Electrical Issue 53

EE Y FR OP C

ISSUE 53 - JAN/FEB 2016

contents

Contents...

Issue 53 - Jan/Feb 2016

News & Views

5

33

UCC signs up for green electricity

7

Glen Dimplex sets up energy storage project

9 11

Making waves in Limerick

14-15

56

Scolmore sponsors apprentice competition

Irish Electrical Benevolent Association ball in Dublin

16-17

SparkSafe calls for focus on pay change

18-19

Atlas unveils new name and rebranding

Feature highlights

63

Five minutes with…

John McDonagh,

Core Electrical

Training

65-69

77-74

86-89

Project profile – SPACE Campus at SERC Project profile – Ballymena Health and Care Centre

Drives and Controls remains a step ahead

22

SkillBuild winners recognised

23

Mercury Security signs Smyths Toys contract

30-31

M&E expertise from Michael Nugent Ltd

33

34-35

Acutrace hits the big time

55-61

JD McGeown Ltd celebrates 55th anniversary

52-53 94

Charity ball in Belfast

Expansion plans by National Electrical Wholesalers

Product latest

TRADE EVENT DUBLIN 2016

EXPO

05- 06 THURS

Cables and cable management

21

Plumb power heat Light

Lighting

WED

37-49

79-84

OCTOBER CITYWEST HOTEL, DUBLIN

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Publication & Events Manager Janice Uprichard Managing Editor Print & Digital Adam Hassin Editorial Diane Day | RoI Correspondent Denise Maguire Head Designer Julie Anne Guiney | Design & Digital Jo Wilson Accounts Michelle Owens | Business Support Gemma Sheppard Photography Gordon McAvoy | Printed by W&G Baird

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: electrical@kmpltd.co.uk www.elecmagazine.com

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Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

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€176m BRIEF secured for Positive future Galway Contractors are wind park still confident

UCC signs first 100% renewable energy deal University College Cork is set to become Ireland’s first third-level institute to use electricity supplied entirely from renewable sources.

Over the next two years, Electric Ireland will provide UCC with 100% renewable energy as part of the provider’s €150million government contract win. The college’s 96 sites across the county will be provided with electricity generated solely from wind and biomass sources.

Denis Brosnan, UCC Energy Manager said it reflected the college’s policy of environmental consideration and sustainable development. “When the contract for energy supply was being put together UCC insisted that 100%

be sourced from renewable sources.

It is very important as a university to support and promote sustainable and renewable energy.”

At the moment, UCC uses roughly 12GWh a year, the equivalent of 2,300 households. “Sourcing UCC’s electricity from 100% renewables aligns with our strategy of driving innovation in the renewables sector.

For UCC to become the first third level institution to be supplied with 100% renewable energy as part of this OGP Framework Agreement shows a high level of trust in our experience, expertise and service delivery,” said Electric Ireland’s Tony Dunlea.

W: www.electricireland.ie

in the future stability of their business and the industry, accordingly to new research commissioned by electrical wholesaler, Newey & Eyre.

It found that 81% of contractors have seen an increase in business over recent months, with half of the respondents indicating that they can’t keep up with the flow of new work, and have regularly had to work evenings and weekends.

W: neweysnews. co.uk

In the largest-ever financing deal for a single wind energy asset in Ireland, Coillte and SSE Plc have jointly completed financing for €176million for the construction of the second and final stage of Galway Wind Park.

The total 169MW project, located south-west of Oughterard, is set to be Ireland’s largest wind farm.

Phase 1 of the project is owned and financed by SSE. Phase 2 is a 50/50 joint venture between SSE and Coillte. Phase 2 construction work will begin with immediate effect and is expected to be completed in Q3 of 2017. At that point the total wind farm will be commissioned and will enter commercial operation.

SSE Generation will operate the wind farm which will have the capacity to generate enough green energy to power 84,000 homes, equivalent to almost 90% of the homes in Co. Galway.

W: www.coillte.ie or sse.com

Cool Antarctic jobs offer opportunity of a lifetime FOR M&E TECHNICIANS British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for electrical and mechanical services technicians to work at its research stations in Antarctica.

“We have world-class laboratories, accommodation buildings, offices and technical facilities at our five scientific research stations in Antarctica,” said BAS’s HR Business Partner, James Miller. “We need the best trades and support professionals to keep everything running smoothly and to provide top quality support to our science programme. The chance to work on the ice surrounded by stunning scenery, icebergs, penguins, whales and seals will be a fantastic experience.”

Mechanical Services Technician, Thomas

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Clements, who carries out essential maintenance on the stations, said, “My advice for anyone contemplating a job with British Antarctic Survey would be - don’t think twice! I’ve made some fantastic memories down here which will stay with me for a lifetime.”

Contracts run from four to 18 months and are flexible. The benefits package includes a starting salary of £23,937 per annum, with a 10% bonus on successful completion. All living expenses are covered – accommodation, food, travel, specialist clothing, tools and training. An allowance is also paid if significant training is needed at BAS Head Office in Cambridge before deployment.

W: www.bas.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 048 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org www.ett-ni.org

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news

ECA annual awards now open

Pictured at the launch of RealValue are (from left), RealValue Business Director, Rowena McCappin; Irish broadcaster, Matt Cooper; Neil Stewar t, Managing Director, Glen Dimplex Creda and Sean O’Driscoll, Chairman and Chief Executive, Glen Dimplex

‘Real Value’ for energy storage project LED by glen dimplex An Irish consortium led by Glen Dimplex has set up a major EU-funded home-energy project called RealValue. It’s expected that the results of the project will be felt over the next three years and will have a significant international and economic impact.

Funded by Horizon 2020, a total of 1,250 homes in Ireland, Germany and Latvia will have Glen Dimplex electrical storage systems installed in them as part of the project. The aim is to demonstrate how these small-scale energystorage systems can provide benefits to the whole electricity supply chain, from generation to distribution and from suppliers down to the

consumers.

The entire energy supply chain is working together on the project, from ESB Networks to Intel (the heating system in the home will be controllable from an app) and from EirGrid to SSE Electricity.

The RealValue project has a total of 13 partners on board, including energy economists from UCD and businesses from both the public and private sector.

The results of the project can be divided into two parts, between the customer running their home off the electricity grid and then the industry, which is supplying the energy and ensuring its distribution.

W: www.glendimplex.com

PKE Engineering set to complete Ireland’s ‘smartest building’ Set to open in the spring, a new office block on Cork’s Albert Quay will feature technology such as intruder detection, air quality control, cashless equipment and other innovations such as energy-harvesting lifts connected to the building’s security

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clearance.

Built by BAM Construction and designed by AJL Architects, electrical contractors on the project are PKE Engineering.

Tyco Ireland will be one of the block’s new tenants. Donal Sullivan, General Manager of

Tyco Ireland, told attendees at a recent breakfast meeting that there is a “great buzz” among staff at the fire prevention and security specialist, ahead of its relocation to Albert Quay. Smartphone apps are in the process of being created that will tell employees how

many parking spaces are available while parallel wiring in the R&D floor will allow Tyco Ireland staff to test the intelligence of the building without affecting the day-today running of the building.

W: www.pke.ie or www.bamcontractors.ie

The ECA Annual Awards 2016, which recognise the best in the building services and electrotechnical sectors, are now open to entries from members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).

There are eight award categories open to firms across the industry and winners will be announced during the ECA’s Annual Gala Dinner, which this year is being hosted at Celtic Manor in Wales on July 8.

Closing date for entries is April 29, 2016.

W: www.eca.co.uk

Aurora takes lighting into new era Crowned ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2015 Lux Awards, Aurora Group has announced key changes to reflect its commitment to the integration of new smart technologies in LED lighting and the associated ‘Software as a Text Service’ (SaaS) proposition, which is set to change the way lighting is sold and monetised.

Microlights and Aurora Projects are merging under the Aurora brand to focus on the launch and development of Lighting 3.0 with ‘Gooee Inside’ (a ‘fullstack’ IoT lighting platform).

W: auroralighting.com

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 048 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org www.ett-ni.org

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news

city electrical factors ltd

Lease Finance Solutions from City Electrical Factors

Making waves in Limerick Limerick has become home to the first OC1 device in Ireland.

Designed by GKinetic Energy, the 15kW pilot device can power small communities from natural river flow, but future commercial deployment is expected to increase the device’s size and capacity to somewhere in the region of 1MW. According to GKinetic’s founder, Vincent McCormack, the device works by exploiting the natural phenomena that occurs when water accelerates around an obstacle, which accelerates the flow of water to eight times that which would occur naturally, creating greater amounts of energy. The OC1 can also operate in water as

shallow as 2m and in courses as narrow as 3m, meaning a huge number of sites that were previously not feasible for a turbine are now eligible for use.

“The global market for hydrokinetic devices such as the GKinetic device is estimated at 150-200GWh, yet only 5% of this market has currently been realised,” said Vincent.

“This particular device is a river unit, but our plan is to create large scale tidal units capable of generating up to 1MW. Our goal is for the deployment of units on the Shannon Estuary, with the potential to create up to 300 jobs from manufacturing to deployment and maintenance.”

W: www.gkinetic.com

Volkswagen secures electrifying new deal Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd (NIE Networks) has renewed its long-standing partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, adding 28 Crafter panel vans to its already sizeable fleet. These were chosen due to the vehicle’s excellent quality and reliability, as well as the brand’s high level of aftersales support.

The company opted for the Crafter CR35 MWB panel van due to its ample load space, rearwheel drive functionality to help access remote areas, and ability for bespoke conversion.

W: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

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Did you know...

CEF can now offer simple fixed-term lease finance for many of your product needs?

A wide range of equipment can be leased, including: • CCTV • Alarm systems • Lighting - inc. LED lamps • Inverters • Hand dryers • Solar PV • Voltage optimisation • Test equipment • Air conditioning • Domestic appliances • Heating for commercial use

Leasing equipment through your local CEF branch makes good business sense...

CEF will help you identify the right products for your business and our leasing team will guide you through each step: Step 1: Provide a free of charge survey and design

solution Step 2: Recommend the right solution for your business Step 3: Offer free advice on the best leasing solution - in

conjunction with our partners Step 4: Assist with the lease finance application and

processing Step 5: See the whole job through - from initial survey to

product supply

Some of the key benefits to your business include: • Convenient and fast • Makes the right solution for your business affordable – right now!

• Conserves working capital and existing credit lines • Tax efficient • Fixed repayments and flexible terms • Quick and straightforward application process Your local CEF Account Manager can help identify your requirements, and don’t forget that CEF offer free of charge surveys and design schemes.

CONTACT US Ballymena 02825 658 526 Belfast East 02890 732 631 Coleraine 02870 352 411 Lisburn 02892 670 555

Newry 02830 250 555 Bangor 02891 456 880 Belfast North 02890 371 007 Craigavon 02838 332 789 Londonderry 02871 266 288

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BRIEF

Schneider Electric has pledged to provide access to proprietary weather data generated from its WeatherSentry intelligence platform, as part of the UN’s Data for Climate Action campaign to aid research on global food production.

Scolmore sponsors apprentice competition As part of its on-going commitment to provide support for the training and development of students looking to make their way in the sector, Scolmore Group is sponsoring the first ever Apprentice of the Year competition by NICEIC and ELECSA. Open to Level 3 students, the best electrical apprentices will be rewarded with a range of prizes –

including iPads and a £500 holiday voucher - with the overall winner receiving a £2,000 holiday voucher.

The winner will be announced at a special barbecue and awards ceremony to be held at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

T: (NI) 01827 63454 or (RoI) 0044 1827 63454 W: www.scolmore.com

A new Automotive Electrician/Panel Builder Academy has been launched under the Government’s Assured Skills initiative. It will provide 13 participants with the skills to take up opportunities in the engineering sector with Mallaghan Engineering and Contak Wiring Systems in Dungannon.

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Construction fatalities in Ireland have increased from eight in 2014 to 11 in 2015, according to latest figures.

Incidents involving vehicles were the main cause of fatal accidents in the workplace, accounting for 21 of the 55 work related accidents in 2015. Fifteen people were killed as a result of falls from height, the second most common cause of death.

An estimated 124,000 workers have benefitted from the 50% increase in the minimum wage in the Republic of Ireland.

Security conscious BIM BSI, the business standards company, has published PAS 11925 Specification for security-minded building information modelling, digital built environments and smart asset management.

PAS 1192-5 specifies requirements for cyber security-minded BIM. It outlines the vulnerabilities to hostile attack to enable clients and contractors to achieve securityminded modelling during all phases of the site/building lifecycle - concept, design, construction, operation and disposal.

Anthony Burd Head of Sector, Built Environment at BSI, said, “PAS 1192-5 is one of eight key components the Government has effectively mandated for companies to use in order to qualify as working to Level 2 BIM, and allowing them to tender for Government contracts from 2016.

“It tackles cyber security issues head on by supporting and tightening the existing BIM approach and we look forward to including it in the Level 2 digital package which will be available later in 2015.”

W: www.bsigroup.com

North South Interconnector could cut costs by €20million Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister, Jonathan Bell has met with NIE Networks, System Operator for NI (SONI) and the Utility Regulator to discuss issues surrounding energy costs for businesses in Northern Ireland.

The Minister said that a second North-South Interconnector could make a huge difference, reducing annual electricity curtailment costs by £20million, but warned that there was no quick fix to the situation.

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 048 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org www.ett-ni.org

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A brand new concept for the plumbing and electrical industries

E

lectrical and Plumbing and Heating magazines are proud to introduce you to a new concept in industry shows for Northern Ireland – the Plumb Power Heat Light Expo 2016.

Set to be the largest plumbing, heating, electrical and lighting exhibition in Northern Ireland, this event will showcase the latest in innovative products, energy efficient technologies and renewable power.

With interactive product displays

12 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

and dedicated zones, the Plumb Power Heat Light Expo will attract visitors from not only the construction sector but anyone involved in delivering, specifying, maintaining or managing a building.

As an exhibitor at the Plumb Power Heat Light Expo 2016, you have the chance to connect directly with visitors and boost your business.

Hosted at the new Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, on September 7-8, even the venue is a beacon for new business!

to BOOK STANDS contact T: (NI) 028 9261 2990 T: (RoI) 01 6968319 E: janice@kmpltd.co.uk E: mairead@kmpltd.co.uk E: jacqui@kmpltd.co.uk

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exhibition Centre

VAN

VAN

BUSINESS ZONE

TOOL ZONE

VAN

van zone TOOL demos

VAN

VAN

VAN

VAN

44 6x3

45 5x3 46 5x3

41 4x4

39 4x4

37A 37 4x2 4x2

35A 4x4

35 4x4

40 4x4

38 4x4

36A 36 4x2 4x2

34A 4x4

34 4x4

22 6x4

21 6x4

25 5x2 26 5x2

24 5x4

SEMINAR Theatre

23 6x4

The Plumb Power Heat Light Expo will attract an eclectic mix of visitors involved in the design, construction and maintenance of a building, including:

COFFEE area

43 4x3

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

32 5x3

33 6x3

28 5x4 27 6x4

30 6x4

29 6x4

31 5x3

54 5x3 53 5x3

FORK LIFT ACCESS

20 6x6

19 6x6

modular displays

12 12A 5x3 5x3

14 7x4

15 7x6

16 7x4

LIGHTING displays

heating ZONE

18 18A 5x3 5x3

13 13A 5x3 5x3

48 5x3

9 8x5

2 6x2

1 6x5

2A 2B 6x3 6x3

8 7x5

7 8x4 52 5x3

5 6x2

4 6x4 3 6x3

49 5x3

5A 5B 6x3 6x3

FORK LIFT ACCESS

47 5x3

10 7x5

6 6x5

51 5x3 50 5x3

PLUMBING / heating ZONE

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ENTRANCE

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POWER/ ELECTRICAL ZONE

Architects Builders’ merchants Building contractors Building developers Business development managers Electrical contractors Electrical wholesalers Facilities managers Gas installers Landlords New build developers and renovators M&E consultants M&E contractors Plumbers’ merchants Plumbing and heating engineers Purchasing managers Estate managers Manufacturing engineers Maintenance managers Self builders

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, INCLUDING:

17 17A 5x3 5x3

9A 4x2 9B 4x2

11 8x4

BELFAST

visitor profiles

BUSINESS ZONE

VAN

2016

SEPTEMBER TITANIC

LOADING DOOR

LOADING DOOR

TOOL ZONE

THURS

WED

0708 4-9PM 10-4PM

• • • •

Agri-food Education Health Leisure

• • •

Manufacturing Social housing Tourism

show zones The Plumb Power Heat Light Expo 2016 will include distinctive zones for plumbing, power, heating and lighting and a dedicated product demonstration area.

Also featured will be a business section, tool area and van/4x4 displays plus insurance and software companies.

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 13

IEBA winter ball

At the Honeywell table are Dave and Cindy Lee; Aidan and Sarah Hayes; and Simon and Louise McCarthy.

All smiles at the General Lighting table.

Geoff Peat and the team from Peats Wholesale.

ANNUAL WINTER BALL RAISES VITAL MONEY TO CONTINUE CHARITY WORK OF THE IRISH ELECTRICAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION…

IEBA Winter Ball boosts charity funds Mark and Linda Reid from Eaton.

Enjoying the night at the Kellihers table.

Roisin and Paul Harrigan at the City Electrical Factors table.

14 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

D

edicated to helping people in the electrical industry in need of assistance, the annual IEBA Winter Ball raised vital funds for the charity.

This key fundraiser took place in November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin and attracted a great turnout, with everyone enjoying a fine night’s entertainment, while also donating generously to a worthy cause.

The IEBA has distributed more than €500,000 to 100 families over the past 15 years, and the Winter Ball always provides a much appreciated boost to funds. The charity was established to help colleagues who have fallen on hard times - almost half of those needing assistance come from families with self-employed electricians, with the remainder being

engineers and people from the manufacturing, distribution, wholesaler and retail sectors.

In 2015, the charity received 15 applications from different sectors of the industry and provided short-term financial support in excess of €42,000.

This latest fundraiser has helped allow the charity to continue to carry out its sterling work, and the organisers have extended their thanks to everyone involved in making the Winter Ball such a success.

T: (RoI) 01 429 0088 E: info@irisheba.com W: www.irisheba.com

“This latest fundraiser has helped allow the charity to continue to carry out its sterling work."

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IEBA winter ball

Debbie and Stephen Connelly, Edmundson Electrical.

Joan O’Donoghue won a new audio system.

PRIZE WINNERS

Ciara and Rob Fitzpatrick, Deta Lighting.

Leo Donavan and Stacey Maloney at the WEEE Ireland table.

Ann Brennan was the lucky winner of @1000.

Ken Shiels, Charlie Shiels Ltd, with Martin Byrne, Dimpo.

The lucky winner of the heads and tails game.

Theresa Thornton, won a new security system.

Joe Finn and Barry Thornton, from Philips.

Yvonne Watson, who won a 40” Panasonic TV.

Barry Delaney won a Nespresso coffee machine

Scott Wright with Karen and Cormac Breslin, Hager.

Tom Byrne, winner of a 42” LG TV.

Johnny Dunne, winner of a Cannon camera.

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 15

INDUSTRY NEWS

Charlotte Bamber, Systems & Compliance Director at SparkSafeLtP, outlines why a widespread return to the national rate of pay would be a positive move for the industry…

Restore Regulated Terms and Conditions

P

erhaps you are one of the few workers who are in the good of receiving the correct national rate of pay. Many of your fellow skilled electricians, however, are not so fortunate.

Fierce commercial and market pressures have eroded the resolve of the majority of local employers towards the national determination for pay and conditions.

This is bad news for both employers and employees. Both have lost out.

The early gain achieved through unregulated pay and conditions has been steadily neutralised, as others have been obliged to join in the ‘low bid’ race to the bottom. During this period balance sheets have weakened and many have been under pressure to set prudence aside when determining the true value of work in progress.

Have we lost something?

The trade has also lost some of its valuable kudos and prestige, and increasingly struggles to attract and retain new talent.

Low pay keeps the talent away! Much of this has been brought about by global circumstances beyond our control.

However, some of the effects, are selfinflicted. Productivity, morale, attitudes, loyalty and behaviours tend to decline when reward doesn’t match effort.

Alert to an aging workforce We are also faced with the challenge of an aging workforce. Fewer young people have entered the trade in recent years, allowing a skills gap to arise. This feeds the development of an imminent skills shortage within the sector. Other competing sectors

Good for Electrical Workers

Good for Good for Electrical Main Contractors Contractors

16 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

have stepped in, outbidding the electrical industry for the best of the annual school leaving population. Attracting new entrants to our sector, from the best of the local school leaving population, is proving to be extremely difficult. Parts of the industry have become conditioned to tender and complete contracts based on labour cost discounting. This leads to diminishing marginal returns, leaving little for employers to invest in attracting and retaining the best of the next generation.

Time for root cause analysis Job satisfaction, career progression, opportunity and some residual positive perceptions, continue to feature as key factors influencing career choice, in favour of the vocational trade sector. However, within the trade, there is a general underlying sense of dissatisfaction.

Employers and workers are weary of the negative impact that flows from low bidding and discounted tenders. Dutch auctioning persists. This shameful practice unfairly empowers and motivates many principal contractors, and others, to multiply bidders beyond the list of approved subcontractors. Principal Contractors then embark on a commercially aggressive, demolition exercise of the initial first-pastthe-post, lowest tender. The winning subcontractor’s price is touted and bartered around an extended list of approved and unapproved sub-contract tenderers. The process is often laced with half-truths, and repeated until the original lowest price is haggled into a sub-economical proposition.

Quality, health and safety, welfare, profit, performance, management, materials and workers terms and conditions are

systematically whittled away. Inevitably the winner loses!

Subbie dilemma On major projects most Tier Two contractors rely on ‘subbies’ to support their standing workforce. Using subbies to off-set some, or sometimes all, of the financial risk associated with contract labour costs is now firmly established.

Work that is sub-let by the Tier Two electrical contractors to other ‘subbied’ electrical contractors probably means that the latter is paying a lower pay rate to their workers. These workers may also be obliged to perform under lesser working conditions, when compared with those directly employed by the principal electrical contractor. The unintended consequences of this practice have given rise to an underclass of worker, and often precipitate a breach of working time regulations and an unsatisfactory approach towards staff and apprenticeship training.

The cause and effect of this practice has mixed outcomes. On one hand, principal electrical contractors have gained vital flexibility and competitiveness. On the other hand, some core strengths of the industry have declined. The unregulated pay and conditions on the subbie side has managed to back-feed into the domain of the direct employed workforce.

Hourly pay rates and other terms and conditions have veered from the national determination, producing an excess of unregulated pay rate variations. As the skill bank decreases, ambitious employers will be obliged to attract workers away from current employers through rate enhancements, which may trigger a return

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Nationally Determined Rates of Pay From and including Monday 5th January 2015 Grade

Transport Provided

Own Transport

Technician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£16.24

£17.06

Approved Electrician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£14.35

£15.16

Electrician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£13.15

£13.97

Labourer

£10.44 £11.22

From and including Monday 4th January 2016 Grade

Transport Provided

Own Transport

Technician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£16.73

£17.57

Approved Electrician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£14.78

£15.61

Electrician (or equivalent specialist grade)

£13.54

£14.39

Labourer

£10.75 £11.56

to a 70’s style labour rate bidding war.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that most Northern Ireland electrical workers appear to be paid less than the national determined rate of pay. In some cases, employers have maintained the rate but downgraded the overtime entitlement threshold, and reduced or removed travel expenses. Restoration and alignment with national pay and conditions is an obvious and significant challenge for the industry. Will failure to meet the required pay rates continue to drain talent and skill away from established and emergent businesses? Who really benefits from reduced pay rates and poor profit margins?

and the elimination of accruing redundancy liabilities, provide a strong rationale for this business model. Those operating this model are at risk of a potentially expensive HMRC look back inspection. False self-employment is not conducive to staff or apprenticeship training. Workers, who are obliged to tolerate or become trapped in the state of false selfemployment, often become exploited through design or by error. Longer hours, increased risks, less rights and no job security are typical of the negative outcomes that damage the person and the reputation of the industry.

False Self Employment

Signs from public sector procurement organisations are improving. Local Government procurement is frequently calling upon Tenderers to bid responsibly. Steps are being taken to motivate and encourage smarter bidding. Low bid tendering is discouraged and may even attract punitive consequences. Some CoPE organisations have already rejected low bids, judging them to be economically unviable.

The potential and actual effects of false self-employment also continue to undermine the state of the industry. Some employers have become highly dependent on exclusive and reoccurring sub-contract arrangements with individual workers and labour gangs.

In many cases, these have become defacto employees in all but name. Reduced employers national insurance contributions

Responsible procurement and responsible tendering

Consider this…

Points to consider and actions to take: • Restore national pay rates The industry is not attracting or retaining talent. Poor pay and conditions are the two main factors that deter talented new entrants and discourage the existing workforce.

• Resit Dutch auctioning Support first past the post tendering and say no to bad bartering.

• Reconsider false self-employment Think about the HMRC risk.

The nationally determined hourly rate of pay for an electrician from and including Monday 4th January 2016 is £13.54. This is a 3% increase on the previous rate. Adopting the national pay rate determination will not fix all of the difficulties in the industry. However, failure to do so is likely to mean that workforce development including the recruitment and retention of talent will remain as an emerging and growing problem for the industry.

SparkSafe T: (NI) 028 2566 6835 or (RoI) 048 2566 6835 E: enquiries@sparksafeltp.co.uk www.sparksafeltp.co.uk

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 17

COMPANY NEWS

Atlas has unveiled a new look that better reflects the various services that the company can offer to businesses of all sizes...

‘A world of difference’ with Atlas

A

tlas Fire & Security (NI) Ltd has a new name, new branding and a new website.

With over 30 years in the fire and security industry, the company is a highly respected name within this competitive marketplace. But the company’s ambitions have also grown beyond this sector, hence the rebranding as Atlas.

John Nesbitt, Managing Director, explained, “We’ve grown beyond all recognition from our early days, and this rebranding is a better reflection of our overall service offering.

While fire and security is still central to the business, through natural growth and strategic acquisitions we are now centrally involved in the audio-visual, energy management and maintenance sectors. So calling ourselves Atlas Fire & Security really

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doesn’t do the company justice and, even though we created the separate brands of Atlas AV and Atlas Energy, many of our customers – and potential customers – didn’t realise the holistic service we can provide across all these specialisms. This rebranding will change this.”

But the rebranding - carried out by Positive Design - has been about much more than creating a new logo.

The overall process has streamlined how Atlas operates internally, enhancing an already award-winning service to ensure the company lives up to its new ‘World of Difference’ maxim.

Robert Creagmile, Sales and Marketing Director, added, “We are now more streamlined in our approach and rather than operating as three separate entities offering

“We’ve grown beyond all recognition from our early days, and this rebranding is a better reflection of our overall service offering.”

separate services, we are now highlighting the success of the collective approach we can offer.

“In many instances we will continue to offer each service independently, but now customers will be more in tune with our overall provision, allowing them to work with us on other specialisms such as AV or energy. This has already led to us being specified as a Tier 1 supplier on many projects, and is an area that we will be expanding into further.”

The Atlas expansion of the company, however, is not a case of ignoring the company’s long-standing customers.

“We recognise where we came from, and for customers who have been on the journey with us, we want to assure them that they will continue to receive the same high standards of service,” added Robert. “We work

NEW LONDON OFFICE: Atlas, Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London, ECIV 2NX T: 0044 (0)203 693 3800 - E: - info@atlasworld.co.uk NEW WEBSITE: www.atlasworld.co.uk

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COMPANY NEWS

Launching the new branding for Atlas are (from left) John Nesbitt, Managing Director, Stephen McConnell, Finance & HR Director, Robert Creagmile, Sales and Marketing Director, and Graeme White, Major Contracts Director.

with companies of varying sizes – from small businesses to major health estates – but we view them all as equally important. As we continue to grow in Northern Ireland and across Great Britain, Ireland and beyond, we will do so by continuing to support the many businesses who have helped us become the company we are.”

That is where the new ‘World of Difference’ maxim comes in along with the other taglines of ‘Protecting your World’; ‘Maintaining your World’; ‘Sustaining your World’; and ‘Connecting your World’.

Robert concluded, “It doesn’t matter if it is a small office or a multi-building site, to each customer, their business is ‘their world’. We understand the importance of this and this is the basis of how we approach our work.

“Our vast experience on projects of all sizes makes the difference but just as important is our ability to tailor solutions to meet the exacting needs of each customer. Our expansion has been in line with the demands of our customers and we are looking forward to building on this success in the future.”

Looking after you…

The Atlas service is all about ‘your world’ and utilising the company’s technical expertise to find the right solution for your building. Atlas has experience across a variety of sectors, ranging from retail and office units to major healthcare estates as well as education, commercial and industrial projects. The service offering is available independently and collectively and includes:

Protecting your world An award-winning fire and security service. That specialises in utilising the highest standard of products to provide a tailored solution for your building that includes fire detection systems, CCTV and intruder alarms.

Maintaining your world Service is the central aspect of Atlas and the company works with customers from the initial planning stages through to installation and then ongoing maintenance.

connecting your world Atlas offers a wide range of door entry, audio-visual, voice evacuation, public address and background music systems, either as a stand-alone service or as part of an overall fire, security and AV package.These specialisms also include design, installation and maintenance services to architects, consultants and end-users.

Sustaining your world Whether it is renewable energy or simply managing and monitoring your energy usage, Atlas has proven expertise in this growing sector. The expert team provides both design and installation services and can also give advice on how to benefit from the latest grants.

Atlas, Unit 1 - 2 Glenbank, 720 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 8AD. T: (NI) 028 9039 1000 - T: (RoI) 048 9039 1000 - E: - info@atlasworld.co.uk NEW WEBSITE: www.atlasworld.co.uk

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 19

tools

The Speed Punch System reduces the operation time when punching a hole in mild steel, plastic and aluminium sheets up to 3.5mm thick...

Speed Punch - a fast solution for panel builders

U

sers of sheet metal hole punching systems on the market today will be well aware of the neat finish, exact size, minimal (if any) deburring and clean working benefits. The process of drawing a punch and die together on a threaded draw stud have been used for many years to produce professional results.

The new Speed Punch system brings innovation to the cutting edge. The longest process of using hole punching tools is threading the punch onto and off the draw stud. Speed Punch eliminates this threading by using a threadless draw stud and clever robust ‘Speed Lock’ clamp. Assembly and disassembly becomes convincingly simple and is up to three times faster than conventional punching systems.

Speed Punch is available for ISO sizes 16-63

and is compatible with all existing pulling tools. The punch and die have been sized to eliminate the need for spacers, requiring fewer parts and without threads, less to go wrong. When combined with a battery hydraulic punch driver, eg LS50L-flex, this provides the fastest punching system on the market today, allowing you to perform more holes in less time than ever before.

For square and rectangular holes, the same benefit can be achieved with Speed Nut. This only requires a new draw stud and Speed Nut which works with your existing punches, bringing you the same benefits in installation time.

Demonstrated recently at the City West Trade Show in Dublin, members of the electrical contracting and panel builders industry tested the new punches for

The YouTube video can be seen at http:// youtu.be/bcLl1 _o9hcc

themselves. A competition to see who could make 2 x 20mm holes the fastest in an enclosure drew quite a crowd and demonstrated firsthand how much time could be saved.

Download the data sheet at http://www.klauke.com/fileadmin/user_ upload/pdf/download/speed_punch_hole_ making_tool.pdf T: (NI) 01986 891 519 or (RoI) 0044 1986 891 519 E: sales@Klauke.textron.com

AVAILABLE AT

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INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Newly launched website provides customers with efficient access to specialist range of industrial automation products…

Drives and Controls - a step ahead

A

specialist distributor of industrial automation products for over 20 years, Drives and Controls stocks and supports products from leading global manufacturers like Mitsubishi Electric, Wago, Finder, Spelsberg and Westermo.

A newly launched website www.drivesandcontrols.ie - features a convenient online shop, making it even easier for customers to access the highest quality products available on the market. Drives and Controls is Mitsubishi Electric’s Distributor of the Year 2015 and stocks and supports the full range of Mitsubishi Electric programmable controllers, variable speed drives and human machine interfaces. In 2015, Drives and Controls supplied,

supported and commissioned over 1MW of Mitsubishi Variable Speed drives in Ireland.

Wago is the world’s largest manufacturer of spring clamp technology, producing a wide range of connectors and terminals for contractor, panel builders and machine builders. The Wago product range also includes the Winsta plugable wiring system and the Wago 750 series I/O System for industrial automation. Other Wago products, like interface modules, transducers and DC power supplies, compliment the range.

Also available from the Drives and Controls website is Finder, Europe’s leading manufacturer of relays and timers for use in industrial and commercial and residential

“The newly launched website features a convenient online shop, making it even easier for customers to access the highest quality products available on the market.”

applications. The company’s vast product range also includes interface modules, PIR’s, monitoring relays and modular contactors and a comprehensive range of relay sockets for panel builders, machine builders and OEM’s.

Westermo designs and manufactures industrial data communication products for mission-critical systems in physically demanding environments.

Westermo is renowned for the high quality of its ethernet switches, modems, routers and converters with its products used widely in industries such as transport, water, energy and in the process, mining and petrochemical industries.

Finally, Spelsberg is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of junction boxes and enclosures.

German quality ensures high reliability and the vast range of enclosures extend from the Abox range of IP65 junction boxes to the WKE range of fire rated junction boxes.

Drives and Controls, Unit F4 Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12 T: (RoI) 01 4604474 or (NI) 00353 1 4604474 - E: info@drivesandcontrols.ie www.drivesandcontrols.ie

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 21

news

Team Ireland – including electrical apprentice, Shane Magee – meet with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

Bio-energy plants to employ 100 in Cork and Dublin

Taoiseach recognises achievement of Irish Skills Olympics winners

Planning permission has been granted for two bio-energy plants in Cork and Dublin that will convert waste food into electricity, cost €50million to build and employ 100 full-time.

Set to be built at Little Island, Co Cork and Finglas, Co Dublin, the plants will be constructed by Irishowned company Stream BioEnergy.

The company will use anaerobic digesters, in which micro-organisms will break down food and first convert it into fertilisers and bio-gas and then into electricity and heat.

Stream BioEnergy’s development manager, Morgan Burke, said that

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has recognised the brilliant achievement of the Irish Team at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in Brazil last year, when he met the team recently at Government Buildings.

The Irish Team, made up of 14 young apprentices, trainees and students, won two Gold medals, eight Medallions of Excellence and collectively secured an 11th place world ranking for Ireland against 60 other countries. Included in these awards was a Medallion of Excellence for electrical apprentice, Shane Magee.

Gold medals were won in Restaurant Service and in Aircraft Maintenance. The Medallions of Excellence were awarded for Electrical Installation; Plumbing; Plastering and Dry Wall; Joinery; Cabinet Making: Automobile Technology; Beauty Therapy; and Construction Metal Work.

Approximately 1,200 competitors from 70 countries and regions competed in almost 50 different skills and disciplines in Brazil. All competitors were required to demonstrate technical abilities both individually and collectively and to execute specific tasks which they study and/or perform in their workplace.

The Irish competitors proved expertise in their chosen field before they left Ireland by competing to secure their places on the Irish team. The team was in fulltime training for the eight weeks leading up to the competition under the direction of their coaches.

both plants would be identical in design and each would be approximately the size of two-anda-half football pitches. He added the first plant to be built would be at a site at Huntstown, Finglas.

“Construction should get underway on that one in the first half of 2016 and we hope it will be completed by mid-2017,” he said.

The Little Island facility will be built on part of the former Pfizer site, at Inchera and will hopefully become operational by the end of 2017.

Each of the plants will be designed to handle 90,000 tonnes of waste annually.

NICEIC launches online CDM course NICEIC has launched an online course to help contractors understand their responsibilities around CDM requirements.

Whilst the course is aimed at electrical contractors, it will also provide other trades, such as gas engineers, an overview of their legal requirements.

Previously, CDM (Construction, Design and Management) requirements were more relevant to larger commercial or industrial projects. However, since April 2015, CDM requirements now apply to all domestic projects which include alterations, repairs and maintenance.

The course is aimed at equipping an individual (such as a sole trader)

TRAINING WORKS

with an understanding of their role within a domestic project and the relationship which needs to be established with the main contractor.

The course covers areas such as the relationship between client, main contractor and sub-contractor (electrician), and what the electrical contractor may be required to provide for inclusion into the safety file.

The course (which costs £40+VAT) takes around three hours to complete but, with online learning, registrants can spread out that learning at times to suit them.

T: (NI) 0843 596 2454 W: www.niceic.direct.com

Medallion of Excellence winner Shane Magee with his lecturer Paul Marah from DIT.

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 048 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org www.ett-ni.org

• APPRENTICE • ELECTRICAL • BUSINESS • HEALTH & SAFETY

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news

city electrical factors ltd

REQUIRE ACCOUNT MANAGER / SALES REPRESENTATIVE Due to growing sales we are currently looking to recruit Account Managers for our branches in Northern Ireland.

Marking the new Smyths Toys contract are Mercury Security’s Liam Cullen, Director, and Grainne Elliott, Marketing Director.

Mercury Security’s Toy Story success Mercury Security Management has been awarded the allIreland security contract for Smyths Toys.

Founded in County Mayo in 1986, Smyths is the biggest toy retailer in Ireland and now operates no fewer than 80 stores throughout Ireland and the UK. Lisburn-based company Mercury, which also has offices in Dublin, Limerick and London, has established a strong reputation as a leading security provider in the retail market with an impressive portfolio of clients that also includes HMV, Sports Direct, Lidl, CastleCourt and a host of other prominent shopping centres.

The Smyths security contract will see Mercury provide a team of well-equipped manned guards, with fast access to additional support and resources if required, to all 27 Smyths stores across the island of Ireland, including six in Northern Ireland.

“Whilst Smyths Toys provides

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endless hours of fun for children the length and breadth of Ireland, providing security for such a huge and respected retail giant is far from child’s play,” said Liam Cullen, Mercury’s Regional Director UK and Ireland.

“We are delighted to work with Smyths Toys and the implementation of our manned guards into each store will provide vital protection and offer peace of mind for staff and customers alike.”

Smyths Toys’ Senior Operations Manager, Adam Smith, said, “At Smyths we take the safety of our staff, customers and products very seriously. We were very impressed by Mercury’s innovative and forwardthinking approach to security and with their extensive experience and expertise in the retail industry, we are confident that our stores will be safe and secure.”

T: (NI) 028 9262 0510 or (RoI) 048 9262 0510 W: www.mercurysecurity.biz

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City Electrical Factors Ltd is a private limited company established in 1951 and is still owned by the same family resulting in great financial stability. We are one of the UK’s leading Electrical Wholesalers. As well as 393 branches throughout the UK, the company also has branches in Australia, Canada, Spain and the USA. We have an Annual turnover in excess of £1.1billion and employ over 8000 people worldwide, many of which have been promoted from the UK. CEF UK is supported by its own Manufacturing and Distribution operations, these 26 subsidiary companies supply our Branch network with over 35 own brand ranges, covering 39,500 product lines.

Such a dynamic company requires enthusiastic, hardworking people with a positive attitude who want to develop a career which could, with the right attributes, lead them to a senior management role. A competitive salary and a quality car will be provided.

Successful candidates do not necessarily need previous wholesale electrical experience but a basic knowledge of electrical installation products would be an advantage.

At CEF we have a real entrepreneurial vision and ethos encouraging people to forge profitable careers for both themselves and the company and placing a real emphasis on personal and professional development.

If you are interested in joining a company with excellent career opportunities, please send your cv to: careers@cef.co.uk

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2016.

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 23

GET CONNECTED

TRADE EVENT DUBLIN 2016

THURS

0506 4-9PM 9.30-4PM

WED

?

How often can you get in a room with so many potential customers actively looking for‌

OCTOBER CITYWEST HOTEL, DUBLIN

advice

suppliers

information

products services training

& DEMOS

to BOOK STANDS contact Janice Uprichard T: (RoI) 01 696 8319 T: (NI) 028 9261 2990 www.elecmagazine.com

ELECTRICAL TRADE EVENT DUBLIN

With a bigger and better show, the return of Ireland’s Electrical Trade Event to Dublin provides exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their products to the industry…

Your chance to

connect

with the electrical industry

I

reland’s Electrical Trade Event in Dublin just keeps getting bigger and better, making it the perfect arena to promote your products and services to the electrical industry.

Since the initial launch of this event in 2013, the Electrical Trade Event is become a permanent fixture in the industry’s calendar, attracting large crowds of visitors from across this diverse industry.

It will return to the Citywest Hotel on October 5-6, 2016, where the show will once again bring visitors the latest electrical innovations and new technologies for new build and retrofit projects.

Stands have already been booked up quickly, with a number of last year’s exhibitors returning.

Janice Uprichard, Show Organiser, said, “We have proved Ireland’s Electrical Trade Event as a successful platform for exhibitors to meet with new customers. However, with a bigger show this year, more companies now have the opportunity

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to take part.”

As a trade-only show, Ireland’s Electrical Trade Event attracts a diverse audience. This will include: • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

Architects Building contractors Business development managers Electrical contractors Electrical wholesalers M&E consultants Engineers Estate managers Government/Health/Education M&E contractors Maintenance managers/facilities management personnel Purchasing managers Quantity surveyors Specifiers

This enthusiastic audience will be keen to learn about the latest innovations and time-saving techniques from across a range of sectors, including residential, education, health, leisure,

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manufacturing, ecclesiastical and others.

This will include the latest lighting solutions and LEDs; power and automation technology; cables and cable management; electrical distribution; and electric heating and controls. Other areas covered by the trade event include testing and measurement; tools; surge protection and wireless technology.

The event attracts a diverse audience, with the core of visitors made up of electrical contractors.

to BOOK STANDS contact Janice Uprichard The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira BT67 0JR T: (RoI) 01 696 8319 T: (NI) 028 9261 2990 E: janice@kmpltd.co.uk www.elecmagazine.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 25

ELECTRIC SHOWERS

The new Redring Expressions Revive electric shower range has revolutionised shower installations, making them faster and easier than ever before…

Redring Expressions Revive revolutionises shower installations

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s well as sharp looks and a full chrome accessory kit, the new Redring Expressions Revive electric shower range is the only shower available that boasts a wealth of well thought through features including 14 power and water connection options, an easy access back plate and a bespoke compression fit elbow that comes as standard.

Whether working on a new or replacement installation, the latest Redring shower offers installers the most flexible option on the market, making fitting and connecting a breeze.

Nick Mawby, Redring Category Manager, comments, “At Redring, we understand the importance of how simple a shower is to fit and service, as well as the features and performance it has. We maintain an ongoing programme of listening intently to installers and going the extra mile to meet their needs, as well as producing products that make end users smile.”

Based on this feedback, the Expressions Revive range has been designed with Redring’s brand new ‘Smart Fit 2’ connection system, which includes significant access within a large and uncluttered back plate, providing installers with more ‘working space’ for easier connectivity as well as a multitude of cable and water pipe entry options to cover almost any situation.

All of the showers in the range come with six ideally positioned and sized cable entry points and eight pipe entry points as standard to replace virtually any previous installation easily, with minimal disruption to existing pipework and décor.

In addition, installers will also find the Expressions Revive offers ultimate flexibility by virtue of having dual terminal blocks, allowing electrical connection from either the right or left hand side.

Redring is also the only manufacturer to include a free compression fit elbow in the box for extra convenience, as well as 100% compatibility with all common push fit plumbing connector systems or compression joints in virtually any orientation.

The Expressions Revive range also features matching fitting points to the last

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two generations of Redring Xpressions/ Expressions showers, as well as many models sold by others in the market minimising any drilling or repositioning required.

Following consumer research, the aesthetics of the shower have also been carefully considered and, despite being packed full of useful features, the Expressions Revive range is noticeably slimmer than the model it replaces, providing a compact and stylish showering solution, perfect for all sizes of bathrooms, en suites and enclosures.

New chrome highlights further enhance the appearance, as does the inclusion of a full chrome accessory kit (riser rail, hose and handset) as standard, and one that features Flexi-Kit TM functionality.

Separate elevated dials for temperature and flow control make the appliances easy to operate and the push start/stop button offers simple ‘set and forget’ convenience

and allow users to retain their preferred temperature and flow settings.

In addition, the ‘Expressions Revive Plus’ models offer phased shutdown to flush out any residual hot water at switch off, ensuring a safe starting temperature for the next user and to reduce the build-up of lime scale in hard water areas.

Designed and manufactured in Britain at Redring’s state of the art facility, the new range features two models, Expressions Revive and Expressions Revive Plus, both of which come in 7.2kW, 8.5kW and 9.5kW variants.

For complete peace of mind, all the models in the range all come with a full two-year UK warranty.

T: 028 3833 7317 Facebook: www.facebook.com/redring.solutions W: www.redring.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 27

CONSUMER UNITS

CPN-Cudis, explains how its new Metal Lumo Consumer Unit has been designed to comply with the latest requirements…

The illuminating solution to Amendment 3

I

mproving safety in the home is high on the agenda in the latest changes, and regulation 421.1.201 has been developed to safeguard home-owners against the risk of fire from overheating connections in consumer units.

From January 2016, all consumer units installed in domestic premises will need to have their enclosure constructed of noncombustible materials, such as a ferrous metal. To meet the requirements, all parts of the enclosure need to be made of metal, including the box, cover, door and hinges, so as to limit the spread of fire.

Easy on the eye CPN-Cudis successfully launched its Third Amendment-compliant consumer unit in June of last year. During its design phase, one of the company’s main objectives was to create a product that was aesthetically pleasing as well as practical; especially as so many units these days are visible within the home.

Its design retains the look of a traditional plastic consumer unit and is available in both black and white; it is also constructed in steel and has a drop-down lid. It also includes other added features, such as the innovative LUMO LED. The LUMO metal consumer unit has been designed for the convenience and safety

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of the user. It is fitted with an in-built LED which allows the user to easily reset a tripped circuit breaker, without needing to fumble about with a torch. This ensures that no-one is left in the dark!

The LUMO is especially beneficial for homes where a consumer unit needs to be fitted in a dark location, such as under the stairs. The LED strip is powered by a standard battery, which can be easily accessed and replaced by the home-owner.

Easy install When designing the new metal consumer unit, as well as being compliant with the latest electrical standards, CPN-Cudis also thought it was important to make it simple to install. The technical team at CPN-Cudis has a great depth of understanding of the needs of electrical contractors. They utilised the company’s years of experience of electrical installation requirements and inspection and testing to make the installation process as straightforward as possible.

As a result, CPN-Cudis has maximised the space inside the unit, to make installation easier and faster. The position and size of the knockouts were given careful consideration to offer the installer full accessibility for cables. The design has circular knockouts positioned on all four

sides and rectangular knockouts to the rear.

The metal consumer unit is available in three sizes - 14, 18 and 22 ways - and comes complete with a 100A main switch control. It has an adaptive busbar system, which provides quick and easy configuration of circuits. It is appropriate for a variety of installations and is suitable for high integrity installations.

The technical team at CPN-Cudis is able to use its extensive experience of electrical installation requirements, inspections and testing, to make the installation process as straightforward as possible.

For further advice, installers can call the CPN-Cudis technical support line on (NI) 0161 765 3000 or (RoI) 0044 161 765 3000 and speak to one of the company’s qualified electrical engineers, who are always on hand to help.

W: www.cudis.co.uk

“The technical team at CPN-Cudis has a great deal of understanding of the needs of electrical contractors.”

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 29

COMPANY PROFILE

Decision to expand into the electrical sector proves successful for this M&E expert…

Michael Nugent displays mechanical and electrical expertise

M

ichael Nugent’s prowess as a mechanical contractor is well known, but what many won’t realise is that the company is also making a name for itself in the electrical sector.

Now officially known as Michael Nugent Mechanical & Electrical Services, the company first expanded into the electrical sector three years ago and since then hasn’t looked back.

“Moving into the electrical sector is a natural expansion for the company,” explained Ryan Nugent, Operations Director. “Our expertise in the mechanical

sector is second to none and we are able to match this with our electrical expertise.

For over five decades we have proved that we are capable of delivering projects to the highest standards, and now we can offer that in the mechanical and electrical sector.”

Richard Gilmour, Senior Electrical Contracts Manager, added, “The expansion into the electrical sector was a suitable way to mark our 50th anniversary and opens the next chapter in the company’s success. Offering electrical installation and maintenance services has enabled us to offer even more

Michael Nugent Mechanical & Electrical Services DERRY: 2 Carrakeel Drive, Maydown Industrial Estate, Derry, BT47 6UQ – T: 028 7186 1819 DUBLIN: 5 Bishopsmede, Lower Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 – T - 01 454 6861

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COMPANY PROFILE

to our clients and we are quickly reaping the rewards of that.”

The company works across the healthcare, education, commercial and leisure and tourism sectors.

A number of recently completed projects on which Michael Nugent Ltd has successfully delivered both mechanical and electrical services include: • Hotel and office development in

Maidenhead • University of Ulster, Coleraine, - Facility of Arts building • Audi workshops and showrooms, Leicester Moving forward into 2016, the company is currently working on a number of prestigious projects across the UK and Ireland which include: • Northern Ireland Hospice, Belfast • U.C.L. Facility of Law, London • Forthriver Innovation Centre, Belfast • 400-bed hotel, Cambridge

As electrical services are the newest addition to the range of disciplines offered by Michael Nugent Mechanical & Electrical Services means that the solutions the company provides are the most current and innovative in the industry.

This is highlighted by the company’s commitment to Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Coordination and communication are the key to a successful construction project – and with the requirements of BIM compliance becoming compulsory for all Government projects by 2016 – these processes will become even more critical.

Richard added, “We currently operate at an early BIM Level 2 compliance, using 3D Intelligent BIM models and collaborating with external parties using the latest 3D software and techniques.

This is just one example of the innovative techniques we employ to create tailored solutions for our customers.”

The addition of electrical services

provides an all-inclusive M&E service, with customers able to see the variety of projects Michael Nugent M&E Services has completed by visiting the company’s website.

Marc Nugent, Mechanical Contracts Director, concluded, “We are committed to a simple ethos: to provide ‘the best service first time, in time’. Our years of experience enable us to approach each contract with an unrivalled knowledge that sees every job – from large to small – completed to the highest standard.

“Our excellent team of managers and engineers, trained to work across all kinds of disciplines, are exceptionally skilled and this ensures our company ethos goes into every service we undertake.”

“With us, every job is approached with the quality assurance and company values you expect.”

Michael Nugent Mechanical & Electrical Services HEAD OFFICE: 2 Tandragee Road, Pomeroy, BT70 3DS - T: 028 8775 8617 www.michaelnugent.co.uk

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 31

TOOLS AND TESTING

BAHCO INTRODUCES NEW, GREAT VALUE BahcoFit screwdriver range across the UK and ireland…

Great value,for everyone, for everything from Bahco!

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great value, highly versatile screwdriver range which is ideal for professional use across the construction trades including building, electrical, plumbing and heating, has been introduced by Bahco.

Called BahcoFit, the new screwdrivers have been designed ‘for everyone, for everything’ and will adapt to the user’s hand in all working conditions.

Manufactured by the company in Spain, they are available individually or in sets of two to 10 pieces. A wide choice of heads including flat, straight, slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx and Hex Ball is offered in up to 14 of the most popular sizes. A narrow blade insulated version gives users improved access in confined spaces, ideal for electricians.

A round-tipped awl, flexible magnetic puller, a nut driver available in 16 sizes, a square tip reamer, a Robertson head and a magnetic bit holder are also available within the range. The tool’s black-tipped alloy steel blade will give professional users the high performance delivery they demand, in all weathers and all workplaces.

In addition, a newly patented, two component handle containing 75% rubber has a rounded end to ease pressure on the hand, while vertical grooves provide great anti-slip traction and comfort. Finally, the neck has a soft, ridged surface to give maximum grip, even with oily hands, while finger indentations assist precision use.

T: (NI) 01709 731731 or (RoI) 0044 1709 731731 W: www.bahco.com

“BahcoFit has been designed ‘for everyone, for everything’ and will adapt to the user’s hand in all working conditions.”

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COMPANY NEWS

Taking over the sponsorship of the Leinster rugby team is all in a day’s work for Acutrace…

Hitting the big time

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cutrace, a company that offers software and hardware solutions for energy monitoring and lighting control systems in commercial and industrial buildings, was the lucky recipient of an amazing rugby-related prize recently.

“Each year, Bank of Ireland offers businesses the chance to become Sponsor for a Day for one of the most high profile and successful sports teams in Ireland.

The winner takes over the sponsorship of Leinster for a European Champions Cup match for one day, with their company logo appearing on the front of the jersey,” explained Aidan McDonnell, Managing Director.

Acutrace was the winning business for 2016, with the company logo appearing on the Leinster jerseys for the recent Leinster v Bath match in the RDS. “This time last year we were trying to think of a name for the business. Only 12 short months later, to see the players coming out with our name, our logo and our branding on their jerseys was just amazing,” said John Lynch, Chief Technical Officer at the firm.

As an SME, Acutrace has felt the benefits of

John Lynch, CTO Acutrace, Jamie Heaslip, Leinster Rugby and Aidan McDonnell, Managing Director Acutrace, marking the company’s sponsorship of the Leinster rugby team for the match against Bath Rugby on January 16th.

the PR, marketing and social media plan that formed part of the competition. The next step is to build on that exposure by emphasising the various facets that make up the business – energy measurement, intelligent lighting control, systems integration, service support and training.

Here’s a look at what the company’s MVAC systems can offer:

Energy measurement Acutrace MVAC allows users to measure, visualise, analyse and control their energy costs. The software can measure all utilities - including electricity, water, gas and oil - and can also monitor, control and interface with essential building systems such as back-up generators, fire alarms and building management systems.

The Acutrace MVAC software ensures seamless integration of all building automation systems into one complete system, allowing visualisation of all building functions in a simple web-based user friendly platform.

Intelligent lighting systems

A billboard at the Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin, showcasing Acutrace’ sponsorship of the Leinster rugby team.

The Acutrace MVAC System also incorporates full lighting controls for modern commercial buildings using KNX and Dali protocols. The system uses presence/absence detection and daylight harvesting to ensure accurate control and

to minimise lighting energy costs. Lux level measurement, emergency light testing and room temperature measurement are just some of the integrated functions that feature in Acutrace MVAC Software.

Systems integration Acutrace MVAC software can also be used to develop a complete smart building solution incorporating all the technologies used in modern building automation systems. The firm’s multi-layer software can communicate with and collect data from all BA protocols including ethernet, modbus and BACNet. Acutrace’s highly skilled team of systems engineers will ensure seamless integration of all building automation systems into one complete system allowing the visualisation of all building functions in simple web-based user friendly platform.

Service Support and Training Acutrace system engineers are available for on-site technical support consultation before, during and after a project, providing post-project technical support through its Service Level Agreements. The firm’s SLA’s are customised to meet the requirements of the building owner or facilities manager.

Acutrace is a registered KNX Partner, its CTO is a qualified KNX tutor and the firm provides regular KNK training throughout the year.

Acutrace, Unit F4 Riverview Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12 T: (RoI) 01 5180140 or (NI) 00353 1 5180140 - E: info@acutrace.com www.acutrace.com

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 33

company profile

DUBLIN OFFICE

Magnificent seven for National Electrical Wholesalers Further expansion by the largest independent wholesaler in Ireland, with new branch in Marino to set to be followed by further opening at Castledermot…

N

ational Electrical Wholesalers (NEW) has started 2016 in confident form, with the opening of a new branch in Marino set to be soon followed by a seventh branch at Castledermot in County Kildare.

The latest expansion follows on from investment at the company’s head office where a new-look trade counter has been unveiled at the premises at Rosemount Business Park in Dublin.

The company is already the largest independent electrical wholesaler in Ireland but it continues to build on this success.

The Marino branch – located at 68 Malahide Road - was the company’s sixth branch in the Republic of Ireland and this opening has been closely followed by the announcement that a seventh branch will open in the coming months at Castledermot. This is in addition to the company’s Northern Ireland subsidiary Century Electrical Wholesale which has six branches in the province and a further three in England.

Noel Lawler, NEW Sales Director, explained, “Like everyone in the country, we have had to

tread water for a number of years but now that we see the signs of recovery we are determined to showcase our own confidence in the market.

“Opening the Marino branch gives us a location that is closer to the city centre and on the Northside, meaning that we have every aspect of Dublin covered. Our plans for Castledermot is another reaction to the demands of our customers and we hope to have that new branch opening in the coming months.

“We are always looking to expand and if more opportunities arise we will continue to grow our company.”

As David Warren , the company’s new Business Development Manager, explained, the investment at head office and in the two new branches is a signal of the company’s commitment to deliver an enhanced service to customers.

“We are proud of our reputation in the industry for great service but we understand that you can always improve and that is why

HEAD OFFICE: Unit 46 Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 T: 01 254 1900 – E: sales@new.ie www.new.ie

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company profile

MARINO OFFICE Pictured at the new NEW trade counter are (from left) Daniel Miller,Noel Lawler and David Warren.

we have made this investment,” he said.

“The 40,000sqft warehouse at our head office acts as a distribution centre for the entire group, so our stock levels there are unrivalled. However, our trade counter was outdated and we needed to modernise it and actually showcase the diverse range of products we were offering.”

As a result, the trade counter has been moved to a more prominent position that provides more scope to showcase products and with new exterior signage it will also attract passing trade within this busy industrial estate.

“We are aiming to attract both the trade and the general public,” added David.

“The new trade counter is less intimidating for the general public but we haven’t forgotten about our trade customers either and have designed it in a way to show them that we have everything they need.

“We are continuing to develop the display around the counter and we are listening to customers to see what they want to see on show. However, since we opened before Christmas, the feedback has been superb and we’ve regularly been told by customers that they didn’t realise we stocked certain items. That proves the change is working and that is a positive we are aiming to build on.”

Bray T: 01 2453970

Marino T: 01 5631900

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The opening of the new Marino branch is another positive for the company.

With Dublin again a hotbed of construction work, ease of access to a reliable wholesaler is a must for those in the electrical trade, regardless of where they are working in and around the city.

While the various NEW branches have a freedom to develop their own product range, one of the aspects of David’s new role is to provide more cohesion between the branches and to heighten their levels of co-operation.

David started in the security division of NEW and soon developed his knowledge of the Electrical industry.

He progressed from there and became manager of the Bray branch in 2011.

“I’m hoping to put that experience to good use.

“By developing new ways for our branches to buy products will make us more competitive and give our customers more attractive pricing.

We already have a great service, but we are always willing to improve and now the industry is returning to a more healthy state of affairs we remain confident we can deliver effectively for our customers.”

Naas T: 045 895896

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Ballymount T: 01 4567100

Cork T: 021 2432990

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 35

lighting

We’re Hiri ng

MARKETING EXECUTIVE We now have an exciting opportunity for a Marketing Executive to join our excellent team.

The Role: To develop a clear strategy for our two companies, based in Dublin and Belfast; develop our online presence, including social media and website commitments; organise internal and external events and promotions; develop communications with customers and suppliers; and also be responsible for a number of special projects within the marketing and communications remit. This opportunity can be based at either our Dublin office or our Belfast office.

Responsibilities include: Implementing marketing plans to meet the company’s objectives in relation to trade editorials and advertising; develop brochures, price lists and point of sale literature; plus managing and increasing Core’s online presence (website, social media, e-zines etc.), while always communicating with our manufacturing partners to stay ahead of the market trends.

Essential Criteria: • A degree in Marketing with a minimum of 2 years’ Post Graduate marketing and communications experience.

• A proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Desktop publishing/editing programs and web design.

• A team player who can work professionally, calmly and quickly in challenging environments and achieve results.

• Proven experience of trade advertising and the development of marketing frameworks for company brands and products.

• Ability to develop impactful material to strict deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.

• Able and willing to undertake regular travel between both company offices – Belfast and Dublin.

• Must be an EU citizen or possess a current UK Tier 1 Visa or Tier 2 Dependent Visa and eligible to take up full time, permanent employment.

Please apply by email only, by Thursday 31st March 2016 National Sales Director (RoI), Dan Fisher, dfisher@coreelectrical.ie

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liighting

FEATURE focus on...

LIGHTING Your illuminating guide to the lighting sector includes a top of the class performance from AJ Hurst, product evolution from Saturn LED, awards success by Aurora and expansion plans by Ventilux.

38

41

43 New Vista Light LED menu boards

Ostia – a new high output LED highbay Aurora’s new Ostia range of highbay LED luminaires has never been brighter, more compact or longer lasting, and are ideal for use in warehouses, industrial spaces, canopies, manufacturing and conference centres.

With instant-on and a highly efficient power factor of 0.95, between 8,000 and 20,000 lumens, this latest generation of high performers can be controlled by choice of optional aluminium or acrylic reflectors.

T: (NI) 00353 1 891 4022 or 00353 83 420 6847 or (RoI) 01 891 4022 or 083 420 6847 E: des.duignan@auroralighting.com W: www.auroralighting.com

Available from Vista System, Vista Light LED illuminated menu boards are ideal for food courts, fast food chains and restaurants or any outlet looking for a unique signage solution. The system is used to create freestanding, convex, double sided signs that can be backlit with the addition of interior illumination or used with standard sign substrates without illumination.

It’s also available for mounting in the horizontal position for suspended double sided signs. This cost effective system is constructed from two special aluminium extrusions, an end cap, face inserts and a base, for either portable, or permanent installation. The only tool needed for assembly is a screwdriver.

Combining a slanted aluminium wall frame, long lasting LED illumination, white-translucent polycarbonate graphic substrates and an elegant

overall look, the menu boards offer customers an aesthetically pleasing, high quality and longlasting product. All signs from Vista Light are environmentally friendly, allow easy graphics change and need hardly any maintenance. According to Vista System, it’s no wonder that more and more sign professionals recommend Vista Light LED illuminated menu boards.

E: office@vistasigns.ie W: www.vistasystem.com/IR-home. html

Best-selling PIR switch just got better - PIRfect!

Danlers has announced the release of a new improved (CEFLPIR) ceiling flush mounted PIR occupancy switch.

This energy saving control is one of the UK’s bestselling PIR occupancy switches with an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and after sales support.

Improvements include a new moulding design for use in a greater variety of environments

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and a more flexible cable to make installation even easier. New digital technologies ensure improvements to detection and timer accuracy.

This UK manufactured control comes with a fiveyear warranty.

T: (NI) 01249 443377 or (RoI) 0044 1249 443377 E: sales@danlers.co.uk W: www.danlers.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 37

LIGHTING - CASE STUDY

Retrofit project illuminates Bridge Integrated Primary School while also meeting WEEE criteria…

Full marks for AJ Hurst and Dextra Lighting

T

he partnership approach between AJ Hurst and Dextra Lighting has been given full marks after they carried out a complete LED retrofit at Bridge Integrated PS in Banbridge.

Working alongside leading electrical contractor, B.I. Electrical Services, the two companies not only brightened up the school for staff and pupils alike, but also brought new levels of energy efficiency, with savings set to be around the 66% mark. In addition, the retrofit met the latest environmental standards with the involvement of Dexreco Ltd – Dextra’s nationwide, resource for the recycling of luminaire

lighting products.

As a Dextra Lighting distributor, AJ Hurst was able to provide a tailored retrofit solution for the school as Bill Gray, Business Development Manager at AJ Hurst, explained.

“We provided a full design and specification to B.I. Electrical outlining how we would meet the criteria and this included the offer of a free trial in one of the classrooms to demonstrate what we could offer.

While the school didn’t take us up on this, I think it demonstrates just how confident we are in our products.

“We have an excellent relationship with Dextra and worked closely

AJ Hurst was able to provide a tailored retrofit solution for Bridge Integrated Primary School.”

with them to meet the specific requirements of this project. Bridge Integrated PS needed both interior and exterior lighting upgraded right across the school, but thanks to Dextra’s depth of product range we were able to provide a solution from just one supplier.”

This aspect was one of the many reasons why AJ Hurst was selected

by B.I. Electrical Services, with other reasons including the five-year warranty on all LEDs - including a three-year on-site repair warranty and a 10 working day lead in time for all luminaires.

B.I. Electrical has the measured term

“We have an excellent relationship with Dextra and worked closely with them to meet the specific requirements of this project.”

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LIGHTING - CASE STUDY

Effective lighting solutions AJ Hurst delivers lighting solutions across a range of sectors, including: • Health • Education • Leisure • Retail • Commercial • Industrial Working alongside Dextra Lighting, AJ Hurst has completed a number of prestigious projects, including: • Belfast International Airport • Whale Pumps Head Office • Montupet • Omagh District Council Offices • B&M Bargains • Royal Victoria Hospital • Irwin’s Bakery • TATA Steel • Harry Corry • Gransha Presbyterian Church contract to supply M&E services to the Education Authority’s Southern Region and wanted to work with a supplier that would make the installation quick yet effective.

Peter Gormley, Contracts Manager at B.I. Electrical Services, said, “Overall, the project involved the replacement of around 400 interior lights and a further 40 external floodlights, all of which were upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs. The project also included the installation of an additional 90 emergency lights.

“Aside from the addition of the emergency lighting, the rest was point-to-point replacements and incorporated lights of various sizes installed in a variety of areas, including surface, recessed and suspended ceiling fittings. With all that in mind, working with just one manufacturer made the installation

process a lot smoother.

“We were very impressed with the service provided by AJ Hurst and the high standard of the Dextra products.”

Part of the AJ Hurst service involved putting a unique reference on each fitting, in line with the lighting design, and organising deliveries to correspond with the works schedule that had been developed in line with the school.

The end result has been welcomed by the school’s principal, Teresa Devlin.

“The lights not only look good but they have improved our lighting significantly. There’s no longer any buzzing or flickering and the installation process was very straightforward. We are even looking forward to receiving our electricity bills to see the savings that have been achieved.”

Project meets recylcing targets U Bridge Integrated Primary School is not only

enjoying enhanced lighting levels that use less energy but the project to install the new LEDs also met recycling targets.

B.I. Electrical worked alongside AJ Hurst Ltd to ensure the project successfully received its WEEE certificate by recycling the old fittings.

Bill Gray, Business Development Manager at AJ Hurst Ltd, explained, “Electrical contractors and clients want simple and efficient ways for waste products to be removed safely off site and we have the perfect solution with Dexreco.”

Dexreco Ltd is a registered AATF that caters for all luminaire disposal needs via its own established UK logistic network.

Dexreco collects old product from site at the client’s convenience. Virtually all collections are made by Dextra Group vehicles on a ‘back load’ meaning that, instead of a vehicle returning empty after making a delivery, it will stop off and make a collection. This effectively halves the amount of carbon pollution caused by the transportation of the end of life luminaires.

Peter Gormley, Contracts Manager at B.I. Electrical Services, added, “The system worked really well for us. We were provided with storage containers for each luminaire and then stored them onsite before Dexreco came and collected them. It allowed us to meet the criteria of the project in a simple, efficient way.”

AJ Hurst, Unit 10 Graham Industrial Park, Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9LP T: (NI) 028 9077 0037 or (RoI) 048 9077 0037 – E: online-sales@ajhurst.com www.ajhurst.com - Twitter: @AJHurstElectric

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 39

COMMITTED TO QUALITY Eyecon LED luminaire

Optic LED luminaire

A high-performance self-contained emergency luminaire with 1W LED to give 120 lumen output with surface mounted capability. Fully compliant to EN 60598.2.22.

High-performance LED recesses emergency luminaire with 3X1 W LED to give 300 lumen output with remote gear capable of installation through luminaire ceiling cut-out.

Key features • Escape route and open plan applications • Surface-mounted luminaire • Impressive 120 Lumen output • Environmental design solution • BSI Kitemark • Five-year warranty

Key features • Escape route and open plan applications • Reduces luminaires required on projects • Reduces costs for installer and client • Impressive 300 Lumen output • BSI Kitemark • Five-year warranty

Premium range

Economy range

• Exit: EXM3/F8, EXM3/LED

• Exit: EBM3/F8, EBM3/LED

• Bulkhead: WPM3/F8, WPM3/LED

• Bulkhead: VIM3/F8, VIM3/LED

• Hanging D/Sided Blade Exit: STM3/F8, STM3/LED

• Hanging D/Sided Blade Exit: HZM3/LED

• 2D Circular Luminaire: SOM3/F282D, SO/F282D/240 (mains)

• 2D Circular Luminaire: SRM3/F282D, SR/F282D/240 (mains)

• Twinspot: CTL20/NM3, CTL/LED/NM3

• Economy Twinspot: ETS20/NM3, ETS/LED/NM3

• 3 Watt D/Lighter: HANM3/LED

• 3 Watt D/Lighter: EVO/LED/NM3

LED Twinlux luminaire Higher output than tungsten halogen lamps and reduces contractors’ project installation costs, along with clients’ battery replacement costs. Fully compliant to EN 60598.2.22 and approved by the Office of Public Works.

Key features • Enhanced lighting levels • Easier installation • Available in IP40 and IP67 • 2x9 Watt LED superior to 2x20 Watt halogen • 2x18 Watt LED superior to 2x55 Watt halogen

Unit 2, Ashgrove Industrial Estate, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin T: +353 (0)1 214 8800 - F: +353 (0)1 280 5729 E: sales@ventilux.ie - www.ventilux.ie

LIGHTING

Ventilux Managing Director, Brendan Walsh, (centre) with Ryan Walsh, Sales Manager, (left) and Ian Walsh, Operations Director, outside the company’s new premises.

IRISH-OWNED FAMILY BUSINESS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AS A LEADER IN THE MANUFACTURE OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING…

Ventilux marks company milestone with move to bigger and better premises

V

entilux, the Irish-owned family-run emergency lighting manufacturer, is celebrating its 30th anniversary year with a move to larger premises at Bray IDA Business Park on the Southern Cross Road later this year.

The new 30,000sqft premises are more than twice the size of the company’s previous base and provide an up-to-date manufacturing facility in keeping with the needs of this progressive company. The relocation is part of the Ventilux’s forwardthinking attitude and will help it service its wide-ranging client base in an even more efficient way.

These new facilities will also complement the company’s UK operations, which are headed up by Barrie Walsh.

Ventilux was established in 1986, initially supplying central battery systems and bespoke emergency lighting products to the marketplace.

In 1989, the company employed 23 members of staff and moved to new premises in Dun Laoghaire, via temporary offices in Pearse Street, Dublin.

Today, Ventilux exports marketleading products all across the world.

“Our major markets include Ireland,

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“We plan to keep our business and relationships growing with our customers, and continue to provide them with nothing less than the best.”

UK, Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, to name a few,” said Brendan Walsh, Chairman and Group Managing Director.

“We are very proud of this 30-year milestone and we attribute it to two key factors,” he continued.

“Firstly, we owe it to our clients and customers, who trusted in us to provide immaculate services and products. Their demands, challenges and feedback have pushed us to improve every aspect of our business vigorously. We are truly grateful and thank them all for their support and loyalty.

“Secondly, without the dedication and hard work of our excellent team this would never have been achievable.

The company now consists of 85 members with a combined experience of over 800 years!

“We plan to keep our business and relationships growing with our customers, and continue to provide them with nothing less than the best.

With their support, we wish to explore new heights.

“Once again we would like to thank everyone, and here’s to another 30 years!”

As an emergency lighting specialist, Ventilux is at the forefront of modern

power protection technology.

Its expertise in the design and development of special and custom battery systems enables the company to meet the diverse needs of today’s markets.

As well as an extensive standard UPS and battery range, Ventilux also offers a variety of additional products, such as static inverters and battery monitoring technology.

The range of safety system products from Ventilux includes exit signage, escape route lighting, conversion kits, fire equipment, LED lighting, testing systems, static inverter/CBS, and cost-saving features.

Ventilux lighting products have been used in many prestigious projects across the world, including the Intercontinental Hotel, Doha; Aviva Stadium, Dublin; London Heathrow Airport; and Liverpool One Shopping Centre.

T: (RoI) 01 214 8800 or (NI) 00353 1 214 8800 E: Sales Manager, Ryan Walsh on ryan@ventilux.ie or Operations Director, Ian Walsh on iwalsh@ventilux.ie UK: Barrie Walsh - T: +44 (0)151 5464155 - E: barrie@ventilux.co.uk W: www.ventilux.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 41

THE evolution continues Halo LED Bulkheads Halo LED Bulkheads are over twice as efficient as TC-DD equivalents. Creating a dramatic halo effect on the wall or ceiling, they are further complemented by a range of trim accessories.

Key Features • 30,000 hour lifespan, IP20 • Halo effect, polycarbonate base/diffuser • Emergency and microwave sensor available • Trim attachments, chrome, satin chrome, white • Corridor and stairwell applications

Venture Exterior Bulkhead Offering a robust, cost-competitive alternative to GLS designs, the Venture IP65 5W LED Bulkhead comes complete with an eyelid attachment to give a sleek finish.

Key Features • 30,000 hour lifespan • Robust exterior IP65 bulkhead • Polycarbonate • Microwave sensor available • Coder available

Warrior LED Wall Packs Warrior wall packs are ideal for commercial and industrial areas. The fitting is constructed from a robust polycarbonate diffuser and has a heavy duty diecast base.

Key Features • 30,000 hour lifespan (LED) • IP65 • Aluminium reflector • Polycarbonate prismatic diffuser

For more information or the latest catalogue contact

Saturn LED Ltd - 153 Brackaville Road - Coalisland - Tyrone - BT71 4NL UK Office +44 (0) 20 3011 5371 - NI Office +44 (0) 28 8788 0063 - ROI Office +44 (0) 48 8788 0063 - Email sales@saturnled.eu

www.saturnled.eu

LIGHTING

Project for NI Water provides brighter lighting and lower costs for Transport Maintenance team…

Water delight for Hilclare

H

ilclare Lighting has once again teamed up with Scotts Electrical Services to provide a superior – and cost-effective – lighting system.

On this occasion, Steven McMurray, Northern Ireland Project Engineer for Hilclare Lighting, was brought in to carry out a survey and energy calculation at Northern Ireland Water’s Transport Maintenance Garage at Bretland House in Belfast.

Steven explained, “We have a fantastic working relationship with Scotts Electrical Services and we were delighted to again be working with them on this project.

“We have become experts on

“We are very much of the view that one good job leads to another and this project proves that perfectly.”

“Quote

these retrofit projects and as well as providing brighter lighting, we are also delivering cost savings and energy reductions.”

He added, “The lighting really wasn’t up to the job in the NI Water workshop in Duncrue. They are doing intricate work and relied on handheld lamps to complete the jobs. Our initial focus was on raising the LUX levels to an appropriate level, but by installing LEDs this came with the added advantage of lower energy usage and no maintenance.

“It is a win-win situation for everyone.

Better lighting and lower costs will always be a winner.”

Hilclare Lighting specified the replacement of the existing 250w Son low-bays with the company’s Varas LED low-bay fittings.

The rigid steel construction and a range of diffusers and various means of fixing makes the Varas 122w LED luminaire suitable for retail areas, factories, warehouses and cold stores. IP20 compliant, this 240 Volts 50Hz range is available with added extras available on request, including integral three-hour maintained

emergency systems; high frequency digital dimming gear and Integral PIR/motion detectors and energy management systems.

The project had the added complication of an overhead heating system, meaning that Hilclare had to find a point-for-point retrofit solution.

Hilclare’s work proved to be a success on every level, with the positive feedback leading to an additional project for NI Water.

Steven added, “We are delighted with the feedback from Scotts Electrical and, just as importantly, the client. For the contractor, it is a case of providing a solution that is easy to install, and Scotts was able to work onsite without causing any undue disruption to the workshop, which was able to continue to operate.

“The client was also so delighted with our work that they have asked us to provide a similar style solution at another location.”

Steven concluded, “We are very much of the view that one good job leads to another, and this project proves that perfectly.”

T: (NI) Steven McMurray, Northern Ireland Project Engineer, on 07710 073 250 or (RoI) Wyre Lighting Ltd on 087 259 3272. E: sm@hilclare.com www.hilclare.com

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lighting

Des Duignan, Aurora’s Director for Ireland, outlines his pride at the number of awards won by Aurora and looks ahead to more success in 2016…

Aurora is named Manufacturer of the Year

I

’m immensely proud to tell you that the Aurora Group recently won ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, the top accolade in the internationally recognised 2015 Lux Awards.

The award was presented at the awards event following the LuxLive 2015 exhibition, held at London’s ExCel in November. The judges pointed to a company that demonstrated value-for-money products with quality that consistently exceeds expectations, calling it ‘a playbook in how you succeed in lighting’.

Earlier in 2015, Aurora won Best Marketing Campaign for its mSeries ‘Light Years Ahead’ campaign at Northern Ireland’s Electrical Awards 2015. Aurora is today a global manufacturer of energy-saving, smart LED lighting solutions. We are part of one of the largest privatelyowned international LED lighting organisations. The Aurora Group has delivered over $1 billion of awardwinning solutions to customers in over 70 countries throughout our 16-year history.

At the LuxLive presentation, Richard Sells, Aurora’s Group Managing Director, said, “It is such an honour to win this prestigious accolade, which recognises our achievements across all of a lighting manufacturer’s disciplines.

“Over the years, we’ve continued to achieve recognition for multiple products, projects, channels, innovation and marketing through numerous industry awards. In 2014, Aurora’s Growthpoint Properties project in South Africa was awarded International Lighting Project of the Year by Lux Review. In March 2015, Heathrow’s Terminal 2 Airport Lounge won the Lighting Design Award.

Recently, we won Best Marketing Campaign at NI Electrical Awards.”

How have we done it? Aurora continually invests in world-class, in-house manufacturing capabilities and facilities including R&D, manufacturing, engineering, and product development competencies in the UK and Asia.

44 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

“Over the years, we’ve continued to achieve recognition for multiple products, projects, channels, innovation and marketing through numerous industry awards.”

Through an East/West partnership, we have developed specific competencies in key areas in all elements of lighting DNA such as light source, thermal management, optics, driverless technologies, light engines, smart-connected products, luminaire manufacturing and testing labs. Aurora recently became a Nemko-approved laboratory, which means we can certify our own products to a globally recognised standard.

With a focus on future development and continuous reinvention, most recently, Aurora has pioneered an ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) transformational business opportunity. We are the first manufacturer to partner with Gooee, the world’s first ‘Full-Stack’ lighting ecosystem, to provide ‘Value Beyond Illumination’ and integrate smart technology into our products. This new era, termed Lighting 3.0, and new technology presents three key benefits - Environmental Intelligence Services, Human Engagement, Product and Asset Tracking.

From more than 200 nominations, the judges drew up the initial shortlists, tested products and visited projects the length and breadth of the UK to

see them in action for themselves.

“What makes our awards unique is that we personally test every product on each shortlist and visit all the schemes assessed as possible winners,” said Lux publisher, Ray Molony. “It means these awards have rapidly become the must-have trophies of the lighting industry, and this year’s candidates were stronger than ever.”

Aurora also leads on training and education globally, using social media and digital communications to educate and inform. A UK intern programme is going global in 2016.

At LuxLive, we also unveiled our new catalogue, ‘Lighting 2016 Edition 1’ and demonstrated how, under one holistic brand (which now includes Microlights), our company plans to deliver ‘Value Beyond Illumination’ in 2016 and beyond, to accommodate five sectors – residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial.

To discuss a project or order your copy of ‘Lighting 2016 Edition 1’, contact Des Duignan on mobile 00353 83 420 6847, office 00353 1 6968028, fax: 00353 1 6968190 or email des.duignan@auroralighting.com or andrea.duignan@auroralighting.com W: www.auroralighting.com

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lighting

Latest additions to the quality, innovative and cost-competitive range of LEDs are unveiled as Saturn LED announces recruitment drive…

New products and expanding team at Saturn LED

A

fter enjoying a hugely successful 2015, Saturn LED has already set its sights on future growth this year.

The company spent last year building on its initial success and not only launched a new catalogue but also opened a new Irish Distribution Centre. In fact, the company was officially recognised at the Northern Ireland Enterprise Awards in the Hilton, Belfast, where Saturn LED was named the runner-up in the Business Start Up of the Year category, and also with Managing Director, Mark O’Connor, named as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year!

But the company is not one to rest on its laurels, and Saturn LED is already expanding its product range, as well as its staff.

Due to its success, the company is recruiting internal sales managers and area sales managers who will be responsible for pushing forward Saturn LED’s sales plan.

In addition to adding to the team, Saturn LED also continually expands its innovative range of high quality LEDs. This includes:

Halo LED Bulkhead Twice as efficient as 20 equivalents, the Halo LED Bulkhead creates a dramatic halo effect on the wall or ceiling. This range is further complemented by a variety of trim accessories.

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Venture Exterior Bulkheads Offering a robust, cost-competitive alternative to GLS designs, the Venture IP65 5W LED Bulkhead comes complete with an eyelid attachment to give a sleek finish.

Warrior LED Wall Packs Ideal for commercial and industrial areas and available in 22W and 40W versions, the Warrior LED bulkhead is constructed from a robust polycarbonate diffuser and has a heavy duty diecast base.

This is an example of the quality, innovative and cost-competitive LEDs available from Saturn LED for the commercial, industrial and domestic sectors. This consistent evolution of the Saturn LED product range is combating the plethora of cheap, low-quality LED luminaires that have deluged the UK and Irish markets.

In contrast, Saturn LED only offers quality, with all LEDs incorporating CREE, Philips or Tridonic components and superb warranties.

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The company spent last year building on its initial success and not only launched a new catalogue but also opened a new Irish “Quote Distribution Centre.

The company also delivers on price.

As one of the few independent distributors within the UK and Ireland distribution markets, Saturn’s strong procurement process, coupled with a focus on service, enables customers to benefit from highly competitive pricing across the company’s product range.

The quality of the Saturn LED product range is matched by the company’s service. The Irish Distribution Centre outside Dungannon works in conjunction with the company’s distribution facilities in Chelmsford and the sourcing office in Shanghai, China to provide the latest LEDs when and where you need them. All orders placed before 6pm will be delivered anywhere in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland the next day.

T: (NI) 028 8788 0063 or (RoI) 048 8788 0063 E: sales@saturnled.eu www.saturnled.eu

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 47

lighting

Andy Douglas, Managing Director, Timeguard, explains how customers can filter the genuinely innovative products from the copy cats…

Off the shelf needn’t be average

T

hree things always happen when a technology has come of age - it’s easy to get hold of products ‘off the shelf’, the customers don’t query your recommendation to use it, and the marketing wars rage.

Every marketing team has something with a ‘unique’ feature or that’s a little bit cheaper – or both. So how do you choose?

Firstly, should you take the use of the word “unique” with a pinch of salt? I say this because new and unique doesn’t stay that way for very long, and the rare and really good ideas typically get copied within the year. Also, in truth, a lot of ’brand new features’ are only cosmetic tweaks.

Real innovation is not that easy – and I speak as a serial innovator. At Timeguard, we have a core strategy of developing something genuinely new for our ranges of lighting, time, safety and climate control.

It is a strategy that has proved to be good business over the years because our customer base is made up of installers who are always ready to find a quicker or better way of doing the job.

Therefore, constant innovation is the only way to keep our hungry R&D team happy and, believe me, they’ve played another blinder this past year. Now look out for more exciting announcements this coming summer.

So, if ideas are copied, then logic dictates that, in the end, your choice just comes down to price, and the firms like mine behind branded goods have no long-term future. Or does it? From our side, that’s proving not the case – so what’s going on?

Differentiation LED lighting is ubiquitous, and instant brightness and miniscule electricity

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bills are now taken for granted. People want something different and radical new designs, like our NIGHTeye range of compact floodlights and the die-cast bulkheads, gives them just that. It’s not enough just to pop a few diodes into an old-style case. The conceptual leap that took us from the old halogen casings to NIGHTeye was more than skin deep – for example, our engineers had to rethink heat dissipation.

Availability Showing customers what you propose to install on the internet is not uncommon these days – indeed they are just as likely to show you what they want. So you’ll want a product that is stocked and trusted by wholesalers across the country. They are remarkably good at predicting demand and, if they have a product listed, then usually they will have it in stock. If not, then as account holders with an established firm, they will have a service agreement that lets them get hold of it for you quickly, and often within 24 hours.

Wide availability of a range is also a good indicator of quality. Dealing with returns is expensive – and goods that fail soon disappear from the wholesaler’s shelves.

Easy Time is money. Installers want a product that comes with all the specification, fitting and setting up information they need on or in the box, ideally with images. It also helps if it is clearly written in plain English, and not badly translated in a factory halfway across the globe.

Easy installation is important too - well thought out wiring patterns make all the difference when you are up a ladder.

Back up support You also want to know there’s someone there to help if you have a query. You can save yourself and your customer a lot of money, and provide a better lighting set up for them, by using master and slave combinations - a mix of luminaires with PIR detectors and ones without. But what is the best mix?

You’ll want to be careful not to overload the PIR switch and, while the capacity is clearly specified on our packaging, we get a lot of installers using our free helpline to check this – and, no, it’s not a premium rate number.

This is probably because of heightened awareness that drivers need to be tested and rated for LED lighting because, although the general loading with LEDs is low, the switches do have to cope with a high initial surge.

Reliability Caveat emptor - buyer beware. If it hasn’t got an extended guarantee, few reputable installers will go near it these days. With review and references sites like Rated People, Which? Trusted Traders and the Streetlife online communities popping up, you know you need to stand out from the crowd and you cannot afford to get it wrong.

T: (NI) 020 8452 1112 or (RoI) 0044 20 8452 1112 – E: sales@timeguard.com www.timeguard.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 49

REGULATION

Safety supervisory body will provide single point of contact to electrical contractors and consumers…

CER appoints RECI to operate the Safe Electric Scheme

F

ollowing an open public procurement process, the CER recently announced the appointment of a single Electrical Safety Supervisory Body to regulate electrical contractors in relation to safety in Ireland.

From January 2016, the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland - or RECI as the organisation is better known, - is the only Safety Supervisory Body (SSB) in Ireland and operates under the Safe Electric brand. The Safe Electric brand will be the only consumer facing brand and will allow the general public to more easily identify the scheme and access a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC).

The CER says these arrangements will benefit both consumers and RECs and will remain in place until the end of 2022, giving customers peace of mind that RECs who carry out work in their home do so safely, thereby protecting lives and property.

Safe Electric was operated by two

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Paul McGowan, CER Commissioner.

“The objective of the changes to the scheme is to create a more consistent application of safety standards amongst Registered Electrical Contractors.”

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Electrical Safety Supervisory Bodies on behalf of the CER for the first designation period, which concluded at the end of 2015. These bodies carried out the day-to-day operations of the electrical safety scheme on behalf of the CER, such as inspecting the Registered Electrical Contractors annually.

There are almost 4,000 RECs in Ireland, all of which will be supervised by the Electrical SSB so that consumers can be assured that contractors working in their homes are competent, audited and inspected by RECI and are insured.

Under the scheme, contractors must also provide a completion certificate to consumers on completion of their work certifying that it’s is carried out to specified standards.

According to the CER it is an offence to carry out certain electrical works, to describe oneself as a REC or to act in a manner likely to suggest that one is a REC while not being registered.

The CER carries out prosecutions on non-registered individuals who violate these laws and act illegally.

The regulatory scheme, which has been in existence since 2009, will be strengthened by improvements which will build on the benefits to date in terms of safety. The scheme will move from having two Electrical SSBs to one Electrical SSB, allowing for a more focused and efficient scheme.

The greater benefits to RECs will include access to the Electronic Certification System, making the return of safety certificates more efficient and a listing on the approved contractor register on the Safe Electric website, allowing easy location by consumers and access to technical bulletins.

Paul McGowan, CER Commissioner, said, “We congratulate RECI on their appointment as the Electrical Safety Supervisory Body for a seven year period, which commenced in January.

We will work with RECI to ensure that the Safe Electric regulatory scheme continues to improve and grow in effectiveness. The objective of the changes to the scheme is to create a more consistent application of safety standards amongst Registered Electrical Contractors and enable a more focussed and efficient delivery of service for both RECs and consumers.”

The CER says it is committed to ensuring the next stage of the scheme will benefit the public and improve electrical safety in the home. The CER will work closely with the newly appointed Body, the current incumbents and all industry stakeholders to ensure that this is the case.

T: (RoI) 01 492 9966 or (NI) 00353(0)1 492 9966 W: www.reci.ie

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 51

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY

Christine and Scott Pearce, Jane and Stephen Clarke, Liz and Paul Collins, Ann and Steven McMurray, Hilclare Lighting.

Staff and guests from Edmundson Electrical.

TIM McGARRY TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT ANNUAL CHARITY BALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY… Paula and Mark Ellis and David and Marion Adgey, Kew Electrical.

Electrical ball is a big hit

John and Karen Boyd, WS Mercer, Portadown, with Ricky and Monique Magill, City Electrical Factors, Belfast

W Scott Wilson with Rachel Lillie along with Barbara and Michael Patton, from Stothers M&E, pictured with Jackie and Len Reid, Michael Nugent Ltd.

David and Lisa Algie, Paul and Kelly Hart and John and Nicola Fulton, who were on the FOIS table.

Gareth and Catherine Howes, Schneider, Alistair Hair, Hanover Systems, and Gary and Siobhan Doyle, Edmundson Coleraine.

52 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

ith the indomitable Tim McGarry - aka ‘Da’ - compering the event, the ever-popular Electrical Industries Charity ball proved to be a memorable evening.

The annual ball continues to draw a good mix of attendees from the electrical industry and their guests, with the only difficulty seeming to be topping each year’s success.

Tim McGarry was an excellent MC for this prestigious black tie event, held as usual at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast, where guests enjoyed a drinks reception and five-course dinner before dancing the night away to music by The Diva Dolls, one of Ireland’s best female cover acts.

An array of fabulous prizes was up for grabs, with Janice Dennison winning the top prize of £1,000 in cash and then generously donating it to the charity.

With fund-raising very much at the heart of this event, Mervyn Knox, Chairman of the Northern Ireland fundraising committe, thanked everyone for their ongoing support and generosity.

Paul and Diane Dickson along with Amanda and Paul Nickels, William Coates.

Belles of the Ball!

Michael and Glynis Martin, Laura and Stephen Woolsey, Stephen and Claire McCormick, who were on the Thorn table.

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ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES CHARITY

Winners...

Andy Fulton, Alastair Hair, Hanover Systems, Karl and Myra King, Semple & McKillop, Davy Henry, Hager, and Mr and Mrs James Haughey

Comedian Tim McGarry hosted this year’s Ball.

Janice Dennison wins the £1,000 but kindly donated it back to the charity.

Mr and Mrs Herbie Watterson, Harvey Group.

Karl King chatting with Andy Fulton.

Michael Patton, Stothers M&E, winner of a TV.

Raymond Dennison, CEF with William and Lyndsay McMurrary.

Jackie and Len Reid of Michael Nugent M&E Services.

Phil O’Shea, Edmundson Electrical, who won a blueray player.

Having a great night in the Hilton Hotel.

Simon McCarthy, Honeywell, winner of a Roberts Radio.

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 53

circuit protection

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BLENDS MODERN DESIGN AND SAFETY IN THE NEW EASY9+ AND RESI9+ CIRCUIT PROTECTION RANGE…

Premium performance from Schneider

S

chneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has launched its Easy9+ and Resi9+ circuit protection ranges.

The new affordable consumer units build on the foundations of the market-leading platforms by combining design flexibility, ease of installation and regulatory compliance with BS7671.

While traditionally, consumer units have been unsightly square boxes that were kept out of sight, hidden under stairs or in cabinets, the Easy9+and Resi9+ ranges do not compromise on design. With a sleek

54 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

“With a sleek curved profile, crisp white finish and minimalistic markings, the consumer units blend seamlessly with modern home aesthetics.”

curved profile, crisp white finish and minimalistic markings, the consumer units blend seamlessly with modern home aesthetics. The customisable front offers additional flexibility, allowing home-owners or electricians to enhance the look of the unit with anything from a family photograph to an advert for your business respectively. Covers can be ordered at www.easycustomise.co.uk To ensure that every install is finished neatly and easily identifiable for the end user, both ranges now include improved labelling kits with clear pictograms and supporting text.

Furthermore, both ranges also include an incoming cable clamp kit option, providing a mechanical means to limit cable disturbance at the incoming device. Cabling flexibility has been enhanced by providing four large rear knockouts and additional top and bottom knockouts with left and right entries for incoming cables.

Deepak Sharad, Category Marketing Manager Residential FD at Schneider Electric, commented, “The Easy9+ and Resi9+ ranges bring elegant, customisable design at an affordable price to an essential item which, until now, homeowners have had no

control over. But this has not come at the expense of functionality - the ranges offer high levels of residential circuit protection safety and peace of mind to the consumer.”

For contractors, the Easy9+ and Resi9+ range not only delivers robust circuit protection but also provides greater flexibility and additional cabling space, with easy installation in new builds or retrofit buildings. To offer customers even less intrusion in their living space and a minimalist, modern look, the consumer units can be flush mounted. However, the option remains for those who prefer surface mounting.

The Easy9+ device range includes switch-disconnectors, RCCB residual current circuit breakers and RCBO residual current devices, as well as a full range of B&C curve MCBs. To learn more about Easy9+ device range, contact your local Schneider Electric representative or visit www.schneider-electric. com/uk. Alternatively, follow the company on Twitter @SchneiderUK or Facebook www.facebook.com/ SchneiderElectricUK. T: (NI) 0870 608 8608 or (RoI) 0044 870 608 8608 W: www.schneider-electric.com/uk

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JD McGeown associates

Specialists in Network Solutions & Cabling Infrastructure offering a competitive and efficient service

ARCHITECTURAL | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL

• • • • • •

All our Engineers are trained to the latest EIA/TIA standards Single source for industry knowledge, expertise and products Blown fibre installations Specialist installers within the acute healthcare sector Rapid fibre fault finding & repair service 25 year guarantee on all completed installations

We are proud to work with JD McGeown on many of their high profile projects throughout Ireland

213-215 Donegall Avenue, Belfast, BT12 6LU Tel: +44(0)28 9027 8653 Fax: +44(0)28 9031 4713 Email: sales@chromalighting.co.uk www.chromalighting.co.uk

Unit 5 Holly Business Park, Belfast, BT11 9DS Tel: 028 9061 0651 - Email: info@selectservicesni.co.uk www.selectservicesni.co.uk

wilson electrical | wholesale SUPPLIERS TO ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY Unit 14A Linfield Industrial Estate Belfast BT12 5LA

Congratulations to JD McGeown on their 55th Anniversary.

We wish them continued success in the future.

T: 028 9024 6666 F: 028 9024 6677

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 55

Company profile

Managing Director, James McGeown, pictured with Finance Director Emer Patterson and Commercial Director, John Johnston.

JD McGeown celebrates 55 years in A business

New office in Dublin, new-look website, new strategic partnerships and the company’s first BIM project mark significant milestone…

fter 55 years in business you would think that JD McGeown had little else to achieve, but the family-run company remains as enthusiastic as ever to expand whilst still delivering the highest standards.

The opening of a new office in Dublin is just one of a number of ways the company is marking this important milestone, with investments in new staff, a new-look website and training in Building Information Modelling (BIM) all placed alongside the development

of new and existing partnerships. Like so many companies, JD McGeown rose from humble beginnings that are far removed from what it is today. However, the company is still family owned and run, with James McGeown, son of the company founder, now Managing Director, and his sister, Emer Patterson, the company’s Finance Director.

From the sole trader in 1961, the company now employs 90 dedicated and highly trained staff across three offices – the Belfast headquarters alongside those in L’Derry and Dublin.

“We hold a series of accreditations that highlight our commitment to attaining the highest standards and the secret to this is our expert staff.”

56 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

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Company profile

JD McGeown installed the innovative exterior lighting at Belfast City Hall.

Belfast L’Derry Dublin

“We are delighted to mark our 55th anniversary by again expanding our business,” explained James McGeown, Managing Director.

“It is a competitive marketplace, so it is important to get our name out there in any way we can.

“Websites are an important part of this process but we have matched this by having our own personnel on the ground delivering the highest standards of service.”

James continued, “We have also developed a number of new business relationships that have allowed us to create strategic partnerships which, we hope, will lead to further business growth.

“Having been in business for so long, we recognise the importance of moving forward with confidence and we are sure that, with such

solid foundations already in place, we can continue to grow.”

Those solid foundations are based around the company’s commitment to service.

James added, “We hold a series of accreditations including ISO 9001,14001 and 18001 in quality, environment and H&S respectively.

We are also a SparkSafe approved contractor, which enables us to carry out all Public Sector work, and were the first NI contractor to complete a SparkSafe project.

“These accreditations all prove our commitment to attaining the highest standards and the secret to attaining these is our expert team.

Our team is not only highly trained, but also highly experienced, and that balance makes a significant difference to the solutions we can deliver.”

JD McGeown Ltd

Head Office: Belfast T: 028 9068 1176

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L’Derry T: 028 7181 2185

The new-look website has been designed to be mobile responsive.

Dublin T: 00353 (0)1691 7431

Having been in business for so long, we recognise the importance of moving forward with confidence and we are sure that, with such solid foundations already in place, we can continue to grow.”

E: info@jdmcg.co.uk www.jdmcg.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 57

JD McGeown associates

LEADING THE WAY IN Progressive Network SOLUTIONS • Data Centre Design & Build Capability • Network Infrastructure and Architecture • Blown Fibre Services, FTTD/FTTO • Dense Crowd & Public WI-FI applications • DAS Architecture • High and Low pressure FIRE Suppression systems

Congratulations to J D McGeown ltd on their 55th Anniversary (NI) Unit 1c, 4 Westbank Drive, Belfast, BT3 9LA T: 0845 2772200 - E: info@crownind.co.uk www.crownind.co.uk

SUPPLIERS OF: • SOLAR PV AND RENEWABLES • CCTV DATA AND DESIGN • ELECTRICAL ACCCESSORIES AND LAMPS • FIRE & SECURITY ALARM DESIGN • LIGHTING DESIGN • HEATING & VENTILATION • CABLE AND CONDUITS Proud suppliers to JD McGeown, celebrating 55 years in business 58 Boucher Place, Belfast BT12 6HT. T: 028 9066 1177 - F: 028 9038 1502 E: belfast.244@eel.co.uk

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Company profile

Ramada Plaza, Belfast.

Belfast L’Derry Dublin

Premier Inn, Titanic, Belfast.

Lagan Valley Hospital.

Grove Leisure Centre.

An expert team offering electrical engineering and facilities management services that are tailored to the exacting requirements of your project…

Cost-cutting, tailor-made service

S

ince 1961, JD McGeown has steadily expanded to become one of the most prominent electrical engineering specialists and facilities management providers in Northern Ireland.

For over a half a century, the company has built up an enviable knowledge base across a diverse range of projects and a range of sectors. Working from offices in Belfast, L’Derry and now Dublin, JD McGeown is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each project through services including:

• Electrical contracting services • Measured term contracts • Facilities management • Building Information Modelling (BIM) • Sustainable technologies Working with a single, specialised contractor ensures JD McGeown Ltd’s customers enjoy simplicity, ease of management and cost efficiencies.

“We don’t believe in the one-size-fitsall approach,” explained Managing Director, James McGeown. “We strive to provide innovative answers that not only drive down the costs at the time of installation but that

JD McGeown Ltd

Head Office: Belfast T: 028 9068 1176

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L’Derry T: 028 7181 2185

recognise the long-term costs of a project. Our experience in the facilities management sector puts us in the perfect position to take this long-term approach.”

To illustrate this, the company has recently started work on its first BIM project, placing JD McGeown in the perfect position to meet the impending April deadline.

The company also offers a 24/7 help desk, operated by the company’s own engineers.

“Regardless of the size of the project, we offer the same personalised service.”

Dublin T: 00353 (0)1691 7431

“We strive to provide innovative answers that not only drive down the costs at the time of installation but that recognise the longterm costs of a project.”

E: info@jdmcg.co.uk www.jdmcg.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 59

JD McGeown associates

facebook.com/ kewelectrical

twitter.com/ edsandeds

The UK and Northern Ireland’s Wholesaler of the Year

Looking forward to building on our successful business partnership with JD McGeown THIS IS WHAT WE CALL SERVICE! Open 7.30am - 5pm Mon - Fri Sat 9.00am - 12noon

KEW ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS LTD. T/A Eds & Eds Ltd, 385 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LS T: +44 (0)28 9047 1727 • F: +44 (0)28 9047 1153 E: belfast@kewelectrical.co.uk

www.kewelectrical.co.uk Belfast: +44 (0)28 9047 1727

CABLE & ACCESSORIES (NI) LTD ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER

SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING MATERIALS TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, FACTORIES ETC DISTRIBUTORS OF: • Thorn Lighting • Hager • MK Accessories • Unitrunk Trunking System • Sensotec Fire Alarms & Emergency Lighting • GE Lamps & Tubes • Appleby • Crabtree • Pirelli Cables • Creda • Dimplex • Redring • Gewiss • Click • Avo etc

Congratulations to JD McGeown on their 55th Anniversary

CONGRATULATIONS TO JD McGEOWN ON 55 SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN BUSNESS n Buncrana Unit 4A Milltown Business Park, Buncrana Tel: +353 (0)74 9322569 - Fax: +353 (0)74 9321771 n OMAGH 53 Derry Road, Omagh Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2642 - Fax: +44 (0)28 8225 2645 n LIMAVADY 16 Connell Street, Limavady Tel: +44 (0)28 7772 2188 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7776 8991

Musgrave Park Industrial Estate 22 Stockmans Way, Belfast BT9 7JU

Tel: 028 9068 1391 Fax: 028 9066 3533 Email: info@automationcontrolsltd.co.uk

n DERRY Maydown Works, Derry Tel: +44 (0)28 7186 0834 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7186 0834 n LETTERKENNY Fiesta Port Road, Letterkenny Tel: +353 (0)749126788 - Fax: +353 (0)749126539

HEAD OFFICE...

Balliniska Business Park, Springtown Industrial Estate, Londonderry.

T: +44 (0)28 7136 0110 - F: +44 (0)28 7126 3796 Email: info@cableandaccessories.co.uk www.cableandaccessories.co.uk

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Company profile

Adelaide Exchange, Belfast.

Belfast L’Derry Dublin

De la Salle College, Belfast.

Conway Mill, Belfast.

Having worked in the industry for over half a century, JD McGeown has created an enviable project portfolio…

DEL headquarters, Adelaide House, Belfast.

Lynn Building, Queen’s University.

Experts in all areas JD McGeown has built up vast experience across a diverse array of projects, providing electrical engineering and facilities management services in the following sectors: • Community and ecclesiastical • Commercial • Education • Healthcare • Hospitality and leisure • Industrial • Retail

Park Centre, Belfast.

Ashby Building at QUB.

JD McGeown Ltd

Head Office: Belfast T: 028 9068 1176

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Belfast City Hospital.

L’Derry T: 028 7181 2185

Newry Leisure Centre.

Dublin T: 00353 (0)1691 7431

E: info@jdmcg.co.uk www.jdmcg.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 61

electrical magazine

NEW

IT’S NOT

CALLED ELEGANCE

FOR NOTHING

Cable Management Catalogue

OUT NOW

For looks and strength, nothing beats our Elegance aluminium trunking.

It’s perfect for office or educational settings where a tough, high cable capacity two or three compartment trunking is needed. And with the launch of our new 170 x 55mm range, you’ll have even more elegant options available.

Northern Ireland CORE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS (NI) LIMITED T: 028 9002 0066 - E: sales@coreelectrical.com

Republic of Ireland CORE ELECTRICAL LIMITED T: 01 4537 033 - E: sales@coreelectrical.ie www.coreelectrical.ie

NEW

CURVES NEVER GO OUT OF

STYLE Choose the number one in cable management.

62 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

Cable Management Catalogue

OUT NOW

With an elegantly curved profile, our Odyssey trunking range is one of the most stylish on the market.

It has tamper-resistant covers; flush accessories; is easy to install and there’s even an integrated bio option that protects against 99.9% of harmful bacteria.

Northern Ireland CORE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS (NI) LIMITED T: 028 9002 0066 - E: sales@coreelectrical.com

Republic of Ireland CORE ELECTRICAL LIMITED T: 01 4537 033 - E: sales@coreelectrical.ie www.coreelectrical.ie

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PEOPLE PROFILE

A very varied nine years at Core Electrical has given Project Sales Manager, John McDonagh, a deep appreciation for all things electrical…

John is electric to the Core

J

ohn McDonagh worked as a Technical Sales Executive for eight years and has held his current role of Project Sales Manager for one year. He learned his trade at Mercury Engineering, first as an apprentice electrician and then as a qualified electrician.

“After a very happy time with Mercury Engineering, I then went on to work for Intel which was also an excellent experience. From there I got into sales and started with Core Electrical. The rest is history, as they say!”

John’s love for the trade is evident.

“I might be biased but being an electrician is, as far as I’m concerned, the best trade. It gives you a love for problem solving and engineering plus it also gives you a great work ethic. So for me, the attraction to the technical side of sales was easy. Now I get to meet amazing people, listen to and understand their needs and get to offer solutions to problems on some of the most exciting projects in Ireland. It’s definitely the perfect synergy for me.”

No two days are the same at Core.

Having the opportunity to work on some of the country’s most prestigious projects means John never gets too comfortable.

“I work with such a brilliant team and with so many great customers that are working on exciting projects here in Ireland and Europe so I never know what could come up.

One morning I could be working with Dominic Delaney, our Modular Wiring Engineer, and John Berry, our Steel Cable Management Engineer, offering solutions to electricians on a 500,000sqft data centre. That same afternoon Ciara McNerney, our

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“It’s crucial that we all ensure the industry’s clients are satisfied with the level of service provided and with the quality of the end product.”

underfloor technical sales executive, could have liaised with a design house and arranged for me to call in and work out an underfloor and desk power solution for a turnkey office fit-out with one of their electrical engineers. I realised very quickly in this job that no day is ever the same.”

One of John’s key objectives working in Core has been to drive the firm’s main focus away from the traditional push strategy route to market.

“Moving to a strategy offering fully engineered solutions like Wieland Modular Wiring, KNX integration and Busbar installations on all types of projects has been the biggest challenge for me at Core. I like to think I’m never static and that I’m constantly evolving; this change of strategy has definitely helped with that.”

Although Ireland’s economic recovery is thankfully well underway, there are still a number of issues facing the sector says John.

“Some of these we can internally change but some are a little bit out of our control. The recovery is inconsistent across the country which has left some areas not seeing green shoots while others are experiencing a skills shortage. The apparent difficulty that the industry has in adopting new technologies and the ‘what’s the cheapest’ attitude that can happen to us all, can often be a major challenge. In saying that, I think I can safely say the electrical sector is always looking in at itself and addressing the above.

“It’s crucial that we all ensure the industry’s clients are satisfied with the level of service provided and with the quality of the end product. We all

have to make sure we are responsive to customer needs and offer them a total LEAN package and the best solution for them.”

Over the last four decades Core Electrical has made investing time in its customers the company’s main priority.

“We believe in integrity and trust, listening to our customers and understanding their needs. We were the first to bring PVC Dado trunking, Supertube, modular wiring, fire rated and bus power flat cable technologies to Ireland. Solving our customer’s problems is what we do.”

Managing the project sales team at Core Electrical is without doubt, the best part of John’s job.

“I feel like how Mário Zagallo must have felt with the 1970 Brazil World Cup team - just in awe of what they come up with every day! I’m very lucky that all my colleagues in Core Electrical make my job so enjoyable.”

When he’s not working with the project sales team at Core, John likes to spend as much time as possible with family and friends.

“I also love walking our mad dogs and djing music. I’m fascinated by thoroughbred breeding and also enjoy watching a good game of rugby.”

Core Electrical Limited T: 01 4537 033 – E: sales@ coreelectrical.ie W: www.coreelectrical.ie

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 63

TRAINING WORKS

EMPLOYERS EXPLAIN WHY THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TRAINING SERVICES FROM ETT…

Local companies supporting ETT training programmes

Pictured (from left) are A.Bonar Ltd’s Managing Director, Alex McAuley; Apprentice Electrician, Mark McMonnies; ETT Training Officer, David Richmond; and Maintenance Manager, Johnny Rea.

Curtis Reid, Electrical Apprentice, Joanne Croskery, JBE Director, and David Richmond ETT.

A.Bonar Ltd

JBE Mechanical and Electrical LTD

Tradition and quality are at the heart of A.Bonar Ltd and go back to the establishment of the business in 1954. Since then, the Ballymenabased company has maintained a regular commitment to first class apprenticeship training and the company continues to replenish and build its reputation as an outstanding, all-Ireland service provider.

Johnny Rea, Maintenance Manager, said, “Qualifications and training are high on our agenda. Our clients expect the best, and we demonstrate this through accredited electrical and apprenticeship training programmes with help from ETT.”

The drive for excellence is clear at JBE Mechanical and Electrical Limited. At the heart of the business is a strong ethos for achievement, founded on best practice and customer care. Since the Ballymena-based company was formed in 1983, the company has built a first class reputation on the foundation of a competent, skilled and highly trained workforce.

“Apprenticeship training and upskilling of our existing workforce strengthens our plans and ambitions for the development of the business going forward,” said Joanne Croskery, JBE Director.

Ian McClelland, Director, Matthew McCaughan, Apprentice Electrician, Ian Thomson, ETT and Paul Dempster Director.

Pictured (from left) are Barry Mc Kenna, Site Manager; Justin McGhee, Electrician; Seamus Walsh, Site Manager; Terry McMullan, Electrician; and Amy Mulholland, ETT.

LM Services (NI) Ltd

Premier Electrics LTD

Ian McClelland and Paul Dempster head up the innovative and ambitious management team at LM Services (NI) Limited.

The South Belfast-based specialist has assembled a confident and progressive team of professional and vocational skilled experts to meet a diverse range of multi-skilled building services contracts.

“Our client expectations are always growing,” said Ian. “We plan to stay ahead of the curve by ensuring that a superior quality of service is achieved, through a technically qualified and well trained workforce.”

With a reputation for leading the competition, Bellaghy-based Premier Electrics recently assembled 15 of its electricians to undertake and complete the City & Guilds 2382-15 course.

ETT provided a tailored in-house training course, aimed at meeting the specific needs of this impressive European building service contractor.

Barry Johnston, Health & Safety Officer, said, “It was great having the flexibility of ETT delivering at our premises on the days that suited our business. Overall, it simply makes better business sense.”

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 028 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org

www.ett-ni.org www.elecmagazine.com

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APPROVED CENTRE

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 65

BETTER TRAINING BETTER APPRENTICES BETTER ELECTRICIANS

T AP &C PL ’s Y

TRAINING WORKS

2016% Offer

16% Off City & Guilds 2382-15 when you book and pay online HEALTH & SAFETY

City & Guilds

ELECTRICAL

2382-15 17th Edition Wiring Regulations 8th February, 2016 LOCATION: Armagh 8th March, 2016 LOCATION: Ballymena PRICE: £395 OFFER PRICE: £331.80

CSR - General Construction

Estimating

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25th February, 2016 LOCATION: Armagh

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2377-22 In-Service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (PAT) 13th April, 2016 LOCATION: Ballymena PRICE: £225 ONLINE PRICE: £213.75

Asbestos Awareness

Intermediate PLC

18th February, 2016

29th March, 2016

LOCATION: Ballymena

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PRICE: £45

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2396 Level 4 Award in the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations 28th April 2016 LOCATION: Ballymena PRICE: £649 ONLINE PRICE: £616

Working at Heights

Emergency Lighting and Fire

29th February, 2016 -

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O ffe r

PRICE: £90

LOCATION: Armagh PRICE: £150 ONLINE PRICE: £142.50

15th March, 2016 LOCATION: Ballymena PRICE: £125 ONLINE PRICE: £118.75

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 028 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org

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TRAINING WORKS

ETT launches new online examination system In November 2015 City & Guilds introduced improvements to the examination system for the now familiar 2394 & 2395 inspection and testing courses. The traditional two-hour written paper element has been replaced with a more convenient online system.

The new system will retain the short question/answer format.

Candidates will, however, be required to type their answers on screen. Those with limited typing skills need not worry, the system has been developed to minimise typing input, and there will be no loss of marks for spelling errors, provided the marker can understand the answer. The introduction of the online system will mean quicker turnaround of results and more flexible exam dates.

ETT has recently put a number of candidates through the new 502 exam, including Michael Thompson, Contracts Manager with JBE, who was impressed by the change.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Michael. “The industry is moving forward with new technologies so it’s good that the training and exams are too. I think everyone will benefit from swifter feedback on the all-important results.”

ETT lecturer, Ken Robinson delivers the C&G 2382-15 17th Edition Wiring Regulations to the super 22.

100% for supersized 17th Edition As 2015 drew to a close, the demand for the City & Guilds 2382-15 17th Edition Wiring Regulations spiked, with 22 forward-thinking customers joining the supersized three-day end-of-year course.

The candidates - which included employees from JTI Ltd, ROL Testing, Locksley Engineering, Irwin Electrical and BTFS - entered into the lively dynamics of the exceptional class size.

Many of the candidates shared their on-site stories and posed quite a few questions to ETT’s expert lecturer, Ken Robinson. It turns out that 22 heads are better than one, as all the candidates passed the exam!

Training success A snapshot of some of the recent course attendees…

Mark Mills, Ulster University, Kenneth McLaughlin, Mairead Harrigan, ETT, and Harry Creighton, JTI, at one of the first 502 exams held at ETT.

Old format

New format

Online multiple choice (I hr 20 mins)

Online multiple choice (I hr 20 mins)

Written paper (2 hr)

*NEW online short answer exam (2 hr)

Practical assessment

Practical assessment

Jacobus Mostert, Defusion, David Johnston, ETT and Michael Magilton, Defusion at a recent CSR course in Ballymena.

Kirk Sloan from BTFS receives his 2382-15 certificate.

Craig McNeilly, ETT, with Eugene Moore from Outsourse Solutions and Mayanna Hagans, Schrader, at a recent PAT course.

Dave Hanna from BTFS passed the 2382-15 17th Edition in December.

At a glance Set exam dates by City & Guilds

On-demand exams can be booked for any date

Evening only exam

Anytime

2 hours

2 hours

45 working days to receive results

2 weeks to receive results

Close book exam

Close book exam

Manual review of answers

You can now flag the answers you are unsure of as you go along and review them when you are ready

Ballymena: Units 57-59, Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena Armagh: Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Road, Armagh T: (NI) 028 2565 0750 – T: (RoI) 028 2565 0750 – E: enquiries@ett-ni.org

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 67

training

It might be straightforward work for most competent electricians, but did you know there’s an industry standard for firms involved in the fire detection and fire alarm industry?

BAFE sets the standard for fire alarm installers

B

AFE provides a means by which fire protection system users and regulatory authorities can be confident that the companies providing fire alarm systems are competent to effectively undertake fire alarm activities.

The BAFE SP203-1 scheme has been set up as a modular scheme specifically to facilitate certification for the different work activities associated with fire detection and fire alarm systems. These modules include design, installation, commissioning and handover, and maintenance. Many electrical firms who specialise in this area consider BAFE certification a necessary and vital tool to winning more work.

Mark Cairns, who runs MGC Fire, says that

68 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

since gaining BAFE approval, he is busier than ever.

“I knew that I had to get BAFE certification, as a lot of large companies carrying out that sort of work make it a requirement if they sub-contract the work out,” he said.

He added that, while most trained electricians are capable of installing fire alarm systems sufficiently, the BAFE assessment is a bit more stringent.

“You are assessed on not just the quality of work but also on the finer details such as spacing of detectors, correct earthing and other procedures. People might think it is easy for the untrained, but BAFE sets us aside as having the knowledge to do it properly and to the right standard.”

NICEIC can now offer BAFE registration

to contractors looking to diversify into this specialised market. As an incentive it is offering a special £50 discount for all contractors already registered with NICEIC. T: (NI) 0843 290 7567 or (RoI) 0044 843 290 7567 E: enquiries@niceic.com W: www.niceic.com/bafe

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training

MYECS IS THE FACILITY FOR CARDHOLDERS THAT ALLOWS YOU TO VIEW THE DETAILS THAT ECS HAS ON ITS SYSTEM RELATING TO YOUR ECS CARD AND QUALIFICATIONS…

MyECS - easy management of your ECS card online!

E

CS cardholders can now benefit from an online system to keep track of their card, and keep their personal information and work-related records up to date, by registering for MyECS. MyECS allows cardholders to view the details that the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme holds about them relating to their ECS card and qualifications.

It’s a very useful tool which, when used regularly, can provide a host of benefits. Via MyECS, cardholders can: • Check the progress of a new or renewed card application • Make sure that they never miss any paperwork relating to their card renewal • View and amend their personal contact details held on file • Look at which ECS card/s they currently hold

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• See which qualifications are registered against their card • Check their Health & Safety assessment expiry.

If the cardholder has moved in the last three years there’s a risk that their card renewal reminder may not reach them in time. Using MyECS to keep their postal address, e-mail and telephone number up to date means that the online renewal is much easier to track than a postal renewal.

On the site, visitors can find out more about the ECS Health & Safety Assessment, FAQs relating to their card application and the additional benefits they receive as an ECS cardholder.

Registering for MyECS is straightforward and takes little time. Go to www.ecscard. org.uk/myecs to find out more - applicants will just need their personal e-mail address,

“ECS cardholders can now benefit from an online system to keep track of their card.”

National Insurance number, date of birth and surname, ECS card number or H&S Assessment number.

T: (NI) 03333 218 230 W: www.ecscard.org.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 69

project profile

space campus, south eastern Regional College, Bangor M&E Contractor

Leading M&E contractor meets noise and space challenges to install energy efficient and innovative system…

Superb performance by Harvey Group in SPACE!

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s a unique facility, the new £12million SPACE campus at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor required a unique M&E solution. This challenge was met head on

by Harvey Group working collaboratively with M&E consultants, Bennett Robinson and main contractor, O’Hare & McGovern.

The new 3,650 m² facility was funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and is aiming to boost education and training across three areas – creative industries, computing and engineering – by providing bespoke accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Computer and Software Engineering and Performing and Creative Arts.

The heart of the Performing Arts Centre is the theatre, around which rehearsal and production studios are located.

The theatre has all the attributes of a professional auditorium and, in addition to being suitable for staging professional productions, it provides first-class rehearsal, recording and performance facilities for the students of Bangor and the surrounding area.

The Technology Innovation Centre provides a business quality learning environment that further enhances the College’s existing capacity for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology and Engineering sciences.

As Paul Stevenson, Contracts Manager at Harvey Group, explained, the company faced a range of challenges across the project.

“The ceiling void space was tight and had to incorporate a number of services as well as the steelwork. To combat this, all the services were well co-ordinated with the various parties involved to ensure

“We go into these projects aiming to build relationships and work as part of a wider team and we are delighted with the end result.”

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project profile

Supply to commissioning U Harvey Group displayed the company’s

that everything fitted perfectly and that we didn’t face any clashes during the installation process. A lot of time and thought was also put into the design of the plant rooms to create the best possible arrangement.”

The M&E installation on this new build project was extensive, yet the overarching feature of the job was the focus on energy saving.

As a result, this BREEAM ‘Very Good’ project is a shining example of what can be achieved when all the parties are focused on an exemplary end result. Harvey Group also had to comply with the new EnergyRelated Product (ErP) Directive.

As part of this process, Harvey Group designed and installed the latest technology to ensure the SPACE campus was as energy efficient as possible, with the emphasis not only on reducing energy usage but also monitoring it in the future.

Paul added, “While there was an emphasis on the energy efficiency of the mechanical installation, the same focus was applied to the electrical installation.

“The lighting is controlled and is arranged in such a way that it can be switched or controlled in zones to provide flexibility, both in terms of usage and to achieve

optimum energy efficiency savings. This was extended to the emergency lighting system which uses high-efficient LEDs. “We also installed a photovoltaic (PV) system. As a result, the building has been provided with a total of 8.76kWp of rigid mono-crystalline PV panels which are linked to the mains electrical system via a single or three-phase inverter unit.”

While all the M&E technology is of the highest energy-efficient standards, an added advantage of the installation is the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) that will be used to monitor energy usage and allow the client to react to various demands.

The electricity sub-meters are controlled by the BEMS and will monitor energy usage, allowing it to be allocated to various enduse categories, such as lighting, general power, HVAC etc. This monitoring process is extended to water and gas as well as the RWH and heat usage of the air-source heat pumps.

Paul concluded, “The building itself is state-of-the-art and our work reflects that.

We go into these projects aiming to build relationships and work as part of a wider team and we are delighted with the end result.”

array of skills at the SPACE campus, carrying out the supply, delivery, connection, testing and commissioning of the mechanical and electrical systems.

This included: Electrical: • Main switchboard • Distribution switchboard • Fire alarm • CCTV • Intruder alarm • Disabled refuge • Lighting • Emergency lighting • Nurse call system • Data network • Door access • Lightning protection • TV system • Music system • Sound systems MECHANical: • Gas-fired LPHW heating system • Gas-fired domestic hot water system and sanitary ware • Air-conditioning system • Automatic opening windows • Automatic opening stairwell vents • Rainwater harvesting • Heat recovery ventilation system • Compressed air system • Natural gas and gas detection system

Harvey Group, 14 Glenwell Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. BT36 7RF T: (NI) 028 9034 2444 - T: (RoI) 048 9034 2444 - E: info@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 71

project profile

space campus, south eastern Regional College, Bangor ELECTRICAL SUPPLIER

Impressive stock levels, daily deliveries, the ability to react quickly all adds up to a successful partnership between KEW Electrical and Harvey Group…

KEW Electrical - the perfect supply partner

A

successful project not only relies on skilled technicians and craftsmen but also a reliable supplier, and this was the role that KEW Electrical played at the state-of-the-art SPACE campus at SERC in Bangor.

After 20 years in business, KEW Electrical – named as Northern Ireland’s Wholesaler of the Year at the Electrical Awards 2015 – has built a strong reputation as a reliable partner and for this project, the company teamed up with M&E contractor, Harvey Group.

KEW Electrical’s extensive product range of leading brand names meant the company was in the perfect position to meet the wide-ranging and specialist requirements of this project. Yet the importance of stock levels also had to be matched by an ability to have products delivered direct to site when they are required.

This was particularly important at the SPACE campus, as space was restrictive on site, meaning there was little additional room to store stock.

“We were making daily deliveries to the site and, at times, this extended to multiple occasions in one day,” explained David Adgey, KEW Electrical’s General Manager.

“These deliveries were pre-planned to meet Harvey Group’s schedule but, as ever, sometimes the unexpected occurs and when that happened we ensured we could react quickly to meet their needs.

“It’s all part of the service and we pride ourselves on being an integral part of the supply chain.

“By providing a direct link with a wide range of leading electrical manufacturers, it means that the electrical contractor has one point of contact to get the products they need, rather than having to chase multiple people.”

This level of service is what customers have come to expect from KEW Electrical and, recently, this has also been recognised by the wider electrical industry.

In addition to winning the Northern Ireland Wholesaler of the Year title, the company also celebrated its 20th anniversary by being

named as the Best Electrical Wholesaler at the Electrical Wholesaler of the Year Awards in London.

A philosophy of same day stock availability, handled by experienced, customerfocussed staff has resulted in KEW’s success story as one of the UK’s fastest growing independent wholesalers. KEW Belfast carries a stockholding of around £500,000, enabling it to service customer needs off the shelf in most cases, while a fleet of vans covers the whole of Northern Ireland each day.

The company’s investment in its trade counter facilities and showroom continues to pay off, as does a commitment to recruiting the best staff.

David concluded, “Through careful recruitment and our apprentice scheme bringing new blood into the industry, we have a superb team of people offering a great service and high levels of professionalism.

Whether you are a single tradesman or a major contractor like Harvey Group, we are confident we can meet your needs.”

Kew Electrical, 385 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2LS T: (NI) 028 9047 1727 or (RoI) 048 9047 1727 - E: Belfast@kewelectrical.co.uk www.kewelectrical.co.uk

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project profile

space campus, south eastern Regional College, Bangor Stage Lighting

QUALITY STAGE LIGHTING SYSTEM FROM LEADING NORTHERN IRELAND DISTRIBUTOR…

Reay Thompson takes centre stage

A

s a centre for performing and creative arts, the new £12million SPACE campus at SERC in Bangor is very much in the spotlight.

At its heart is the theatre, around which rehearsal and production studios are located, and with such an important hub of the new building, the stage lighting formed an integral part of the electrical installation.

Reay Thompson (Belfast) Ltd was entrusted with the job of fulfilling the exact specifications of the project and they did this by supplying a mixture of top quality products.

The brief was to ensure that the lighting is controlled and is arranged in such a way that it can be switched or controlled in zones to provide flexibility, both in terms of usage and to achieve optimum energy-efficiency savings.

To achieve this, the team from Reay

Thompson supplied seven Zero 88 chilli dimmers complete with bypass switches, a Jester lighting console and DMX splitter unit. They also supplied a selection of Chauvet Ovation LED lanterns, Colorado battens, Xeno 2500 strobes and slim bank floods, along with an 18-way DMX patch panel and 6-way lighting barrels.

“All of these products are standard stage lighting items, except for the DMX patch panel, which would be very large for a normal stage lighting job,” said Sales Representative, Drew Clarke. “What they have in common is quality in design and performance.”

QUALITY AND SERVICE Now recognised as one of the leading distributors to the electrical contracting and wholesale industry, Reay Thompson Ltd was founded in Belfast in 1970 out of the

company William Reay Ltd. In the early days, it was primarily involved in the supply of cabling and switchgear to the ship building industry at Harland & Wolff.

Today the company has evolved into one of the premier manufacturers’ agents and distributors in Northern Ireland, with a product portfolio that has grown to encompass lighting, cable management, medical, theatre and clocks.

Reay Thompson Ltd has its own commissioning engineers, and staff offer a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure they are well equipped to meet all their clients’ needs.

“Our aim is to provide the highest quality, cost-effective and environmentally friendly products to all of our customers, together with service, knowledge and advice that is second to none,” said Drew.

Reay Thompson, 8 Lorne St, Belfast, BT9 7DU T: (NI) 028 9066 4411 - T: (RoI) 048 9066 4411 - E: admin@ReayThompson.com www.reaythompson.com

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 73

project profile

space campus, south eastern Regional College, Bangor AV AND SOUND SYSTEM

A masterclass in communicaton from MGA

P

erforming and creative arts is at the heart of the new SPACE campus and students using this state-of-the-art facility will benefit from working with the best technology available – all thanks to MGA Communication.

The new theatre is more than just a teaching space and in addition to providing rehearsal, recording and performance facilities it is also capable of staging professional productions.

As a leading audio visual systems house, MGA Communications provided a high end sound system for this beautiful new theatre including hanging line arrays, subs, amplifiers, wireless microphones, projectors and screens.

Aaron McKeown, Project Director, MGA Communication, explained how the company was able to meet the requirements of this project.

“This is a really high end facility that boasts some of the highest standard of technology,” he said. “For example the

Solar PV installation

MGA Communications Ltd, 55 Antrim Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AN T: (NI) 028 9756 5614 or (RoI) 0044 28 9756 5614 E: enquiries@mgacom.co.uk W: www.magcom.co.uk

Green energy from Solmatix

T

he focus on energy efficiency at the new SPACE campus was highlighted by the impressive solar PV installation carried out by Solmatix Renewables.

The 8.75Kw peak solar PV system was installed on an aluminium ballast system on a flat roof, with the Solmatix team working closely with Hamilton Architects and M&E contractor, Harvey Group, to ensure a suitable location for the PV panels that would allow it to achieve a pre-determined target.

This co-ordination process extended to the installation, with restrictions on space requiring an access plan for cranes and the Solmatix teams to complete the PV project.

The effort, however, was worthwhile, with the project meeting a ‘very Good’ BREEAM rating.

Jock Armstrong, Operations Manager at Solmatix, said, “We are highly experienced at this type of work so we were able to deal with any challenges that came our way. The building’s energy efficiency will be enhanced by this installation, which has an expected

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mixing desk and the overall sound system in the theatre is second to none. The students will really benefit from learning to use this type of technology.”

generation of 8,000kWhr/annum. This will generate high levels of ‘free’ electricity for the campus, with any surplus sold back to the grid. SERC will also benefit from the additional ROC payments.”

The fact that Harvey Group acquired Solmatix not long after this project also highlights the impressive standards the company delivers.

AWARDS Solmatix Renewables has also been named as a National Champion in The European Business Awards 2015/16 and will now go forward to the next round for the chance to win the coveted ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ status.

Separately, the company’s video has been made public as part of a two stage public vote. Vote for Solmatix at www.businessawardseurope.com Solmatix, Tully Road, Nutts Corner, Co Antrim, BT29 4SW, T: (NI) 028 9082 4000 or (RoI) 048 9082 4000 W: www.solmatix.com

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For further information contact: Mervyn Knox - Area Sales Manager T: +44 (0) 7968 147444 or Dublin +353 (0)1 883 5844 or David Henry, Sales Engineer T: +44 (0) 7931 431622

critical power systems

BENDER UK PROVIDES STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT FOR ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL…

Hospital contract is child’s play for the experts at Bender

B

ender UK has played a key role in the provision of critical power IPS and UPS supplies and touch-screen theatre panels controlling vital services within the 16 operating theatres at Alder Hey in the Park children’s hospital in Liverpool.

The new hospital was designed in consultation with patients and their families, the Prince’s Foundation and National Arts for Health. The UK’s first integrated children’s health park, it provides 270 beds and can care for up to 275,000 children each year.

The vastly improved clinical areas include 12 in-patient and four daycase operating theatres, 48 criticalcare beds, a specialist burns unit and a new Accident and Emergency department, along with education and research facilities.

The Acorn consortium, comprising John Laing, Laing O’Rourke and Interserve built the new £237million hospital on behalf of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

The two-year build programme established the hospital as the fastest ever UK healthcare sector construction project.

Bender UK’s Operations Manager, Gareth Brunton explained that

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“Bender excelled in providing technical assistance and information to ensure that our project team was aligned with the project’s critical path.”

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the demanding timeline for the project meant it was crucial that his team worked very closely with the project team and, particularly, Crown House Technologies which managed building services design.

Bender managed the package of works incorporating the supply of isolated power supply (IPS) systems and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, combined with the installation, testing and commissioning of cabling through to blue socket outlets in critical-care areas.

Within the hospital’s 16 operating theatres, Bender was responsible for the supply and installation of hygienic touch-screen panels to control services and surgical lighting. The majority of the control panels incorporated twin 21 inch PACS viewing screens for digital x-rays and scans, and all of the panels were equipped for iPod interconnectivity.

The client stated that it was extremely important that suppliers were able to deliver to a very tight schedule, and Bender UK’s previous experience, along with the outstanding quality and value of its products, made the company a

natural choice for the project.

Bender excelled in providing technical assistance and information to ensure that the project team was aligned with the project’s critical path. As time was of paramount importance, was also employed Bender to carry out the electrical installation, commissioning and validation works associated with the critical areas.

EXPERTISE The client also added that, subletting this specialist package of works ensured that everything was managed externally by Bender, and the company’s expertise in this field ensured the highest standards of work were delivered on time and significantly reduced the amount of CHT involvement. Bender’s team conducted themselves in a highly professional and competent manner throughout the build programme.

Bender is a leader in theatre control panel contemporary membrane technology. The wipe clean membrane design delivers maximum sterility with a unique anti-microbial silver nitrate coating. It enables staff to exercise safe control of the theatre environment through an ergonomic single point of reference, even when wearing surgical gloves.

T: (NI) 01229 480123 or (RoI) 01 5060 611 E: info@bender-uk.com W: www.bender-uk.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 77

Harpers Have it...

Domestic and commercial electrical accessories, lighting and ventilation

Decorative electrical wiring accessories, lighting controls and multi-room audio systems.

Over 30 years experience in the design and delivery of quality structured cabling systems.

Industrial + commercial power accessories and lighting. All things prefixed GW_ _ _ _ _

Specialists in dimmer switches and decorative switches, sockets and wiring accessories.

A complete cable tidy and cable protection management products range.

Decorative and period light bulbs, LED, GU10, MR16, G9 lamps

Structured cabling systems, networking, audio visual and security products. Copper, fibre and wireless networks

Cable Specialists...

YY, SY, LIYCY, H03, H05 flexibles, H07 single and multicore rubbers, silicone and FEP high temperature cables, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A and fibre optic cables.

Unit 1, Montgomery Business Park, 34 Montgomery Road, Belfast T: 028 9079 2155 - F: 028 9079 9031 www.cablespecialists.co.uk

Overall Achievement Award

cables & cable management

FEATURE focus on...

Cables and cable management Don’t get yourself in a tangle – instead turn to the Electrical Magazine’s regular guide to the cables you need for your project and the management systems that make installation easier…

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84 Prysmian vital to fire safety in Tulip factory Prysmian’s FP200 Gold fireresistant cable has been specified and installed for the fire alarm systems in a refurbishment of the Tulip food producing factory in Redruth, Cornwall.

FP200 Gold, is a tough, durable and dressable essential systems cable, and is easy to install and

terminate. The cable also has excellent data and signal transmission characteristics, the ideal choice for voice alarm, addressable and networked systems.

T: (NI) 023 8029 5555 or (RoI) 0044 23 8029 5555 E: cables.marketing.uk@prysmian.com W: uk.prysmiangroup.com

Get kitted out with Super Rod Over 11 million Super Rod cables have been manufactured in the UK with firm favourites such as the Standard, Deluxe and Mega Sets accounting for the majority of orders.

In a single year, the products have saved over nine million hours which equates to a saving of £270 million for the industry. Contractors who purchase the kits can also expect payback in just 2-3 weeks as a result of the time saved. The Standard, Deluxe and Mega Sets offer choices for everyone. Each kit is designed for strength with specially developed AXM fittings to carry loads of up to 200kg - nearly double the strength of any other product on the market. All of the models also use the specialist rod formula Adoxim 5 to reduce splintering and increase flexibility.

For more information, contact Irish distributor, Core Electrical - T: (RoI) 01 453 7033 or (NI) 00353 1 453 7033 E: info@coreelectrical.com W: www.coreelectrical.ie

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UKAS awards BASEC extended ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), the international leader in product certification services for electrical, data and signal cables and ancillary products, has extended its United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation of its UK laboratory to cover a broad range of cable fire tests. This extension to BASEC’s scope under ISO/IEC 17025:2005 includes the large-scale vertical ladder test used for the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), EN 50399 and the full range of vertical ladder tests to the IEC 60332-3-21/25 series as well as many other familiar cable fire tests.

T: (NI) 01908 267300 or (RoI) 0044 1908 267300 - W: www.basec.org.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 79

cables & cable management

Tayfun Eren, Technical Sales/Product Manager for Draka Multimedia Solutions, describes a revolutionary new product that is now available from official Draka distributor, Precision Cables…

Draka innovation delivers high-performance Cat.6 data cable with slim profile

P

rysmian Group –the world’s largest cable manufacturer – maintains its market leading position through a secure focus on research and innovation.

Investment in R&D has led to the situation where Prysmian holds a range of patents for data cable in both copper and fibre, while the global reach of the company allows it to capitalise on the best technologies and skills from around the world.

An example of the benefits of this resource is the revolutionary Draka UC400 Cat.6 U/ UTP HD cable – available directly from Irish distributor, Precision Cables - which meets the performance specifications for Category 6 cable, but within a dimension of 5.25mm.

UNIQUE What’s unique about the Draka Cat6 HD cable? Category 6 cables deliver a 1Gbit data rate, the same as Category 5e cables, but with an increase in bandwidth from 100 MHz to 250 MHz. However, the installation of existing Category 6 cables increases costs by around 20% because of their larger diameter. The cost increase is not due to the larger cable so much as the consequent increase in the size of conduits, cable trays etc.

Manufacturers have,, therefore, been looking for ways to produce slimmer Cat.6 cables. Initial products with a slimmer profile have been introduced, but they can only deliver the full Cat.6 performance over a limited length. Third party tests for the performance of Cat.6 cable test 90m lengths. Any cable that cannot produce optimum performance over 90m cannot be tested and, therefore, cannot be given the certified quality and performance warranties.

Prysmian Group, on the other hand, has developed the Cat.6 U/UTP HD cable. This product is just 5.25mm in diameter, yet meets the full specification for Cat.6 over 90m. It has, therefore, been approved by 3P – a recognised third party independent tester. The Draka branded cable also delivers higher bandwidth (400 MHz) than

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“Draka Cat6 HD cables, with a similar diameter size to category 5e cables, deliver a 1Gbit data rate through a 90m link and with an increase in bandwidth from 100 MHz to 400 MHz.” any standard Cat.6 cable.

Because Draka Cat.6 U/UTP HD cable is comparable in size to Cat.5e cable there is no need to replace conduits, trays etc – hence there is very little price difference between the installation of Cat.5e and Cat.6 overall infrastructures.

WHAT ABOUT POE? Power-over-Ethernet (POE) technology is the capacity to transmit power and data through the same data cable. Power transfer causes the cable to heat, due to the resistance effect. Heat degrades cable performance and, as a result, the cable may not be able to transmit data over the important 90m length.

Other cables on the market have achieved a slim profile by reducing the copper content.

The reduced copper is the reason that they cannot typically meet the performance standard over 90m but it also causes problems for POE applications. Reduced copper content increases the resistance and

causes a greater heat build-up, increasing the degradation and performance of the cable.

In contrast, the development of the Draka Cat.6 HD cable does not rely on reduced copper content to achieve its performance or its reduced diameter.

The result is a cable that not only meets Cat.6 performance specifications but also supports POE applications up to 60W. It also meets POE, POE+, 4-Pair POE standards.

As a contributor to the committees working on POE technology, Prysmian Group has invested in both the technical skills to develop the solution and in the facilities to prove its performance. In these rigorous testing facilities, Draka Cat.6 HD cable has been tested for worst-case scenarios such as when installed in a conduit and a tray.

T: (RoI) 042 9331 436 or (NI) 00353 42 9331 436 E: sales@precisioncables.ie W: www.precisioncables.ie

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 81

cables & cable management

Marco continues to develop its presence within Northern Ireland following two further successful contract wins…

Marco sets sights on NI expansion

W

orking closely with wholesaler DFT, Marco has supplied cable containment products to contractors working at Ballymena Health and Care Centre and the new North West Regional Sports Campus at St Columb’s Park Leisure Centre in Derry-Londonderry.

Ballymena Health and Care Centre is a £25million project, the largest of its kind to date in Northern Ireland.

The new centre will accommodate a range of primary, community and acute outpatient clinics over approximately 9000m2 across 2.5 floors. The M&E contractor on the project is the Harvey Group and the company has utilised Marco’s steel wire cable tray throughout.

Katherine MacSween, Area Sales Manager for Marco in Northern Ireland, said, “There is a lot of development and construction

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“Marco’s penetration of the Northern Ireland markets comes following a period of expansion and growth coupled with significant investment.”

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taking place in Northern Ireland at the moment, presenting fantastic opportunities for Marco.

“We’re working closely with wholesalers there, including DFT, who’ve been impressed with the Marco range and are keen to share the benefits with their customers.”

Marco has also supplied steel wire cable tray to contractors who are managing sub-contracting works at the North West Regional Sports Campus. With a value of £10.7million, the contract focuses on the construction of a new 4,600sqm centre, demolition of the existing leisure centre and extensive site works including two floodlit synthetic five-a-side pitches.

Katherine added, “These two projects are important developments for Northern Ireland. Our involvement in both gives us a further footing into the buoyant Northern Ireland construction market where we continue to make great headway.”

Marco’s penetration of the Northern Ireland markets comes following a period of expansion and growth coupled with significant investment.

The firm is now able to offer a complete one-stop-shop proposition to customers through a range of steel wire cable tray, uPVC perimeter trunking, bench trunking, power poles and power posts.

Recent investment of £2million has enabled Marco to both ramp up

production and allow a strong cross section of products and supporting accessories to be developed from the firm’s Anglesey-based headquarters.

Katherine explained, “Marco is now in its 12th year in business and during this time we’ve pressed ahead with product development and innovation, consistently investing, even when the economic crisis hit. We’ve found today that this approach has really paid dividends, as we are now in a position whereby we can fulfil all of our customers’ cable containment needs through both steel wire cable tray and uPVC trunking.

“Typically in the past, many of our customers will have used different manufacturers for their SWCT and uPVC trunking, perceiving them as two completely separate specifications and, therefore, treating them individually. As our brand gets stronger and our reputation grows, customers, old and new, are now exploring both product ranges and often choosing Marco for both.

“This is ultimately the position that we have been aiming for during the past several years and we need to consolidate this and ensure all of our customers understand and are aware of our product ranges and our product capabilities.”

T: (NI) 01248 725772 or (RoI) 0044 1248 725772 E: sales@marcocm.com W: www.marcocm.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 83

cables & cable management

CLYNDER KEEPS UP WITH MARKET TREND FOR EXTRA FLEXIBLE CABLING AND LOW SMOKE CABLES …

Highly flexible tri-rated panel wiring from Clynder

A

s panel builders drive toward smaller and lighter panels and increasingly look to save space and reduce panel weight, one way is to use more flexible cables, enabling lengths to be cut shorter in order to reduce space, weight and the cost of valuable copper.In response to this demand, Clynder Cables has developed its Superflex range – a selection of highly flexible tri-rated cables to accompany its standard range.

The Superflex series comes in sizes from 10mm² up to 240mm², cables, which are so flexible it is possible to tie a knot in the 240mm², one of the

84 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

High manufacturing standards and stringent quality controls make Clynder Cables the brand of choice.

largest sizes. These Superflexes use Class 6 conductors – the diameter is the same as the regular Class 5 conductor used in the standard trirated cables, but the wire strands are smaller and there are a much greater number, improving the bend radius.

Both Superflex and regular Trirated cabling are also available as double insulated, for use in instances where some mechanical protection

is required but cable trays are not practical or available.

As the market also increasingly looks for cables with a lower fume emission in fire situations, there is also a growing demand for BS7211 compliant cables, such as Clynder’s 2491B cable.

Clynder Cables’ products always guarantee the same colour consistency, with bright, deep colour shades which do not fade and do not vary from one batch to the next.

T: (NI) 0161 629 9333 or (RoI) 0044 161 629 9333 E: sales@clyndercables.co.uk W: www.clyndercables.co.uk

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WATCH YOUR WEIGHT with Bridge Commercials!

Weight restrictions aren’t just a New Year’s Resolution!

A number of drivers have been prosecuted for overloading their van or towing a trailer in excess of weight restrictions. At Bridge Commercials we listen very carefully to what you want from your van and give you the options to meet your needs! That includes ensuring you have a van that is capable of carrying the extra pounds you need – even if you have over-indulged!

165 Dromore Road, Hillsborough, bt26 6ja. E: bridgecommercials@hotmail.com www.bridgecommercials.co.uk

project profile

BALLYMENA HEALTH & CARE CENTRE M&E CONTRACTOR

After completing Northern Ireland’s first combined health and social care centre, Harvey Group works on the province’s largest facility of its kind…

Harvey Group showcases healthcare expertise

W

hen it comes to the specialist healthcare sector, Harvey Group has more than proved the company’s wide-ranging expertise.

The new £25million Ballymena Health and Care Centre encompasses the new look of healthcare provision in Northern Ireland, with a wide range of medical and social care services now housed within this impressive building.

While Harvey Group can point to the company’s successful involvement in the award-winning Wellcome Wolfson Centre of Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast as a reflection of its attention to detail, the work carried out at The Portadown Community Treatment and Care Centre is of more relevance.

When it opened in 2009, Portadown CTCC was the first facility of its kind in Northern

Ireland, providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ for both primary and community care services. In contrast, Ballymena Health and Care Centre is now the largest facility of its kind in the province, with the team from Harvey Group utilising the experience of Portadown on this latest project.

Located on the north side of the Braid Valley Hospital site, Ballymena Health and Care Centre has an eye-catching aesthetic, both

“Harvey Group utilised both Building Information technology alongside AutoCAD to effectively design the system and avoid any clashes with other services.”

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project profile

M&E Services...

U Harvey Group’s M&E installation

at Ballymena Health and Care Centre incorporated:

internally and externally, and the facilities bring together a wide range of primary, intermediary, diagnostic and community health facilities under one roof.

As an in-house Level 1 BIM project, Harvey Group utilised both Building Information technology alongside AutoCAD to effectively design the system and avoid any clashes with other services.

As M&E installations become more prevalent, so the need for more innovative methods of housing these services becomes a necessity.

In an effort to increase the amount of daylighting in the perimeter rooms, the architect specified sloped ceilings on the project, which, although they looked the part, left Harvey Group with the difficult task of co-ordinating services within an everdecreasing space within ceiling void.

Geoffrey Stewart, the Electrical Contracts

Manager, “We faced a high intensity of services, all within a tight space. Having our own specific M&E co-ordinator and the use of AutoCAD to rule out clashes made a significant difference in this regard.”

With a target of a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, the M&E team also had to take energy efficiency into consideration for this project.

From an electrical perspective, PIR and time-controlled lighting was installed, with the fitting only remaining on when detecting a presence in the room. In addition, the LED emergency lighting not only offers extended lamp life but, as a self-testing system, it reduces the labour time required to check each fitting. Mechanically, rainwater harvesting, major leak detection, solenoid point-of-use detection was installed to keep energy use as efficient as possible.

Electrical: • Main switchboard • Distribution switchboard • Fire alarm • CCTV • Intruder alarm • Disabled refuge • Lighting • Emergency lighting • Nurse call system • Data network • Door access • Lightning protection • TV system • Music system • Sound systems Mechanical: • Gas-fired LPHW heating system • Gas-fired domestic hot water system and sanitary ware • Air-conditioning system • Fume extract system • Automatic opening windows • Automatic opening stairwell vents • Rainwater harvesting • Heat recovery ventilation system • Dental vacuum system • Dental compressed air system • Natural gas and gas detection system • Medical gas detection system

Harvey Group, 14 Glenwell Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. BT36 7RF T: (NI) 028 9034 2444 - T: (RoI) 028 9034 2444 - E: info@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 87

project profile

BALLYMENA HEALTH & CARE CENTRE Data Network

Tailored data network solutions from FOIS

H

ealthcare projects remain one of the areas of expertise for FOIS – a fact displayed by the company at the new Ballymena Health and Care Centre.

The company’s designed and installed a Metz CAT 6 installation, incorporating blown fibre solutions, across five communications rooms at this extensive healthcare facility which is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. This system provides a high speed IT and telecommunications solution for the new centre.

John Fulton, Operations Director at FOIS, explained, “We have worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Ulster Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital, amongst others, so we have a lot of experience in meeting

“We have a lot of experience in meeting the needs of the healthcare sector.”

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

FOIS Limited, Unit 1c 4 Westbank Drive, Belfast, BT3 9LA. T: (NI) 0845 2772200 T: (RoI) 0044 845 2772200 - E: info@fois.com W: www.fois.com

MGA Communications in a good state of health

M

GA Communications utilised the company’s experience within the healthcare centre to provide a complete package for the new Ballymena Health and Care Centre.

The biggest facility of its kind in Northern Ireland, this new centre is an example of the new-look of community healthcare that is as far removed from the cold, clinical atmosphere of old. This modern environment required a modern communications system and the leading audio visual systems house installed a Public Address (PA) system and a TV system – both of which have been designed to

“This sector is developing into a more modern environment and our systems and solutions fit perfectly within this."

88 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

the needs of the healthcare sector.

“So on this project in Ballymena, the challenge was more the sheer scale of the work involved rather than its complexity.

We worked closely with the project team to first design a top level system and then worked in co-ordination with Harvey Group to carry out the installation. Overall, we are delighted with the end result.”

FOIS is a highly successful and diverse company providing full structured network installations, wireless installations and wireless connectivity solutions.

The computer networking specialists provide a number of tailored services, including voice and data cabling; networking and wireless solutions; digital signage and water leak detection.

communicate useful information to patients and staff.

Aaron McKeown, Project Director, MGA Communications, said the company is delighted to have completed another healthcare project of this kind.

“Ballymena Health and Care Centre is a great example of how this sector is developing into more a more modern environment and our systems and solutions fit perfectly within this,” he said. “We have completed a number of projects like this, most recently a similar health care centre in Banbridge, so we have the experience and the product range to meet the demands perfectly.”

MGA Communications Ltd, 55 Antrim Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AN T: (NI) 028 9756 5614 or (RoI) 0044 28 9756 5614 E: enquiries@mgacom.co.uk W: www.magcom.co.uk

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project profile

BALLYMENA HEALTH & CARE CENTRE NURSE CALL EQUIPMENT

Intelligent solutions from AJ Hurst

LIGHTING

A

J Hurst Ltd once again showcased the company’s ability to meet a variety of nurse call system requirements by providing a tailored solution for this project.

While the requirements of the end user were a primary consideration, AJ Hurst Ltd’s solution was also cost-effective and provided ease of installation.

The company provided Fusion IP nurse call equipment manufactured by Static Systems.

The system is bus wired using Cat 5 cables and complies with the requirements of

AJ Hurst, Unit 10 Graham Industrial Park, Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9LP T: (NI) 028 9077 0037 or (RoI) 048 9077 0037 – E: online-sales@ajhurst.com www.ajhurst.com - Twitter: @AJHurstElectric

Erco - lighting that’s worth the wait

W

ho says projects take a long time? If anyone needed proof, this was it. Erco Lighting held its first meeting with Keppie Design Ltd and TUV-SUD Wallace Whittle in 2009 and the handover at Ballymena Health and Care Centre was not until October 2015.

Thankfully it was well worth the wait.

The lighting design from Erco Lighting primarily focused on the atrium spaces, breakout spaces and open plan office areas.

The atrium, in particular, was important for the design team.

The atrium required the lighting levels to be functional but also to create interest by highlighting wall and timber finishes as well as creating drama through the use of narrow beam downlights and spotlights.

For the first floor landing areas the design team bought into the use of Parscan LED spotlights with oval beam lenses to only focus the light onto the landing floor between the walls and the balustrades.

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Health Technical Memorandum HTM-08-03.

Each room that required a call system was provided one or more of the following call types - Patient to Nurse Call; Emergency Staff to Staff Call; or Attack Alarm Call.

Mervyn Stevenson, AJ Hurst, explained, “Any call that is activated indicates and sounds on the appropriate touchscreen Nurse Call indicator located at the reception bases, practice manager’s offices and other areas. In addition to this, some of the rooms are fitted with a Nurse Presence push button. This assists staff on duty, as it establishes, via the touchscreen indicator, if a nurse is present in a particular room.”

The Fusion IP nurse call solutions, provided

by Static Systems Group, are available in four different options depending on client requirements. For this project, AJ Hurst utilised the Codem solution.

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These spotlights where located in architectural troughs at 7 metres above the landing and, thanks to Harvey Group’s creative thinking, some final adjustments prior to handover completed the job to perfection. The feature brick walls were illuminated using Compact LED wall-washers whilst Quintessence recessed directional LED downlights highlighted the timber slats and created pools of light on the floors, giving a sense of orientation.

The delay in the project provided Erco Lighting with a number of opportunities to use the company’s expertise in LED lighting that would not have been possible even three years ago.

Colin Mitchell, Project Sales Manager, ERCO Lighting Ltd. T: on (NI) 028 90 492060 or (RoI) 028 90 492060 – M: 0044 (0)7802 337599 E: c.mitchell@erco.com W: www.erco.com

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 89

ELECTRIC HEATING

the ecoSAVE Electric Heater is not only easy to install but it provides effective heating capable of being controlled by a new App…

I’m a Wi-Fi ready hAPPy chAPPy

M

anufactured from high grade aluminium and housing high performance heating oil and elements, the ecoSAVE Electric Heater is designed to meet the heating demands of the modern home.

Due to the modular construction and air flow outlets at the top of the Heater, the ecoSAVE benefits from fast heat-up times and provides an even surface temperature with optimum convection.

The heater is fully programmable 24/7 and offers Eco, Comfort and Frost Protection settings with a mains power on/off switch located on the side of the radiator for when heat is not required. The easy to use digital programmer is located at the top of the radiator for ease of operation and is easily accessible for future maintenance purposes.

The PCB is housed in an easy to remove cartridge system to avoid removing the heater from the wall if a repair is required.

The ecoSAVE is supplied with a 10-year warranty on the body of the heater and 2

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years on the electronics.

Furthermore, if you require a wireless controlled heater or full heating system, the Smart APP Wi-Fi kit will control the ecoSAVE Heaters with any Apple or Android Smartphone, Tablet or PC. It is simple to install when connected to the internet within the property. When the App has been fully downloaded you are able to control your heating anywhere / anytime 24/7. The App has several menus which allow the following: 1. Time and temperature settings 2. Limiting power consumption 3. Power and temperature statistical data 4. Individual heater and system control 5. Weather forecast As it can be fully controlled remotely anywhere/anytime 24/7, the ecoSAVE Heater combined with the Smart APP Wi-Fi kit is ideal for hotels, student accommodation and properties for let. In

addition, the ‘Click & Fit’ brackets supplied makes the installation process simple and easy.

T: (NI) 01698 820533 or (RoI) 0044 01698 820533 E: info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk W: www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 91

PENSIONS

Award-winning UK pension provider makes auto-enrolment simple and effective…

Reach for the BlueSky for pension provision

B

lueSky Pensions UK, the awardwinning innovators, is a leading provider of highly governed workplace pensions and is at the forefront of pension provision in the UK. The BlueSky Pension Scheme, a nonprofit arrangement, is one of the largest multi-employer Mastertrusts in the UK and has been in operation for nearly 30 years. It offers free access to any employer, with additional competitively priced support available.

The BlueSky Pension Scheme received the Pension Scheme Innovation Award early in 2015 in recognition of adding value and originality to the pensions industry and for displaying excellence and a true commitment to the needs of its members.

Employers can meet their auto-enrolment needs and give their employees a high quality employment benefit by nominating the award-winning BlueSky Pension Scheme as their workplace pension scheme.

All employers in the UK must comply with Auto Enrolment legislation and have been assigned a ‘Staging Date’. Further

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information on ‘Staging Dates’ can be found in the Auto Enrolment section of the BlueSky website.

What employers need to do • Nominate a contact • Know your staging date • Prepare a plan • Review pension arrangements • Check process and software • Know your workforce • Communicate with staff • Declaration of Compliance with the Pensions Regulator.

The secret to successful compliance is preparation and keeping the process simple.

• Assess payroll processes • Assess existing pension arrangements • Commence investigations 6 months before your staging date.

Auto Enrolment Solution In addition, BlueSky offers the RealTime Auto Enrolment Data and Communications package for employers to assess their workforce and satisfy Auto

Enrolment responsibilities effectively.

BlueSky recently launched the Crystal Trust, the UK’s first trust-based managed flexible drawdown plan and is open to any employer, pension scheme or individual.

At retirement, a transfer of pension rights into the Crystal Trust will enable individuals to receive a tax-free lump sum and pension income.

In the new world of flexible savings which includes pension changes, there is more control and freedom of choice available through Crystal, where historically, individuals had to make a single irreversible decision and buy an annuity.

There are no set up fees or minimum terms when joining Crystal, with investment and drawdown options starting at just 0.75% per annum.

Further details can be found by visiting www.crystaldrawdown.uk. For further information on how BlueSky can help your business, visit www.blueskypensions.uk or contact info@blueskypensions.uk.

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 93

NEW PRODUCTS

Martindale unearths leakage clamp meter

2016 catalogue now available from Martindale Electric

n Now available from Martindale Electric is the new CM69 TRMS AC Leakage Clamp Meter, ideal for troubleshooting leakage currents where other clamps can’t, for example, for tracking down the causes of nuisance RCD tripping.

Featuring class-leading low current performance with a resolution 0.001mA, the new clamps make it easy to accurately measure AC currents from less than 0.1mA right up to 60A. The CM69 features a unique jaw design which minimises the influence of adjacent current conductors enabling professionals to perform precise and reliable tests at very low currents.

T: +44 (0) 1923 441 717 W: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

n The latest Martindale Electric catalogue is the essential reference for all electricians and maintenance personnel working on electrical equipment and installations and those involved in safe isolation.

It offers a complete electrical test guide with invaluable information about how to choose the right equipment for the job, from socket testers to 17th Edition multifunction instruments.

T: +44 (0) 1923 441 717 W: www.martindale-electric.co.uk

Rittal’s White Paper on IT security

n Rittal’s new free-to-download White Paper on IT security (‘Physical security in IT and data centre technology’) tackles the issues of physical hazards. It identifies fire, water, dust and fumes, falling debris, EM radiation and unauthorised access as prime risks and explores what can be put in place to prevent damage when such issues arise.

W: www.rittal.co.uk

Electrical infrastructure helps Olympic Stadium make the switch

Wylex launches NMFS intumescents

n ABB has supplied the first of its new generation Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSs) for the transformation of the former Olympic Stadium in London as a sport and concert venue.

ABB delivered major alterations to the main low voltage distribution panels, as well as new equipment to control power.

W: www.abb.com

n Wylex has introduced its NMFS range of easy-fit, self-adhesive intumescent strips to enhance fire safety in consumer units. When the intumescent strip is exposed to sufficient heat, a fire resistant ‘char’ is created. Once expanded, the char restricts the heat of any fire from reaching the surface of the enclosure, thus preventing fire propagation that may otherwise ignite surrounding materials.

W: www.electrium.co.uk

YESSS Electrical signs deal with Nest n YESSS Electrical has agreed a distribution deal with Nest Labs for the rights to supply the new Nest Protect smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm, and the recently announced third generation Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Cam. All three products will be available in YESSS the six stores in Northern Irelnd and online.

W: www.yesss.co.uk

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DIRECTORY

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Glenbank, 720 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 8AD T: 028 9039 1000 F: 028 9039 1227 E: info@atlasfs.co.uk

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Republic of Ireland CORE ELECTRICAL LIMITED T: 01 4537 033 - E: sales@coreelectrical.ie www.coreelectrical.ie

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDANT ELECTRICAL W H OL E S A L E R

Providing professional, cost effective, independent solutions to any fire and security project...

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Sterling has been our market leading trunking range for years, and with improved cable capacity and easier installation, the best is now even better. We’ve introduced pre-punched knock outs in the dividing wall, single piece moulded fittings that are more secure, an improved RCD housing and much more.

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ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 95

director

DIRECTORY

CABLE & ACCESSORIES (NI) LTD ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER

SUPPLIERS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING MATERIALS TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LOCAL AUTHORITIES, FACTORIES ETC DISTRIBUTORS OF: • Thorn Lighting • MEM Switchgear • MK Accessories • Gewiss • Click • Avo • Trench Trunking System • Sensotec Fire Alarms & Emergency Lighting • GE Lamps & Tubes • Appleby • Crabtree • Pirelli Cables • Creda • Dimplex, Redring etc n Buncrana Unit 4A Milltown Business Park, Buncrana

Providing Cable Management, Medical Bedhead and Pendants, MV Heat Recovery, Plugable Power and Underfloor to Desk Power Solutions to the industry since 1981 Belfast Branch: Unit 3, Duncrue Industrial Park Duncrue Road, Belfast, BT3 9BP Tel: 028 9002 0066 F: 020 9002 1308 Email: amcgarrity@coreelectrical.com - www.coreelectrical.com Dublin Branch: 17b Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore. Dublin 8. Ireland.

Tel:+353(0)1 4537033 Fax:+353 (0)1 4538911 Email: sales@coreelectrical.ie - Web: www.coreelectrical.ie

Tel: +353 (0)74 9322569 - Fax: +353 (0)74 9321771

n OMAGH 53 Derry Road, Omagh

Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2642 - Fax: +44 (0)28 8225 2645

n LIMAVADY 16 Connell Street, Limavady

Tel: +44 (0)28 7772 2188 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7776 8991

Tel: +44 (0)28 7186 0834 - Fax: +44 (0)28 7186 0834

n LETTERKENNY Fiesta Port Road, Letterkenny

Tel: +353 (0)749126788 - Fax: +353 (0)749126539

HEAD OFFICE...

Balliniska Business Park, Springtown Industrial Estate, Londonderry.

T: +44 (0)28 7136 0110 - F: +44 (0)28 7126 3796

Email: info@cableandaccessories.co.uk www.cableandaccessories.co.uk

• Dublin Branch +353 (0)1 404 7700

• Tyrone Branch +44 (0)28 8772 5033

• Cork Branch +353 (0)21 435 5440

• Belfast Branch +44 (0)28 9075 6808

• Luton Branch: +44 (0)1582 848402

www.demesne.ie

city electrical factors Unit 5, Antrim Line Business Park, Sentry Lane, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim BT36 4XX Tel: +44 (0)28 9083 0303 - Fax: +44 (0)28 9083 0306 Email: info@eweni.co.uk

MAGHERAFELT BRANCH

Unit 1b, Loves Hill, Castledawson Road, Magherafelt BT45 8DP Tel: +44 (0)28 7946 9600 - Fax: +44 (0)28 9746 9699 Email: sales@eweni.co.uk Unit 9&10 Duncans Island, Finisklin, Co Sligo.

T: (071) 9151820 Unit 2, Kiltoy, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

T: (074) 9106100 Unit 10 Castlebar Business Park, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo. T: (094) 9027196 Unit 25 Northpark, North Road, Dublin 11.

T: (01) 8239000 Unit 12A Clonmore, Mullingar Buisness Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. T: (044) 9385515 Unit F3, N7 Business Park Naas, Co Kildare.

T: (045) 4898099 Unit B1, JFK Trading Centre, John F Kennedy Rd, Dublin 12. T: (014) 242042 Unit 3, Butterly Business Park, Coes Rd, Dundalk, Co Louth. T: (042) 9327305 Units 8&9 Lehenaghbeg, Forge Hill Cross, Togher, Cork. T: (021) 4321820 Unit 10E, Six Crossroads Business Park, Waterford. T: (051) 372825 Unit K1, East Way Business Park, Ballysimon, Limerick. T: (061) 423310 Units 5,6 Westside, Monavally Industrial Estate, Tralee, Co Kerry. T: (066) 7103955

96 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

207 City Business Park, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9HY T: +44 (0)28 9061 8666 F: +44 (0)28 9060 6788 (Sales) F: +44 (0)28 9060 6785 (Admin) E: belfastsales@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm

BELFAST EAST Century Electrical Wholesale Ltd, Unit B1 Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE T:+44 (0)28 9045 1056 F: +44 (0)028 9046 0662 E: belfasteast@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm

BELFAST NORTH

MALLUSK BRANCH

Sligo

Letterkenny

Castlebar

Finglas

Mullingar

Naas

Red cow

Dundalk

Cork

Waterford

Limerick

Tralee

NEWRY Unit 4, Campbells Yard, Belfast Road, Newry BT34 1QH T: +44 (0)28 3083 4050 F: +44 (0)28 3083 3295 E: newrysales@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 12.00pm

BELFAST DUNMURRY

n DERRY Maydown Works, Derry

ONE OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S LEADING SUPPLIERS TO THE ELECTRICAL TRADE NOW LOCATED AT:

SUPPLIERS OF:

Unit 3, Coastal Warehouse 83 Dargan Road Belfast BT3 9JU T:+44 (0)28 9077 1950 F: +44 (0)028 9077 0845 E: bns@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm

COOKSTOWN Sandholes Road, Kilcronagh Business Park, Cookstown BT80 9HG T: +44 (0)28 8676 2626 F: +44 (0)28 8676 2425 E: cookstownsales@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 12.00pm

ENNISKILLEN

WINNER

NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICAL AWARDS 2013 BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

Killyhevlin Industrial Estate, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 4EJ. T: +44 (0)28 6632 6555 F: +44 (0)28 6632 8585 E: enniskillensales@centuryelectrical.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 7.30am - 5.30pm Fri 7.30am - 4.30pm - Sat 9.00am - 12 noon

QU A L I T Y PR OD U C T S COM PE T I T I V E PR I C E S E X CE L L E N T D E L I V E R Y S E RVI C E

www.electricalwholesaleexpress.co.uk

www.centuryelectrical.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON:

www.elecmagazine.com

DIRECTORY

EEW

Ltd.

Mullingar Branch

Electrical Wholesalers and distributors EEW Head Office Enniscorthy - T:+353 (0)53 9233494

Northern Ireland’s Leading independent electrical Wholesaler

Carlow - T:+353 (0)59-9142044 Tipperary - T:+353 (0)52-29819 Portlaoise - T:+353 (0)57-8672542 New Ross, Wexford - T:+353 (0)51-421916 Wicklow - T:+353 (0)402-29939 Wexford - T:+353 (0)53-9184656

www.eew.ie

Dungannon Electrical Wholesale

New eCommerce Website www.dungannonelectrical.co.uk

• Wide range of items in stock • Pay via card or account • Same day delivery (see website for details) • Click and collect orders from 7.30am • Technical datasheets attached to a large number of products

30 Clonmore Business Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath T:+353 44 9343040 - F:+353 44 9343517 Email: sales@mullingarelectrical.com

Longford Electrical Wholesale 3 Cartronageeragh Business Park, Athlone Road, Co. Longford T: +353 43 334 6380 - F: +353 43 3346 381 Email: longford@mullingarelectrical.com

“Competitive Prices, First Class Service, Products and Staff” • Ultra modern trade counter & lighting showroom • Next day delivery to anywhere in Northern Ireland • Same day delivery service • Call and collect service • Open Saturdays 9.00am – 12.30pm • Branches also in Mainland UK • Supplying the trade for over 100 years

Midland Electrical Wholesale

5 Sragh Business Park, Tullamore, Co. Offaly T:+353 57 9351561 - F:+353 57 9323748 Email: tullamore@mullingarelectrical.com

North East Electrical Wholesale 11 North Link Business Park, Inner Relief Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth T:+353 42 9328472 - F:+353 42 9328784

Also Visit

THE

facebook.com/ kewelectrical

twitter.com/ edsandeds

KEW ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS LTD. T/A Eds & Eds Ltd, 385 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2LS T: +44 (0)28 9047 1727 • F: +44 (0)28 9047 1153 E: belfast@kewelectrical.co.uk

www.kewelectrical.co.uk

T:+44 (0)28 9047 1727

LIGHTING

SHOWROOM

1 Clonmore Business Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland T:+353 44 9343299 / 9341781 - F:+353 44 9341805 E: lighting@mullingareletrical.com

www.mullingarelectrical.com Your local electrical wholesaler

FaIRley & SMyth E lectrical W holesalers L td

Suppliers of:Cables, Heating, Lighting, Fans, Switchgear, Showers, Decorative Wiring Accessories etc

Tel: +44 (0)28 9077 5888 Fax: +44 (0)28 9077 2100 Unit 7, Duncrue Crescent, Duncrue Ind Est, Belfast BT3 9BW Email: sales@fairleysmyth.co.uk

For a friendly & reliable service

Suppliers of: PHILIPS • MK • CED • DIMPLEX • GE • HKC • UTC Fire & Security • ABB • ACT • DRAKA HEAD OFFICE Unit 46 Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 T: +353 (0)1-2541900 - F: +353 (0)1-2541925 new@new.ie Bray Branch Unit 48 Beechwood Close, Boghall Road, Bray Co Wicklow T: +353 (0)1 2453970 - F: +353 (0)1 2116200 Cork Branch Unit 16/17, Northlink Bus Park, Old Mallow Road, Cork, T: +353 (0)21-2432990 - F: +353 (0)21-4396966 Naas Branch Unit B4 M7 Business Park, Newhall, Naas, Co. Kildare T: +353 (0)45-895896 - F: +353 (0)45-895898

Serving the Electrical Industry

Dungannon Electrical Wholesale 199 Killyman Road, Dungannon, BT71 6RR Telephone: +44 (0)28 87729787 Fax: +44 (0)28 87752166

www.dungannonelectrical.co.uk

www.elecmagazine.com

FOLLOW US ON:

Ballymount Branch Unit 3B Sunbury Ind. Est. Ballymount Road, Lower Walkinstown, Dublin 12 T: +353 (0)1-4567100 - F: +353 (0)1-4566366

www.new.ie

ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 97

director

DIRECTORY

Beacon

wsm

MANUFACTURER OF LED LIGHTING

Fire & Securit y (Ni) Limited

Total WALTER S. MERCER solutions

GREENER, BRIGHTER... BETTER! Units 11 & 12 Duncrue Industrial Estate Duncrue Road, Belfast BT3 9BW Tel: +44 (0)28 9037 1888 Fax: +44 (0)28 9037 1471

always putting electrical contractors first

wsm

WALTER S. MERCER

86-88 Dargan Crescent, Belfast

l CCTV l INTRUDER ALARMS l INTERCOM l FIRE DETECTION l NURSE CALL SYSTEMS l ACCESS CONTROL l DOOR ENTRY l SMOKE CLOAK l MONITORING SERVICE l WARDEN CALL l FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Beacon

T: 028 9039 6945 - F: 0191 4999626 E: info@polarisled.com

BEACON FIRE & SECURITY (NI) LIMITED 15 The Crescent Business Park, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 2GN

www.polarisled.com

296e North Circular Road, Phibsboro, Dublin 7.

T: +353 (0)1 868 2033 F: +353 (0)1 838 8529 E: info@pewl.ie

T: NI - 028 9267 6622 RoI: 048 9267 6622 E: info:beacon-ni.co.uk www.beacon-ni.co.uk

Your ‘other’ Warehouse Specialist Distributor of Lamps and Control Gear to the Electrical Wholesale Trade

PLUS 2 TO 6 CELL EMERGENCY BATTERY STICKS AND PACKS

Unit 13, Duncrue Industrial Park, Belfast, BT3 9BP T: +44 (0)28 9077 1506 E: belfast@stearn.co.uk www.stearn.co.uk

98 | ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

FOLLOW US ON:

www.elecmagazine.com

TEST & MEASURING EQUIPMENT

www.cuthbertsonlaird.co.uk

n SALES n REPAIRS n CALIBRATION n HIRE Parkburn Court Hamilton ML3 0QQ Tel: (01698) 829711 Fax: (01698) 828363 Unit 4, River Park, Blackwater Road, Mallusk BT36 4TZ Tel: (028) 9083 0302 Fax: (028) 9083 8866 408 Oakwood Lane Leeds LS8 3LG Tel: (0113) 23513356 Fax: (0113) 2351161

CUTHBERTSON LAIRD GROUP Specialist in the Test & Measuring Industry

Supplying only the best from the world’s leading manufacturers

Test & Measuring Equipment for: 12

JUNE 2014

Electrical n Electronic n Temperature n Airflow n Torque n Dimension n Speed n Gas n Combustion Analysers n Light n Noise & many more applications

y t i l bi i x le f d n a ts c u d ro p , e c i v r great se

ELECTRIC

8

1

EDMUNDSON – EWL ELECTRIC Unit B1 Doughcloyne Industrial Estate Wilton CORK, T12 ACY5 T- 021 454 6566 E – cork.307@ewl.ie

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Dublin Road ATHLONE Co Westmeath, N37 X702 T – 090 647 5121 E – athlone.801@easternelectrical.ie

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9

2

EWL ELECTRIC Ballytruckle Road Kilcohan WATERFORD, X91 KN25 T – 051 874 901 E – waterford.309@ewl.ie

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Unit 1 Marina Point New Road BALLINASLOE Co Galway, H53 P5H2 T – 090 964 3194 E – ballinasloe.802@easternelectrical.ie

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3

EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL Stag Industrial Estate Ballybogan Road, Glasnevin DUBLIN, D11 NX27 T – 01 882 0770 E – Dublin.713@eeil.ie

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5

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7

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Ballybane Industrial Estate GALWAY, H91 PDP4 T – 091 75 3131 E – galway.715@easternelectrical.ie EASTERN – EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL Docklands Business Park Dock Road LIMERICK, V94 VO51 T – 061 31 7666 E – limerick.716@eeil.ie IRWIN ELECTRICAL Maginn Avenue Buncrana Co Donegal, F92 KC94 T – 074 932 1742 E – letterkenny.717@ewl.ie

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14 3 12 11

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EASTERN ELECTRICAL Units 13/14 Sitecast Industrial Estate Little Island CORK, T45 XW84 T – 021 435 1800 E – cork.803@easternelectrical.ie

11

EASTERN – EWL ELECTRIC Unit 2 Crosslands Industrial Park Ballymount Cross DUBLIN, D12 KN25 T – 01 405 0400 E – dublin.806@easternelectrical.ie

12

5 2

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Unit 7 Portside Business Centre East Wall Road DUBLIN, DO3 V8P3 T – 01 855 0066 E – dublincity.807@easternelectrical.ie

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10

1

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Coes Road DUNDALK Co Louth, A91 RX71 T – 042 933 7101 E – dundalk.808@easternelectrical.ie

14

EASTERN ELECTRICAL Unit 20 Clonmore Industrial Estate MULLINGAR Co Westmeath, N91 YF40 T – 044 934 0652 E – mullingar.811@easternelectrical.ie

IRWIN ELECTRICAL Port Road LETTERKENNY Co Donegal, F92 H68W T – 074 912 4240 E – letterkenny.717@ewl.ie

Providing a dedicated SERVICE to trade and industry A wide range of quality electrical PRODUCTS and services Total management FLEXIBILITY from all our branches

www.ewl.ie