Scheme is a set of comprehensive competency requirements that have been developed to incorporate the high quality standards and best working practice for services within the fire safety industry. It is a legal requirement for all non-domestic/commercial properties to be equipped with fire detectors and fire alarms. It is also part of these requirements to ensure they are designed, installed and maintained appropriately, and ready to activate in the event of a fire. At ESP we strongly recommend using an appropriate Third Party Certificated provider. This demonstrates that the person or team appointed to be responsible for fire safety in a building has acted with due diligence to source a competent provider for any design, install, commissioning and maintenance works.
TO DISCOVER MORE GO TO:
HOT FUSS
Stelrad’s Head of Marketing Chris Harvey explains why the company’s electric radiator series is sparking some interest within the industry.
When debating electric radiators versus central heating, it’s important to know that both options have their merits. While the best electric radiators offer easy installation and safety benefits, gas central heating systems might have lower running costs in areas where gas prices are favourable.
However, wall-mounted electric radiators and other styles of this radiator still win on environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, making them a greener choice if programmed correctly. The latest electric radiator series launched in the UK and Ireland by Stelrad has sparked significant interest in the heating sector. It’s the first time the Stelrad brand has ventured into the electric marketplace, and it brings with it the quality and brand values associated with its radiator products since it began manufacturing in 1936.
The range is currently made up of 13 expertly selected steel and aluminium radiators and towel radiators, which provide unbeatable quality and design to suit any room or décor.
We’ve been delighted with the levels of interest the new range has sparked in the UK and Ireland. There is clearly a significant marketplace for ‘all electric’ heating in homes, despite the domination of gas boiler fired heating systems, and we’ve seen major interest from people adding extensions or conservatories to their homes, where they see the advantages of an electric radiator, rather than extending their existing heating system which comes with the possibility of having to replace their boiler to cope with the additional heating requirements. Our pre-launch research suggested there was a market out there, but we’ve been surprised at how extensive the potential demand has been.
Aesthetically appealing
As well as offering effective and functional heating in the home, as you would expect from Stelrad, the radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home and come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a twoyear warranty on the electric components. The new range includes a number of exciting new products – like the Stelrad Electric Column design – a rounded vertical tube column radiator available in three sizes in both white or anthracite grey. There’s the Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow - a straight, flat tube towel rail design, featuring five banks of three tubes with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in both white and anthracite
grey. It combines modern design with functional heating and energy saving features. The E-Flow towel rails in the range feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a 3-in-1 unit.
On the aluminium front, there’s the Stelrad Electric Alu Simple Dry and Simple Fluid - available in three sizes in either white or anthracite grey. The matching colour digital thermostat is included with each model along with its remote control. It’s a sassy design for any style room –that looks at home in any surroundings.
Fashionable solution
There’s the Stelrad Electric Cloud – a smooth fronted, curved faced steel radiator which comes in four models, in white and anthracite grey that offers a chic heating option for any room in the house.
It offers warmth and energy efficiency wrapped up in a single solution.
The Stelrad Electric Cobalto and Cobalto E-Flow is a flat tube towel rail that combines good looks with heating efficiency. An answer to those selection headaches when seeking a modish addition to the home’s décor, the Cobalto features a fan heater at the base of
the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a 3-in-1 unit. Not to be overlooked, there is the Stelrad Electric Fantasia - a tubular towel rail available in white or anthracite grey to match or contrast with colour schemes and designs in the home. It offers the kind of clarification demanded by designers looking to unravel the complexities of style and opulence.
The Stelrad Electric Series provides a range of exciting new options where direct electric heating is the chosen option for a home.
UNICRIMP SEALANT & ADHESIVE
Unicrimp has expanded its OB1 sealants and adhesives offering with the introduction of OB1 Diamond and Crystal Clear Multi-Surface Sealant & Adhesive. At the same time the company is introducing a raft of new sprays and cleaners under the OB41 brand name.
OB1 Diamond Crystal Clear Universal Sealant & Adhesive is a high quality, hybrid based formula. This crystal clear product is phthalate, tin and solvent free and cures under the influence of humidity to form a durable elastic rubber. It has been specifically developed as a crystal clear universal sealant and adhesive for interior and exterior use and can be used for all types of non-structural sealing applications where a minimum of joint movement is expected. It can also be used to seal and bond a wide variety of common building materials.
Available as a 290ml cartridge, it provides exact targeting and is available in clear and white solution colours. It is easy to use and apply, it bonds to most surfaces and it does not attack synthetic materials.
AIRMASTER
PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS
HIKOKI POWER TOOLS HAMMER DRILL
At the heart of HiKOKI Power Tools’ new 36V cordless rotary hammer drill is an impact energy of 9.2J, enabling it to perform drilling and demolition tasks faster than other tools in its category. Weighing just 6.1kg, the hammer drill reduces the strain on operators, allowing for longer periods of use. It is compatible with HiKOKI’s Multi Volt battery system and boasts an efficient brushless motor.
A feature of the Hammer Drill is HiKOKI’s UVP technology. With a low vibration level at only 10.3m/s2, this is complemented by the LVH which provides an optimal grip, reducing the risk of fatigue.
The hammer drill incorporates RFC, designed to prevent twisting of the main unit, protecting the tool from potential damage, and safeguarding the operator.
In ‘hammering’ mode, the trigger lock allows for continuous operation without the need to manually hold the trigger. Constant speed control delivers additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load.
The hammer drill’s variable speed control allows users to adapt the speed according to specific applications. This feature, along with four different speed modes, enables precise control. Enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, the tool’s LED light ensures accuracy and safety. Additionally, the drill is packaged with a side handle and a robust injection case.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV012
The current Airmaster range of portable air conditioners includes 9,000 and 12,000 btu units in two versions. All are portable and highly versatile with the ability to cool, fan or dehumidify and come fitted with an R290 refrigerant and frost protection function. With compact modern designs, they are all floor standing and easily moved around with omni-directional wheels.
Whilst these features are standard to both pairs of units, an addition last year saw upgrades with version two featuring wi-fi and remote battery controls and a 0 to 24 hour programmable timer.
Now Airmaster has announced the launch of an enhanced version of a new 9,000btu unit with the ability to operate at a low noise level of only 45dB, whilst also having the benefit of flexible smart controls either on Wi-Fi via a mobile phone app or with a supplied battery operated remote controller.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV013
MARSHALL-TUFFLEX METAL TRUNKING
Marshall-Tufflex has added a new collection of metal strut and trunking to its extensive portfolio. The new products provide contractors with even more choice when it comes to the organisation, protection and support of cabling across a wide variety of applications.
The latest additions to the range underpin MarshallTufflex’s efforts to build upon its core PVC-U range to further incorporate a wide choice of cable management systems manufactured with different materials that suit a wide range of installation needs. As such, the company now offers everything from metal trunking and strut to GRP ladder and trays, as well as underfloor to desk and fast fit wire basket systems.
Marshall-Tufflex’s new IP4X rated metal trunking is ideal for heavy duty installations or applications where there is high risk of combustion, such as engine rooms or oil and gas works. Manufactured from hot dipped, zinc coated low carbon steel strip to meet BS EN 10346, this new collection is stocked and available in 27 different size variants. Notably, it also includes two and three compartment variants as part of the standard range.
The new metal trunking is supplied with MarshallTufflex’s unique hexagonal turnbuckle lid fixings, designed to make installation quick and easy. Six turnbuckles are supplied for each three-metre length.
Furthermore, the metal trunking comes with a wide range of accessories, including gusset bends, end caps, reducers and crossovers, allowing contractors to adapt to a variety of cable types and set ups.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV014
KNIGHTSBRIDGE WALL CHARGERS
Laptops and other power-hungry devices can now be USB-charged directly from the socket thanks to Knightsbridge’s new 63W PD (Power Delivery) wall charger. Suited to commercial and retail environments such as hotels, cafés, bars and offices, the wall charger is Knightsbridge’s most powerful yet and supports PD, Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Quick Charge (QC) through two USB-C and one USB-A ports.
With compatible cables, PD and PPS laptops can be charged straight from the socket using a 63W USB-C port, without the need for bulky adaptors. With the latest USB-C interface, many Android and Apple devices also support fast charging PD technology.
PPS fast charging is the most advanced charging technology for USB-C devices. The technology adjusts the voltage and current in real-time, depending on a device’s charging status, feeding it with maximum power.
The sockets are available in a sleek black raised rounded edge model or the premium screwless collection and in the company’s most popular decorative finishes: anthracite, brushed chrome, matt black, and matt white.
The sockets are rated at IP20 for dust ingress of dust and objects over 12mm in diameter; and are also LVD, EMC and ErP certified giving peace of mind to the installer and end user. Further peace of mind is provided by a two-year warranty.
For residential use – and/ or where USB charging is required alongside ‘three pin power’ – Knightsbridge also offers two gang sockets which deliver up to 45W PD over a USB-C port and 18W QC over a USB-A port. Available in curved or square edge, the 45W sockets come in white, anthracite, matt black, matt white and brushed chrome.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV015
MARTINDALE ELECTRIC PROVING UNIT
Martindale Electric has launched its top-of-the-range proving unit, covering a wide range of applications to help keep workers safe from the dangers of electricity. Safe working requires the use of a voltage indicator that has been proven with a suitable proving device, before and after use, to ensure the instrument is working correctly, in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations.
The proving unit instantly supplies the test voltage for high and low impedance voltage indicators, test lamps and meters. It is ideal when implementing safe isolation procedures on low voltage AC installations (not exceeding 1000V AC between conductors).
Today, electrical workers are encountering more DC systems, particularly when working within the renewable industries. Therefore, the need to check the correct DC operation of measurement and indication devices used is increasing. For flexibility, the proving unit has both AC / DC outputs selectable by a push button switch and stepped voltage output with LED indication, matched to two pole tester thresholds with a maximum output voltage of 690V.
In addition, the tool has a long battery life with low battery indicator, auto power-off and features a robust over-moulded low-profile case with magnetic hangers.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT:
KNIPEX
WIRE STRIPPER
CARHARTT GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS
Welcome in the summer season with Carhartt’s range of graphic T-Shirts, designed for the working day and your downtime chill.
The C Graphic Tee and the Camo C Graphic Tee both have the muscle of heavyweight cotton but with a breezy fit for all-day ease. Sporting a Carhartt “C” front and centre, these tees inject a splash of colour to every work site: the C Graphic Tee is available in a range of hues including calming fog blue and serene tender green, while the Camo C Graphic Tee comes in classic black and heather grey.
For the minimalists out there, Carhartt offers the Logo Graphic T-Shirt. With a fit loose enough to move with you, this t-shirt is versatile and stylish. Available in a range of shades including the cool new hues of fog blue and loden frost, it blends resilience with comfort and is perfect for the demands of the job site or the relaxation of home. Then there’s the Pocket Stripe T-Shirt, made from comfy heavyweight cotton and decked with malt/apple butter stripes, with the classic Carhartt logo on the chest pocket.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV017
The KNIPEX ME Metric wire stripper is designed to increase efficiency in electrical installations. With its five in one functionality, the tool combines cutting, stripping, twisting, deburring, and gripping capabilities. This versatile tool is expertly crafted to handle a wide range of tasks, from precisely stripping solid and fine-stranded conductors between 0.75- 6mm2 and 0.5-4 mm2 to cutting copper and aluminium cables up to ∅ 15mm (1/2”). The tool is engineered to make cutting effortless, particularly flat cables. The hybrid design combines needle-nose pliers with combination pliers, giving electricians high stability and great accessibility. The precisely ground stripping profiles guarantee exact stripping of wires without damaging the conductor.
Featuring wide, cross-hatched gripping surfaces, the wire stripper excels in twisting wires, offering a secure grip while its milled groove is designed for holding and pulling small work pieces. Additionally, the convex gripping surface ensures a firm hold on both flat and round materials, while its outer edges are contoured for deburring of pipes. Electricians can enjoy precise positioning of wires for accurate stripping, thanks to the tool’s location ridges. This tool makes for intuitive stripping, enhancing work quality and reducing the likelihood of errors.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV018
1000’S OF SHOW DEALS ● TOP ELECTRICAL BRANDS ● FREE CPD SEMINARS ON WIRING REGS AMENDMENT 2, CIRCUIT PROTECTION, EICRs, EV CHARGING AND MORE ● FREE ENTRY ● FREE PARKING ● FREE PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN T-SHIRT ● FREE BACON ROLL
ESP DISABLED REFUGE RANGE
ESP’s Beacon disabled refuge range is being increasingly sought after by contractors working on larger projects. Meeting the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, the range comprises a variety of products designed to assist emergency evacuation situations, with the aim of assisting people with limited mobility to safely exit the building.
There are two beacon master station options available, a push button version with 2-8 lines, and a touchscreen version with capacity for up to 512 lines. During an emergency the master station provides clear duplex audio to assist an evacuation process.
Disabled refuge outstations, known as ‘Type B’ outstations, provide a fixed point of communication for users who require evacuation or assistance. Situated in refuge areas in protected stairwells, it provides duplex audio to the master station.
Fire telephone handsets, known as ‘Type A’ outstations, are for use by the fire and rescue service, allowing the officer at the fire control centre to communicate with other officers to control the evacuation.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV019
CK TOOLS CABLE CUTTERS
ANSELL LIGHTING CATALOGUE
Ansell Lighting has launched its S17 product catalogue, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in installation efficiency, high-performance lighting, and comprehensive customer support. Key Highlights of S17 include:
AFIX: Revolutionary 'Plug and Play' Connectors –Accelerate installation time with Ansell’s new AFIX range of four versatile connectors: AFIX Connector, AFIX IP Straight Connector, AFIX IP T-Junction Connector and AFIX IP Junction Box Connector. With models designed specifically for indoor, in-ground and outdoor use, the AFIX Connector range comprises a choice of three and four pole options, and all offer hassle-free connection and enhanced productivity on-site.
Z LED Performance: High-Efficiency Industrial Luminaires – Ideal for large scale commercial and industrial applications, the Z LED Performance high bays offer exceptional energy efficiency, durability (IP65 rated), and flexibility with 1-10V dimming, 3CCT selection, and optional plug-and-play sensors. This can be supplied with the optional extra of a Hawk Highbay Emergency Kit, an easily fitted ‘plug and play’ emergency option.
New LED Strip Calculator: Launched to complement Ansell’s LED-Cell Strip range, the intuitive online calculator helps to simplify LED strip selection and configuration. Seamlessly navigate through E-Cell, C-Cell, and U-Cell ranges, easily configure your codes and add accessories and then the calculator will identify compatible drivers and profiles at the touch of a button.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV020
Cable cutters are an essential part of an electrician’s arsenal and CK Tools is helping busy professionals in their everyday work with the launch of its VDE cable cutters. Combining the highest quality Japanese steel cutting heads with expertly manufactured, insulated, and ergonomically designed handles, this adaptation from C.K Tools bestselling cable cutter range will help electricians’ complete tasks more efficiently and safely.
The new and improved VDE cable cutters feature dual component handles for maximum comfort and reduced risk of injury, with engineered jaws for both cutting and stripping applications. Available in 260mm and 210mm sizes and with new VDE-certified insulated handles for working on live electrics at 1000V AC and 1500 DC, this latest product is designed to tackle a multitude of projects.
Manufactured in Germany, the VDE Cable Cutters deliver superior and long-lasting performance for cutting cables made from aluminium, copper, or plastic up to 13mm in diameter, reducing the amount of force required by the user.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV021
LUCECO EV WALL CHARGER
With more people choosing to switch to an electric car, consumers are demanding efficient ways to charge their vehicles at home. Installing an EV wall charger, such as the BG Sync EV Wall Charger 2, now with integrated solar charging, from Luceco – is proving both a popular and money saving solution for consumers as well as a great upsell and customer lock-in opportunity for installers. Savvy wholesalers should prepare to meet demand.
With over 20,000 UK homes per month installing solar PV, an entirely new market is open to installers. Wholesalers can now offer them a truly efficient, value-formoney EV charger with a higher value set of features but within the same price point, and since integrated solar charging is already included, there may even be an opportunity to reduce stocking options.
Ingeniously, thanks to the intuitive smartphone app, homeowners can cut their home-based EV charging costs with the Sync EV Wall Charger 2. By utilising surplus solar energy from their existing solar panels – with no modifications to panels required –instead of having any surplus directed back to the grid, homeowners can potentially charge their electric vehicles for free with Sync EV. In addition, with personalised settings such as scheduled charging and optimised cutoff points, allowing users to charge dynamically and maximise cheap rates of electricity, the Sync EV Wall Charger 2 delivers a faster home charge compared to plugging a charging cable directly into a three pin socket which gives a very slow charge at a fixed rate.
ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING SYSTEM
Zumtobel has introduced a direct current variant in its popular TECTON continuous row lighting system. This move not only promotes the use of DC networks but also unlocks the full potential of renewable energy. In the era of sustainability, the innovative TECTON DC continuous-row lighting system from Zumtobel is a game-changer. By harnessing energy from local renewable sources without conversion losses, it offers companies a more sustainable lighting solution. Energy-intensive industrial sectors, in particular, can look forward to up to four per cent additional energy savings with the direct current version.
When renewable energy sources are used, fluctuations in the mains voltage can never be eliminated. However, industrial plants rely on a fail-safe power supply and reliable lighting to ensure uninterrupted production. TECTON DC can be fitted with a battery buffer and an emergency light function to address this. This means that the light line can compensate for power failures or fluctuations in the mains supply, improving safety in industrial applications. Like the time-tested alternating current version, TECTON DC also offers the option of infinitely variable power tapping along the entire length of the continuous row. A unique safety concept ensures that the assembly and installation of the lighting unit are completely safe, even at a high voltage of 650 volts.
TECTON DC is equally suitable for retrofitting or as a next generation standalone luminaire. Conversion is straightforward, so existing TECTON users can benefit from improved sustainability and safety in their operations with little effort.
TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV023
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS
Construction work is continuing at One Preston Park, which has seen Anston House, once described as ‘Brighton’s ugliest building’ and derelict for more than 30 years, replaced by three towers to accommodate 229 new homes.
Residential development
The new development includes a superb collection of one, two and three bed apartments, communal workspaces on the ground floor, underground parking and landscaped areas surrounding the development for residents to enjoy.
As part of the project, Ark Mechanical and Electrical Services (part of the JRL Group) has been appointed to undertake the complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) solution.
The company, one of the UK’s leading M&E contractors for large complex residential projects, have specified NVC Lighting’s range of quality and valuedriven LED lighting solutions for all amenity spaces, from the corridors and stairwells, the communal workspaces, the underground car park, external areas and to meet emergency lighting requirements.
Grant Bibby, Electrical Project Manager for Ark M&E, said: “The One Preston Park development is completely revitalising a once derelict part of Brighton into a thriving residential area, with quality homes and landscaped surroundings that promote well-being and a real sense of community.
“A crucial element of creating this vision was the quality of the lighting used in the buildings and the external areas. The right lighting offers a multitude of benefits to both residents, visitors and the environment, not
PEW
hears about a landmark scheme to transform part of Preston Road in Brighton into a residential quarter featuring innovative and high-quality properties.
just from a visual comfort and well-being aspect, but also for safety and security.
“Another key part in specifying the lighting for this project was the overall sustainability of the building. LED lighting is one of the most energy efficient solutions for this type of development, offering significant energy savings and helping reduce energy consumption.
“We specified NVC Lighting because of its first-class service offering and the quality and cost-effectiveness of its products. The company and its team have supported us every step of the way, ensuring all products were delivered when we needed them to meet strict project deadlines through REXEL, our local wholesaler.
“NVC Lighting’s products provide the performance, energy savings and aesthetics of a premium brand, but at a much more competitive price point. This makes them an extremely attractive proposition. This, coupled with the fact that they are simple to install and come with a seven year warranty as standard meant they’ve ticked every box for us on this project.”
Downlight fittings
One of the main products supplied by NVC Lighting for One Preston Park is its MIAMI IP65 downlight fittings. The MIAMI is fitted with a GU10 lampholder so that the installer can fit the lamp with the wattage, beam angle and colour temperature of their choice.
James Townshend, Head of Major Projects at NVC Lighting, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been specified and appointed by Ark M&E as its sole supplier of LED lights for this project.
“Our MIAMI range offers a sleek and modern aesthetic, adding to the contemporary feel of an apartment building, whilst also providing a space saving, energy-efficient and long lifespan solution.
“For contractors installing hundreds of fitting a day, MIAMI also includes a number of installer-friendly features. Piano key terminals mean no screwdriver is required and loop-in/loop-out terminals mean no additional junction is required. The product also includes four poles, so contractors can fit a permanent live, which is essential for emergency lighting. Waste disposal is also limited on-site for installers as the MIAMI contractor packs come with 10 fittings in one pack as standard.”
PEW takes a look at the most sought-after products from recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine to give you an insight into your key customers’ buying behaviour.
NVC LIGHTING ENHANCED PRO RANGE
NVC Lighting has enhanced its PRO range for 2024, including the launch of a new and improved version of its ADDISON PRO - an IP40 rated, high output, decorative circular bulkhead fitting for commercial indoor areas. Ideal in amenity areas like stairwells and corridors, the unit is ENEC approved. The single size bulkhead is available in two wattages (20 and 28 W) and is colour selectable at 3000K, 4000K and 5000K. It offers a full range of emergency and dimming options and can be supplied with a microwave sensor ready fitted behind the diffuser. Also re-engineered is the YALE PRO, which now comes with a two-part sliding endcap for simple installation.
LUCECO FLEXIBLE HEAD TORCH
The new flexible head torch from Luceco uses the latest LED filament technology to create a lightweight, longlasting wide angle head torch. Featuring two inbuilt LED torches on the band for focused spotlight and full wide beam illumination, the product also has motion sensor capabilities so it can be safely turned on and off without needing to down tools or repeatedly find and touch the switch. It is lightweight and non-slip to keep it in place on safety headwear or directly on your head, making it perfect for both trade and recreational use.
BROWSE THE LATEST NVC LIGHTING CATALOGUE AT:
WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV025
VISIT THE PRODUCT INFORMATION PAGE ONLINE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV026
PEW looks at some of the latest advertising campaigns featured in recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine which are helping to create awareness and pull-through sales opportunities at your trade counter.
CAMPAIGN NEWS
SAXBY LIGHTING UNIQUE DESIGN, EASY TO FIT DECKING KITS
The latest product to be showcased in Saxby Lighting’s campaign of advertising is the IkonPRO CCT – the brand’s most popular LED decking kit. Packed full of features to help electricians install them quickly and easily, there is the choice of two colour temperatures within each head. Designed to be fitted and wired during the decking build stage without the heads, the supplied rubber caps protect the fitting from the elements until the decking is complete.
GET MORE DETAILS AT:
WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV027
BOSCH PROFESSIONAL ROUGH CONDITIONS. DETAILED IMAGES.
With striking artwork and an eye-catching message to boot, the tough and precise GTC 600 C Professional thermal camera is the focus of Bosch’s advertising artwork. Resistant, intelligent and efficient, the unit is well protected against falls, rain and dust. The voice note function, combined with connectivity allows convenient documentation of detailed thermal images, while the user interface guarantees precise results in the minimum number of clicks.
GET MORE DETAILS AT:
WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV028
ROBUS
TRANSFORM EXTRA SPACES INTO MEANINGFUL
PLACES
With some updated and visually appealing artwork, this advertising campaign from ROBUS concentrates on the brand’s outdoor lighting offering, which is perfect for summer jobs and installations. On show are a range of Spike Lights, Wall Lights, Ground Lights and Bollards which are ideal solutions as the landscaping season kicks off. Descriptions of each range, along with a reminder of the ROBUS commitment to quality, adds more detail that is sure to catch the eye.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV029
OHME MEET THE UK’S BEST SELLING HOME EV CHARGER
A brand new advertiser to the pages of PE, Ohme is focusing its efforts on spreading the word about the Ohme ePod unit. Smart and easy to install, it offers 7.4 kW of power for perfect overnight charging, integrates with all available energy tarrifs, and incorporates new technology which is solar compatible. The discreet and compact design is sure to go down well with chargepoint installers, with the product compliant with the latest EV charging regulations.
GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAV030
THE FULL SCOPE
Ecostrad’s point of sale display stand showcases the company’s impressive range of efficient electric heating solutions.
Central to the display is the bestselling iQ Ceramic – a smart electric radiator that comes with a wealth of energy saving features, including integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control and a Motion Sensor Mode. Other products include the
Allora iQ designer electric radiator, Fina-E iQ electric towel rail and the Heatglo patio heater, demonstrating the full scope of Ecostrad comprehensive suite of products.
Wholesalers can choose between a 600mm wide display without the Allora iQ or a 900mm wide display which comes with all listed products. Offering easy installation, lengthy warranties and superior control, Ecostrad’s products
guarantee top quality across the board. Plus, all iQ heating solutions are compatible with the groundbreaking Ecostrad Ecosystem app – meticulously designed and developed entirely in-house to help streamline energy usage.
In addition to the point of sale display, Ecostrad provides wholesalers with extensive sales and marketing support as well as competitively priced solutions backed by first-class service. As a token of appreciation, you will also receive exclusive Ecostrad branded merchandise, including notepads, pens and mugs.
Established in 2014, Ecostrad’s heating solutions represent the very latest technological advancements and have been built with the customer in mind, suiting every space and budget. Join over 170 wholesalers who have already embraced the Ecostrad point of sale display and can now offer cutting-edge and highly efficient heating solutions to their clientele.
Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, explains why the circular economy for lighting is both a moral imperative and a commercial opportunity.
Much has been written about the transition to a circular economy – it is a vital response to the climate crisis, which reduces embodied carbon emissions, reduces waste and improves material efficiency.
And for those companies willing to act quickly and early, and to fully embrace a circular economy, there is also commercial opportunity. An increasing number of specifiers, lighting designers and even some public sector organisations are prioritising circular economy principles such as upgrade and remanufacture, over the purchase and installation of new product.
There is now a wealth of resources to find out how to capitalise on those opportunities, for all in the lighting supply chain – manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, lighting designers and end users.
Circular Lighting Live –9th October, London
An instant success on its debut in 2022, Circular Lighting Live has become the defining gathering of the lighting supply chain to identify how companies are changing and adapting their services to embrace circular economy principles.
A visit to Circular Lighting Live gives delegates the opportunity to hear from leading manufacturers and lighting specifiers/end users, as they reveal the transformation that is taking place at the heart of the industry. The one-day conference and exhibition is organised by Recolight, and chaired by Ray Molony.
Aimed at the full supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, it takes place on Wednesday 9th October 2024 at the Royal College of Physicians in London. The event brings together over 300 of the lighting industry’s top executives to show how leading organisations in our sector are becoming part of the circular economy.
On the agenda for 2024 is the legislative and regulatory landscape, new circular economy standards that will drive the industry, the role AI can play in assisting firms with data, the opportunities and challenges of the emerging lighting remanufacturing ‘ecosystem’, 3D printing, circular design and sustainable materials including bioplastics.
Speakers include Signify Chief Design Officer Ton Borsboom, who will explore if AI and digitalisation represents the next revolution in sustainable design, and Orms architect Rachel Hoolahan, who will explain how each luminaire is set to get its own materials ‘passport’.
For 2024, the organisers have a more expansive exhibition floor and included a dedicated track for lighting designers. In the Designer’s Track, lighting designer Paul Beale, founder of 18 Degrees, will share how a decision to salvage hundreds of office lights ignited a journey to forge connections throughout the industry. Exhibitors include ASD Lighting, BELL Lighting, Glamox, Holophane, Llumarlite, Regen Initiative, Signify and Stoane Lighting.
Recolight Reuse Hub
The Recolight Reuse Hub is a new lighting digital marketplace. It is an online platform to facilitate the donation of new and used lighting products and equipment. It is the first of its kind for the donation, reuse and remanufacture of lighting products.
Currently, there are considerable volumes of new and used lighting products that are needlessly recycled when they could be reused. The
Hub allows donors of such products to link up with potential recipients: companies that could use the donated products.
Access to the Reuse Hub is open to any type of organisation, including manufacturers, remanufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, specifiers, end users, charities and more. Lighting producers that are not yet Members of the Recolight compliance scheme may also participate. Companies can register as Donors, Recipients, and Remanufacturers.
Donors can offer both unused, unsold lighting stock, and used but reusable lighting equipment that may be suitable for remanufacturing, including those from Cat A and fit-outs.
The Reuse Hub is currently free of charge for Donors, Recipients, and Remanufacturers. It includes a template agreement between both parties, that clearly limits the liability of donors, to de-risk the process.
Remanufacturing Lighting Equipment – one-day training workshop, 27th June, London
Businesses are increasingly asking for existing lighting products to be upgraded or remanufactured, rather than specifying new products. This trend is driven in part by the need to reduce the embodied carbon footprint of a building. Keeping the original luminaire, rather than replacing it, typically results in an embodied carbon saving of at least 50%. And with an increasing number of building owners and users now looking for net zero buildings, that saving has big impact.
As more organisations seek to put in place tangible plans to address their contribution to the climate crisis, reducing embodied carbon will become an ever more important element in purchasing criteria.
Remanufacture is also a great example of how to put circular economy principles into practice. Reusing the housing keeps those materials in use for a second life. It also avoids unnecessary recycling, which is itself an energy intensive process.
Remanufacturing Lighting Products is an in depth, face-to-face one day workshop. The first event took place in London on 27th June, presented by lighting product designer Simon Fisher, who also sits on the BSI lighting remanufacture committee. The workshop guided attendees through all aspects of setting up a remanufacturing service, including key design principles for the LED light source, compliance testing, and the use of the new BS8887:221 lighting remanufacture standard. The course may also be booked as an in-house, single company event.
Recolight Reuse
ADVERTISEMENT INDEX
Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler . Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information
Aico Ltd ............................................................(page 11)
www.rdr.link/WAV100
Carl Kammerling International Ltd ...............(page 26)
www.rdr.link/WAV101
CED ..................................................................(page 31)
www.rdr.link/WAV102
D-Line (Europe) Ltd ........................................(page 33)
www.rdr.link/WAV103
Deligo Ltd .........................................................(page 3)
www.rdr.link/WAV104
Electro-Wind ...................................................(page 43)
www.rdr.link/WAV105
ELEX ................................................................(page 41)
www.rdr.link/WAV106
Elite Security Products ...................................(page 15)
www.rdr.link/WAV107
Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd ..............(page 52, OBC)
www.rdr.link/WAV108
Hoyles Electronic Developments ..................(page 39)
www.rdr.link/WAV109
Knipex Tools UK ...............................................(page 7)
www.rdr.link/WAV110
Luceco Plc .................................................(page 16, 17)
www.rdr.link/WAV111
Metrel UK Ltd .................................................(page 28) www.rdr.link/WAV112
ML Accessories Ltd ................................(page 6, 9, 13) www.rdr.link/WAV113
Olympic Fixings Products Ltd .......................(page 25) www.rdr.link/WAV114
Ovia Lighting ....................................................(page 8) www.rdr.link/WAV115
Quickwire Ltd ...........................................(page 2, IFC) www.rdr.link/WAV116
Recolight Ltd ...................................................(page 21) www.rdr.link/WAV117
Scolmore International ..................................(page 29) www.rdr.link/WAV118
Stearn Electric Company Ltd ...........................(page 4) www.rdr.link/WAV119
Switchtec Ltd ..................................................(page 37) www.rdr.link/WAV120
The IBA ...................................................(page 51, IBC) www.rdr.link/WAV121
Timeguard .......................................................(page 19) www.rdr.link/WAV122
Unicrimp .........................................................(page 35) www.rdr.link/WAV123
