Connections - Winter 2016/17

NICEIC Approved Contractor roll hits 20,000 // page 7

connections THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

CASE STUDY P18 The challenges of running the electrics at the British Summer Time festival

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2017 PREVIEW P31

£5.00

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Smart homes, energy efficiency and the 18th edition will be on the agenda

WINTER 2016-17 | ISSUE 200

CABLE STANDARDS P36 Contractors need to be wary of counterfeit or substandard cable

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FRESH APPROACH How the next generation is taking Addison Electrical to a new level

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Winter 2016-17 | Issue 200

Contents First phase The case for certification Increase in number of Approved Contractors is encouraging

4

Plugged in

16

News Football hero lights up Live North event

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Warning over risk to elderly

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North-east firm takes national trades titles

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Winter heating rescue by contractor in Wigan

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Jobs for the Girls campaign gets a revamp

18 26

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Product news 13 The latest products on the market

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Live wire

Features

Advice 15 Peter Searle says family businesses can be a powerful force but they need to follow some ground rules Opinion 16 The advent of new technologies gives the industry an edge in terms of attracting talent, argues Peter Coombs Case study 18 Andrew Brister on how Wiltshire firm Power Logistics manages to meet the power needs of a big music festival Insight 21 James Thomas provides some advice on getting up to speed with energy efficiency for operators and installers of induction motors

Contractor profile 26 Family input has helped Manchester firm Addison Electrical to grow rapidly, putting it on the verge of a £1 million turnover

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Fully charged Ask the experts 39 Answers to the technical helpline’s more frequently asked questions Technical Emergency lighting changes

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Requirements for gangways

43

Apprentice Corner

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Overcurrent protection of conductors in parallel

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Variable frequency drives

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Protective conductors common to installations having separate earthing arrangements

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Snags and solutions

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Move with the times 31 Rob Shepherd looks at what 2017 will bring, including a greater role for smart homes and energy efficiency and a focus on the forthcoming 18th edition Take no chances 36 David Adams reports on the serious risk that counterfeit or poor-quality cable poses to contractors’ businesses NICEIC Approved Contractor roll hits 20,000 // page 7

22

THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

CASE STUDY P18

Helen Ratcliffe explains how 24 knowing your responsibilities with regard to asbestos in buildings can help to keep everyone safe Current affairs Pick up a penguin...

connections

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The challenges of running the electrics at the British Summer Time festival

» Cover photo: Victor De Jesus/UNP

/

2017 PREVIEW P31

£5.00

/

Smart homes, energy efficiency and the 18th edition will be on the agenda

WINTER 2016-17 | ISSUE 200

/

CABLE STANDARDS P36 Contractors need to be wary of counterfeit or substandard cable

Illustration: Cameron Law

NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign has made great strides in encouraging more women to join the sector, but more work remains to be done

FRESH APPROACH How the next generation is taking Addison Electrical to a new level

// page 26

Connections Winter 2016-17

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Comment EMMA CLANCY

First phase The case for certification NICEIC’s roll of Approved Contractors now stands at more than 20,000 and, with more on offer than ever before, it’s easy to see why so many are turning to NICEIC and ELECSA

W

elcome to the first Connections of 2017. I hope you all managed to find time for a break over the festive period and have come back to work feeling refreshed and invigorated.

We have had an excellent start to the year with the news that more than 20,000 businesses are now registered with NICEIC as an Approved Contractor.

It is the first time in NICEIC’s 60-year history that the roll has reached this mark and it is encouraging to know that, when it comes to building and improving their business, contractors are continuing to seek certification because they know it will set them apart from their competitors and help their business grow.

However, there is more to joining NICEIC or ELECSA than just gaining a badge. We offer a range of services designed to help you – the technical advice on offer from the helpline or at an assessment, information from our events, deals on tools and insurance, or knowledge gained through additional training.

‘It is encouraging to know that contractors are continuing to seek certification because they know it will set them apart’

Emma Clancy is chief executive officer, Certsure

In addition, we are working with more partners than ever before to create further opportunities for our customers to win more work.

These are the reasons why more firms are now choosing NICEIC and ELECSA, and we will continue to build on our customer offering over the next 12 months.

Finally, I would like to thank the person who informed us about the generous act carried out by Wigan-based contractor Karl Mather before Christmas (see page 9). I am sure this is just one example of the many good deeds carried out by our customers every day, many of which never get the recognition they deserve.

It is the efforts such as these that make me proud to lead NICEIC and ELECSA, and I would like to wish you all the best for the upcoming year and beyond.

CONTACTS // CONNECTIONS 17 Britton Street, London EC1M 5TP EDITORIAL General 020 7880 6200 Fax 020 7324 2791 Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk Editor Nick Martindale Technical editor Timothy Benstead Sub editor Clare Cronin Creative director Mark Parry Art editor Adrian Taylor Picture researcher Akin Falope Publishing and business development director Aaron Nicholls ADVERTISING/MARKETING Senior sales executive Darren Hale Display 020 7880 6206 Fax 020 7880 7553 Email darren.hale@redactive.co.uk Sales executive Greg Lee Email greg.lee@redactive.co.uk Classified 0207 880 7633

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PRODUCTION General production enquiries 020 7880 6240 Fax 020 7880 7691 Production manager Jane Easterman Production executive Rachel Young Email rachel.young@redactive.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Should you require your own copy of Connections or multiple copies for your staff, subscriptions are available by calling 020 8950 9117 CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes ideas for contributions.

Please email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk ISSN 2042-5732

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2017 17 Britton Street, London EC1M 5TP. Registered No. 3156216. All rights reserved. This publication (and any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format (including but not limited to any online service, any database or any part of the internet) or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Redactive Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

Printed by Southernprint.

Paper by Denmaur Papers plc.

The paper mill that makes the text paper for this magazine states that it uses at least 80 per cent wood pulp from sustainable sources.

WWW.NICEIC.COM WWW.ELECSA.CO.UK ENQUIRIES Certsure 01582 539000 Communications manager Paul Collins 01582 539148 paul.s.collins@certsure.com NICEIC Direct Paul Elcock 01582 539709 paul.elcock@certsure.com Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA Customer services 0333 015 6625 Sales 0333 015 6626 Training 0333 015 6627 Technical helpline 0333 015 6628 Insurance 0333 015 6629 Legal/tax 24-hour helpline 0117 934 2111 (provided by DAS Business Law)

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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Plugged in Need-to-know industry news for electrical installers

Carmen

Football hero lights up Live North

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Former England football star Stuart Pearce was the main draw at the NICEIC and ELECSA Live North event in Liverpool, held in November.

The tough-tackling full-back, who worked as an electrician before finding fame as a footballer, entertained a crowd of more than 400 people at Aintree Racecourse with stories from his past. He spoke about life as an electrician for Brent Council alongside his experiences of working for some of the most famous names in football.

“I enjoyed my time on the tools,” commented Pearce, who was capped 78 times

by England. “The teamwork among all the guys in trades was something that stood me in good stead for my football career, although I don’t miss crawling about under stairs and in loft spaces.”

Pearce famously still worked as an electrician after signing his first professional deal with Coventry City in 1983. He eventually gave up the life of a spark when he secured a big money move to Nottingham Forest a few years later, adding that it was unlikely footballers of today would need to work parttime as a spark.

In addition to Pearce, the crowd of electrical contractors heard talks from NICEIC and ELECSA’s Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth. It was the final Live North event for Cable, who will be retiring later this year after more than 60 years in the trade.

He said: “I have had an amazing career in this industry and if there is one thing I will always cherish, it is that I have had the chance to do many different things without spending one period out of work. There has always been something to move on to and I will miss that.”

NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical standards director Alan Wells also spoke about the upcoming 18th edition of the wiring regulations, set to be introduced in 2018, and dispelled some industry myths about why new regulations are needed.

There were also talks from Dean Kalek from SMA Solar about energy storage solutions, Martyn Allen from Electrical Safety First, who spoke about counterfeit products and Mark Coles from the IET, who presented a talk on LED lighting.

> Stuart Pearce (top and above centre) with Tony Cable (left) and Darren Staniforth This year’s event was sponsored by Bosch Power Tools, Denmans, Elite Security Products, and The Scolmore Group. In addition to the talks contractors could look around a thriving exhibition hall featuring some of the biggest names in the industry and take advantage of special offers including £250-worth of discounts.

“This was our fifth Live North event and probably the biggest one yet,” commented Mark Smith, director of marketing and communications at Certsure, which operates NICEIC and ELECSA.

“There was a really good mix of technical and business information, which appealed to contractors. It was a chance for them to enjoy a fun and informative day out which will ultimately help them with their business.” ● Tickets for Live South, held on 18 May at Epsom Racecourse, are now available, priced at £29 (excluding VAT) for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA contractors and £49 (excluding VAT) for non-registered contractors. Apprentice and exhibition-only passes are available free of charge. For more information, see www.niceic-elecsalive.com

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RINGING THE CHANGES NICEIC has now replaced all its old 0870 numbers with a new 0333 number.

The change means that calls to all our departments from a landline or mobile number will now be charged at a national rate, and not at the higher rate charged by some landline or mobile phone operators.

The new numbers are: NICEIC customer services 0333 015 6625; sales 0333 015 6626; training 0333 015 6627; technical helpline 0333 015 6628; and insurance 0333 015 6629.

All calls to previous 0870 numbers will still go through, although you may be asked to hang up and redial the new 0333 number.

NICEIC, ELECSA and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) have published a review of the 2021 Vision report as the halfway point of the original report approaches.

The report was first produced by NICEIC and ECA in 2011, and aimed to provide a template as to how the industry would evolve.

Now, 2021 Vision – the 2016-17 Review considers 30 issues and predictions made five years ago. The review uses a ‘red, amber, green’ system, with supporting narrative. It also highlights developments since 2011, notably Brexit; the digitisation of industry processes, including building information modelling (BIM); and the role of big data and the Internet of Things.

When 2021 Vision was written, the industry was still recovering from one of the worst recessions ever. One of its aims was to “help the electrical contractor to see past short-term survival, and prepare for the next stage of their business development”.

To view the new document, go to www. niceic.com/media/ campaigns/2021-vision

ECA SCHEME RECOGNISES YOUNG TALENT IN BUILDING An industry-wide initiative that will recognise talented individuals in building services engineering has been announced by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).

Power Players will reward younger people who have made a positive impact in their respective organisations.

The initiative is aimed at organisations including specifiers, installers and contractors. To enter, individuals need to send in a short video highlighting innovative or impactful contributions. .

As well as recognition and publicity, there will be prizes and opportunities on offer worth thousands of pounds. Key industry partners will be announced.

Power Players will be open from this spring to entrants aged 39 or under.

Contractor roll hits 20,000 More than 20,000 firms are now registered as Approved Contractors with NICEIC. The 20,000th contractor was Peter Mottershead (pictured) from Macclesfield, who was presented with a £100 voucher to spend at NICEIC’s online store.

Peter has been an electrician for more than 20 years and set up his own business, Mottershead Electrics, after his

previous employer retired. “The previous company I worked for was NICEICregistered so it was the obvious choice,” he said. “I knew all about NICEIC – it’s the most recognised brand in the industry.

I carry out a lot of periodic inspection and testing, and a lot of my customers insist on having it done by an NICEICregistered company.”

Emma Clancy, chief executive of NICEIC, said: “This is a milestone for NICEIC. Since its inception in 1956, firms have chosen NICEIC because of the benefits it brings to their business.”

NICEIC has witnessed an increasing number of applications from firms looking for accreditation. It now maintains a total roll of more than 28,000 registered contractors, including Domestic Installers.

Concern over safety of elderly NICEIC and ELECSA’s latest consumer campaign has called on householders to check the safety of the electrics in elderly relatives’ homes this winter.

While many people will be checking in on an elderly relative or neighbour this winter, research has revealed that 75 per cent of people had never thought to check their electrics, while 80 per cent said they were unconcerned by the safety of electrical appliances in their home.

Older people are more likely to suffer injuries or die from electrical-related house fires than the rest of the population, as many live in older or lower-quality housing with older or faulty electrics.

“Some of the results we found were startling,” said NICEIC’s technical development manager Darren Staniforth.

“While up to 50 per cent of people will be making regular calls on a relative or neighbour this winter, fewer than 20 per cent of those would think to take a quick check of the electrics to make sure everything is OK.

“During the colder months, the elderly are more likely to be plugging in electrical appliances such as heaters or electric blankets, many of which could be old and potentially dangerous.

“They could also be plugging these appliances into an electric supply around the home that might not have been checked in decades,” said Staniforth.

NICEIC and ELECSA have unveiled a checklist to help people spot the signs of electrical faults, and urged them to call out a registered contractor if they have any concerns.

The campaign recently featured in the Daily Mail and appeared on several local radio stations.

Alamy

2021 VISION UPDATED HALFWAY THROUGH RUNNING TIME

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Plugged in North-east firm takes national trades title County Durham-based NICEIC Approved Contractor North East Electrical has beaten off stiff competition to be named tradesperson of the year at the National Nectar Small Business Awards.

“We came runner-up last year and managed to win it this time,” said company founder Adam Monkhouse, who set up the business in 2012. “We recently opened a new company called Novi Smart Home offering home automation installations, and that was a major reason why we ended up winning it.”

As well as benefiting from positive publicity since winning the award, the business received £2,000, which Adam intends to use to help grow the new business, as well as investing in training and marketing.

Adam (pictured, centre) and electrical supervisor Shaun Allan (left) were presented with the award by Dragons’ Den judge Sarah Willingham at the ceremony in November.

“It’s refreshing to see how the business is trying to do things differently in a mature market,” said Willingham.

The business comprises four people, and takes on work in the commercial and domestic sectors.

ONLINE CERTIFICATION NOW ON ANDROID Completing certificates and forms has just become even easier for NICEIC contractors with our innovative online certification system now available on Android devices through the Play Store.

Online certification makes the creation, storage and administration of electrical certificates a more streamlined process. Purchasing pads of certificates is a thing of the past, as all forms and details are securely stored online and always available to contractors. Forms can be completed on-site or in the office and can be easily emailed or printed off.

Online certificates cost just £1 each and are securely stored for you to retrieve as you need them. The system is also fully integrated with the Building Control Notification System (BRCS) so you can notify your work in an instant.

There is no need to install software – simply download the app and log in using your existing BRCS details.

Alternatively, you can log in on your computer at www.niceiconline.com. The app is also available for Apple devices from the App Store.

Since its launch in 2014, online certification has been a hit, with more than 15,000 unique customers using the system to date. In 2016, over a million online certificates were completed.

GOLD CARD FOR QUALIFIED SUPERVISORS

WEBINAR FOCUSES ON INDUSTRY CHANGES Metal consumer units and the impact of this change in the wiring regulations was one of the hot topics discussed in the latest episode of NICEIC and ELECSA’s The Wire.

The Wire is a live technical webcast hosted by industry experts Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth. The most recent episode, which aired on 26 January, covered several technical updates with a special feature evaluating the progress of the change and the challenges encountered in changing consumer units.

With an estimated 460,000 metal consumer units installed in the past year, the duo looked at planned and distress consumer unit changes, incorporating the best practice guide from Electrical Safety First.

The interactive session also included an overview of emergency lighting, looking at the design requirements for installation to British safety standard BS 5266. There was also a section on the most common problems associated with installation techniques and inspection and testing.

You can catch a recording of the latest episode and previous webinars under the events section at www.niceic.com

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Qualified supervisors can now apply for an ECS gold card through NICEIC and ELECSA. Under the new agreement, any qualified supervisor (QS) with a Certsure electrical scheme will be able to apply if they have represented the business in three consecutive assessments and had a successful outcome on each.

Those who are not eligible to apply via the three-assessment option can still apply appropriate app y if tthe e app op ate qualifications qua criteria are c met. m The card will cost £35 w plus VAT – £5 p cheaper than c going directly g through JIB. It will be NICEICor ELECSA-branded ELECSA b d d and d iinclude the company name. It is valid for three years.

For details, visit www.niceic.com/ goldcard or www.elecsa.co.uk/goldcard

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Winter rescue by Wigan contractor An NICEIC contractor has been praised for his generosity after he helped out an elderly couple who faced a winter with no heating.

Karl Mather (pictured), from Wigan, was asked by his local branch of Age Concern to attend the property of an elderly couple who had no heating. He quickly found the fault was an old storage heater that was more than 30 years old and needed replacing.

Karl asked Age Concern if there was a grant available for the replacement, and in the meantime went out of his way to provide the couple, who were in their 80s, with a portable heater he bought out of his own pocket. He popped back a few days later to check in on them, but was told it could take months for a grant to arrive. Feeling he could just not walk away, he went ahead and ordered a new storage heater and went back to fit and supply it a few days later.

“It was obvious talking to them that they had no money, and the husband also suffered from dementia,” he said. “So I just decided to write it off, and told the couple that Age Concern had received a grant to pay for it.

They were a lovely couple, and I was happy enough with all the tea and cake they gave me for doing the job.”

Karl, who runs his own one-man business KDM Electrical, thought nothing more of it until a few weeks later when a mysterious letter arrived at NICEIC headquarters about his good deed. It turned out the letter was from another client of Karl’s, who had heard about his generosity.

Having heard the story, NICEIC chief executive Emma Clancy decided to get in touch with Karl and thank him for his good deed.

“This is a great example of the things our registered contractors do for their customers every day, without us knowing,” she said. “Karl’s actions demonstrated a genuine care for his customers, and I am proud to have him as a NICEIC registrant.”

BONFIELD REVIEW TARGETS CRITICAL MASS FOR CONSUMER TRUST IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES The long-awaited Bonfield Review has set out 27 measures with the aim of building consumer trust in the energy efficiency and renewables sectors.

Among these measures are a quality mark for all installers, designers and assessors working in renewables, which would require them to commit to a consumer charter, a code of conduct and codes of practice, as well as demonstrating their technical competence.

The report envisages a two-year implementation period, at the end of which it predicts the sector will hit a critical mass that will see householders look to put in place more energy-efficient measures.

The Bonfield Review was launched in June 2015, after the closure of the Green Deal scheme, and was released just before Christmas.

The start of this year saw further good news for contractors, with the announcement of plans to build 14 new ‘garden’ villages of 1,500-10,000 homes, and three towns of more than 10,000. ● See our feature on the year ahead on page 31

ON THE SPOT//RICHARD OWEN NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 engineers across the country to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. Here, we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight » Richard Owen South East London How did you become an area engineer?

I worked as an associate for NICEIC for a few years before I was asked to come on board fulltime as an area engineer in 2015.

How has the job changed in that time?

As with most things in life, technology has changed the way we work. The assessment form is now all electronic, but we have also worked hard at things like improved customer focus, which I believe contractors appreciate.

What are some of the biggest changes in the industry that you have come across in that time?

The electric industry is continually changing. However, I think one of the most notable changes has probably been in lighting – both source and control.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across on an assessment?

One contractor took me to a house that was basically doubling up as an animal sanctuary. It was an interesting and eye-opening visit, to say the least.

What’s the strangest request you have had?

One contractor’s spouse asked me to dance with them, as they were practising for a future Blackpool ballroom-dancing trip.

What interesting jobs have your contractors being involved with?

Working in and around London, I get to see quite a few big

projects, but the best one by far was the Harry Potter scenery lighting at Warner Brothers’ Studio.

What are your interests outside of work?

Music, gardening, and watching nature programmes or documentaries on television. I am inquisitive, and like to learn about new things and how things work. I am also a member of the National Trust, and I like visiting stately homes.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Being in London, it would probably be to fly, so I can avoid traffic and public transport.

If you had a day off tomorrow, what would you do?

Create some music playlists on the iPod for chilling out later or for driving to work.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

The books I get to read are mainly industry-related reference books. My favourite film is The Colour Purple, and I am loving Gogglebox on TV at the moment.

I think Downton Abbey is my favourite, though.

What’s the one best bit of advice you would give to electrical contractors?

Customers are your best advertisers. If they experience quality service, they will tell their friends and family. Make sure your latest job is always your best one.

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Plugged in THE POWER TO DIVERSIFY THE INDUSTRY

Less than

icians is female 1 in every 1000 electr

would feel safer with 41% of women said they in their home a female electrician working

%

41

the p power ow wer behind beehin nd your business

Three quarters of male electricians would be happy for their daughter to follow in their footsteps

4 en aged 16-2 63% of wom a skilled trade be more interested in learning said they would professional career rather than studying for a

72%

of male electricians towards feel old school attitudes women still exist in the industry

1 in 5 dads Onlydaughter received any trade

JOBS FOR THE GIRLS women into Encouraging the construction industry

NICEIC Warwick House Houghton Hall Park Houghton Regis Dunstable LU5 5ZX www.niceic.com

Female wholesaler makes her mark

Jobs for the Girls campaign gets revamp

A wholesaler is proving that it is not just on the tools that women can succeed in the on national television and radio, set up electrical industry. a training academy, sponsored female Elaine Powell (pictured, with NICEIC and students, and was the first organisation ELECSA’s Tony Cable and office manager Alex to run a trade advert featuring a May) runs Seryn Electrical Wholesalers in female contractor. e skills gap, then Symonds Yat, providing electrical components “If we are to plug the e and accessories to hundreds of we need to open up the THE POWER TO DIVERSIFY THE INDU customers across Herefordshire. doors to more women,, STRY The former electrician took over the and the campaign has CASE STUDY - SAM JONES b business in 2010 and is thought to be done that,” said Emma “ e o one of the only female wholesalers in Clancy, chief executive tthe country. of NICEIC. “More and She made the switch from using more females are to tools to selling tools after more than contacting us to find 10 years running her own domestic out how they can el electrical business. get started in the I see my role as being example to others.I an to schools and show go in “It all came about by chance, really,” industry.” girls that the industry is solely for guys.Girl not s have a lot to offer. sa said Elaine. “I was working on a job and ● See our feature on ran rang up my wholesaler, but he said he Jobs for the Girls on cou couldn’t get me anything as he was selling page 22 up up. I asked him how much he wanted for the business, and 20 minutes later rang him up to say I would buy it. I was getting into my 40s and needed to think about the next stage of 21 TechTalk my career, so I thought: why not?

Leicester Racecourse “It’s going well. I think my experience on the April job means I can provide an additional service. If 27-28 ELEX Exeter something is not quite right or not suitable, we Westpoint Arena just won’t sell it,” she said.

Although she has still yet to count a female May spark as a customer, Elaine does feel the industry 17-18 PHEX London Alexandra Palace is now more accommodating of women.

“When I started out, my careers officer laughed 18 NICEIC ELECSA Live South at me when I said I wanted to be an electrician,” Epsom Downs Racecourse she said. “However, I think things have changed, 24-25 ELEX Harrogate and would always say to any woman that it’s a Great Yorkshire Showground good industry to be in.”

Sam Jones is part way in Gloucestershire. through a four year apprenticeship with She chose to becom e an electrician after Melvin John Electrical taking on practical work. deciding she was happie r

When I left school I started work in the caring industry.Although I enjoyed needed more of a challeng social care I felt I e.

I don’t like working in an office and I always had an interest in electrics as it was something my dad did and I had followed him around various sites as a child.

I was lucky that dad had a family friend who was prepared to give me an opportunity and I have never looked back.

When I turn up at a job the first reaction is usually one of surprise but it quickly turns into a question of ‘So what made you want to become an electrician?’ or ‘How long have you been doing this?’

It’s usually a good ice breaker and I have never negative feedback or had bad vibe from any of the jobs I go to.

All of the clients and customers I go to have been positive and have given me good advice.

Guys are guys and I just think if you can show that you have the skills you are accepted as one of the team.

I want to be treated on merit. I don’t want any special treatment and I have a lot of fun with guys. I am one of the the team.

I want to get as many skills as I can. I can travel abroad with a trade and that is what I would like to do in the future.

“

NICEIC has updated its Jobs for the Girls campaign material, including a new webpage dedicated to the initiative at www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls.

The new material includes an A5 brochure with an overview about the campaign; case studies from young females working in the sector; an information sheet about NICEIC’s sponsorship programme; a short film about its work with students at The Sheffield College; and a link to the Jobs for the Girls blog.

The campaign was started in 2011 to encourage more women into the electrical industry and challenge the myth that electrical contracting was for men only.

It has scored some notable successes.

NICEIC has met politicians, appeared

CASESTUDY/SJ/V2/09-09-16

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said their services careers advice from education

INDUSTRY // DIARY February 8 TechTalk Wolverhampton Racecourse 14 TechTalk Doncaster Racecourse 28 TechTalk Newcastle Racecourse March 9-10 ELEX Manchester Event City Manchester 15 TechTalk Norfolk Showground

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S O U T H 2 0 1 7

18 MAY

Technical Conference and Exhibition Epsom Downs Racecourse Industry legend Tony Cable’s last ever Live event!

Don’t miss out on attending the multi award-winning NICEIC ELECSA Live! Be a part of big debates, update your knowledge and be inspired by the latest innovations and technology for the electrical industry.

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News/Product news

Plugged in SPLENDID ISOLATION

< Vent-Axia Pure Air filtration system

BREATH OF FRESH AIR Vent-Axia has unveiled its Pure Air filter system which has been designed to work with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units to improve the air quality in newbuild residential properties.

The system is fitted to the intake airflow of MVHR systems and includes two types of filter in addition to that usually applied by MVHR units, in the form of activated carbon and G4/F7 particulate filters.

G4 filters can remove up to 90 per cent of the PM10 particles in the air, including some bacteria, most pollens and many types of industrial dust. Meanwhile, the finer F7 filters are ideal for inner city areas with heavy traffic, since they remove up to 80 per cent of the tiny PM2.5 particles. www.vent-axia.com

EVO MAKES LIFE EASIER Scolmore has developed the new Inceptor Evo Bulkhead, which has been designed to allow for easier installation, testing and maintenance.

The bulkhead incorporates a Flow plug and includes control gear and light source within the diffuser itself, eliminating the need to fit or unscrew a separate gear tray.

The product comes in two formats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Circular and Eye-Lid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with each available in four options: standard, emergency, microwave sensor, and energy and microwave sensor combined.

It has been designed for a variety of domestic and commercial applications including walkways, corridors, stairwells and communal areas, within public areas such as schools, offices, shopping centres and urban spaces.

Vandal-resistant metal housings with an IK10 rating are also available in Circular, Eye-Lid and Grille formats. www.scolmore.com

< Inceptor Evo Bulkhead PR3

Fire and security products manufacturer ESP has launched a BS 5839 complaint fire isolator switch, after warning that many installers are unaware that it is a legal requirement to fit this type of switch with all new fire alarm systems.

The switch offers a safe method of isolating the mains supply feeding a fire system control panel. Switching off the supply is restricted by the use of a key, without which a tool would be required to disconnect the power.

A neon indicator denotes mains presence at the switched output.

The unit is supplied in < ESP fire isolator switch a complete enclosure of a standard single gang format, with preformed holes designed for mounting on a surface or 20mm conduit box. www.espuk.com

< The 180LG laser level from Fluke

FLUKE GETS LASER SHARP Fluke has developed a new range of laser levels. The family includes the 3PR red laser and the brighter 3PG green laser, which are both self-levelling, three-point laser levels accurate to 6mm at 30 metres.

The 180LR and 180LG offer horizontal and vertical-cross line laser levels capable of measuring to 3mm at 10 metres, while the LDR and LDG laser line detectors are designed for use in high-ambient light settings.

The range is completed by the 180LR and 180LG systems, which offer self-levelling, horizontal and vertical-cross line laser level systems and also include laser line detector for high-ambient light settings.

All the laser levels are capable of surviving a one-metre fall, and all models include magnetic wall brackets. www.fluke.com

ALL POWER TO THE DESK Marshall-Tufflex has developed a range of power and data desk modules <Marshall-Tufflex designed to be mounted desk modules underneath desk areas.

The fire-retardant polycarbonate moulded modules feature twin 5 Amp USB points, which the company claims can charge up to five times faster than standard PC ports, with the added benefit of less power wastage through heat generation.

The pre-wired power modules can be used individually or linked to serve multiple workstations using Wieland GST18/3 connectors.

Installers can connect the modules direct from powertrack in single or multiple configurations, using additional circuit protection drawn from a selection of aluminium RCBO units. They can be fed from underfloor busbars, wall trunking, floor boxes, grommets or PowerPoles. www.marshall-tufflex.com

A CUT ABOVE These new diagonal cutters from KNIPEX are designed to cut through rough, thick and fine wire, nails and steel tape, < KNIPEX TwinForce cutters speeding up jobs on-site.

The TwinForce cutters have two forged-on hinge bolts, and a joint without a joint rivet, which the company says has been shown to require 50 per cent less hand force to cut than conventional high-leverage diagonal cutters.

The pliers can also cut through thick brackets and spring steel with more force, and can sever wire up to 4mm thick. www.knipex.com

Connections Winter 2016-17

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16/01/2017 12:31

Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case study/Customer care/Training FAMILY BUSINESSES

Live wire Balancing act Many electrical businesses are based around a family. This can be dangerous ground but it can also be a successful model for those who get it right, says Peter Searle

W

ith more than two million family firms in the UK, contributing over £180 billion to the economy, it seems many feel the benefits of keeping it in the family. Family-run businesses can be a powerful proposition, providing business issues and family matters are kept separate. The extra bond of blood often means family members are highly committed and will work extra hard to support each other. The following tips will help family businesses maximise on their strengths.

received by other staff, to avoid resentment. Family members should use their own time to do any extra training they require.

Ensure work/family life balance Strong and resilient family businesses are clear on the separation between work life and family life. They ensure boardroom talk does not invade personal time and a clear demarcation is agreed by all parties.

For this to be successful, both sides of the line must be equally fulfilling. Members of the family must not only work hard but play hard, too. Happy family business owners put as much planning into having satisfying home lives as into running their company.

Move with the times If the business is to be a continuous source of wealth for the family, it must be sustainable. The next generation’s fresh perspective is an asset to be realised, and their thoughts should have a bearing on the strategic direction of the business – after all, they are the ones who will be managing it in the future.

Ideally, they should be encouraged to seek work outside the family business early in their careers and then bring this knowledge home to roost. They are closer to new technologies than the existing generation.

Make the best of this knowledge, even if it is outside your comfort zone.

Draw up a family charter Because family businesses often start out on informal terms, legal frameworks are often missing. If there is nothing already in place, it is worth taking the time to draw up a family charter with a solicitor.

Typically, it will include definitions of how family members in the business, and those outside, are rewarded. It will detail what happens in the case of marriage, re-marriage, death and divorce. It is likely to describe the family values and how they translate into business actions, any limits on diversification, and will also impose exit planning to avoid stagnation.

Illustration: Cameron Law

Make it a meritocracy The best family businesses are clear that the family is a separate entity from the business, and appoints and promotes on merit alone. Older doesn’t necessarily mean better; a younger member of the family’s e outsid ide the business may put them in a id education or experience outside d on marketing or finance than some of the stronger position to lead older generation. Nonfamily members may need to be brought in for some senior roles.

Don’t assume the managing director of a strong family business ey y has to be a relative. They simply need to be the best person for the job. en need Family members often e to work harder, smarter and more efficiently than others. They may ng, coaching require additional training, unt they receive or mentoring. The amount d be equal to that during work time should

Plan for the movement of wealth It is estimated that each year, 100,000 family firms pass from one generation to the next. And many do so without anything like enough forethought into the tax implications. How y your business is structured could have significant implications for how much tax the next g generation will pay. Hanging onto your shares until the bitter end will come back to bite you hard.

Talk to an accountant about how both inheritance tax and capital gains tax will come into play when the next generation takes over.

Do this well ahead of time. By thin th thinking at least a decade ahead, you w yo will reap dividends.

Peter Searle is a consultant with small Pe an medium-size and medium-sized business body Business Doctors www.businessd Doc www.businessdoctors.co.uk

Co Connections Winter 2016-17

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case study/Customer care/Training SKILLS SHORTAGES If you have an opinion about an issue concerning the electrical industry, let us know.

Email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

Live wire

Plugging the gap As with many others, the electrical sector faces a struggle to attract skilled labour.

But the advent of new technologies means the industry remains ains an attractive proposition, says say Peter Coombs

B

ritain is facing its biggest skills neration, and shortage for a generation, skilled trades are one of the most sought-after roless in the UK. At ent of vacancies present, 43 per cent in skilled trades are a result of this ectricians making shortage, with electricians idening as mature up 13 per cent of these. The gap is widening contractors check out.

As a result, this is an exciting time to be part of the asing opportunities electrical industry, with rapidly increasing ment has set a for skilled professionals. The government target of building 1 million homes by 2020, resulting in es to fill the quota. increasing pressure on trade industries Recently, there has been a rise in demand for home management systems – self-learning tools that note st environments the behaviour of occupants and adjust e in demand for accordingly. This has created a surge professionals with the skills to carry out successful at the number of installations. Add to this estimates that llion by 2020, and it connected devices will exceed 50 billion e demand for is likely we will see further uplift in the electrical tradespeople.

No only will the UK require more electricians, Not but the workforce will need to be better supported c to cope with the evolving skills associated with thes changes. Schneider Electric recently these expand its Electrician Partner Programme to do expanded just tha that. The scheme supports electricians and is free for professionals working in the residential and comme commercial lighting sectors. It helps partners solve challen challenges such as preserving the skills and knowledge require for emerging technology trends, and evolving required ma the marketing needs of a new business as well as maintai maintaining those of an established one.

Acco According to the Office for National Statistics, the average salary for an electrician has risen to £30,172 since 2 2014 – a 4.6 per cent increase. Attractive salaries, ample b business opportunities and widespread industry require requirements means there has never been a better time to learn a trade, be your own boss and take advantage of the g gap in the market.

Peter C Coombs is field marketing manager at Schneider Electric manag www.schneider-electric.co.uk www.s

IN FOCUS// WAYNE AYNE LEWIS

» Wayne Lewis FusedRight.com

How did you set up?

I used to be in retail and retrained six years ago. I wanted to do something more challenging. I signed up with ELECSA straight away. I do domestic work around Sutton Coldfield – anything from putting in an outside light to a full rewire.

Do you have any help?

Yes, I sponsor a charity called Livingstone House which helps people who have had addiction problems and tries to get them into a trade. I’ve taken on an apprentice through them, and he’s worked with me for about a year.

16

I believe you’ve even had a radio slot…

I often phone in to BBC Radio WM. I’d been talking about customers not knowing about their electrics, and then I managed to get a slot called Wayne’s DIY Phone In, advising customers on keeping their house safe.

Tell me about the boxer you sponsor?

His name is Benjamin Whittaker, and he’s part of the GB team for the Tokyo Olympics. I give him a bit of money every six months, and I mention that on my invoices.

Any future plans?

I want to keep it as just me.

But business is flying – if I approach customers, I normally get the work. I’d like to do more work for the community.

What do you do outside work?

I look after my daughter.

I’m trying to re-do my own home, too.

Did you get any time off over Christmas?

Yes, a bit, but I used it to do my books. But I love the job – I’ve not been doing it long enough to fall out of love with it.

Illustration: Cameron Law

If you are a small business or sole trader and would like to feature in In Focus, email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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16/01/2017 12:35

Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case study/Customer care/Training FEEL THE POWER

Live wire

Gig economy

> The British Summer Time festival, clockwise: the stage, installing cables, Dan Pratt on site, powermonitoring equipment

Undertaking the temporary power installation for the British Summer Time festival comes with several challenges, from planning and testing to making sure the toilets remain operational

By Andrew Brister

T

here’s no such thing as a typical electrical installation. From a simple domestic rewire through to electrical services at a nuclear power station and everything in between, no two projects are the same. Yet few firms will get to experience projects of the sort carried out by Wiltshire-based contractor Power Logistics.

The company is a specialist in the provision of temporary events power. Its expertise in stage power, site electrics, distribution, project management and lighting for big events has seen it win contracts at a host of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, conferences, parties, award ceremonies and sporting events globally.

Power Logistics is a trusted contractor for some of the most significant entertainments in the calendar, such as the End of the Road, British Summer Time, V and Bestival music festivals, and the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National sporting events. It also operates a full project management and consultancy service to London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The company first provided a complete power solution to Barclaycard presents British Summer Time in 2014. The popular festival is held in London’s Hyde Park and takes place across the first two weekends in July, with the 2016 event seeing Olly Murs, Mumford & Sons, Take That and Stevie Wonder all taking to the stage to perform to sell-out crowds. Power Logistics has a long history of working in Hyde Park and provided the power for the famous Live 8 concert and the Wireless and Hard Rock Calling festivals.

“We provide all the site and show power for the British Summer Time festival, which encompasses all stages, backstage artist and production areas, toilets, hospitality and bars and concessions,” says Power Logistics’ project manager Dan Pratt. “Most of the equipment is supplied direct from our own fleet. More than 50 generators, in a variety of sizes from 30kVA right up to 500kVA, are installed to power the festival. We also provide all the cabling and distribution for the

18

event, along with 26 tower lights and additional lighting around the site.”

Designing the power solution for a project of this size requires careful planning, taking the entire site layout into consideration. For example, certain generators that power the ‘delay towers’ – the towers that are set up at large live events for the diffusion of sound over extended distances away from the stage – are sited to the exact millimetre so as not to interfere with audience sight lines to the stage. “A schematic drawing is produced for the distribution system that includes everything from the largest 500kVA generator to each 13A socket,” says Dan.

BS 7909 in action The scope of the works that Power Logistics carries out generally falls within BS 7909. Equipment used to form a temporary electrical system should be supplied as pre-assembled units that have been tested and are known to be safe and suitable for use. The standard doesn’t prohibit the manufacture on site of simple units that might be necessary, but it does consider this should be the exception rather than the rule.

If a system plugs together without recourse to using tools to make terminations, then it falls within the scope of BS 7909. However, if a system (temporary or not) needs building, with wiring accessories having to be fitted, cables terminated and so on, then BS 7671 alone applies. BS 7909 does require systems to be designed in accordance with BS 7671, but it makes provision for simplified testing based on the specific recommendations for equipment being followed.

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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17/01/2017 16:00

26: The number of tower lights

If you’ve been involved in an interesting and innovative project, let us know. Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

‘Generators always supply the minimum requirement, but are programmed to turn themselves on or off, depending on the increases or decreases in load’

required for the British Summer Time festival

in specialist monitoring equipment, which was fitted to the relevant generator sets during the 2015 and 2016 events, enabling it to create a power log across the main stage and several key generator sites.

The analysis from 2015 helped the Power Logistics team to monitor and log power consumption during the 2016 event across four areas.

Once again, this will inform the planning and provision of power for the 2017 British Summer Time festival.

From a health and safety perspective, the entire site operates under the CDM Regulations, so it’s imperative that the whole Power Logistics team adheres to this, be it completing site inductions, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, using banksmen when driving forklifts or fencing off areas when working at height.

Energy efficiency Power saving, reducing fuel bills and energy efficiency are important aspects at all big events. “We will always look to provide the correctsize generators for the event and continuously monitor loads and timings,” says Dan. “Our bespoke power management solution allows generators to be synchronised in pairs, trios, fours, fives and so on.

“Generators then always supply the minimum requirement, but are programmed to turn themselves on or off, depending on the increases or decreases in load. This enables the generators to be operated on a power-by-demand system.” This approach was used at British Summer Time, with synchronised generator sets supplied to main stages, bars and concessions and the toilets.

AEG Live, the event’s organiser and promoter, is also keen to reduce energy consumption, and Power Logistics recently invested

Once an event is fully installed and operational, key members of the Power Logistics team will remain onsite, including the project manager, to ensure that everything runs smoothly during rehearsals and show days.

“At British Summer Time, lighting checks are carried out once it is dark. As the event is held at the height of summer, this can be as late as 11pm and often means the team are onsite from 8am to 1am for five days straight,” says Dan. While they do get to enjoy the on-stage action, if the acts are to their taste, they are always at the end of a radio in case there are any minor problems to deal with.

It’s not all fun in the sun. “As you would imagine, festival toilets are the downside of working at any event and none more so than when you’re the electrician,” he says.

Power Logistics is responsible for wiring the entire area – a task that is challenging enough during the build because the toilets are all trailers or cabin units rather than Portaloos. They require a lot of power, and any failure can lead to a fairly rapid build-up of ‘waste’. “And load out is far worse,” says Dan. “This year, it required elbow-length rubber gloves.”

» Andrew Brister is a freelance journalist specialising in the electrical industry Connections Winter 2016-17

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Photography: Steve Gillett/Livepix

Behind the scenes

19

17/01/2017 16:01

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16/01/2017 12:38

Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case Study/Customer care/Training INDUCTION MOTORS

Live wire Get up to speed The final phase of a European Union energy efficiency directive came into force in January. James Thomas provides some advice for those responsible for operating or installing induction motors

T

he final phase of European Union regulations designed to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon dioxide emissions in industrial environments started in January.

This is a legal requirement that must be implemented, and is not dependent on the UK’s future relationship with the EU. EU Regulation 640/2009, and the supplement 04/2014, require manufacturers to improve the energy efficiency of induction motors. As of 1 January, all AC motors rated from 0.75 kW to 375 kW fitted to any device will need to be energy-efficient IE3-rated, or IE2-rated where connected to a variable speed drive (VSD). There are some exemptions from the requirements of the new regulations where, for example, motors are totally immersed in liquid and for use in harsh or explosive environments.

In several areas, good practice will help insulate companies and contractors from any negative impact as a result of the legislation, which, after all, is designed to enhance industrial environmental performance and lessen its potential to harm the world through excessive energy consumption.

• ‘Works out of the box’: very few VSDs are designed to work without any initial parameterisation, essential for easy installation; • Good-quality function buttons: cheap plastic buttons and rotary speed controls are easily damaged and compromised by third parties; • Simplicity: look for device-mounted start, stop and speed control; • IP rating: a good-quality device will conform to at least IP20; • Environment: seek out a product that can operate at high temperatures with coated printed circuit boards and frost protection; • ‘Keep running’ mode: this is an essential feature in areas where the power supply could be unstable; • Operator panels: if the VSD requires cabinet mounting, it should still be possible to operate the device externally; • Electromagnetic compatibility filters: it is highly recommended to use filters to reduce the transfer of electromagnetic noise between the drive and the mains power supply; • Eco and hibernation mode: this feature will enable energy reduction during both operation and standby periods.

Where to begin?

IE3 considerations

Electrical contractors facing any new installation must first clearly determine the energy-efficiency class of the motor attached to devices such as pumps, fans and compressors. The class is normally located on the motor’s name plate – the key indicators to look for are either IE2 or IE3 ratings.

Once this basic information is obtained, it is up to the user to decide how best to start, stop and control the motor in question. But such decisions need to be informed by the key fact that, while an IE3-rated motor can be started by any device, in the case of IE2, the motor must be operated in conjunction with a VSD.

VSD selection Many manufacturers have selection tools and apps to help customers choose the right VSD for the application in question.

However, before specifying the final drive product, contractors and operators are urged to assess several important elements and gauge appropriate features that will ensure quick and easy installation, as well as providing the foundation to eliminate the potential for future failures. These include:

James Thomas is business development manager for Siemens UK & Ireland www.industry.siemens. com/drives

IE3 motors use less energy at the same power output, as the low nominal current entails reduced power consumption. However, the starting current is increased. As a consequence, nuisance tripping and other issues can occur.

When undertaking motor replacements in existing plant rooms or for retrofit projects where the switchgear has not been upgraded, it is advisable to check switchboards and install IE3-ready products to enable the switchgear to cope with the increased inrush current of IE3-rated motors.

These regulations will ensure all devices are operated to ensure maximum energy efficiency. As a result, the plant owner simply has to use technology that meets the regulations and reduces their energy bills.

‘Electrical contractors facing any new installation must first clearly determine the energy-efficiency class of the motor’ Connections Winter 2016-17

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case study/Customer care/Training JOBS FOR THE GIRLS

Live wire

Making a difference

> Balancing act: Louise Shepphard (below), who runs her own firm, says the pace of change has been slow but hopes things will change in the next 10 years

NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign is helping to change the image of construction by encouraging more women to join the sector. But more work still needs to be done

S

ix years ago, NICEIC set up a campaign to encourage more women into the electrical industry – Jobs for the Girls. The aims back then were to highlight the opportunities that exist in the industry and to challenge the myth that electrical contracting was for men only.

The campaign has scored some notable successes. NICEIC has met politicians, appeared on national television and radio, set up a training academy, sponsored female students, and was the first organisation to run a trade advert featuring a female contractor.

“The plan at the start was to change the way people view the industry,” says Emma Clancy, chief executive of NICEIC. “There was a huge skills gap in the sector and we needed to open up the doors to more women. It’s been a slow process, but we are seeing more females contacting NICEIC to find out how they can get started in the industry, and more employers seeking information about how they can employ female electricians.”

Work to be done Although more women are now choosing to take up a career as a skilled tradesperson, the numbers are still painfully low. Men outnumber women by nine to one in the

22

trades sector, with fewer than 1 per cent of all electricians estimated to be female.

Louise Shepphard has been an electrician for more than 20 years. She runs her own NICEIC-registered firm Shepphard Electrical in Pontypool, South Wales, and believes seeing a woman on site is still not considered the norm.

“I went straight from school into an apprenticeship with British Steel,” she says.

“Out of about 2,500 people, there were only two us who were female. It was definitely a bit unusual then. When the careers people turned up at our school to talk about apprenticeships, most of the other girls just switched off.”

The situation doesn’t seem to have progressed much, she says. “Things have changed a bit, but it’s slow. I am on site all the time, and the only other women I see are one painter and one plumber.

“I don’t know why it is so slow. There is probably still an attitude that women are not strong enough and I did used to get the odd comment, but that just made me more determined to succeed.”

Louise now employs five staff and has just taken on a female apprentice. “I hope that in 10 years’ time things will have changed and I might have a team of all women,” she says.

Donna Lister runs ATB Electrical in southwest London. She believes that gender

‘We are seeing more employers seeking information about how they can employ female electricians’ should not be an issue in the industry. “There does need to be a careful balance between marking ‘us’ out as different,” she says. “At the end of the day, we are all electricians – male or female.

“The differences should be about whether we are good or bad sparks, and how we can work together to make sure everyone has the skills and experience to be a good one.”

Initiatives to attract more women into the industry need to start early, she believes.

“Getting girls interested at school still needs to be a focus. I don’t know any female trades

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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17/01/2017 16:06

‘If more females realised what a brilliant career it is, they would jump at the chance to get into the industry’ Louise Frame

Leading the way Last year, NICEIC appointed another female area engineer. Louise Frame joined the organisation in September and covers the North Glasgow and Lanarkshire regions. She is the second female area engineer employed by NICEIC – the first being Yvonne Warner, who covers the Lothian and Borders area.

Louise began her career with an electrical apprenticeship when she was 16. Since then, she has been involved in a variety of jobs, from homes, schools, offices and factories to theatres, sports stadia and museums.

She became a qualified supervisor and was in an electrical management role before her latest appointment with NICEIC. “About 20 years ago when I first started out in the industry, it was far less common to see a female in the electrical industry than it is now,” she says.

“It drives you to work harder and push yourself harder, so that no one can question either your ability or contribution. I’ve always been naturally driven and determined, which makes me want to prove any doubters wrong.

“It’s becoming a lot more commonplace to see females in the industry, which can only be a good thing, but there still aren’t enough – I’m not sure why the figures are still so relatively low,” she adds.

“If more females realised what a brilliant career it is, they would jump at the chance to get into the industry. If you work hard and apply yourself to the job, that’s all anyone cares about, irrespective of your gender.”

who have not come into it as a second or even third career.

In addition, the industry’s self-employment potential could be used as a selling point.

“Promoting the self-employment option, for those who need to work around family commitments, might also make it more attractive,” she suggests.

Sheffield College In 2015, NICEIC worked in partnership with Sheffield-based charity WEST (Women in Engineering Science and Technology) and The

Sheffield College to help promote careers as an electrician to women.

Together, they put on a free taster session for women in the area, providing an insight into the work carried out by electricians.

The session gave women the opportunity to find out more about the work involved, and included practical sessions involving wiring up lighting circuits.

Following the event, NICEIC offered a bursary to three women who wanted to become electricians. The funding allowed 31-year-old Cariad Thomas-Cooke to choose an alternative career path. “Because of my age, I didn’t qualify for government funding,” she says. “The bursary meant I could retrain and go into a different career. I was itching to do something where I wasn’t stuck in an office. I really wanted to become an electrician because of the options it opened up for me.”

Shauna Wigglesworth, 24, had just completed the first year of her two-year electrical course at The Sheffield College when NICEIC helped her find work experience

with a local employer. “The support from NICEIC has been great,” she says. “Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to get the work experience I needed. It has proved invaluable.

Now I have been taken on as a full-time apprentice with the Guinness Partnership.”

Geraldine Hughes is 44. “I think becoming an electrician should be pushed more in schools,” she says. “Girls need to try different things at a young age. It is only then that they will find out if they like it or not.”

The lecturer’s viewpoint Martin Fletcher is the lecturer in electrical studies at The Sheffield College. He believes that more women are now choosing to take up a trade at an earlier age. “Things have changed. I think these girls are proof that becoming an electrician is for everyone,” he says. “They are all flying in class and ahead of the boys in most cases. They seem to have extra determination – I am proud of them.”

For more information, go to www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls Connections Winter 2016-17

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Case Study/Customer care/Training ASBESTOS

Live wire Clear and present danger Asbestos may no longer be used in new buildings but it remains a very real threat for contractors. Knowing your responsibilities can help keep everyone safe, says Helen Ratcliffe

A

sbestos is the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in Britain, responsible for around 5,000 every year. Inhalation of airborne fibres over time may lead to the development of incurable cancers 10-50 years later.

Those most at risk now from asbestos are those who come into contact with it as they go about their work such as joiners, plumbers, electricians and maintenance workers. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and industry partners have run awareness-raising initiatives, such as the ‘Beware Asbestos’ campaign in 2014-15, to try to prevent or reduce current and future exposures.

Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials in buildings built or refurbished before 2000.

Many asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in commercial and domestic properties and in plant such as electrical equipment. Any home built before 2000 might also have asbestos in the airing cupboard, the consumer electrical distribution/ metering board or roof soffits. HSE has field work evidence that tradespeople are being exposed even when they do not expect to find any asbestos. Great care is required to minimise exposure.

The most important thing is to do all you can to avoid disturbing anything that might be asbestos. If this is unavoidable, you must comply with the following: • Anyone (including the self-employed) likely to encounter any ACM must have had basic awareness training and instruction on how to avoid accidentally disturbing it, and how to act if it is disturbed; • Anyone who does intend to disturb ACMs, for example by running cables through asbestos insulating board (AIB), must have had the next level of training above mere awareness, and be competent to work on or near ACMs safely. You need to understand the difference between asbestos work that does not require a licence from HSE and the higher-risk work which only licenceholders may do. You must also take account of the job notification requirement for non-licensed work (NNLW) where substantial breakage of ACMs is likely; • Nothing should be disturbed without full asbestos precautions until you are confident that the material does not contain asbestos. In owner-occupied dwellings, the occupier may not be able to tell you if ACMs are involved. You may have to get a sample taken and analysed by an accredited laboratory.

Do not take samples yourself unless you have been trained for that.

24

Helen Ratcliffe is HM inspector of health and safety and a policy advisor at HSE

Domestic clients are under no legal obligation to have or to pass on information about asbestos in their premises unless they have retained duties as a client under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM). On most significant contracts, the client passes their duties to the principal contractor.

Electrical contractors should ensure they understand the main duties under CDM and The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 12) – identifying if asbestos is present and, if it is, doing a risk assessment aimed at using the correct working methods, controls and cleanup actions to protect yourself and others.

You need to be familiar with the guidance sheets in HSE’s Asbestos Essentials task manual, which provide instructions on a range of non-licensed tasks. Employers will benefit in particular from reading sheet ‘a0’ for categorising work and advice on non-licensed work.

The Beware Asbestos app is a trimmed-down version of some of the task sheets, which can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet, and is free from the HSE website.

Landlords of domestic premises should be asked to provide any information they have on asbestos, but their legal duties are less explicit than for commercial/ industrial non-domestic premises.

Those in charge of the maintenance of public and commercial buildings and similar structures should have assessed the likelihood of ACMs in their premises and plant and, in older premises, have either assumed its presence everywhere or have surveyed to identify all locations of asbestos. They should then be managing the situation to avoid problems, which includes giving visiting workers information on asbestos locations.

Before you take on a job, you should establish the rough age of the premises and, in public and commercial premises, ask to see the asbestos survey information or register for the specific area(s) you will be working in. If no information is available or it’s difficult to interpret, you should not disturb anything until you know what you are dealing with.

For more information and the guidance sheets referred to here, visit www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos For information on the Beware Asbestos app, visit www.beware-asbestos.info

‘The most important thing is to do all you can to avoid disturbing anything that might be asbestos’

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE //ADDISON ELECTRICAL COMPANY: Addison Electrical BASED: Manchester MAJOR PROJECTS: The Edge, Chorlton apartments, Lundy factory STAFF NUMBERS: 9

Family expansion

Emma Pape

Manchester firm Addison Electrical has seen a decade of rapid growth on the back of a spot of family help, which has put it on the verge of hitting £1 million turnover

By Nick Martindale

A

ddison Electrical, based in Cheadle Hulme, South Manchester, is a thriving electrical business that almost never was. For almost half a century it consisted of just Bill Addison, who worked as a sole trader in the area, focusing almost entirely on domestic jobs and rewires for local customers.

It was only when Bill’s son Michael starting helping out at weekends and later became a qualified electrician himself that things started to change and the business grew, finally becoming a limited company in 2015. “I qualified in 2006, and in 2009 we took on our first employee,” says Michael. “Since then it’s just grown steadily. We’ve pretty much doubled revenue each year.” The company turned over £600,000 in its last financial year, and expects to hit £1 million this year.

Much of this growth is down to moving away from the domestic sector, and particularly into working for property maintenance firms – undertaking electrical installation and maintenance in residential blocks as well as office refurbishments and more general commercial work. “We 26

‘It just got to a point where it wasn’t feasible. When my sister and my mum joined, they took so much pressure off me’ started doing some work for one property manager who we were recommended to by a domestic customer,” he says. “He referred us to other managers in the company he worked at and it skyrocketed from there.

“We now work for a few property maintenance companies in town, looking after communal areas such as car parks and corridors. We started getting better known around Manchester

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£250,000: The largest contract the firm has undertaken to date

Bill Addison

Sandra Addison

city centre, which has had a booming industry over the past few years with a lot of buy-to-lets and newbuilds, and started working for a few firms more on the back of that.” The business often works on 80-120 developments at once, he adds, including reactive repairs.

On The Edge This kind of work has also seen the firm move more into energy efficiency, and LEDs in particular. One notable project has been on The Edge – one of Manchester’s largest residential developments – which involved upgrading almost 2,000 luminaires with LEDs over a five-year period in a £250,000 contract.

Electrical testing is another important line of work for the business. “We did the full test at The Edge which was around 1,200 circuits so that was one of the larger ones we’ve done,”

says Michael. “But a standard EICR, where you might have anything from 30 or 40 circuits right up to 1,000, is still an integral part of the business.”

There have been other high-profile projects too, including undertaking the electrical installation for 13 apartments in the former Chorlton Conservative Club – a grade 2 listed building – and a new factory for Stockport firm Lundy Projects. “That was a 35,000-square-foot factory back in 2015,” recalls Michael. “We did all the high and low-bay lighting and all the three-phase supplies, so pretty much everything electrical.”

As the jobs have increased in size and scope, so too has the business grown in numbers of people. Today, there are seven engineers and two apprentices, as well as Michael’s mother Sandra and sister Emma Pape, who came onboard to help out once it was evident the business was too much for anyone to run on their own.

Connections Winter 2016-17

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Photography: Victor De Jesus/UNP

Michael Addison

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17/01/2017 16:08

CONTRACTOR PROFILE //ADDISON ELECTRICAL

“I would spend two hours every night emailing the engineers about the jobs for the next day, and it just got to a point where it wasn’t feasible,” says Michael. “It was minimum 12 and up to 16-hour days. I was up at 7am and going to bed at 11pm, but having done a few hours of emails in the evening. When my sister and my mum joined properly and came into the office, they took so much pressure off me.”

Family planning Sandra now handles the scheduling and customer service, while Emma takes care of the accounts. Michael’s role is split between estimating and project management on the one hand, and trying to grow the business on the other. He’s a big fan of a local business networking group, which he says can lead not only to direct work but also to a greater knowledge of the businesses operating in and around Manchester. He also still undertakes jobs from time to time when the business is busy.

Bill, meanwhile, now 71, still works part-time for the firm on the tools. “We know a lot of sole traders in the area and he’s one of them,” says Michael. “He enjoys the two or three days and it gets him out of the house, but he doesn’t necessarily have any desire to get too involved in the running of the business. Had I not joined or started as an electrician, I think he would have just carried on as a sole trader.”

Finding staff, though, has not been easy. “We’ve always found that the hardest thing,” he says. “With the customers we have and the work we do, we have to get spotless electricians in. It’s been difficult finding ones that fit our business and our ethos.” The apprentices have helped with that, he says – one has just qualified and the other is about to start college. “They were both in their mid-20s when they joined, so they’re more mature and really switched on.”

There are plans to expand further, too. “We’re looking to take on one more office staff member, one more senior engineer and an apprentice in the next few months,” he says.

This expansion will involve another move, even though the business only moved out of the family home in 2015. “It had got to the stage where we were running a £400,000 turnover business from a bedroom, and we had outgrown the way we were initially set up. Even now, we’re working in a single office – with the three of us based there, it’s a bit cramped. We’ve found somewhere that is double the rent but three times the size, and it gives us room for expansion.”

The business operates mainly in and around its base in Greater Manchester, although it also takes on work throughout the north-west, including recent projects in Liverpool, Wrexham and Leeds. More recently, though, it has worked further afield, on the back of property maintenance companies themselves winning work outside the area.

“We’ve just finished a showroom fitout in Clerkenwell, London, and an office refurbishment that was a six-week project in Reading,” says Michael. “We still use the same guys – they stay Monday to Friday and come back for the weekend.

A few of them are willing to travel and a few aren’t, but we make it work. We have nothing against working outside the north-west in principle. If we get more projects down south, we’ll take them on if it’s worth it to us as a business.”

Go with the flow The plan for the future is more of the same, although Michael is reluctant to look too far ahead. “This is a conversation we have almost every month,” he says. “We don’t have a long28

> Michael himself still undertakes the odd electrical job

‘We have to get spotless electricians in. It’s been difficult finding ones that fit our business and our ethos’ term business plan. Our attitude is that we will do the work in front of us, and if we do it to a decent standard we’ll get recommended to others, so it’s organic growth. We did have a vague plan a couple of years ago, saying if we have four guys and four vans it would put food on the table and give us a bit of a profit – but you can’t turn work down. We realised we needed a fifth and now we need a sixth.”

He is, though, open to the idea of moving into new areas, including home automation and fire installations. “We do carry out fire installations when someone else commissions us to do them, but that’s something we’d like to do more of ourselves in the future,” he says. “But it’s a question of time – we’ve been very busy for the past five years, so it’s just getting the space to develop that side of the business. But we won’t rule anything out.”

Both his parents are likely to continue to wind down over the next couple of years, he says, meaning Michael and Emma will inevitably take on more responsibility. “My mum and dad have always said that they want the business to provide a wage for myself and my sister, and maybe give them a bit of a pension pot,” he says.

Michael’s own vision, meanwhile, is for continued growth rather than rapid expansion, and a balance between his work and personal life. “There are probably opportunities to grow the business at a quicker rate but with a young family it’s not something I want to do,” he says. “I’m more interested in getting the balance right than building a huge business.

“We’ve been lucky; we just about survived the recession so we’re grateful for what we have got,” he adds. “If we can have eight or 10 vans out covering the work we’ve got for the longterm customers, that’s a decent position to be in. There’s an old phrase ‘If you want to get a guy to laugh at you, tell them your plans’. That’s our ethos.” » Nick Martindale is editor of Connections Could your business feature in Connections?

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

•

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THE YEAR AHEAD

Move with the times

This year promises to be another eventful one on the back of rising interest in smart homes and energy efficiency, as well as a growing focus on the upcoming 18th edition

By Rob Shepherd

L

ast year was a special one for NICEIC, as it celebrated being at the forefront of electrical safety for 60 years.

For others in the wider electrical contracting sector, there was also cause for optimism. The industry is now estimated to be worth £16.6 billion, with around 37,000 companies operating as contractors. With solid growth expected over the next few years, mostly due to the demand for IT network connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT), contractors and manufacturers need to get ready for exciting times ahead.

Energy efficiency Energy efficiency in domestic and nondomestic buildings will again be under scrutiny. The Bonfield Review published at the end of last year made 27 suggestions designed to encourage the take-up of domestic energy-efficiency

measures, including the use of home energy technologies and smart meters, as well as the introduction of an energyefficiency quality mark backed by a consumer charter and code of conduct.

Also on the subject of energy efficiency in homes, interested parties will need to prepare for the introduction of minimum energy-efficiency standards (MEES) for properties in the private rented sector (PRS). The 2015 Energy Efficiency Regulations set out minimum MEES for England and Wales, which make it unlawful for landlords to grant a new lease on properties with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating below E from 1 April 2018, and for existing tenancies from 1 April 2020.

The PRS is expected to grow by a further 27 per cent by 2020, so it is surprising that the Landlord and Tenant Act and Housing and Planning Act still

£16.6bn The value of the electrical industry at the start of 2017

offer no details about how, or even how often, the electrical safety of a property should be demonstrated. In Scotland, wiring checks must be conducted every five years by a competent, registered electrician, and there are calls for local and central government to apply the same process in England and Wales.

“The Housing and Planning Act gives the government powers to introduce electrical safety standards within the PRS through secondary legislation,” says Alan Wells, technical and standards director at Certsure. “It has set up the Electrical Safety Working Group to help identify what, if any, legislative requirements should be introduced and it will provide recommendations to ministers.”

Brexit ramifications For manufacturers, the UK’s forthcoming exit from the European Union (EU) brings uncertainty, and the ramifications of Brexit are being debated. Ultimately, this could filter through into price rises for both contractors and customers.

Connections Winter 2016-17

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THE YEAR AHEAD

“Manufacturers are feeling the effects of the weakened pound,” says Marie Parry, marketing director at Scolmore Group. “Sterling’s weakness translates into higher import prices and a steep rise in purchasing costs, which is resulting in manufacturers having to pass on higher prices. We don’t want to see the rise in costs resulting in inferiorquality products being sourced.”

Simon Wood, UK wholesale and distribution sales manager at Megger, strikes a more positive note. “With the Brexit decision and the collapse of the pound, the profile of UK companies has been raised, as there is stability of prices of UK-manufactured products verses imported products,” he says.

Technical drive Technology continues to drive the electrical contracting sector, and the level of innovation remains impressive.

It is also helping in achieving energy efficiency objectives and meeting the insatiable demand for smarter homes.

“The impact of building information modelling (BIM) on the industry is still being felt,” says Parry. “The challenge is putting the theory into practice and uniting all parties. Many big electrical contractors are expecting manufacturers to be onboard.”

The rise of the IoT promises a brave new world of connected devices, smart cities and homes, and ultimately better living. According to research by Cisco, the number of connected devices is expected to exceed 50 billion by 2020.

IoT technologies that enable quick and easy personalisation of energy management and lighting settings, either through devices in the home or remotely via apps on a smartphone, will start to have an impact in 2017, says Peter Coombs, field marketing communications manager at Schneider Electric. “The simplicity of IoT provides the opportunity for electrical contractors to grow their business by moving into areas that were previously seen as overly complicated,” he says.

“Taking smart heating controls as an example, these allow an electrical contractor to upgrade a residential heating controls system and have it operational and connected to the internet within 15 minutes.”

In the lighting sector, Dan Scott, commercial director for the trade channel at Philips Lighting, believes that light-emitting diode (LED) 32

At the sharp end The past few years have been times of mixed fortunes for electrical contractors in what is still a highly price-competitive sector. However, tough trading conditions are something that a majority of firms will be used to, as research from Certsure discovered that 37.5 per cent of companies have operated for more than 15 years, while 15 per cent have been in business for between 10 and 15 years.

“I think 2017 will be a challenging year in terms of the effects of continued economic uncertainty, but good contractors with careful cash and project management should continue to prosper,” comments Ruth Devine, director at Milton Keynes-based SJD Electrical. “I would expect the maintenance and housebuilding sectors to grow, but I wouldn’t be confident enough to forecast growth anywhere else.”

Dave Berryman, managing director at Berryman Electrical in Orpington, is also optimistic. “At the moment 2017 is looking pretty good because most of the large projects have already been planned and awarded to the main building contractors, so there is plenty of work to tender for at our level,” he says.

“However, we’ve already seen several cable and material price rises, and labour costs are currently high – it could mean profits will be affected even if turnover is up. What happens further ahead than 2017 is anyone’s guess.”

‘The Housing and Planning Act gives the government powers to introduce electrical safety standards within the PRS through secondary legislation’ technology will continue its recent strong performance in 2017, aided by an increasing demand for green buildings.

But he warns there will be no place for sub-standard products. “In recent years we have seen light sources removed from the market because they failed to meet the efficiency requirements imposed by the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive,” he says. “With the long lifetime of LEDs, it is also critical to look carefully at the after-sales support.”

Another issue that will command more attention this year will be unfitfor-purpose fire detection systems, believes Martin Lee, business manager at Gent by Honeywell. “The cost of false alarms runs to the tune of £1 billion a year through lost productivity, business disruption and the fire service attending,” he says.

18th edition With the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) set to be published in 2018, more details about

what to expect will become apparent during 2017. As well as amendments to the current regulations that cater for advances in technology and technical data updates, it is expected that these will include protection against overvoltages and fire, electrical embedded heating and energy efficiency.

“Electricians involved with the design, installation and maintenance of electric wiring in buildings will need to know about the additions and changes when they come,” says Wells.

“JPEL/64 – the joint IET/BSI technical committee at the IET responsible for producing the regulations – has carried out a significant amount of work to understand and incorporate within our national requirements any changes that are necessary to align BS 7671 with international and harmonised standards.”

Already, this year is shaping up to be one of significant change. As well as watching closely how the Brexit situation pans out, energy efficiency, smartphones and the IoT will continue to dominate the wider agenda and affect the way products are specified, installed, commissioned and maintained. Ultimately, this is all positive, as it puts electrical contractors in prime position to diversify their offerings and add exciting revenue streams to their businesses. » Rob Shepherd is a freelance business journalist specialising in the building services industry

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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SUBSTANDARD CABLE

Counterfeit or poor-quality cable can leave customers exposed to danger, and contractors’ reputations in tatters. Everyone in the industry has a duty to know what to watch out for and to report any concerns, says David Adams

A

BASEC

ll that glitters is not gold; and what appears to be quality cable might in fact be a dangerous piece of junk. In late 2016, the cross-industry Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) reported a fall in the number of samples of suspect cable being submitted to it for testing. It expressed concern that this could indicate complacency in the electrical industry.

Examples of substandard cabling continue to appear in the supply chain, sometimes with fake markings claiming compliance with British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) and/or HAR standards (which meet harmonised standards across 18 European countries). But Peter Smeeth, director

36

at the ACI and secretary general of the British Cables Association (BCA), says it is hard to be sure of the extent of the problem, because reporting of substandard cables is inconsistent.

Let’s hope we don’t see here what is happening in Australia. Around 4,000km of substandard cable is thought to have been installed in more than 40,000 properties there between 2010 and 2013, after a wholesaler imported cabling with inadequate plastic coating g from a manufacturer in China. A national onal product recall, sometimes involving ripping cabling out of properties, began gan in 2014, amid warnings that it could pose a serious fire risk.

The recall is likely to cost more than n A$80 million (around £46 million).

The scandal has also damaged the reputations and financial wellbeing of many of the businesses involved, including the companies that installed d the faulty cabling.

Hidden danger Meanwhile, in the UK, the ACI has publicised examples of substandard cables seen in the field. They include cable with undersized conductors, such as 25mm2 in an armoured cable where the conductor should be 35mm2. Some cables have also been constructed using less copper than is needed – for example, 0.8mm2, rather than 1.5mm2.

A cable with components that are unsuitable for the current carried will overheat and could catch fire.

Alan Wells, technical and standards director at Certsure, says that in other cases manufacturers have substituted other materials for copper, such as steel and aluminium, again creating overheating and fire hazards. He has also seen cables with inadequate, easily broken insulation; and cable coatings coloured with poor-quality dyes that fade quickly, making it hard to tell if you’re looking at live, neutral or earth.

Substandard cables can be dangerous whether or not they burst into flames: if those connecting smoke alarms or sprinklers fail, for example.

But the ACI has also tested ‘fireresistant’ cables that were destroyed by fire within two minutes, rather than resisting g fire for 30 minutes,, as required q by industry standards.

Substandard cable being sold at rockbottom prices also harms reputable manufacturers. David Hingston, owner of specialist panel wiring and equipment wiring manufacturer Permanoid, says his firm is sometimes undercut by competitors offering substandard substa andar ard d products. produc ucts. they’re “If th hey e ’rre lot a lo ot

Take no chances Winter 2016-17 Connections

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70 per cent: The amount of cable that is imported into the UK cheaper, you’ve got to be suspicious,” he says.

Globalisation and online suppliers have added to the problem, because some wholesalers and distributors buy from online vendors that are not quite what they claim to be. About 70 per cent of cable used in the UK is imported, and the ACI estimates that as much as half of it may not comply with relevant standards.

Fingers have been pointed at countries where cable manufacturing has boomed in recent years, in particular China and Turkey. However, not only are there some excellent products being manufactured in those countries, but also some substandard cable originates in the UK. Even if a contractor bought a product in good faith, if you install it you are in breach of the wiring regulations, says Wells. “You may be guilty of breach of contract. You could be asked to take it out and replace it. If the place has since been redecorated, you may be liable for paying the redecorating costs. If an NICEIC/ELECSA-registered contractor knowingly puts together a substandard installation, we would follow our disciplinary procedures and we may be obliged g to share that information.”

Do your homework So what can contractors do to protect themselves? “Only buy from reputable suppliers,” says Wells. You can check on the BASEC and HAR

products,” says Hodge. “Unfortunately, UK regulators are stretched and they see professional-use products such as electrical cable as a low priority, so contractors need to look after their own interests as much as possible.”

‘Does it look right?

Does it feel right?

Sometimes those gut instincts are as reliable as anything else’ websites if a supplier has been given the certification it claims to have.

The ACI suggests contractors and installers should check cables for relevant standard numbers, reference numbers and cable codes; the correct number of cores; and the right crosssectional area.

There are other signs to look out for.

“Anonymous products, incomplete marking and labelling, incomplete paperwork, differences from previously paperw products, and a price that is too used p cheap to be realistic are indicators of possible problems,” says BASEC chief possib executive Dr Jeremy Hodge. execut Contractors should trust their Cont instincts, says Wells. “Does it look right? instinc Does it feel right? Sometimes those gut instincts are as reliable as anything else. instinc Is it as pliable as normal? Is the copper right colour? Does it feel the same the rig you strip it down?” when y contractor still has doubts or If a c concerns, they should send a short concer sample of the cable to BASEC or the “The ACI will provide a testing ACI. “T service and anonymity,” says Smeeth.

Launched in 2010, the ACI works to Laun improve and extend mechanisms for improv proactive monitoring of best practice proact throughout the supply chain. It is also throug promoting an industry charter with promo the aim of creating a more consistent method for market surveillance.

“The ACI has been effective in raising profile of non-compliant cable the pro

Tougher rules Some help may be on the way in the form of the EU’s Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which comes into force in July. This introduces further testing and certification requirements for any cable that will be installed permanently in buildings in an EU member state.

The problem is, says Hingston, no extra resources are being provided to help enforce the new rules. He believes new legislation is needed. “What we need is legislation that says if you are contravening these standards there are real legal sanctions.”

Chris Mallinson, director at Doncaster Cables, agrees. “We need legislation to say that if you bring a product into the UK that does not meet either the British or European standards that is a criminal act and you can be fined and imprisoned,” he says.

The industry needs to do its share of the work, too, says Martyn Allen, head of the electrotechnical division at Electrical Safety First. “We need cases to be reported – we need the evidence to influence policymakers.” He urges the electrical industry not to ignore this issue. “About half of all fires in the home have an electrical origin,” he says.

“Some are likely to be associated with substandard cable.”

So if you come across cheap cable that could threaten your customers and perhaps your professional reputation, you know what to do. As Wells says: “Cheap today could be very expensive tomorrow.” » David Adams is a freelance business journalist

Further information Approved Cables Initiative: www.aci.org.uk BASEC: www.basec.org.uk HAR: www.etics.org Does It Comply? (industry initiative to combat non-compliant electrical products): www.doesitcomply.co.uk Connections Winter 2016-17

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully Charged From the helpline

We continue with our series of answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it necessary for boiler pipework to have supplementary bonding?

There is no specific requirement for boiler pipework to have supplementary bonding.

However, where the manufacturer of the boiler makes such a recommendation then the installer should take that into account (Regulation 510.3 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do the omissions detailed within Regulation Yes. No distinction is made between earthing systems.

701.415.2 regarding the supplementary bonding conductors in rooms containing a bath or shower apply to TT earthing systems as well as TN systems?

QUESTION

ANSWER

What Classification code should be given if no supplementary bonding exists in a room containing a bath or shower having both exposed-conductive-parts and extraneousconductive-parts, and the conditions given in Regulation 701.415.2 have not been met?

Code C2. There is no immediate danger unless a fault came to exist.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it necessary to test supplementary bonding for continuity during an initial inspection and test?

Yes. Regulation 612.2.1 is entitled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Continuity of protective conductors, including main and supplementary equipotential bondingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can supplementary bonding be used to reduce the effective earth fault loop impedance of a circuit?

Yes. 411.3.2.6 states that where automatic disconnection of supply according to Regulation 411.3.2.1 cannot be achieved in the times detailed in Regulations 411.3.2.2, 411.3.2.3 or 411.3.2.4, as appropriate, supplementary equipotential bonding shall be provided in accordance with Regulation 415.2.

QUESTION

ANSWER

What is the minimum size of supplementary equipotential bonding conductor permitted

by BS 7671?

The minimum cross-sectional area of a supplementary bonding conductor connecting two extraneous-conductive-parts is 2.5 mm2 (Regulation 544.2.3 refers); however, where mechanical protection is not provided, which is typically the case, the minimum cross-sectional area of a supplementary bonding conductor shall not be less than 4 mm2 (Regulation Group 544.2 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it necessary to install supplementary bonding in an area where livestock are housed?

Yes. In locations intended for, and accessible to livestock, Regulation 705.415.2.1 requires supplementary bonding to be connected between all exposed-conductiveparts and extraneous-conductive-parts.

Connections Winter 2016-17

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged 40 Changes to the code of practice for emergency lighting 43 Requirements for operating and maintenance gangways 46 Apprentice Corner: multiple choice questions on installing an electric shower unit in bedsits in a house of multiple occupancy 49 Overcurrent protection of conductors in parallel

54 Variable frequency drives part 3: protecting VFDs 58 Protective conductors common to installations having separate earthing arrangements 60 Snags & Solutions – a practical guide to everyday electrical problems

Changes to the code of practice for emergency lighting Objective Contractors who undertake work on emergency lighting systems should be aware that the code of practice for emergency lighting, BS 5266-1, has recently been revised to incorporate recommendations and guidance for premises that are not evacuated immediately on loss of the normal lighting supply. This article looks at the changes included in the current standard, which came into effect on 31 May 2016, and unless otherwise stated, any reference in this article to a particular Clause or to BS 5266-1 refers to BS 5266-1: 2016.

safety of those remaining in the building can be determined, including the following: • actions that need to be taken as the end of the emergency lighting duration approaches • how to warn occupants if evacuation is then needed • how to direct or escort occupants to safe refuges Such procedures may include retaining a proportion of the emergency lighting supply duration for use should evacuation be required later on during the alarm situation. For example, the emergency supply duration may be divided whereby one part of the capacity is designated for assisting persons to move to a place of safety (such as a refuge) and the second part retained if evacuation becomes necessary later on. In view of this, information on emergency lighting technology, such as luminaires incorporating a rest mode facility which allows the emergency battery supply to be switched off when it is not needed, is contained in Annex B of the standard, and information on the application of emergency lighting systems is contained in Annex C. Emergency safety lighting

E

mergency lighting recommendations are, primarily, intended to contribute to the safe evacuation of buildings on loss of the normal lighting supply.

However, for some premises, an immediate evacuation of all occupants may not be the most appropriate option. For example, evacuating all the residents from a care home in the event of a power supply interruption can prove difficult and involve other risks.

Consequently, the risk assessment may determine that in such circumstances it is more appropriate for the occupants to remain in the building for extended periods, referred to as a ‘stay put’ strategy (Clause 4.1 refers).

For some premises, particularly those in locations vulnerable to frequent power supply interruptions, a ‘stay put’ strategy may be the most appropriate option. However, where premises implement such a system the safety of persons remaining in the premises must not be compromised. For these reasons, Clause 4.1 recommends that any potential risks that may arise due to the loss of normal lighting should be assessed so that procedures for maintaining the

40

Fig 1 BS 5266-1: 2016 Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises

To provide a safe environment for those who remain in the building, higher levels of illuminance and additional signage may need to be provided in particular areas or rooms.

Lighting provided for such purposes is defined as Emergency safety lighting in BS 5266-1 and should satisfy the recommendations of Clause 5.3, as follows: • It should provide a minimum illuminance of 1 lux over the floor area that people may need to cross, although based on risk assessment, higher levels may be needed (Clause 5.3.2 refers).

• Escape route and other safety signs should comply with Clause 5.2.9.1 and 5.2.9.2 respectively (Clause 5.3.3. refers). For example, an escape route sign designated as E001 and E002 in BS EN ISO 7010: 2012+A5 should be used with the appropriate directional arrow in accordance with BS 5499-4: 2013 (Table 1).

Note 1: Safety signs other than escape route signs are covered by BS 5499-10: 2014 (Clause 5.2.9.2.1 of BS 5266-1 refers).

Note 2: Any safety sign needs to be illuminated – either externally or internally.

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Fig 2 Escape route sign – conforming to BS EN ISO 7010: 2012 (E001/ E002) with directional arrow

This certificate is not valid unless accompanied by pages 2 and 3 if the serial number has been defaced or altered

EVM1/

Emergency Lighting Site Compliance Certificate For verification of existing installations

Contractor’s Reference Number

CRN/

Original

DETAILS OF THE CLIENT

(To the person ordering the work)

Fig 3 Emergency Lighting Site Compliance Certificate for verification of existing installations

Client/ Address Postcode

DETAILS OF THE EMERGENCY LIGHTING INSTALLATION Address

Postcode

Extent of the installation covered by this certificate

DETAILS OF THE ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFICATION Trading title Address

Postcode

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY In consequence of acceptance of the outcomes declared in this certificate, I/we* hereby declare that the emergency lighting system installation, or part thereof, described in this certificate conforms, to the best of my/our* knowledge and belief, to the appropriate recommendations and requirements given in BS 5266-1: 2016, Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises, BS EN 1838: 2013 Lighting applications – Emergency lighting and BS EN 50172: 2004, Emergency escape lighting systems, as set out in the outcomes declared, except for the deviations recorded.

To be signed by either: a) The Responsible Person / Competent Person (England and Wales); b) The Employer or Other Persons (Scotland) or c) The Employer or Nominated Employee (Northern Ireland) Signature

Date

Name (CAPITALS)

VALIDITY REVIEW AND ESSENTIAL RELATED DOCUMENTS

This certificate is valid only when accompanied by current versions of all the following: i) Signed compliance checklist

ii) Photometric design data*

iii) Test log book

The contractor issuing this certificate MUST sign to verify that i), ii) and iii) above have been supplied with this certificate

Signature

Date

Name (CAPITALS)

NEXT INSPECTION

We, RECOMMEND that this installation is further inspected and tested after an interval of not more than

*This can be in any of the following formats (in all cases appropriate de-rating factors must be used), and identified to meet worst case requirements: • • • •

Authenticated spacing data such as ICEL 1001 registered tables; Calculations as detailed in BS 5266-1: 2016, Annex D, and CIBSE / SLL Guide LG12; Appropriate electronic format of results Site test light readings

Page 1 of This form is based on the model in Annex K of BS 5266-1: 2016 Published by Certsure LLP. Certsure LLP © Copyright Certsure LLP (June 2016)

Please see the ‘Notes for Recipient’ on the reverse of this page.

EVM1 /1

Servicing and repair of emergency lighting systems The service and repair of emergency lighting systems is covered by Clause 13, which recommends that a competent person is appointed to perform the monthly test schedules.

Furthermore, to minimise the time needed to complete essential repairs and reinstate emergency systems, it is recommended that any necessary spares, and in particular those that are difficult to obtain, are kept on site (Clause 13.4 refers).

An automatic test system is advised for premises that do not intend to conduct an immediate evacuation (Note 3 of Clause 4.1 refers).

Emergency lighting certificates The model certificates have been updated to take account of the changes to BS 5266-1.

In addition, the certificate designed for small

emergency lighting installations, not exceeding 25 self-contained luminaires, is no longer a dual-purpose certificate. For the verification of existing premises, a new model (site compliance) certificate is contained in Annex K. Where valid emergency lighting system documentation cannot be provided for an existing installation, such as the original completion certificates, the installation should be inspected for compliance with current emergency lighting standards and a certificate of verification should be completed and supplied to the owner/occupier of the premises (Clause 11 of BS 5266-1 refers).

Such circumstances may arise as a result of, for example: • The emergency lighting documentation having been lost.

• A change of usage or layout, for example, due to the conversion of an office into a restaurant, the existing documentation may no longer remain valid.

• Improvements to safety standards (or technology) that, over time, have been incorporated into the emergency lighting standards, such as recommendations relating to high-risk task areas and specific locations.

Where this is the case, completion of the ‘compliance checklist’ will highlight to the owner/ occupier of the premises, any deviations that are present on the existing emergency lighting system, and provide recommendations on the actions necessary to address them.

Furthermore, the completed certificate and associated documentation, such as the compliance checklist, photometric design data and appropriate test log book together with the records of remedial works completed, will then provide a substitute system of documentation that may be used, when necessary, to provide evidence of compliance with current emergency lighting standards.

To support the verification of an existing emergency lighting installation, additional guidance on the ‘compliance checklist’ is contained in Annex L, and guidance on the emergency lighting log book is contained in Annex J. Summary It may not be necessary to evacuate a building in the event of a power supply interruption. In recognition of this, BS 5266-1: 2016 contains recommendations and guidance to assist implementation of a ‘stay-put’ strategy when it is appropriate. Therefore, in addition to emergency escape and standby lighting, the scope of BS 5266-1 also covers the provision of emergency safety lighting.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Requirements for operating and maintenance gangways Objective The objective of this article is to detail the requirements of BS 7671 with regard to Section 729; Operating and Maintenance Gangways. The article will focus on the basic protection requirements and other safety aspects for those persons permitted to work or pass through the area.

Introduction Operating and Maintenance Gangways are one of a number of special installations or locations added to Part 7 of BS 7671: 2008

by Amendment No 1. An operating and maintenance gangway is defined in BS 7671 as a gangway that provides access to facilitate operations such as switching, controlling, setting, observation and maintenance of electrical equipment.

Fig 1 Example of signage to mark restricted access areas

As for all the special installations and locations in Part 7 of BS 7671, the requirements of Section 729, Operating and Maintenance Gangways, supplement or modify the general requirements of BS 7671.

The requirements of Section 729 apply to basic protection and other safety aspects, including those for operating or maintenance gangways, in areas containing switchgear and controlgear assemblies where access to the area is restricted to skilled persons or instructed persons.

The requirements of Section 729 do not apply to situations where switchgear or controlgear are installed in a location where access is rightly not restricted to skilled or instructed persons. This could be the case, for example, where protection against electric shock for all equipment in the location relies on the generally permitted protective measures listed in Regulation 410.3.3, such as automatic disconnection of supply. However, the general requirements of BS 7671 still apply in such situations, such as the requirements of Chapter 41 for protection against electric shock and Regulation 132.12 for accessibility.

Control of access to the special location The areas restricted to skilled or instructed persons must be clearly marked by means of appropriate signage (see Fig 1), and measures must be taken to prevent unauthorised access.

The latter requirement will most likely be met by securing the access doors by conventional lock and key, or perhaps by security card reader or similar. However, evacuation from the location should be unrestricted and not require the use of a key or tool or anything other than the opening mechanism (Regulation 729.3 refers).

Gangway width and headroom Two fundamental requirements, given in Regulation Group 729.513.2, are that: • the width of gangways and access areas must be adequate for work, operational access, emergency evacuation, and transport of equipment, and • gangways must permit at least 90° opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.

Subject to the above requirements, the minimum width and headroom dimensions for gangways are given in Regulation 729.513.2.1 where basic protection against electric shock is provided by barriers or enclosures in accordance with Section 416, and in Regulation 729.513.2.2 where basic protection is provided by obstacles in accordance with Section 417.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Table 1 Gangway minimum width and height above Gangway characteristic

Minimum applicable dimension (mm)

Gangway width including between: • barriers or enclosures (or obstacles, where applicable) and switch handles in their most onerous position, and • barriers or enclosures (or obstacles, where applicable) or switch handles in their most onerous position and the wall

700 (see Fig 2)

Gangway width between barriers or enclosures (or obstacles, where applicable) and other barriers or enclosures (or obstacles, where applicable) and the wall

700 (see Fig 2)

Height of barrier or enclosure (or obstacle, where applicable), measured from gangway floor

2000

Height of Iive parts placed out of reach 2500 (Regulation 417.3), measured from gangway floor Notes.

1) This table gives only a summary of the relevant requirements. For the full requirements, see BS 7671, Section 729.

2) Larger dimensions may be required for particular items of switchgear or controlgear (including for transport of these).

3) See Fig 3 regarding provision of space to permit 90° opening of equipment access doors or hinged panels.

4) The use of obstacles is permitted only for parts of the installation that are controlled or supervised by skilled persons (Regulations 417.1 and 729.513.2.2 refer).

Obstacles are therefore unsuitable for use where an instructed person not under the supervision of a skilled person is authorised to access an area.

Access to gangways and for evacuation in emergency

Fig 2 Minimum width of gangway (to be read with Table 1)

Barriers or enclosures

Circuit-breaker in the position “isolation”

700 mm

44

The minimum dimensions are summarised in Table 1 of this article.

It is interesting to note that the minimum height of 2500 mm for placing bare live parts out of reach (see Table 1, bottom row) exceeds the figure of 7 feet (2.134 m) for the minimum height to a bare live low voltage conductor that applied in Regulation 17 of the Electricity (Factories Act) Special Regulations 1908 & 1944, which appears as a historical comment in Appendix 3 of the Memorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (HSR25).

The gangway width and headroom dimensions given in Section 729 (and summarised in this article) are absolute minima and manufacturers’ instructions may exceed such values. Larger clearances must be provided where circumstances dictate this.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reported finding in the past that, even with fully enclosed switchgear and controlgear conforming to relevant standards, inadequate space has been provided between, for example, the front of a switchboard and a facing wall, which has prevented operating handles from being fully extended. The HSE has also found cases where switchboards have been erected face to face with inadequate spacing to allow safe operation, and that withdrawable units have been installed with insufficient space to withdraw and work on them.

It is essential that sufficient working space is provided in all situations.

700 mm

The requirements for access to gangways and for evacuation in an emergency are given in Regulation 729.513.2.3 and Annex A729 (normative).

The fundamental requirements for access are that gangways exceeding 10 m in length are to be accessible from both ends, and that closed restricted access areas with a length exceeding 20 m are to be accessible by doors at both ends (Regulation 729.513.2.3 refers). However, a note to Regulation 729.513.2.3 recommends accessibility from both ends of a closed restricted access area if the length exceeds 6 m. Examples of the positioning of doors in various situations are given in Fig 729.3 of the regulation.

The main evacuation requirements in Annex A729 can be summarised as: • doors of equipment must close in the direction of the evacuation route • gangways must permit at least 90° opening of equipment access doors or hinged panels • doors that can be fixed in the open position and

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Fig 3 Minimum passing width (for evacuation) allowing for 90° opening of access doors and withdrawal of circuit-breakers Plan view

Minimum passing width 500 mm*

1

2

circuit-breakers that are fully withdrawn for maintenance require at least 500 mm clearance to the opposite limitation of the gangway when the door is open or the circuit-breakers fully withdrawn (see Fig 3).

Where items of switchgear or controlgear are installed face to face, it is important that if equipment doors need to be opened, or circuitbreakers need to be withdrawn, opposite each other, at least the minimum passing width shown in Fig 3 is available with doors fully open/circuitbreakers fully withdrawn.

Summary

1

Circuit-breaker in the position “completely extracted”

2

Fixing device of a door

*

The minimum width of a gangway of 500 mm shall be taken into consideration between the wall and the circuit-breaker in the position “completely extracted” and equipment door in the 90 degree position

The requirements of Section 729 apply to basic protection and other safety aspects, including those for operating or maintenance gangways, in areas containing switchgear and controlgear assemblies where access to the area is restricted to skilled persons or instructed persons.

The requirements of Section 729 do not apply to situations where switchgear or controlgear are installed in a location where access is rightly not restricted to skilled or instructed persons.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Apprentice Corner The Apprentice Corner is an exciting new addition to the Connections magazine. Its purpose is to aid the apprentice or new trainee/improver in understanding various aspects of electrical installation work.

The format will generally be a scenario that will reflect the type of the work undertaken by electrical contractors.

There will follow a series of multiple choice questions that the reader is encouraged to answer.

The answers to the questions are to be found in another part of the Connections magazine along with some feedback, where applicable, on the technical content of the answers.

Scenario The landlord of a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)1 has asked your company to install an electric shower unit into each of his four bedsits. A proposed layout for the bedsits is shown in Fig 1.

The 4-way consumer unit (CU) is fixed at high level just inside each bedsit and contains fuses to BS 3036 for overcurrent protection. There is a spare way in each consumer unit.

The property was built in the mid-1970s and adapted for HMO use in 1985. There has been no updating of the property in terms of the electrical installation since. There are no Electrical Fig 1 Shower cubicle installed into a bedroom

46

1 A HMO is a house occupied by more than two qualifying persons, being persons who are not all members of the same family. Shared student accommodation would be an example of an HMO. 2 Periodic Inspection Reports (PIRs) have since been replaced by Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).

3 Now IET 4 It is recommended that all electrical installation work in a dwelling is carried out by a registered contractor.

Installations Certificates (EICs) or Periodic Inspection Reports (PIRs)2 available. The electrical supply to the property is 230 V, 50 Hz single-phase and the earthing system is TN-S. The supply cutout is rated 100 A. Contractor’s considerations The property was built in the period of the 14th Edition of the IEE Regulations, and adapted for HMO use in the period of 15th Edition of the IEE3 Wiring Regulations. The 15th Edition introduced many changes to the requirements for earthing and bonding and additional shock protection in the form of residual current devices (RCDs). With the change of use to an HMO, such changes might be seen in the property.

In England and Wales, installing a new circuit in an HMO falls within the scope of Part P of the Building Regulations for England and Wales4.

For Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, verification of compliance with the appropriate sections of their own Building Regulations must be undertaken.

The proposed installation of a shower circuit into a bedsitting room will re-classify the area as a ‘room containing a bath or shower’ and the requirements of Section 701 – Locations containing a bath or a shower will amend some of the installation decisions to be made.

The contractor will need to consider the requirements of Regulation 132.16 and ascertain whether it is actually feasible to add a shower circuit to such a location. Such considerations would be: • Has the incoming supply cable sufficient additional current-carrying capacity if the showers are used simultaneously as the diversity applied is limited?

• Is the cross-sectional area of the existing earthing and bonding conductors adequate?

• Is there any RCD protection present for circuits in each bedsitting room?

• Where low voltage socket-outlets are required in each bedsit, are the rooms large enough to allow sufficient distance between the socket-outlet and the shower to satisfy the requirements of Regulation 701.512.3?

• Is the distribution circuit to each bedsit suitable for the increased load?

• What impact will the additional demand for water have upon the water pressure should multiple showers be used at the same time?

• Are there any ventilation issues for the room with the added showers?

• If there are no EICs or PIRs available, a full inspection and test may be necessary.

If the above bullet points cannot be satisfactorily

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addressed, the landlord may have to accept that an electric shower cannot be installed in all of the bedsits.

Multiple-choice questions The questions that follow are centred on the technical knowledge an electrical contractor would need to possess in order to install a shower complying with the requirements of BS 7671 in such a location.

1. Is it necessary for the existing socketoutlet shown in Fig 1 to be moved to a different position? (a) If the socket-outlet falls within the boundary limit of zone 2 it must be moved to a distance at least 1.2 m from the water outlet. (b) The socket-outlet can remain in its present location, but needs changing to one offering protection to at least IPX4. (c) If the socket-outlet is not fed from an SELV source, it must be moved to a distance at least 3 m from the boundary of zone 1. (d) Where a shower or bath is installed in a bedroom, socket-outlets are prohibited unless they are fed from a 25 V a.c. rms source.

2. Assuming the light fitting mounted above the shower cubicle shown in Fig 1 is in zone 1, it should: (a) Have a minimum IP rating of IPX7 (b) Have a minimum IP rating of IPX4 (c) Be changed to an extra-low voltage luminaires (d) Be re-located to a position at the edge of zone 1 3. Will it be necessary to install one or more RCDs in the bedsit? (a) Additional protection by one or more RCDs shall be provided for all the low voltage circuits serving the location and passing through the location. (b) Additional protection by one or more RCDs shall be provided for only the socket-outlet circuit. The lighting circuit is deemed to be out of reach. (c) RCDs are not required if the disconnection time can be verified as occurring in 0.4 s when under earth-fault conditions. (d) Where supplementary bonding is present, and automatic disconnection of supply is the method of protection, RCDs can be omitted.

4. The existing 4-way consumer unit (CU) houses BS 3036 fuses. Which one of the following is not a correct option? (a) Fitting a new CU is not necessary if an external RCD can be installed. Fuses to BS 3036 are perfectly adequate for a load such as an electric shower. (b) If an RCD unit cannot be fitted externally to the CU, then the CU must be replaced for

Answers on page 52

one that has an integral RCD or one that can accommodate BS EN 61009 devices. (c) An assessment must be made of the existing CU to ascertain that it meets the requirements of the additional shower circuit. (d) It is essential to replace the CU for one incorporating BS EN 60898 devices as these are far superior to rewireable fuses to BS 3036.

5. There is a likelihood of exposed-conductiveparts and extraneous-conductive-parts being simultaneously accessible. Will local supplementary bonding need to be installed? (a) Local supplementary bonding must be installed in a room containing a bath or shower in compliance with Regulation 544.2.4. (b) Where the requirements of Regulation 544.2.5 are met, local supplementary bonding in the bedsit can be omitted. (c) Supplementary bonding may be omitted where parts (iv) to (vi) of Regulation 701.415.2 have been met. (d) Local supplementary bonding can be omitted where it can be proved that such bonding introduces a dangerous potential under earthfault conditions.

6. Upon completion of the installation of the electric shower, what documents, if any, will be handed to the person ordering the work? (a) The shower represents a new circuit; therefore an Electrical Installation Certificate along with a Schedule of Test Results and Schedule of Inspection must be handed to the person ordering the work. (b) Providing the electrical tests carried out are satisfactory, a certificate is not needed as it is likely the client would not understand the content. (c) As the bedsit is an existing installation, the paperwork handed to the client will be an Electrical Installation Condition Report along with a Schedule of Test Results. (d) The new shower circuit represents a minor installation; therefore, the appropriate paperwork to be given to the client is a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

Connections Winter 2016-17

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Overcurrent protection of conductors in parallel Objective The Technical Helpline often receives enquiries concerning the installation of parallel conductors.

With the exception of the ring final circuit, which is not discussed in this article, there is no specific requirement in BS 7671 that restricts the installation of parallel conductors. Generally parallel conductors are used as an alternative option to installing a conductor of large crosssectional area (csa). However, as outlined in the article, wherever parallel conductors are installed, they must be adequately protected against overload and fault currents.

I

n some circumstances, such as where a cable of large cross-sectional area (csa) is needed to satisfy the current-carrying capacity or voltage drop requirements of a circuit, it may be more practicable, as illustrated in Fig 1, to install two or more cables1 of smaller csa and to connect their respective conductors in parallel to share the load current between them. This may be an appropriate option, for example, if the space available along the installation route is restricted, such that the minimum bending radius for the larger single conductors or cable cannot be met or alternatively, where owing to increased demand, the current-capacity of an existing cable is intended to be upgraded by the installation of an Fig 1 Parallel conductors

1 The same principles apply to single core conductors.

additional cable and the parallel connection of their respective conductors.

Equal current sharing To simplify the protection of conductors connected in parallel, measures should be taken to ensure that equal current sharing is achieved between the conductors (Regulation 523.7(i) refers). Generally, this is achieved by ensuring the conductors installed are of a type specified in Regulation 523.7(i) and are the same; in terms of material, cross-section and length (substantially).

Additionally, branch circuits should not be connected to the parallel conductors (Regulation 433.4 refers).

Where the conductors intended to be connected in parallel number four or more or where current sharing cannot be achieved, consideration should be given to the use of busbar trunking.

Overload protection Where conductors share current equally, as shown in Fig 2, a single protective device may be used to protect all conductors. However, devices for isolating or switching should not be connected to the parallel conductors (Regulation 433.4 refers).

The value of current carrying capacity (Iz) to be used when determining the operating characteristics of an overload device is the sum of the current-carrying capacities of the parallel conductors (Regulation 433.4.1 refers).

It should be noted, that irrespective of whether the conductors are connected to form a single circuit, grouping factors, as detailed in Table 4C1 of BS 7671, should be applied for cables run in parallel. In such circumstances each cable should be treated as a separate circuit.

Unequal current sharing The effect of inductance reduces the currentcarrying capacity of conductors, and is more significant in larger conductors. Because of the inductive effects produced by the manner of their installation, two large single-core conductors that have the same csa and length may not necessarily provide equal current sharing when connected in parallel. For these reasons, Regulation 523.7 requires that larger single-core or non-sheathed cables (greater than 50 mm2 in copper or 70 mm2 in aluminium), are installed and arranged so that such effects are minimised.

Regulation 521.5.1 requires a.c. circuits installed in ferromagnetic enclosures, such as steel wire Connections Winter 2016-17

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Fig 2 Current-carrying capacity for conductors protected by a single overload device sharing the current equally

Fig 3

armoured cables, to be arranged so that all line conductors and the neutral conductor, if any, and the appropriate conductor are contained within the same enclosure. Where armoured cables are used to distribute a three-phase supply, all the line conductors (L1, L2, L3 and N) should not be distributed in separate cables. This means that in each cable there should be a corresponding L1, L2, L3 and N conductor.

For an unarmoured multicore cable, the cores may be connected together to form a single conductor; however, the total current-carrying capacity of the cable will be reduced so advice should be sought from the cable manufacturer.

As stated in Appendix 10 of BS 7671, where such effects cause the conductor impedances to differ by more than 10 % then it is likely to result in unequal current sharing between parallel conductors. Where conductors in parallel share current unequally, Regulation 433.4.2 requires that the design current and the requirements for overload protection for each parallel conductor are considered individually. This will, generally, require overload protection to be provided for each parallel conductor.

Fault current protection

Fig 4

Regulation 434.4 allows a single device to be used to provide fault current protection for parallel conductors only where it can be confirmed that the operating characteristic of the device provides effective operation if a fault occurs at the most onerous position in one of the conductors.

Where a single fault current protective device is to be used, the designer must consider all types of fault condition at various points along the parallel conductors, so as to determine the most onerous position. The designer should take into account how the fault current is shared between the conductors and that a fault can be fed from both ends of the faulted conductor.

Where the operation of a single fault current protective device may not be effective, Regulation 434.4 requires one or more of the following measures to be taken for parallel conductors. â&#x20AC;˘ Each conductor; should be installed such that the risk of a fault is minimised, for example, the provision of protection against mechanical damage. Additionally, the conductors must also be installed so that the risk of fire or danger to persons is reduced to a minimum. â&#x20AC;˘ For two conductors; a fault current protective device is provided at the supply end of each parallel conductor, as shown in Fig 3. â&#x20AC;˘ For more than two conductors; a fault current protective device is provided at the supply end Connections Winter 2016-17

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged and the load end of each conductor, as shown in Fig 4.

Fault current protection may be considered to be effective if it can be shown that the clearance time of the protective device, under both short-circuit and earth fault conditions, does not result in the permitted limiting temperature of any conductor being exceeded.

The maximum acceptable clearance time can be calculated using the adiabatic equation in Regulation 434.5.2.

Where more than two conductors are connected in parallel, the provision of fault current protection at both ends of each conductor has two disadvantages.

• If the faulted conductor is disconnected (by the protective devices at its ends), the circuit will continue to operate with the load being shared between the remaining healthy conductors, leading to overloading of those conductors.

Where overload current protection of the circuit is provided by a single overload current protective device, the overload will not then be detected, because the individual conductors are overloaded not the circuit. Furthermore, the original fault may go undetected because the circuit continues to operate.

• The fault may create an open-circuit on one side of the protective device, leaving the conductor on the other side live.

In view of this, as an alternative to providing protection at both ends of each parallel conductor, protection may be provided at the supply end only using a linked device, which is designed to automatically disconnect all parallel conductors under fault conditions (Appendix 10 of BS 7671 refers).

Summary The installation of parallel conductors is not restricted by BS 7671; however, where conductors are connected in parallel the particular requirements of BS 7671, as outlined in this article, must be satisfied to confirm that all conductors connected in parallel are adequately protected in the event of an overload or fault condition.

52

Apprentice Corner answers Correct option is (c) Except for SELV socket-outlets and shaver units to BS EN 61558-2-5, socket-outlets are prohibited within a distance of 3 m horizontally from the boundary of zone 1.

Regulation 701.512.3 refers.

2. Correct option is (b) The light fitting is installed in zone 1.

Regulation 701.512.2 (ii) states that installed electrical equipment in zones 1 and 2 shall have degrees of protection to at least IPX4.

3. Correct option is (a) Regulation 701.413 requires an RCD to be installed for low voltage circuits that feed the bedsit, and also where low voltage circuits pass through zones 1 and/or 2 and are not serving the bedsit.

4. Correct option is (d) Regulation 701.413 requires an RCD to be installed but what it doesn’t state is where.

An RCD unit mounted externally to the CU is acceptable. Otherwise, a CU will need to be installed that has either an integral RCD or can accommodate devices to BS EN 61009. Fuses to BS 3036 are still acceptable for use.

5. Correct option is (c) Where the location containing a bath or shower bath is in a building with a protective equipotential system in accordance with Regulation 411.3.1.2, supplementary bonding may be omitted where parts (iv) to (vi) of Regulation 701.415.2 have been met.

6. Correct option is (a) The addition of a shower represents a new circuit. Therefore the correct certificate to give to the client upon completion of the work is an Electrical Installation Certificate which must be accompanied with a Schedule of Inspection and a Schedule of Test Results (Regulation 613.1 refers).

However, as the room would have become a special location, building control notification would need to be issued under the requirements of the Building Regulations in England and in Wales.

1.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Variable frequency drives Part 3: Protecting variable frequency drives

provided by the manufacturer of the particular VFD being installed are taken into account (Regulation 134.1.1 refers). Furthermore, manufacturers have selection tools and apps to help customers choose the right VFD for the application in question.

Motor circuit protection

Objective To inform the contractor how variable frequency drives should be protected and what impact, if any, the increase in the rms current caused by harmonics has upon the selection and rating of the overcurrent protective device. The article will also highlight the choices available to the contractor on what type of RCD should be selected in the event additional shock protection is required.

Introduction This article is the third in a series of four that began in issue 198 of Connections.

In the first article, some of the benefits of using variable frequency drives (VFDs) for motor control were discussed. It was mentioned that VFDs are normally used for variable speed drives or in applications where a motor is required to run at a non-standard speed.

The second article detailed many of the effects of the harmonic currents generated by VFDs. This article gives an overview of approaches used in the protection of VFDs from overcurrent.

Whatever type of overcurrent protection is selected, it is important that the instructions

The function of the overcurrent protection positioned at the distribution board (DB) is to protect the supply cable to the VFD, and the VFD unit itself, as shown by the block diagram of Fig 1, from the effects of short circuit and earth fault current.

Most modern digital VFDs incorporate features that enable the VFD to protect themselves, the motor supply cable, and the motor itself from almost all the common faults on the motor side of the VFD: these include, short-circuit, earthfault, thermal overload protection of the motor and input under-voltage protection (Regulations 445.1.1 and 552.1.3 refer). No further explanation will be given on this part of the motor control circuit as it falls outside the scope of the article.

The protection elements built into the VFD unit do not protect the input side of the VFD, which comprises the power supply cable and, possibly, the rectifier element. Short-circuit and earth-fault protection must be provided upstream in the distribution board (DB) or motor control centre (MCC). As the VFD unit contains the circuitry to protect the motor against overload, the overcurrent devices to be fitted in the DB or MCC are to provide protection against fault current only (Regulation 432.3 refers).

The power electronic devices contained within VFDs and soft-starters are more susceptible to the damaging electromagnetic and heating effects of

Fig 1 Block diagram of a motor control system Distribution board Variable frequency drive

Motor Control Centre (MCC)

Motor (3-phase)

Motor supply cable

Supply cable to VFD !

54

!

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Fig 2 Graph showing the necessary current limiting effect of a protective device

Normal Load Current

I (A)

Damaging short-circuit current without current limitation

Peak let-through current

time (s)

Start of short-circuit

Protective device opens and clears short-circuit in less than ½ cycle

short-circuit currents, and therefore some form of current limiting protection should be provided.

To this end, short-circuit currents must clear within the first half-cycle of a fault (refer Fig 2).

Types of suitable protective devices include: • BS EN 60947-2 moulded case circuit-breakers (MCCB) – these need to be of the current limiting type to provide the necessary speed of operation in the event of a short-circuit.

• BS 88-3 fuse system C. • BS EN 60898-1 circuit-breakers having curve B or C and energy class 31 (more will be mentioned about these devices further into the article).

As illustrated in Fig 2, the three devices listed limit the energy dissipated during the fault by clearing it in the first half–cycle after the initiation of the fault, thus limiting the electromagnetic and heating effects under fault conditions and protecting the VFD components (shown by the green curve).

Current-limiting action provides several benefits: • It limits thermal and mechanical stresses created by the fault currents.

• It reduces the magnitude and duration of the system voltage drop caused by fault currents.

• They can be precisely and easily coordinated under short-circuit conditions to minimise unnecessary service interruption.

Effect of harmonic currents on circuit-breakers and fuses Most low voltage circuit-breakers, such as those complying with BS EN 60898-1, are currentlimiting and incorporate a combination of thermal and magnetic trip mechanisms for

1 The number 3 refers to the energy limiting class of the particular device on which it appears.

This relates to Fig 2.

2 Type B+ RCDs are similar to Type B RCDs with a range up to 20 kHz. (CN00235) Type B+ RCDs are currently designed and manufactured to a German standard and not a BS EN. Their availability may be limited and specific manufacturers should be contacted directly.

overload and fault-current protection respectively. The thermal element responds to the heating effect of the rms current. For non-linear loads where there are harmonic currents present, the rms value of current will be higher than for linear loads having the same power rating. Therefore, unless the current trip level is adjusted accordingly, which is not possible on BS EN 60898-1 devices, the circuitbreaker may trip prematurely while carrying non-linear current. However, in the case of a short-circuit current; the magnitude of the harmonic current will be very small in comparison with the fault current. The issue then becomes one of speed of operation and the BS EN 60947-2 may be the preferred choice as the trip rating can be adjusted.

Fuses rupture under overload or fault conditions and rely upon the heating effect of the rms current. The higher the rms current, the faster the fuse will operate. With non-linear loads the rms current will be higher because of the presence of harmonic currents than for similarlyrated linear loads; therefore, fuse derating may be necessary to prevent premature operation.

Where the load cannot be reduced the rating of the fuse will need to increase. Where this is the case, this may have an impact upon the rating of the motor circuit conductors.

There are two important considerations to be made when selecting protective devices for electronic type motor starters. The device must be able to: 1. withstand the starting current and duty cycle of the motor circuit without melting, and 2. clear a fault quickly enough to minimise damage to the VFD’s internal electronic components.

Additional protection using RCDs Where it is necessary to provide additional protection in the form of an RCD, for example when a VFD is used to control a conveyor on a building site, compliance with Regulation 415.1.1 of BS 7671 shall be met.

Because VFDs generate a wide range of harmonic frequencies, choosing the incorrect type of RCD(s) may lead to unwanted tripping causing inconvenience and, in some cases, danger for the user of the installation (Regulations 132.8 and 331.1 refer). Table 1 shows the different types of RCD and their typical applications.

From Table 1 it can be seen that only type B and F RCDs should be used with non-linear loads such as VFDs and other loads that contain inverters.

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Fully charged Table 1 List of available types of RCD2 RCD type

Symbol

Description

Application

AC

Can detect only a.c. fault currents at 50 Hz whether suddenly applied or rising slowly

General applications where the current is predominantly sinusoidal

A

As for type AC and in addition can detect pulsating d.c.

Multi-speed motors, ovens, electric vehicles, lighting control systems

B

As for type A and a.c. to 1 kHz plus smooth d.c.

Inverters, PV systems, electric vehicles and the like

F

As for type A and for residual currents from mixed frequencies up to 1 kHz

Systems that contain inverters.

Only available for single-phase supplies

For more information on RCDs, a recommended reading source is: A short guide to RCDs published by Certsure.

Summary If damage to the VFD is to be avoided, the protective device needs to operate rapidly in the event of fault currents. This can be achieved by using protective devices that are current-limiting in performance. Where there is significant harmonic current generated that cannot be filtered out, fuse de-rating may be necessary.

Where additional shock protection is warranted, RCDs that are able to detect pulsating

or smooth d.c. and a range of frequencies beyond 50 Hz should be fitted. At present only the B type and F type RCDs are available.

The final article of the series will focus on the earthing and bonding requirements, the size of the neutral conductor, the electromagnetic compatibility with other current using equipment, and the necessity for maintaining segregation with nearby sensitive equipment.

The NICEIC and ELECSA publishing team Tim Benstead, principal technical author Tim worked in contracting and maintenance prior to spending some 16 years as a lecturer. He began working for the Electrical Safety Council in 2006 as a senior engineer.

Mike Burling, senior engineer A former JIB technician, Mike had his own NICEICregistered electrical contracting business before becoming a college tutor and NVQ assessor. He now works as a senior engineer.

Derek Cooney, technical author Derek is a time-served electrician who spent many years electrical contracting on domestic, commercial and industrial installations before becoming a college lecturer. He joined NICEIC as a technical operations engineer in 2009.

Alex Whitworth, technical illustrator Alex has been a professional designer and illustrator for 15 years, working on projects including fashion advertising, book publishing and even cigar packaging.

Chris Long, technical engineer Chris is a gas professional responsible for providing a technical overview of all gas-related articles and publications. He lives in Hampshire with his family and outside of work is a motorbike nut.

56

Terry Bratley, technical author Terry is a time-served electrician who worked on domestic, commercial and industrial installations.

He then taught BTEC and HNC courses before joining Certsure.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Protective conductors common to installations having separate earthing arrangements Objective There are cases where a number of installations in a building, or in separate buildings of a complex, have separate earthing arrangements.

A protective conductor common to any of the installations is required to meet the requirements of Regulation 542.1.3.3, as explained in this article.

This is necessary to protect persons and property against danger that might result from fault current flowing in the common protective conductor, such as danger from harmful thermal effects. The regulation does not state in detail how its requirements are to be met. This article provides some guidance on meeting the requirements.

R

egulation 542.1.3.3 requires that a protective conductor common to installations having separate earthing arrangements shall either be capable of carrying the maximum fault current likely to flow through it, or be earthed within one installation only and insulated from the earthing arrangements of any other installation. In the latter circumstances, the regulation requires that if the protective conductor forms part of a cable, the protective conductor shall be earthed only in the installation containing the associated protective device. Fig 1 illustrates the requirements of the regulation as it relates to both condition (A) and condition (B).

Examples of where a number of installations have separate earthing arrangements are where: (a) an installation forms part of a TT system because the use of a PME earthing facility is not permitted for it (such as at a marina or a caravan park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sections 708 and 709 of BS 7671, respectively, refer) and there is also an installation forming part of a TN-C-S system (PME), such as in an amenity block; (b) an installation in one building supplies an installation in another building, the first

58

forming part of a TN or TT system and the second forming part of a separate TT system; (c) a building or a complex of buildings has more than one supply from the Distribution Network Operator, each supply serving (and providing the earth for) a separate installation.

An example of a protective conductor common to installations having separate earthing arrangements would be a protective conductor of a circuit running from the amenity block to a caravan pitch or pleasure craft mooring point in (a) above, or from one building to another in (b).

Another example would be a protective conductor connecting together the earthing arrangements of different installations in the building in (c) above. The connection might be fortuitous, such as could happen where circuits that are connected to different earthing arrangements share a common earthed metallic wiring enclosure, or deliberate, such as to meet the requirement of Regulation 411.3.1.1 that simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-parts shall be connected to the same earthing system.

Where a common metallic pipe or structural steel frame is bonded to the separate earthing arrangements of two or more installations, the bonding conductor is common to those installations.

Checking whether a common protective conductor can withstand the maximum fault current Unless it is earthed within one installation only and insulated from the earthing arrangements of any other installation, a protective conductor that is common to installations having separate earthing arrangements is required by Regulation 542.1.3.3 to be capable of carrying the maximum fault current likely to flow through it.

Where the common protective conductor is a circuit protective conductor, the above requirement of Regulation 542.1.3.3 will usually be met by virtue of sizing the protective conductor in accordance with requirements of Section 543 (Protective conductors) of BS 7671 as if it was earthed only in the installation containing the associated protective device.

Where there is doubt that sizing by that method meets the requirement of Regulation 542.1.3.3, the adequacy of the size of the protective conductor should be checked using the adiabatic equation of Regulation 543.1.3 (S=â&#x2C6;&#x161;I2t/k), taking into account the maximum fault current likely to flow through the circuit protective conductor.

This might be necessary, for example, where

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Fig 1 Diagram illustrating the requirements of Regulation 542.1.3.3

A Common protective conductor must either: (1) be able to carry maximum fault current likely to flow

Protective device Installation 1

the installation containing the protective device of the circuit.

Where the common protective conductor is a main bonding conductor, the above requirement of Regulation 542.1.3.3 will usually be met by virtue of sizing the conductor in the usual way in accordance with the requirements of Regulation Group 544.1 (Main protective bonding conductors).

Protective conductor earthed within one installation only

Earthing arrangement 1

Where the common protective conductor forms part of a cable and is to be earthed within one installation only and insulated from the earthing arrangements of any other installation, then as required by Regulation 542.1.3.3, it must be earthed only in the installation containing the associated protective device.

If the protective conductor is the armour or metallic sheath of a cable, an effective means of insulating this from the earthing arrangement of the installation that does not contain the cableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protective device is to terminate the cable by means of a non-metallic cable gland.

Installation 2

Earthing arrangement 2

Summary

B (2) be earthed in one installation and insulated in the other

Protective device Installation 1

Earthing arrangement 1

Installation 2

Earthing arrangement 2

Where a number of installations in a building, or in separate buildings of a complex, have separate earthing arrangements, a protective conductor common to any of the installations is required to meet the requirements of Regulation 542.1.3.3.

This is necessary to protect persons and property against danger that might result from fault current flowing in the common protective conductor, such as danger from harmful thermal effects.

Where (2) if part of a the protec conductor earthed o Where (2)installatio applies, if part of acontaining cable, associated the protective conductorprotective must be earthed only in the installation containing the associated protective device

the circuit protective conductor connects to the earthing arrangement of an installation having a significantly lower external earth fault loop impedance (Ze) or a significantly higher prospective or earth fault current than that of Connections Winter 2016-17

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Fully charged Snags & Solutions A practical guide to everyday electrical problems Now updated to Amendment No 3 of BS 7671 ‘Snags & Solutions’, NICEIC’s problem solving books, are now available in five parts, and cover many commonly-encountered electrical installation problems. All parts have been updated, where appropriate, to take account of the requirements of Amendment No 3 to BS 7671: 2008 (17th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations), which was published on 1 January 2015.

Part 1 of Snags & Solutions addresses 53 problems relating to earthing and bonding. Part 2 covers 55 problems relating to wiring systems. Part 3 covers 52 problems relating to inspection and testing.

Parts 4 and 5, which have recently been introduced, cover 50 problems relating emergency lighting and 48 problems relating to domestic fire detection and alarm systems, respectively.

The books are available from NICEIC Direct.

To give an indication of the value of these books, a snag and solution is being covered in each issue of Connections. This issue addresses a snag from Part 2 – Wiring systems, relating to socket-outlet positions.

snags and solutions

snags and solutions

snags and solutions

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 1

earthing and bonding 5th Edition

Amd 3: 2015

Socket-outlet positions Plug-in appliances must be able to be easily and safely connected and disconnected.

Snag 1 If there is insufficient height between a socket-outlet and the finished floor of an office or a work surface in a kitchen, danger can result from the plug being forced in and out and from the flexible cable being squeezed or sharply bent.

Solution Skirting trunking should itself be of sufficient height or the trunking should be raised above the finished floor screed. In either case allowance should be made for thick linoleum, tiles, wood block floors or carpet on underlay which could be laid later.

A socket-outlet must be mounted at a

snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 2

wiring systems

Part 4

3rd Edition

4th Edition

Emergency Lighting

BS 5266-1:

Amd 3: 2015 Amd 3: 2015

Part 5

to BS 5266 series 2nd Edition

Amd 3: 2015

2011

2nd Edition Amd 3: 2015

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Meet the helpline If you have ever telephoned our technical helpline, you may wonder who the voices are on the other end of the line.

John O’Neill, technical engineering manager Industry experience: Owned and operated a large electrical systems integrator, electrical design consultant and lecturer in electrical engineering. More recently an NICEIC area engineer, supporting contractors through the assessment process.

Sam Donaghy, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: More than 35 years’ experience in the electrical industry, working predominantly in automation and control. Most recently he was a further education college tutor, working with Level 3, HNC and HND apprentices. sufficient height above a work surface such that the socket-outlet, the plug and the flexible cable will not be damaged.

It is not acceptable to overcome the problem described above by inverting socket-outlets which are not designed for mounting upside down. In some circumstances this would result in a tripping hazard from a looped flex.

Regulation 553.1.6 A socket-outlet on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at a height above the floor or any working surface to minimise the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to an associated plug and its flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug.

Stuart McHugh, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: More than 48 years in the electrical industry, including a six-year apprenticeship, industrial commercial domestic and street-lighting work.

Duncan McFarlane, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Time-served electrician, working on domestic, commercial, industrial and petrochemical installations. Electrical clerk of works, electrical surveyor, lecturer and NVQ assessor.

Norman Bradshaw, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Electrician for 23 years, working as an Approved Contractor, assisting new electricians in gaining Part P registration and working in partnership with local building control departments.

Mark Cooper, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Approved electrician with more than 30 years’ experience, mainly in heavy industrial and commercial installations. Also a qualified NVQ assessor.

Richard Atkins, technical standards engineer Industry experience: More than 46 years’ experience in the electrical industry working in the manufacturing sector.

Area engineer for over 13 years.

Mark Barnes-Rider, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Fourteen years as an Approved Contractor. More recently worked in the social housing sector as an electrical compliance manager.

Call the technical helpline on 0333 015 6628. Got a legal query? Call our legal helpline free on 0117 934 2111

Connections Winter 2016-17

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THE POWER TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION GAIN VALUABLE ADVICE AT A TECHTALK NEAR YOU 8TH FEBRUARY 2017

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Topics include: Common assessment visit departures Latest legislation

Electrical supply issues Technical Q and A

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Product Focus Martindale

Ellis

Martindale Electric continues to lead the way in safe isolation with the addition of new professional electrical locking off devices and kits for miniature circuit breakers and fuse holders. The new lockouts, provide simple and reliable solutions to ensure circuits have been de-energised and properly isolated prior to maintenance and modifications of plant and equipment, in accordance with HSG85, the Electricity at Work Regulations. Martindale has also extended its range of circuit breaker locking off devices. In addition to the comprehensive LOKKIT1, it has introduced the extra slim-line LOK7.

The world’s leading cable cleat manufacturer, Ellis, has promoted Stephen Walton to chief engineer.

Stephen, a mechanical design engineer with almost two decades’ experience, joined Ellis in 2015 and has since played a role in the development of a number of new products, including a trefoil version of the Centaur cable saddle. Prior to joining Ellis, Stephen had worked at Forum Energy Technologies (formerly Perry Slingsby Systems) in North Yorkshire. Starting as a graduate engineer, he became global tooling manager for a division that enjoyed 100 per cent growth within two years of his appointment.

www.martindale-electric.co.uk 01923 441717

www.ellispatents.co.uk 01944 758395

VoltMonkey

Marshall-Tufflex

If you are looking to buy bespoke outdoor manufactured goods or electrical components at the lowest prices, VoltMonkey.co.uk is your primate online webstore.

VoltMonkey provides its customers with outdoor electrical equipment, including hook-up units for caravan and camping parks, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, temporary power hook-ups for festivals, and utility combination boxes for markets and outdoor use, as well as lighting and heaps of accessories, from RCDs and MCBs to meters and plugs.

Marshall-Tufflex PowerPoles and PowerPosts are the easy, good-looking and cost-effective solution for delivering power, data and communication services to island work stations in offices, schools, healthcare facilities and other open plan work environments.

The systems are manufactured in lightweight aluminium with PVC-U covers and accessories to give maximum strength and rigidity and available in an anodised or a white powder coated body. Specifiers can select from three designs. Additional accessory boxes can be added if using square profile poles.

www.voltmonkey.co.uk 0800 689 0847 sales@voltmonkey.co.uk

www.marshall-tufflex.com 01424 856 600

ESP

Fluke

Leading security products manufacturer ESP has plans to extend its Duceri Emergency Lighting range to bring new and improved products to market. First to be launched is a self-contained emergency twin spotlight which delivers an improved light output. The non-maintained twin spot emergency light (EM9WNM Spot 2) features two adjustable 15 SMD 2835 LED spot lamps – with green LED indicator – which supply a 248-lumen output and will provide efficient illumination for applications including corridors, storerooms, workshops and high bay installations. Economical use of the battery allows for a minimum three-hour emergency duration.

Fluke has introduced Fluke Laser Levels, a new line of professional-grade, precision tools that are designed to survive a one metre drop and keep working. They feature a fast-settling, selflevelling gimbal that quickly delivers accurate reference points, expediting electrical and HVAC layouts. The range comprises: Fluke-3PR (red laser) and Fluke-3PG (green laser) Point Laser Levels; Fluke-180LR and Fluke-180LG Line Laser Levels; Fluke-LDR and Fluke-LDG Laser Line Detectors; and Fluke-180LR System and Fluke-180LG Systems. All laser level models include magnetic wall brackets for easy, stable mounting.

www.espuk.com 01527 515150 info@espuk.com

www.fluke.co.uk 0207 942 0700 industrial@uk.fluke.nl

Martindale Martindale Electric has relocated to new, larger premises. Bringing together sales, marketing, manufacturing, product development and training under one roof, the new building also provides new calibration, repair and training facilities which will enable Martindale Electric to provide even higher levels of customer service, whilst continuing to build on its leading position in safe isolation and electrical safety. The new building occupies a prominent position at the head of Imperial Way, Watford. www.martindale-electric.co.uk 01923 441717

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For great deals on products and services visit www.niceicdirect.com

Scan QR code with your smart phone to visit our site

Ellis

Martindale

Ellis has launched an online learning platform aimed at enhancing both professional development and the understanding of cable cleats around the world. The world’s leading cable cleat manufacturer has taken its UK-accredited continuing professional development (CPD) course – Cable cleats: a device for short circuit protection – online so that it can be used by engineering professionals, wherever they are in the world, as part of their on-going programme of career development and learning. The course can be accessed at: elearning.ellispatents. co.uk/login/?redirect_to=http://elearning.ellispatents.co.uk/

As part of its commitment to supporting the next generation of electricians and inspiring others to take up electrical apprenticeships, Martindale Electric was delighted to sponsor this year’s SkillElectric 2016, the electrical industry’s premier skills competition. Over the two-day competition, where all entrants demonstrated an exceptional level of workmanship, Stuart Graham secured Gold, Patrick Carr was awarded Silver and Steven Harper won Bronze. These winners will go on to compete against the 2017 UK finalists to determine who will represent the UK in the world’s largest professional skills competition in 2019.

www.ellispatents.co.uk 01944 758395

www.martindale-electric.co.uk/

GreenBrook

Rolec

GreenBrook has relaunched its market-leading brand of Powerbreaker RCDs by increasing the range to offer the most comprehensive selection of RCD safety products on the market.

An informative brochure, detailing the range of 10mA, 30mA, active and passive products and entitled A Guide to Electrical Safety, is available, along with a website dedicated to this range. Available from all good wholesalers.

Rolec’s SecuriCharge: EV Wall Unit offers reliable, affordable electric vehicle charging points. This versatile unit charges EVs via its one-way/two-way, 16amp (3.6kW) or 32amp (7.2kW) Mode 3 charging socket(s) which are securely locked away when not in use. SecuriCharge is available in three versions: free to use, PAYG (requiring customers to first insert coins/ tokens in order to charge their vehicle), and as part of Rolec’s EV Charge Online PAYG open network. View the EV Charge Online video at vimeo.com/182568124 .

www.powerbreaker.co.uk 01279 772 765

www.rolecserv.com 01205 724754 rolec@rolecserv.co.uk.

Martindale

Scolmore

Available from Martindale Electric are the latest Drummond test lamps using high-intensity LEDs for live voltage indication. The use of high-intensity LEDs has transformed the test lamp, enabling the display of discrete voltage levels over a 360° viewing angle, even in bright sunlight and for the most difficult of applications. Featuring four distinct bands of LED illumination, the MTL10 and MTL20 test lamps provide indication for voltages above 50, 100, 200 and 400V. The discrete voltage levels allow the professional to distinguish between 110V, 230V and phase-to-phase voltages in a three-phase system.

Scolmore continues to expand its successful Inceptor range of integrated lighting products and its latest development brings to market a selection of energy-saving LED Bulkheads offering convenience and speed of installation.

The new Inceptor EVO Bulkhead offers features and benefits unmatched by competitor products and Scolmore has patent pending on the unique design. As well as integrating the control gear and the light source within the diffuser, the bulkhead has the added benefit of a Flow plug which allows for fast and simple connection and disconnection for testing and maintenance of the luminaire.

www.martindale-electric.co.uk

www.scolmore.com 01827 63454

Snickers The Snickers FlexiWork range of clothes takes working comfort and flexibility to a new level. The FlexiWork Jackets are designed for ultimate freedom of movement. There’s a selection of Stretch Jackets, Hoodies and Fleeces, plus a new Stretch Waterproof Shell Jacket. It’s a three-layer waterproof jacket with taped seams. Its engineered fit comes with pre-bent sleeves and mechanical stretch. It also has three-layer Cordura® elbow reinforcements plus YKK AquaGuard® Vislon two-way zippers. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 01484 854788 info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

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Current affairs

Don’t forget to send Current Affairs any pictures that have made you smile and let us know about any hidden talents or charity initiatives.

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Southern exposure Electricians are used to being called out in freezing conditions to fix tripping circuits or rewire outbuildings, but spare a thought for Matt Meaden, who has been working in Antarctica since November and will be there until March 2018.

Matt, an electrical technician from Torquay, is working for British Antarctic Survey, helping it to relocate one of its research stations 23km inland.

He has to cope with low visibility and, as the winter approaches, faces six dark months and temperatures of -50°C. It’s not all bad news, though – Matt has been able to try ice climbing, and has wild emperor penguins for company.

This issue’s crop of dangerous discoveries includes: 1 a chandelier light where the brass fitting had been live for some years; 2 a live installation hidden behind kitchen tiles; and 3 a novel fuse board cover. It continues with 4 an underfloor nightmare in a commercial property; 5 a dubious attempt at equipotential bonding to the cold water supply; 6 a loose connection found on an EICR in a nursing home; and 7 a new use for cable ties and silicon.

3

2

1

6

5

4

7

Thanks to: Alan Wells of AJ Wells Electrical in Market Harborough /// Arthur Reeder of RJR Electrical Services on the Isle of Wight /// Graham Day of Graham Day Electrical in Chelmsford /// Colin Gowers of Surrey firm Pelican Electrical /// Ian Campbell of IR Campbell in Sheffield /// Russell Solts of Smart Electrical & Data in Hertford /// Chris Turner of Crucial Trades in Market Rasen

Keep those shots coming in!

Channel challenge

PA

Not so palatial

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It would be nice to think that one of the nation’s most famous buildings had been well looked after over the years.

But some of the pictures released by Buckingham Palace to justify a £369 million upgrade are enough to give qualified supervisors sleepless nights, with much of the electrics and other systems having been untouched for more than 40 years.

The project will include replacing 100 miles of electrical cabling and installing 6,500 plug sockets, 5,000 light fittings and 330 fuse boxes. Work will start in April, and is expected to last until 2027.

Of course, anyone who bids for the work will need to be on their best behaviour, and presumably CORGI-registered.

An intrepid contractor from County Durham has raised more than £5,000 for a local blood cancer charity by completing a solo swim across the English Channel.

Graham Walton, owner and managing director of GA Walton & Son, finished the ordeal in 11 hours and 50 minutes, after spending two years preparing for it.

“I’ve been doing open-water swimming for five years, and it was just something I fancied doing,” he says. “You’re dependent on the way the tide takes you. Everything went to plan, although the tide spun two hours early towards the end. I had two hours to make the last three miles, or I would have been in the water another three hours.”

Graham says he is planning a quieter year in 2017, but admits the experience has left him wanting more. He’s now eyeing swimming around Manhattan Island in 2018, and then the Catalina Channel in Southern California. “That’s called the triple crown, so if I get on the Manhattan Island swim there will be a massive temptation to go for it,” he says.

Winter 2016-17 Connections

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New multifunction tester

The complete single-phase installation tester MFT1711 Includes the features you demanded Auto RCD test 2 and 3 wire non-trip loop tests Zmax for final ring circuit testing Variable and selective RCD tests TRMS Voltage measurement Combined with Meggers leading input protection system, auto start capability and menu free operation, the MFT1711 ticks all the boxes!

Call 01304 502 101 for your free leaflet or visit uk.megger.com Megger Ltd, Archcliffe Road, Dover, CT17 9EN, UK. T. 01304 502 101

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January - March 2017

1

Innovations

Explore for yourself:

The Classic Bosch hammer with even more power and safety.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

The GBH 2-28 (F) Professional with enhanced safety thanks to the intelligent KickBack Control from Bosch Professional. www.bosch-professional.co.uk

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