Connections - Winter 2019/20

THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS WINTER 2019-20 | ISSUE 212 | £5.00

Charging ahead How contractors are helping with the shift from fossil fuels to electric vehicles

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WINTER 2019-20 | ISSUE 212

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INSIGHT 19 Kate Martin on the importance of getting a contract in place

CASE STUDY 2 0 David Adams reports on one company’s two different projects

ELECTRIC VEHICLES CLES 2 2 How contractors can take advantage of the rise in electric vehicle takeup p

“The phasing out of fossil fuels spurred me on”

LIGHTING UPDATE 2 6 A look at the latest innovations in LED lighting

CONTRACTOR PROFILE 30 A century after it

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was founded, Ken Burrows Ltd is going strong

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TECHNICAL 36 Ask the experts 39 Electrical isolation of central heating systems

6 HELLO 4 Embarking on a new decade

42 Working at heights 47 The ‘good old days’ 50 Modular residual current devices 55 Changes to requirements for

30 TRAINING 1 2 With the right training, contractors can find a lucrative new field of work in electric vehicles, says Neil Vincent

generating equipment connected to an electricity distribution network 58 Thermal insulation and its effect on flat twin and earth cables

INDUSTRY UPDATE 6 Live North report; Solar & Storage

CAUGHT ON CAMERA 1 5 The shocking situations contractors have

Contractor of the Year

come across this quarter – from consumer units in the shower to slug-infested RCDs

PRODUCT FOCUS 63 The latest products on the market

ADVICE 1 7 With reverse VAT imminent, it’s time to

OFF THE TOOLS 65 ‘I restore old scooters’

7 Electrical Apprentice of the Year; new Electrical Safety First CEO 9 New renewables partnership;

consider your cash flow, says David Redfern

Approved Contractors requirements

1 0 Time for TechTalk; rebuilding

OPINION 1 8 Martyn Walley shares why it’s so crucial

trust in the construction industry

to check the provenance of wiring products

CURRENT AFFAIRS 66 Blast from the past, unpleasant workplace habits and Certsure’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s research

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hello

T E C HN CAL KEVA N I PA RKER

Dawn of a new age The start of a new decade is a good time to assess where the industry is and what we can expect from the years ahead

W

elcome to the new edition of Connections. We are now into the third decade of the millennium.

It is at times like this that we often look back at what has gone before and what may lay ahead. This issue, the team from one of our contractors – Ken Burrows Ltd – shares its view on the ups and downs of life in the electrotechnical industry (p30).

The company has seen a lot in the 100 years it has been in business, setting up in the aftermath of the First World War, adjusting to changes and still thriving a century later. After such a long time in the trade, I am sure that they have some things hidden in their stores, such as the loop tester found by another contractor in our Blast from the Past section on p66.

One area that is very much on the up is electric vehicles (EVs). Indeed, you may have had enquires from your customers about the cost and impact of installing a connection. We explore EVs in

more detail on p22, looking at the challenges and opportunities this presents for you and your business. There is also a reminder that an amendment to the 18th edition of the wiring regulations is on its way, which may change current guidance on EV installation.

Lighting is another mainstay of the industry that has undergone major change in recent years. Technology and aesthetics are driving this, but it was interesting for me to be reminded of the role that contractors play in educating customers, particularly those in the domestic environment, about the benefits associated with LED light. I have also been introduced to the term ‘li-fi’ and learned how clever lighting can be used to move crowds around buildings (p28).

As always, Connections aims to strike a balance with news and views from around our industry. What I am sure of is that the 2020s will be an interesting time for us all.

‘Lighting is another mainstay of the industry that has undergone major change in recent years’

Kevan Parker is managing director of Certsure

CO N TAC TS / CO NNE C T IO NS

Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL EDITORIAL General 020 7880 6200 Editor Nick Martindale nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk Technical editor Timothy Benstead Sub editor Kate Bennett Designers Craig Bowyer and Callum Tomsett Technical designer Adrian Taylor Picture researcher Akin Falope Publishing and business development director Aaron Nicholls ADVERTISING/MARKETING connections@redactive.co.uk 020 7880 6206

PRODUCTION General production enquiries 020 7880 6240 Senior production executive Rachel Young 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 01580 883844 CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes ideas for contributions.

Please email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2020 Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL 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 Precision Colour Printing Limited

ISSN 2042-5732

Recycle your magazine’s plastic wrap – check your local LDPE facilities to find out how.

WWW.NICEIC.COM WWW.ELECSA.CO.UK ENQUIRIES Certsure 01582 539000 Head of communications Cheryl Cox 01582 539144 cheryl.cox@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

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news

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Roger Atkins of Electric Vehicles Outlook delivers his presentation

RENEWABLE RECOGNITION NICEIC Approved Contractor Photon Energy, based in Reading, is celebrating after winning the Contractor of the Year award at the Solar & Storage Live Awards, held in September.

The business has grown during the past 12 years to employ 40 people and undertakes a range of renewable installations, including solar PV, energy storage and electric vehicle charging. “We’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work and the judges at the Solar & Storage Awards,” said managing director Jonathan Bates.

Contractors fully charged at Live North event More than 400 electricians attended Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool recently for NICEIC and ELECSA’s Live North event.

Contractors were given exclusive access to a variety of technical seminars, breakout sessions and discussions lead by some of the nation’s leading electrical experts.

Electric vehicle advocate and founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook Roger Atkins kicked off the show with a presentation on the electric vehicle revolution around the world, and how contractors across the UK should prepare themselves for what’s to come from this emerging market.

He discussed the latest innovations coming into vehicle manufacturing, demonstrating the shift from traditional combustion engines into newer and cleaner energy, and how technology has now made it more viable for a business to financially survive and thrive in the market.

“The electrification of combustion engines and other areas of the home provides a wealth of opportunities for

contractors,” he said. “From vehicle manufacturers to oil companies, the wave of cleaner and greener energy is crying out for technically competent electricians to play a crucial role in delivering the electrical revolution.”

Other speakers on the day included technical experts from NICEIC and ELECSA, including Darren Staniforth, Jake Green and Tim Benstead, who discussed some of the common questions to come out of the 18th edition of BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.

For the first time ever, NICEIC and ELECSA Live North was a CPDaccredited event, meaning that attendees could use what they learned from the day as part of their ongoing professional development.

Attendees also benefited from some great deals in a packed exhibition hall, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, including Bosch, ESP and Scolmore.

John O’Neill, director for technical excellence, said: “Our Live events are a great way for us and other stakeholders in the industry to meet contractors and

Live North saw more than 400 electricians visit Aintree Racecourse

discuss the latest happenings in the industry.

“Seeing the room packed with more than 400 electricians demonstrates the drive and determination that NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors have to update their knowledge and take advantage in this developing industry.”

NICEIC and ELECSA’s Live South event will be held at Epsom Racecourse on 21 May. For more information visit niceic-elecsalive.com

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APPRENTICE COMPETITION HEADS FOR SECOND STAGE The first stage of the Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition has now closed.

More than 540 electrical students have completed the first stage of the competition – an online exam comprising 40 multiple-choice questions relating to electrical installations.

Darren Staniforth, group senior technical presenter for NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “It is great to see so many people getting involved in this year’s competition.

“This is the fifth year we have run it and we are delighted to see so many young apprentices take part. This has been made possible by our partners, The Scolmore Group and Voltimum, and the determination of employers and colleges that understand the importance of promoting electrical

The competition aims to inspire the next generation of electrical apprentices

apprenticeships to the next generation.”

The top 20 per cent of entrants from stage one will go on to the second heat of the competition, where they will take part in a 90-minute written exam, to be held at several locations across the UK. Details on stage two locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

The top eight students from the second heat will go on to take part in the grand final on Tuesday 2 June, at the headquarters of The Scolmore Group, where they will complete a series of practical tests followed by a technical interview with NICEIC and ELECSA technical experts.

For more information about the electrical apprentice of the year competition, please

DIARY DATES > February 12 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Fontwell Park, Fontwell 13 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Kent Event Centre, Kent 26 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Wolverhampton Racecourse, Wolverhampton 27 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Leicester Racecourse, Leicester

> March 05 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Venue Cymru, Llandudno

> May 21 NICEIC ELECSA Live South Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom

visit www.niceic.com/ apprentice

New chief executive for Electrical Safety First Leading consumer protection charity Electrical Safety First has announced the appointment of Lesley Rudd as its new chief executive.

Rudd currently heads up the Sustainable Energy Association and has worked in the energy sector for more than 30 years. Her wideranging experience comes through a variety of roles, encompassing finance, business development, public affairs and communications.

“We are delighted to welcome Lesley to Electrical Safety First,” says Alison Parkes, chair of the charity. “Lesley’s track record and commercial background, together with her experience of working with governments and regulators to shape energy policy, has given her a depth of understanding and focus on establishing practical policy

Lesley Rudd has worked in the energy sector for more than 30 years

solutions. We believe she is the ideal person to take the charity forward to the next stage of its development.”

Rudd developed her passion for safety while working in the oil and gas industry. “It was during this time that I worked closely with other key members of the sector, to ensure that lessons were learnt from safety incidents and used effectively,” she said.

“Becoming chief executive of Electrical Safety First allows me to use my skills to full effect in an area that I am passionate about and I look forward greatly to joining the team.”

Rudd takes the reins of the charity from Phil Buckle, who retired in October, and will take up her new role in February.

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

NEWS IN NUMBERS

34% The proportion of under-25s who believe their landlord should change their light bulbs, a survey by broadband firm Glide finds

47% The proportion of small business owners who have stopped their own pay as a result of late payment from customers, according to a survey

by ECA and BESA

79% The amount of businesses whose turnover increased or stayed the same in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the previous one, the Building Engineering Business Survey finds

234% The increase in the number of electric vehicles registered in the third quarter of 2019 compared to a year earlier, government figures show

IMAGE: ALAMY

£5.4bn The total value of construction contracts awarded in November, an increase of 9.1 per cent on the previous month, according to Barbour ABI figures

PARTNERSHIP BOOST FOR RENEWABLE INSTALLERS The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) have announced a partnership to place standards and consumer protection at the heart of home-grown energy. MCS certificates raised for solar PV, battery storage or wind installations will now include RECC membership and associated benefits.

This integration of consumer code membership with MCS certification aims to increase consumer awareness and reduce costs for installers in a move to reposition consumer protection as a central element of certification.

All MCS certified installers need to belong to a consumer code approved by the Certified Trading Standards Institute, such as RECC. The consumer code mirrors consumer law requirements, and goes beyond them in some instances. In this way, RECC sets and enforces the highest standards of consumer protection in the homegrown energy sector.

The initiative is being piloted with installers of renewable electricity technologies. It will not apply to those who also install heat-generating technologies, in the first instance.

A REMINDER OF THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED CONTRACTORS Without doubt you will be aware that the building and construction industry has been under increased scrutiny because of terrible tragedies that have taken place in recent years, such as the Grenfell Tower fire. We have and will continue to respond to this scrutiny and the drive to raise standards by assessing the competence of qualified supervisors active in the electrical industry.

To this end, we are re-emphasising the fact that all NICIEC Approved Contractor, NICEIC Domestic Installer and ELECSA Part P schemes will include a minimum requirement for all new applicants of two years’ responsibility for the technical standard of electrotechnical work.

This responsibility can be gained by undertaking installation work, as well as supervising others undertaking electrotechnical work.

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

TECHTALK EVENTS ENERGISE CONTRACTORS More than 1,700 contractors have registered to attend the 15 regional TechTalk shows currently taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Darren Staniforth, group senior technical presenter for NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “We’ve had a great response to the series so far, which is solely down to the willingness of our contractors who want to expand their knowledge and progress in this forever changing industry. Our TechTalks are a great opportunity for contractors to talk to us directly and discuss the latest developments in the industry, and for us to find out first-hand issues they want us to look at.”

More than 200 contractors attended each event in Wadebridge, Norfolk, Leeds and Chelmsford, with other locations also proving popular.

This year’s TechTalk series are now CPD accredited, meaning attendees can use information from the day as part of their ongoing professional development.

There is still a chance to book on the remaining events, listed below:

• 12 February: Fontwell Park Racecourse, Fontwell • 13 February: Kent Event Centre, Maidstone • 26 February: Wolverhampton Racecourse • 27 February: Leicester Racecourse • 5 March: Venue Cymru, Llandudno The agenda will include BS 5839 part 6, OLEV registration and EV update, EICR coding in line with the 18th edition, and a technical Q&A. Tickets cost just £25 and can be booked online at www.shop.niceic.com/events or by calling 0333 015 6626.

Each event starts at 8am and finishes at 1pm. Every delegate gets a breakfast roll and refreshments throughout the day, a complete set of 18th edition electrical pocket guides and a personalised CPD certificate.

Viewpoint: Rebuilding trust The last decade was not great for the construction industry in many ways. We witnessed the tragedy of Grenfell and felt the criticism of the Hackitt review. While we cannot change the past, we can change what we do in the future.

Now, as we face increasing demands on our skills and time, the electrotechnical industry must come together to promote what we do. We must be a positive force, supporting each other and making our profession more attractive to younger generations and customers alike.

The new government has already begun to outline changes to policy, and consumer expectations and demands are starting to alter.

All of this will drive challenge and opportunity.

The ability to demonstrate competence is set to become increasingly important in a

post-Grenfell world – but what needs to sit alongside it is a willingness to stay committed to our industry. We know competence is fundamental to ensure that we operate safely and effectively, but we also need to commit to: • Discuss, debate and treat each other with respect • Accept when things haven’t gone right and make changes to improve • Keep our skills, knowledge and experience up to date.

I will be working with colleagues to ensure we keep these pledges, and hope 2020 will provide opportunities to show this.

John O’Neill is technical director of NICEIC and ELECSA

JOHN WHITFIELD Generations of electricians owe a debt of gratitude to John Whitfield, who died on 28 November, six months short of his 90th birthday. John was a bestselling author of guidebooks to electrical regulations, in particular the Electrician’s Guides to the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th editions of the IEE/IET Wiring Regulations. His books have proven invaluable to many over the years, as shown in reviews.

John had the amazing ability to make the complex simple. His unique skill in defining the essence of a wiring problem and translating the rules for how to address it simplified the lives of countless electricians. He will be sorely missed.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS If you were left unable to work by injury or illness, how long would it be before paying bills became a struggle?

This is not just about injuries at work. What if you take a nasty tackle while playing football or get a back injury on the golf course? A DIY accident or a slip of the bread knife could leave you with an arm in a sling, while a car accident or lingering bug could keep you away from the tools, worrying about money in no time.

It’s easy to defend against these scenarios by taking out simple cover to pay out a lump sum if accident strikes, or protect your income.

Personal accident and short-term income protection insurance does what it says on the tin. The personal accident element pays out a lump sum if you’re injured in an accident; shortterm income protection covers things like mortgage payments, household bills and food for up to 12 months.

NICEIC & ELECSA Insurance Services is ready to help. Our expert advisors are here to guide you to the cover that’s right for you.

For more information, visit www.niceic-and-elecsa-insurance.com or call 0333 015 6629.

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ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

On the move The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, offering contractors an opportunity to learn new skills and move into a potentially lucrative new area

O

pportunities abound for those confident with selection and installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and 2019 was the year when electric vehicles really went from science fiction to science fact in the eyes of the public.

The TESLA Model 3 became the third bestselling vehicle in the UK, and the secondhand market for this type of vehicle is growing steadily. Volkswagen announced that it expects to produce a million electric vehicles by 2023, two years earlier than planned, and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, with London Councils and TfL, announced £4 million in funding across 29 boroughs to install 1,000 new electric vehicle charging points in residential areas.

WHY TRAIN WITH NICEIC? We have a range of courses to suit the needs of individuals and businesses across the construction sector. Our training is designed to improve your business and to help you continue your professional development. We offer: • Highly skilled, qualified lecturers • Purpose-built training facilities • Q&A at the end of the course for clarification of any queries • One-stop-shop for NICEIC enquiries • Lunch and refreshments provided.

What does this mean for me?

There are several areas to look at if you are an electrical contractor. These include: • Your own fleet: moving to an EV can bring cost savings in relation to fuel costs, road fund licence and maintenance costs, as well as doing the right thing for the environment • Additional service to offer clients who want an EV charge point installed •It is an opportunity to gain knowledge and ensure competence in the selection and installation of EV charging points.

Support for contractors Neil Vincent is head of training at NICEIC and ELECSA

We have seen a huge rise in contractors’ interest in electric vehicles. More than 1,000 contractors came through our doors to complete the 96 courses that we held last year – including a number of electricians who, rather than eat into their working week, took up the opportunity to attend our Saturday sessions, held in selected locations across the UK. Our training provides the basis to develop your knowledge and skills in this area. It is supported by a range of leading manufacturers in this sector, and provides a sound

understanding of the requirements surrounding installation and OLEV funding.

It covers the requirements of BS 7671 with regard to the new Section 722 on electrical vehicle charging points, discussing installation in both residential and commercial settings and how the electrical supply can be delivered from both private and public supplies. It allows participants to understand how to install these points in compliance with BS 7671, the Electrical Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations and the new IET Code of Practice, and will be updated as and when the first amendment lands.

With 67 courses scheduled for the first quarter of this year – across 20 locations – there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you are interested in details about the course then take a look at www.niceic.com/ electric-vehicle-charging-course For more information on all our training courses, please visit niceic.com or email training info@certsure.com

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THE POWER TO PUT YOU IN THE FIRE PROTECTION BUSINESS NICEIC’s BAFE SP203-1 accreditation opens up new business opportunities in the Fire Protection industry and can generate more work.

With over 60% of major specifiers using BAFE registration as a reason to purchase, can you afford not to join?

FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING TRAINING NICEIC offers a suite of regional courses to help get you up-to-speed with all aspects of Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and Emergency Lighting.

COURSE

NO. OF DAYS

VENUES

FEBRUARY

FIRE ALARM FUNDAMENTAL

1

Penkridge

3rd

FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE

EMERGENCY LIGHTING FUNDAMENTAL

EMERGENCY LIGHTING MAINTENANCE

1

1

1

MARCH

Newbury

2nd

Dartford

9th

Dunstable

9th

Penkridge

4th

London

11th

Newbury

3rd

Chesterfield

3rd

Dartford

10th

Dunstable

10th

Penkridge

17th

Lymm

25th

Chesterfield

16th

Newbury

16th

Dartford

23rd

Dunstable

23rd

Penkridge

18th

London

26th

Newbury

17th

Chesterfield

17th

Dartford

24th

Dunstable

24th

TO SEE ALL AVAILABLE COURSES PLEASE VISIT SHOP.NICEIC.COM/TRAINING/FIRE-SAFETY-AND-EMERGENCY-LIGHTING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW BAFE ACCREDITATION CAN GROW YOUR BUSINESS VISIT NICEIC.COM/BAFE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK ONE OF OUR FIRE SAFETY & EMERGENCY LIGHTING TRAINING COURSES VISIT SHOP.NICEIC.COM OR CALL 0333 015 6626

the power behind your business

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16/01/2020 17:03

YO UR P I C T U R E S

2

Caught on camera

1

4 3

Trusty NICEIC and ELECSA contractors have been busy uncovering and rectifying dodgy installations and DIY botch jobs. Here are some of the worst offenders from the past quarter

6

S

tarting off this year’s collection of shoddy installations our trusty contractors get to put right are: unstripped cables found on an EICR (1); precariously positioned meters in a commercial premises (2); a DIY botch job using redundant shower cable to feed new sockets (3); twisted earths in a consumer unit (4); and three 230V interlinked smoke alarms wired in alarm cable (5).

It continues with an incorrectly wired rotary isolator (6); a storeroom conversion into a bathroom creating a consumer unit issue (7); a slug which had caused a bathroom light RCD to trip (8); overloaded socket circuits covered in thermal insulation in an attic (9); and an unfortunate end for a rat (10).

5 8

Thanks to... > Jim Pike of Jim Pike Electrical Contractor in Taunton > Cyril Townsend of C Townsend Electrical Contractors in Leominster > Martin Rainsford of Darwin Electrical Services in Lichfield > Dean Cardey from GB Electrical and Building Services in Hereford > Robert Brook of Caterham firm Vega Electrical > Simon Coles of SCE Electrical in Higher Kinnerton > Phil Pendlebury of Northern Installation Services in Rotherham > Martin Cheshire of CT Electrical Engineers in Mancetter, Warwickshire > Ruairi Connolly of RC Electrics in Belfast > Andrew Serumaga of Andrew Electrical in Derby.

7 10

Keep those shots coming in!

Email caughtoncamera@redactive.co.uk

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PRODUCT AWARENESS Join n Rolec EV’s EV V’s Product Produ uct Awareness Awa wareness Da Days ays and get to know kno ow the vastt range of Rolec charging EV charg harging points, including AC Fast, DC Rapid and DC UltraF UltraFast Fast EV V Charg Ch Chargers gers

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WORKPLACE

To attend a Rolec EV Product Awareness Day or to become a Rolec Approved Installer, contact Head of Technical and Contractor Relations, Gary Frost: gary.frost@rolecserv.co.uk

@RolecEV / Rolec-Services www.rolecserv.com

16/01/2020 17:02

VAT CHANGES

Reverse gear Changes to the way VAT is collected will affect electrical contracting firms from October, with the biggest impact likely to be on cash flow, says David Redfern

I

nitially due to be implemented in October 2019, the decision by HMRC to delay the introduction of the reverse VAT charge for construction services until October this year has been welcomed by businesses across the construction industry. This far-reaching change to the way VAT will be accounted for will affect the way many businesses are run, including those within the electrical contracting sector – particularly when it comes to cash flow.

WHAT IS THE REVERSE VAT CHARGE? Otherwise known as the domestic reverse charge, this particular piece of legislation changes the way that VAT is to be collected in the building and construction industry. Originally confirmed in the Autumn Budget of 2017, it was intended to reduce VAT fraud within the construction sector by moving the responsibility for accounting for the VAT on any construction supplies to the customer rather than the UK supplier.

This means that the customer receiving the construction service will pay the VAT and then recoup through its own VAT return. Due to be rolled out at the start of October last year, it has been delayed until October this year due to concerns that the industry wasn’t ready.

David Redfern is director of DSR Tax Claims

HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING SECTOR? HMRC guidance states that the domestic reverse charge will apply to the installation of power lines, electronic communications equipment, heating, lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, power supply and fire protection services. It won’t include the manufacturing of components to be used in the installation service; nor will it include the installing of security systems, including burglar alarms, CCTV and public address systems.

Where any of the affected services are supplied at a standard or reduced rate, that would also need to be reported under CIS (construction industry scheme). These are considered to be ‘specified supplies’ and will be subject to the domestic reverse charge. Unlike under the CIS, it will apply to the whole of the service, including materials. Zero-rated services are not impacted, and nor are services to customers who are not VAT-registered. Additionally, it won’t affect ‘end customers’ in the supply chain.

HOW SHOULD BUSINESSES PREPARE? Businesses need to prepare now and take advantage of the delay. First consideration must go to whether the reverse VAT charge will apply to any sale, purchase or both offered by the business. If so, the next consideration is whether the business’s accounting system or software will be able to deal with the domestic reverse charge.

All staff with VAT responsibilities will need to be aware of the reverse VAT charge and will need to familiarise themselves with new working practices to ensure they remain compliant.

CIS contractors will need to review all contracts they hold with sub-contractors to decide whether the domestic reverse charge will apply to the services received. Sub-contractors under the CIS will have to contact their customers to determine whether it will apply to them, including specifically confirming whether the customer is an intermediary or end supplier.

CASH FLOW CONSIDERATIONS One of the most controversial aspects of the introduction of the domestic reverse charge is the potential impact on the cash flow of suppliers.

Currently, many use the VAT they receive from customers to fund payments to their suppliers until those funds are required to pay HMRC through their VAT return.

From October 2020, those same suppliers could be in the position of not receiving VAT payments for their services. If they rely on these funds for cash flow, they may be unable to pay their suppliers. As a result, suppliers are urged to ensure they have adequate cash flow forecasting systems in place, and may choose to change between monthly and quarterly VAT reporting in order to balance income streams more efficiently.

OCTOBER 2020 AND BEYOND With less than a year to its introduction, HMRC has stated that it understands that there may be initial difficulties when implementing the domestic reverse charge and will apply a ‘light touch’ when dealing with any errors in the first six months, providing the business was trying to comply and had been acting in good faith. However, its leniency will not stretch to deliberate efforts not to comply. Businesses are advised to use these remaining months to prepare.

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PRODUCT STANDARDS

Know your onions With an influx of products coming on to the electrical market, contractors need to be aware of the quality and provenance of the items they are using, says Martyn Walley

T

he UK wiring accessories market is growing, and the opportunities it presents can be seen in the influx of products from unknown names into the market in recent years.

As a sector, we are only too familiar with the pressures of tight margins and the need to complete projects on time, to shorter programmes and within restricted budgets. Within these constraints, the appeal of a lower-priced product may make sense in the short term – but can contractors afford to put themselves in a position where a product may fail to meet the requirements for which it has been specified, resulting in lost time, delays on site and additional labour costs?

Growing sales of electrical products online are also having an impact. While the largest distribution channels are direct from manufacturers and via electrical wholesalers, the most significant online sales are coming from ‘internet only’ distributors. One of the key growth drivers online in recent years has been the widening of large internet retailers’ product ranges, providing access to multiple smaller

retailers under a main web portal. This has increased access to lesser-known brands and inferior products.

Working with a reputable manufacturer will give you access to products that are high quality, rigorously tested and fully compliant with the latest and relevant legislation. It will also provide access to services, facilities and expertise, to help customers keep up to date with the latest products, technologies and regulation changes.

Having invested time and money on the latest technologies to develop cutting-edge products, manufacturers will want to ensure that customers are given every opportunity to understand how the products work and how they can be best used.

With contractors meeting ever-tighter deadlines and budgets, it is crucial that they have the security of knowing the brands they are working with are rigorously tested, fully compliant, will help deliver faster installation and are backed up by reliable customer support service.

Martyn Walley is group technical director at Scolmore Group

IN FO C U S / T IM B ARK E R What was your background in the sector?

I did my apprenticeship straight after leaving school, and was weaned on heavy industrial work.

I worked on oil and gas platforms and I’ve done virtually everything in between. Next year is my 40th in the trade.

How did you come to work for yourself?

Tim Barker, TMB Electrical

I starting sub-contracting in 1996, doing shopfitting and commercial work. I still do light commercial work but I don’t take anything on that’s too big. My main focus now is the domestic market, with a lot of rewires.

Whereabouts do you cover?

I’m based in Nottingham, but I border Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire and cover all those areas, in a 50-mile radius.

What do you get up to outside work?

I do cycling marathons, and I have a Weimaraner dog who keeps me busy! He comes with me and sits in the van, but we do a lot of walking, too.

Is it just yourself?

Predominantly. My wife helps out with admin, and I use colleagues who I have worked with for years when I need to call on them.

What are your plans for the future?

Carrying on as I am. I’m interested in moving into smart homes, too; that’s a growing market.

Did you get a Christmas break?

Yes, and we went up to the Lakes for New Year. I don’t always shut down, but we’re moving house so we needed a break.

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

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insight

BUSINESS CONTRACTS

Kate Martin is senior digital content producer at Which? Trusted Traders

Get it in writing Failing to ensure there’s a contract in place before starting work is often the reason for customer complaints, which can prove costly to all parties

O

n most of your jobs, you provide a quote, do the work to the best of your ability, the customer is happy and they pay you.

However, as we all know, not every job goes that smoothly.

At Which? Trusted Traders, we often hear complaints from customers and traders because a problem has cropped up and there hasn’t been a quote or contract in writing. This leaves both parties in a difficult situation, because it’s one person’s word against another. It can also result in the customer withholding payment because they believe they’ve been overcharged, or the job hasn’t been completed as they expected.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, it’s essential to get a signed contract in place before you start work. We asked Which?

Trusted Traders complaint handlers for their advice to make sure your contract is as watertight as possible. Here are their top three tips:

IF THE QUOTE CHANGES MID-JOB, GET IT AGREED IN WRITING Sometimes, you’ll have a contract in place and start work, but then a new issue crops up that needs additional work and expense.

In this situation, our complaint handlers say it’s essential to re-quote and get the goahead in writing – even if that means a delay in getting the work done.

The danger of not re-quoting is that the customer often doesn’t realise the job is going to be more expensive, and gets a shock when presented with the final bill.

MAKE SURE THE CUSTOMER READS YOUR T&Cs If you use terms and conditions, make sure the customer reads them prior to the work starting. Before they sign the contract, ask your customer to confirm in an email that they have fully understood your T&Cs and agree to them.

This way, the customer shouldn’t get any surprises during or after the job that could lead to a dispute.

JOIN WHICH? TRUSTED TRADERS AND SAVE WITH NICEIC/ELECSA If you’re a NICEIC/ELECSA registered contractor, you’ll receive 50 per cent off your first six months’ membership with Which? Trusted Traders and a free assessment usually costing upwards of £200 plus VAT. All our Trusted Traders have a dedicated account manager who can advise them on avoiding and handling customer complaints, as well as access to our alternative dispute-resolution service.

Read more about membership and how to join by visiting our website at www.trustedtraders.which.co.uk/niceic or give us a call on 0117 456 6036

TAKE BEFORE-AND-AFTER PHOTOS OF EACH JOB Take a few moments before and after the job to get some snaps of the work. Email the pictures to the customer at the start and end of the job and get confirmation in writing that they’re happy with the results. This ensures that you can prove the contract was fulfilled to the customer’s satisfaction.

As a bonus, you might also be able to use the pictures to show off your skills on your website and social media channels.

IN SUMMARY As our complaint handlers know, the best protection for you and your customers is to have everything laid out in writing, and to stick to it. So always make sure that you: • Have a signed contract in place • Re-quote if anything changes during the job, and get a written agreement from the customer before continuing the work • Get the customer to read and agree to your terms and conditions before the job starts • Use photographs to record that the contract was fulfilled • Keep a record of all of the communication with your customer.

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CASE STUDY

C

onnections has reported many times on contractors carrying out electrical projects at important cultural sites, but we don’t often come across a contractor that has worked on two culturally important, yet utterly different, projects within a short space of time.

Between 2016 and 2018 this is exactly what Buckinghamshirebased contractor L Harvey and Son did in central London: the Natural History Museum, and a complex of Victorian brick arches underneath Waterloo railway station. Each project presented complex practical and aesthetic challenges.

Now based at Naphill in Buckinghamshire, L Harvey and Son, known as Harvey’s, was founded in 1964 in High Wycombe

by Leonard Harvey. It is still a family business: Mr Harvey’s grandson, Alan Kinehan, is now one of the company’s three directors.

Today, the company employs more than 50 people and provides electrical, mechanical, design and renewables services to domestic and commercial/industrial customers.

Previous high-profile projects have included completing all the electrical work at the 7,500-seater Copper Box sports and entertainment venue in Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. Other client sites include a number of National Trust properties and several of the Royal Palaces.

Harvey’s has also formed longterm partnerships with other service providers and contractors, including the construction firm Jerram Falkus. In 2017 the companies collaborated on their most unusual project, in the Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum.

HOME OF THE WHALE The hall is the museum’s most famous room, where most visits to the museum start. It has appeared in numerous TV broadcasts and films, including a memorable chase sequence in Paddington.

BY DAVID ADAMS

Dual focus Two projects by Buckinghamshire-based L Harvey and Son illustrate the variety of work contractors undertake, often in contrasting settings Between 1979 and 2017 the hall’s most distinctive feature was ‘Dippy’ the dinosaur, a plastercast skeleton of a diplodocus, which had been on display in different rooms in the museum since 1905.

In 2017 Dippy was removed to take a two-year tour of museums and other public locations around the UK. He was replaced by ‘Hope’, the 221-bone skeleton of a 25-metrelong blue whale, which has now been suspended from the ceiling by specialists at Jerram Falkus.

The Harvey’s team had the task of creating and concealing the new lighting for the hall, to illuminate the whale and other display areas.

The installation included beige and blue lighting effects that can be switched on to give the impression of the whale and the hall being under the sea.

Alan Kinehan says the key challenge was to install the lighting in a way that made it difficult for

370: THE NUMBER OF LINEAR DALI SPOTLIGHTS USED ON THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PROJECT

visitors to tell that any changes had been made to the fabric of the building. The company’s experience working in historic buildings proved helpful. Cabling installed on the ceiling was effectively camouflaged with the use of copper tubing, while the whole cabling installation also had to meet very high specifications for being fire-retardant and moisture-free. Alan describes the installation process as “timeconsuming, but artistic”.

“Our job was not to make our work look good – it was to make sure everything else in there looked good,” he says. The company used DMX Dali lighting, with 370 linear Dali spotlights, more than 60 architectural LED uplighters, 10 4m by 4m LED frames and over 3,000 metres of bare pyro cable.

The project ran from September 2016 to July 2017, with a lot of the work having to be completed at night when the museum was closed

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graffiti over the course of many years.

The aim of the Leake Street Arches project was to refurbish all of the arches, create new retail units and turn Leake Street into a pedestrian walkway under the station that celebrates graffiti art in an everchanging display. Harvey’s delivered lighting for the new retail units and for the tunnel. Alan explains that the team transformed what was previously “a very dark and forbidding place” using intelligent DMX Dali lighting, with 340 Dali spotlights and more than 200 linear RGBW DMX-controlled LEDs. In addition to programmable colour control and dimming, there are a number of specialist installations, including an immersive arch that surrounds pedestrians with sound and light, making them feel as if they are underwater. “The sound makes you feel what the light makes you see,” according to Alan.

The project ran from September 2016 until July 2018. Every element had to be approved by the design team and Network Rail, owner of the site. There was also a piece of graffiti by the artist King Robbo that could not be painted over or hidden by fixtures, so had to be preserved while work continued around it.

‘Our job was not to make our work look good – it was to make sure everything else in there looked good’

Harvey’s was tasked with creating the new lighting for the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall

IMAGES: ALAMY

to the public. Working alongside Jerram Falkus, Harvey’s hit the deadline for the official opening of the blue whale installation by Sir David Attenborough and the Duchess of Cambridge in July 2017.

Alan says the whole company is hugely proud of the finished result, which has added an extra visual dimension to the hall. “To go there with my own children and for them to be looking at the whale and not at the lights or the cabling is success for us,” he says.

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT At the same time that Harvey’s electricians were working in the Natural History Museum, the company was also completing another culture-related project based on innovative use of lighting.

Leake Street runs for 300 metres through and alongside a series of brick Victorian arches underneath Waterloo Station, London. The arches were dilapidated, and the tunnel itself had become a unique display area for multiple layers of

The end result represents a huge artistic and commercial success, embraced by the site’s owners; the retail unit’s tenants, now including bars, restaurants and an art gallery and exhibition space; and residents.

The arches have been nominated for a number of design and building awards. Each time this happens, Alan says he enjoys visiting the site to see how the programmable lighting equipment has been set up – it is always a little bit different. In 2018 the arches won the Placemaking Award at the London Infrastructure Awards, in recognition of the way it has integrated an element of transport infrastructure with the broader urban environment.

“The engineers who worked on both of these projects worked in very difficult conditions to complete jobs that we’re all very proud of,” Alan says. Taken together, they surely prove that electrical work can itself be a work of art.

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

The Leake Street Arches project turned Leake Street into a walkway under Waterloo Station, as well as creating new retail units

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EL E C T R IC V E H I C L E S

Tipping point

BY PENELOPE RANCE

Slowly but steadily, customer interest and the charging network are helping to make electric vehicles an option for many. Installers should be well placed to benefit ALTHOUGH EERILY QUIET ROADS

populated by fully electric vehicles (EVs) may seem a distant vision, it’s closer than you think. “The EV market is increasing rapidly; there are daily demands for electric vehicles for both domestic and commercial requirements,” says Gary Front, head of technical and contractor relations at EV charging point supplier Rolec EV. “There’s a need for manufacturers to produce EVs that are affordable, and it’s only a matter of time until more models are rolled out, designed to cater for those on a budget.”

To help drive this change and thus reduce air pollution and the use of fossil fuels, the UK government has decreed that all new cars must be ‘effectively zero-emission’ by 2040.

And this won’t necessarily require a huge shift in driver behaviours.

Research by What Car? shows that EVs are the ideal option for 19.2 per cent of new car buyers, who could switch without compromising their routine.

To incentivise consumers, a plug-in

grant of up to £3,500 applies to the purchase of EVs. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) also provides grants for domestic and commercial EV charging points, funding up to 75 per cent of the costs of the purchase and installation.

There has been a sharp increase in installations thanks to the OLEV subsidies: more than 60,000 grants have been made since 2014.

However, in order for widespread EV use to be feasible, the charging network needs to be further improved. “The UK charge point infrastructure is not yet fit for purpose: many more public-facing charge points and workplace chargers are required to make the network work,” admits Front. With this, of course, comes the need for more charge point installers.

“Due to underinvestment, the national infrastructure would struggle if everybody had an EV,” says Paul Collins, technical services manager at Certsure. “However, there is some really innovative stuff happening. For example, if a bank of EV charging points is being used, it can reduce the amount of load going into the vehicles

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IMAGE: GETTY

so it can cope. Some Tesla systems at motorway service stations have batteries alongside them, so if there’s a peak in demand, the batteries can support the network.”

MARKET OPPORTUNITY The rising tide of EVs, and the need for a more comprehensive charging network, represents a growing market for electrical contractors. Livingstonbased Boyd Brothers recognised the opportunity in the early days of EV. “Back in 2011, we installed a number of domestic solar PV systems and noticed that requests for EV chargers were increasing,” recalls company founder Stephen Boyd. “We thought it would be a good addition to the business. Since then we have installed approximately two-thirds of the public EV infrastructure in Scotland.”

Gareth Huchins, founder of Core 7 in Swindon, got onboard when the government announced its 2040 deadline. “With the grant schemes, I thought it would grow quickly, and when they changed manufacturing legislation to phase out fossil fuels, it spurred me on. I think there will be a tipping point of sudden growth, and

hopefully we can position ourselves so that we’re seen as a point of advice as well as being able to carry out the installations for clients.”

Somerset company Rogers Restorations is also riding the EV wave. A family business specialising in eco-installations – particularly solar PV – it began putting in charging points after managing director Mike Rogers bought an EV in 2016 (see box). “I see EV chargers as an intrinsic part of an electrical contractor’s future in an industry now geared towards renewables, and the green lifestyle choices being made by our customers,” he says.

To be best placed to win EV installation contracts, contractors need to be on OLEV’s list of approved installers. “If somebody wants an EV charging point, they can go to the OLEV list and find an electrical contractor in their area,” says Collins.

“Electrical contractors can also talk to charge point manufacturers that have approved installer lists.”

Rogers has mined a rich seam of domestic EV installations, building on his existing eco-conscious client base.

“It’s really nice to be able to re-engage

‘Hopefully we can be seen as a point of advice as well as being able to carry out the installations’ with these customers, who are now charging their cars from the solar PV array we installed and driving around on free, green energy,” he says.

Corporate clients are also in the market for charging points.

“Businesses get a grant of £500 per point to encourage them to put chargers in,” says Huchins. “We did an install for Team Eleven in Bath – a forward-thinking marketing company that wanted to complement its progressive style with charge points for when it gets EVs for its staff.”

The public sector is in on the act, too, with Oxford City Council establishing the world’s first network of retractable EV charging points, known as OxPops. Other cities have also invested. “We installed the UK’s

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EL E C T R IC V E H I C L E S

first EV charging ‘hub’ in Dundee, and have installed four in total throughout the city, which has led to numerous awards for Dundee City Council,” adds Boyd.

TAKING ADVANTAGE Do electricians need to upskill to install EV charging points? “At the end of the day, it’s a socket. It’s a fancy socket, but it’s a socket,” says Collins. Boyd, however, offers a word of caution: “It’s still a very specialist area that requires a lot of knowledge of the earthing and protection systems needed for EV installations. The regulations are also very different to conventional electrical installations.”

To get on the OLEV installer list and have your installations qualify for the grant scheme, you must undertake a manufacturer’s training course, which can often be done online. NICEIC also offers a one-day

19.2 THE PERCENTAGE OF UK CAR DRIVERS WHO COULD USE AN ELECTRIC CAR WITHOUT ANY CHANGE TO THEIR ROUTINE

75% THE MAXIMUM GRANT AVAILABLE FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF EV CHARGING POINTS

£8,000 THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE AS A GRANT FOR AN ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

course, recognised by OLEV, that covers government legislation and incentives, supply, installation and protection requirements, as well as the IET Code of Practice.

Huchins points out that different manufacturers can require specific knowledge. “You have to do their specialised training and get a feel

EVS FOR CONTRACTORS Using EVs as trade vehicles would seem obvious for electrical contractors, and can make sense for short-range work. “Look at your average fuel bill, and compare that with the cost of the vehicle,” says Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC & ELECSA. “Add in a government grant of up to £8,000 for a new vehicle, and it may be more cost-effective to have an EV over a period of time.”

Some cost savings could be more immediate. “Charging at home using a good tariff would see a saving of around £15 per every 100 electric miles, and contractors can get a charge point grant for home or work,” points out Gary Front, head of technical and contractor relations at EV charging point supplier Rolec EV. “Other incentives include no Congestion Charge in London, better tax rates, and the zero benefit-in-kind rate.”

In November last year, the government announced that electric company cars would incur no benefit-in-kind charge during the 2020/21 tax year. In addition, for new EVs, companies can claim 100 per

cent first-year allowance on the purchase price, meaning a full write-off of that cost against profits in the year of purchase.

Rogers Restorations already uses an EV for going out to quote on jobs, administrate tasks and training.

Practicality is lacking when it comes to vans, however. “The battery capacity isn’t there,” says managing director Mike Rogers. “The amount of miles we do in a day, and the fact we mostly do reactive work, means we need flexibility and a large range. We would love a fleet of EVs, but until the infrastructure and technology are there, it’s something we won’t be able to do.”

Gareth Huchins, founder of Core 7 in Swindon, is considering hybrid vehicles as a stepping-stone. “Once the technology has got to a point where EVs have a good range and can carry the loads, we’ll definitely go electric,” he says. “More and more towns are forcing diesel vehicles out of the centre, so in the long term it will pay for itself because we will be able to go in to do the work.”

for their product,” he says. “We’ve installed Tesla, PodPoint and Rolec, and each is a little different in its requirements.” His experience allows him to advise clients on the best systems to suit their needs. Most training is free, as manufacturers want contractors to install their products, but this may change as EVs become more widespread and demand for charging points increases.

WARNING NOTES There are also specific challenges presented by EV charge point installations. Earthing arrangements can cause complications. “It’s always risky putting an earth rod in, in case you find other services buried in the ground. It’s difficult, but it’s a requirement for most charge points,” says Huchins. “I install a lot of PodPoint because it’s one of the few brands that doesn’t require an earth rod. That makes them quicker to install, with less damage and infrastructure put in on the property.”

Charging units draw a lot of energy: the standard household model is 32 amps. “Getting a cable that’s big enough from the consumer unit can be tricky, especially if it’s located in the centre of the house,” says Huchins. “It has to have a dedicated circuit, which can cause damage if they want the cable hidden, otherwise you’ve got an unsightly 10mm cable running through the property. The other issue is sourcing suitable RCDs. A standard AC RCD isn’t compatible, because it doesn’t have detection for DC voltage.”

Contractors must also be up to speed with the latest regulations surrounding installations. “There’s an amendment to the wiring regulations coming out soon, specifically to update the section around EV charging points,” points out Collins.

“Electricians need to keep an eye out for that, as it could change the guidance that’s currently given.”

Penelope Rance is a freelance business journalist

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L I G HT I N G U P DAT E

Modern lighting schemes oer a combination of functionality, aesthetics and environmentally friendly elements, with LEDs very much at the forefront

BY DAVID ADAMS

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IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE

lighting technologies in use today are genuinely amazing.

During the past decade, huge progress has been made in the development of reliable, energyefficient, aesthetically pleasing and reasonably priced LED products.

The most common design trend in domestic settings is minimalism, with lighting fixtures hidden from view, according to Michael Herbert, head of product and sourcing at Aurora. He points out that the vast majority of LED downlighters sold today (about 85 per cent) are white.

“Long gone are the days of brass fixtures,” he says.

New LED lighting in homes is often now characterised by ‘warmer’ colours. “When LED lighting came out there was a move towards cooler colours, but now people have thought ‘Actually, this cold, white light is horrible’,” says Herbert. About 85 per cent of products Aurora sells for residential use produce warm light in the 2,700k to 3,000k range. Sales of luminaires producing even warmer colour, at 1,800k to 2,000k, are also increasing.

WIRELESS WONDERS The other trend in the home is increased use of wireless lighting – often smart, connected devices that can be installed without any additional cabling, then controlled either inside the home, with a mobile app or via a digital assistant, or from an online connection anywhere in the world when the owner is away (or just outside the house and noticing a light left on upstairs).

One contractor installing such products in domestic properties is Christian Hawkins, who runs Hawkins Electrical Services, founded by his father Brian in 1968 and now based near Cranbrook in Kent. After completing a course run by the manufacturer, he installed Aurora’s AOne in his own family home, where he sometimes demonstrates it to customers.

“They like being able to select different colours in kids’ rooms or elsewhere – for parties, for example,” he says. “Garden lighting seems to be quite popular too: with the colour changes you can get some really nice effects.”

Hawkins also installs other connected LED devices, and across the UK contractors are installing systems that may form part of a broader smart home system, with remote control of heating, cooling, security, entertainment and other systems.

Whichever system Hawkins is installing, he says he is often surprised by consumers’ lack of awareness of the energy efficiency benefits provided by LEDs. “Being in the trade, we tend to think that everyone understands the benefits of LEDs, but many customers don’t,” he says.

Commercial customers are generally more likely to be aware of the energy-saving angle of LED adoption, but Herbert thinks this may no longer be the primary reason that they want to install the technology.

Like domestic customers, many organisations are instead attracted in the first instance by the ability to use a wider range of colours and to control lighting wirelessly and/or remotely.

RETROFIT AND UPGRADES Now that LED can offer more aesthetically pleasing lighting, it is also being used to retrofit buildings with particularly demanding requirements. Steve Wood, project manager at Huntingdon-based contractor Playfords, cites work his company has completed at Jesus

College, Cambridge, retrofitting LEDs in the college’s historic hall using a highly controllable Helvar LED system.

In some cases, newer equipment is being used to replace earlier LED installations. “I think originally, in the commercial space, people were focused on hitting energy efficiency targets by any means necessary, so you ended up with some very ugly installations,” says Herbert.

“Now people are saying they care more about the quality of light in the working environment – and with LED they can improve energy efficiency, too.”

Philips supplies a connected lighting range for commercial users controlled via Power-overEthernet (PoE) cables, which can be linked to a building’s IT networks. Each luminaire has its own IP address, allowing remote monitoring and management and feeding information back to a central dashboard. This enables a building’s energy use to be optimised. The system can also be used to customise lighting for individual workspaces.

However, Chris Wright, technical director at Surrey-based contractor Powercor, suggests that while PoE may be a valid choice for some commercial installations, adoption of what will usually be a more costeffective wireless option is likely to be far more widespread in future.

Powercor installs wireless lighting solutions from Signify across the UK, including its Interact brand, which runs on wireless ‘mesh’ networks that use Bluetooth and ZigBee technologies.

“Building a wireless mesh network is inexpensive and the software used is intuitive,” says Wright. “With a little bit of training and confidence, most installers will be able to install this type of technology.”

“From the contractor’s point

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L I G HT I N G U P DAT E

LIGHTING AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS As is the case in the domestic sphere, lighting installations in commercial and industrial buildings are increasingly likely to be integrated with other technologies.

“The way technology is moving now, we see the potential for it to piggyback a lot of other technologies on the back of the lighting circuit,” says Tony Jones, national sales manager, projects, at lighting manufacturer Luceco. “There’s ‘li-fi’: the potential to run broadband using the lighting system. I think the Internet of Things is going to become all-pervasive. That’s something we all need to keep up with.”

Chris Wright, technical director at

of view, the big benefit is that it’s retrofittable and there’s no need for additional cabling,” says Simon Greenwood, sales director, trade and specification, at Signify. “You can create rooms, groups, themes; you can have localised switches, PIRs – all without impacting any functions anywhere else in the building. It’s the most contractorfriendly technology we have.”

LEADING LIGHTS Some Connections readers work at the cutting edge of lighting. In 2019 we published case studies including Proctors Electrical’s role

Surrey-based contractor Powercor, agrees. His company has worked on projects where Signify Interact equipment is integrated with other IT systems for multiple purposes: delivering data to businesses about the way they use their offices, or to retailers about the way shoppers are moving through the store, or helping to improve productivity inside manufacturing facilities, for example. In each case, a central dashboard allows management of the system and monitoring and optimisation of energy use.

Networked lighting systems can also be used to gather information about the location of crowds in large buildings such as sports stadia, for example, then to guide people away from crowded areas as they make their way to lavatories or exits at the end of a game, or during an emergency evacuation.

‘Building a wireless mesh network is inexpensive and the software used is intuitive’ in illuminating 15 of the bridges over the River Thames in central London, and work completed

by Playfords during a major refurbishment project at the Royal Opera House, also in London.

Playfords project manager Steve Wood doesn’t think the sort of high-

end lighting equipment his firm is working with, including equipment produced by GDS and ETC, will be used much in domestic or small commercial projects any time soon.

However, it could be used in other public locations, such as large retail outlets and shopping centres.

Installing and maintaining high-end connected systems is technically challenging, he warns.

“You used to have a light switch and a lamp, so if something went wrong there were only a couple of possible causes – but now it could be down to the LED, other equipment or software,” he says.

“Installing and maintaining these lighting systems is a completely different ballgame.”

Wireless LED may also soon be more widely used for important safety purposes. Powercor’s Wright believes implementation of the BS 5266 standard for emergency lighting will help to drive its adoption. Connected LED solutions such as Signify Interact allow emergency lighting to be monitored and managed remotely via wireless mesh networks, rather than having to check every emergency luminaire manually.

Powercor is already installing the technology in schools and other educational establishments. “I think it’s going to be one of the biggest growth areas in 2020,” says Wright.

He also believes that integration of lighting with wireless technologies will lead to a wider roll-out of other new solutions, such as visual light communication, which allows devices to use the luminaires in a building to navigate around it. “It’s all happening very fast,” says Wright. “Lighting is a really exciting environment to be working in today. It is a great time to get involved.”

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

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CON T RAC TO R P R O F I L E

Nottingham firm Ken Burrows Ltd celebrated its centenary last year, but its current owners have their eyes very much on the future

BY NICK MARTINDALE

New world order T

he end of the First World War in 1918 sparked off a wave of people starting their own businesses on their return from the conflict. The surviving firms are now over a century old.

One example in the electrical sector is Ken Burrows Ltd, which was founded in 1919 when Ken returned to his home town of Hucknall, Nottingham, to open a shop that initially traded mainly in wireless sets.

The business has since passed through a number of owners, meaning relatively little is known about the early days, but by 1934 it boasted an office and works, as well as the radio store, and had moved into electrical installations.

In 1946, Harald Stone joined as an electrician in the wake of his own demobbing from the Second World War, as the company undertook installations in houses and factories that were being repaired from the damage wreaked by another conflict.

He would remain with the business for 44 years, taking over ownership

from Eric Brown in 1982, with his son Andrew. Eric himself had bought the business in 1970, succeeding the original founder Ken. MODERN ERA Andrew and his wife Clare remained with the firm until 2016, when they sold it to Tony Jackson – who had worked as a project manager for the business for two years from 2010 – his wife Sally, and Richard Kirk, a contact from within the electrical industry.

One of the reasons for taking on the business, says Tony, was the potential for future growth. “We wanted to move away from the domestic market and concentrate more on the commercial and industrial side of the business,” he says.

“We’re looking more towards larger projects rather than smaller ones. It has been like starting again, because the previous owners didn’t really target that market. We’ve had a few lucky breaks and have managed to get a few good contracts with builders and that’s set us on our way.” Today,

Company Ken Burrows Ltd Established 1919 Major projects Swiftool Precision Engineering, AMCO

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The Ken Burrows Ltd team celebrates the business’s centenary at Nottingham Racecourse

the company takes on jobs across the country, including work in the public sector and at schools and universities, and turnover has risen from £450,000 to £1.8 million.

The creation of a dedicated mechanical division has also helped, drawing on Tony’s experience of working in that area. “I could see it was an opportunity while I was here before,” he says. “Prior to that point I was a building services/M&E contracts manager and project manager for a company in Leicester

for five years, and with my experience in mechanical I wasn’t worried about taking that on when we took over.

I’d say about 40 per cent of our work now is mechanical.” The business does still take on domestic work for local customers, he adds, but this isn’t something it’s actively looking to grow.

Major clients today include Swiftool Precision Engineering, for which the business has worked for more than 10 years, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham

and Nottingham Trent University, as well as working with AMCO on the railways. “They’re one of our newer customers from the past couple of years,” says Tony.

The company currently takes on jobs of around £500,000, he adds, and would be comfortable going up to around £750,000 – indeed, it has already secured a £600,000 project that is due to start soon.

“We don’t want to grow too fast and there is a risk of doing that at the moment,” says Tony.

£1.8m

The business’s turnover after three years 30-32 Profile_Connections Winter 2020_Connections 31

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CON T RAC TO R P R O F I L E

“I wouldn’t like to go much above projects of £1 million yet.” Clients now can be almost anywhere in the UK, he adds, from York to South London.

FAMILY CONNECTION Tony admits the past three years have been hard work. “It’s certainly been a challenge,” he says. “There have been a lot of long hours, weekends and late nights for all of us to get the business to where we needed to within the short space of time that we have had.”

But if making the move to running a business was a big step for Tony and Richard, it was arguably a bigger one for Sally, who swapped a career in pharmaceuticals for one managing the accounts. “When we took over the business she had no accounting experience whatsoever, so it was massive for her in terms of a change of job,” he says. “But we needed to bring someone into the business who had an interest in the accounts because you need to keep an eye on the financial aspects. She has reined us in a bit when we have wanted to spend money, too!”

‘I like to think I’ll be retiring by the time I’m 60 and I’m 53 now. But you can grow a lot in seven y years’

(L-R) Tony Jackson, Sally Jackson and Richard Kirk

Sally is assisted in the office by an administrator, and the business employs 12 people in all, making use of sub-contractors to help run larger projects. It’s also recently taken on an estimator and project manager. “If we take on any more office staff we will probably need to move premises,” says Tony.

FUTURE PLANNING The plan for the next few years is continued expansion, with hospitals one of the areas Tony hopes to target.

“In terms of how far we can go, the sky is the limit,” he says. “But I like to think I’ll be retiring by the time I’m 60 and I’m 53 now. I don’t want to be here for ever, but seven years is a long time and you can grow a lot in that time.”

A more immediate focus has been celebrating the company’s centenary, which saw it host a dinner for current staff at Nottingham Races

last summer. “We haven’t done much else other than that because we’ve been so busy with work that it’s been hard to find time,” he says.

“But we will be doing something else with the previous owners, and we’ll take out some of our existing customers for a meal at some point, too.”

Brexit remains a concern – Tony has heard the horror stories of containers potentially sitting in docks for months on end – but he’s rightly proud of the transformation that has taken place in the business during the past four years. “It’s not all about turnover but it has been a good three years, particularly the last year,” he says. “You hear of so many companies going into administration. We’re certainly heading in the right direction.”

Nick Martindale is editor of Connections

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technical

Your industry-leading reference guide to technical information 36

Ask the experts Answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline

39

Electrical isolation of central heating systems The safe isolation of central heating systems, which may involve more than one source of electrical supply

42

Working at heights Highlighting the risks associated with working at height, and the ways they can be minimised

47

The ‘good old days’ A 1959 NICEIC newsletter’s guidance on ‘The Commonest Common Fault’ – dangerous terminations and joints in live and PEN conductors

50

Modular residual current devices The use of MRCDs where the impedance of the earth fault loop path is too high for the overcurrent protective device to operate automatically in the required disconnection time

55

Changes to requirements for generating equipment connected to an electricity distribution network How the Energy Network Association’s G98 and G99 documents affect the connection of generating equipment to energy distribution networks

58

Thermal insulation and its effect on flat twin and earth cables The effects of thermal insulation coming into contact with cables – an increasingly common occurrence as the use of insulation becomes more widespread

THE NICEIC AND ELECSA PUBLISHING TEAM Tim Benstead principal technical author Jonathan Elliott senior technical author Terry Bratley technical author Craig Waslin technical author Chris Long technical engineer Alex Whitworth technical illustrator

HELPLINE Sam Donaghy technical engineering manager Duncan McFarlane technical helpline engineer Norman Bradshaw technical helpline engineer Mark Cooper technical helpline engineer Richard Atkins technical standards engineer Mark Barnes-Rider technical helpline engineer Craig Kemp technical helpline engineer Craig Cunningham technical helpline engineer

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T E C HN I CAL

Ask the experts

QU E ST I ON

When might it be appropriate to carry out a visual-only inspection of an existing electrical installation?

ANSWE R

We continue with our series of answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline Q UE STIO N

What type of certification must be provided on completion of electrical installation work in order to comply with the requirements of BS 7671?

A N SW E R

An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) should be issued on completion of the verification of: • A new installation • Alterations and additions to an existing installation • The replacement of a distribution board or consumer unit (644.1).

What documentation must be provided on completion of a periodic inspection of an electrical installation in order to comply with the requirements of BS 7671?

Q

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) should be issued on completion of the periodic inspection and testing of an existing electrical installation (653.1).

The report should include schedules of inspections and results of testing carried out during the periodic inspection process (644.3).

The completed EICR is a declaration, in the opinion of the competent skilled person(s) who signed it, of whether or not installation covered by the report is safe for continued use (651.1). Where damage, deterioration, defects or dangerous condition is identified during inspection and testing, details of findings should be given in the report (651.4).

A

The certificate should include schedules of inspections and results of testing carried out during the verification process (644.3).

A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) may be issued as an alternative to an EIC where the installation work does not include the: • Provision of a new circuit, or • Replacement of a distribution board or consumer unit.

A MEIWC should be issued for each circuit that has been added to or altered (644.4.201). Where multiple minor works have been carried out within an installation, it may be preferable in some cases (although not required) to issue an EIC to cover the work. The completed certificate is a declaration that, in the opinion of the competent skilled person(s) who signed it, the work covered by the certificate meets the relevant requirements of BS 7671 (644.5).

Do you have a technical query? Call our helpline on 0333 015 6628

In general, a detailed examination of the installation, consisting of a visual inspection supplemented by whatever tests are deemed to be appropriate by the tester, is the preferred method to determine the suitability or otherwise of an existing installation for continued safe use.

In some cases, however, a visual-only inspection can be used to determine: • Whether more in-depth inspection and testing will be necessary in order to confirm the condition of an installation, and • The degree of urgency with respect to when such inspection and testing should be performed.

Such an approach may be particularly useful in situations where owners or occupiers are reluctant to have a full periodic inspection carried out.

In rented domestic accommodation, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), a combination of full periodic inspection and testing at a period not exceeding five years, complemented by interim visual-only inspections between short duration tenancies, can be effective in helping to ensure continued electrical safety.

QU E ST I ON

Does BS 7671 require that periodic inspection and testing is carried out?

ANSWE R

BS 7671 recommends that every electrical installation is subjected to periodic inspection and testing (135.1). To that end, it requires the designer of an installation to make a recommendation for the interval to the first periodic inspection (134.2.2 and 341.1).

Except where a particular frequency of inspection and testing is mandated in legislation, licensing conditions or similar, the interval between periodic inspections is always based on the

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Area Engineer / Andy Clatworthy type of installation, its usage, the external influences to which it is exposed and the effectiveness of any ongoing maintenance (652.1).

This is why Regulation 653.4 requires the person responsible for periodic inspection and testing to recommend the interval to the next inspection based, in the most part, on the findings of their inspection.

Where an effective management system for ongoing preventative maintenance in normal use is in place, formal periodic inspection of all or part of an installation may be replaced by an adequate regime of continuous monitoring and maintenance (652.2). As such, a rolling maintenance regime may be subject to scrutiny at times – not least in the event of an incident or accident – and it is essential that appropriate records of the maintenance activities are kept.

When did you first become an Area Engineer for NICEIC? Back in July 2004.

How has the job changed in that time?

There’s far less paperwork now. The introduction of IT has allowed me to concentrate more on the job in hand, which is communicating with the contractor.

Andy Clatworthy Cornwall NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 field team staff to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. To many of you they will be the face of NICEIC and ELECSA that you see regularly. Here we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight

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

The introduction of smart and renewable technologies.

Very few installations are simple lighting and power any more. Electrical contractors have had to become experts in fields which were previously the domain of the ‘specialists’.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across on an assessment during your time with NICEIC? The producers of Robot Wars decided to take the battles underwater and contractors were converting two massive tanks at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth into battlefields. Not sure if it ever aired!

What’s the strangest request you have had?

“Would you jump in this tractor bucket?” This was my transport to the top of one of the Isles of Scilly. That day I travelled by plane, car, motorboat and tractor.

What interesting jobs have some of your contractors being involved with?

I guess the Eden Project is the most well-known installation in Cornwall. Humidity in the Rainforest Biome plays havoc with installations and test kit.

What are your interests outside of work?

Pretending I can cook, weight-training and longdistance cycle rides. Motorcycling is my passion and my partner Suzie and I enjoy UK and European tours.

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

Foresight. And this week’s winning numbers are…….

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

Barbecue on the beach.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Highlander and The Great British Bake Off.

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

Realise your worth. It’s taken a lot for you to get here so never undersell your services.

37 WINTER 2019-20

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T E C HN I CAL

Electrical isolation of central heating systems a. There is no electrical connection between the parts of the system that are separately isolated, and b. Isolation of one point cannot be overridden by activation of the non-isolated parts of the system, and c. The means of isolation are designed and installed so as to prevent unintentional or inadvertent closure (462.3), and d. Each device used for isolation is clearly identified by position or durable marking to indicate the installation or circuit it isolates (Regulation 537.2.7 refers).

O B JE C TIVE

This article considers the particular problem of safely isolating central heating systems, which may have more than one source of electrical supply to the various component parts of the system.

Anybody working on a central heating system must be able to safely isolate it from all sources of supply prior to carrying out any work on it (Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)).

Fig 1 Heating system having two sources of supply

Isolation and switching The purpose of electrical isolation is to make the electrical installation (or parts thereof) ‘dead’ and, in the context of undertaking work, to permit an electrically skilled person to work safely on parts of the electrical installation that are normally live.

The particular risk that exists on certain central heating systems is that the boiler might be supplied from one point while other parts of the system are supplied from another. Such an arrangement can lead to a situation where the person intending to work on the system believes they have safely isolated the system by cutting off the supply to, say, the boiler, but is unaware that the system or parts thereof are still energised. If, as is not uncommon, the supply is via a plug and socket-outlet, this can result in the readily accessible pins on the plug remaining live and easily touchable.

The heating system may employ two or more separate and independent points of isolation.

This may occur, for example, where it is desirable to work separately on the control system. This is permissible provided that:

4 9

2 3

5 Hot water storage vessel

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6 7

8

Central heating boiler Wet Central Heating Boiler

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Downstairs Ring Circuit

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Single socket-outlet Unswitched fused connection unit Wiring centre 7-day programmer 3-port mid position valve Domestic circulating pump Cylinder thermostat Radio frequency (RF) room thermostat Receiver for RF room thermostat

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T E C HN I CAL

Fig 2 Isolation pocket guide

Switching off for mechanical maintenance

This arrangement, therefore, is permitted

by BS 7671; however, Regulation 537.1.2 states: ‘Where an installation or an item of equipment or enclosure contains live parts connected to more than one supply, a durable warning notice shall be placed in such a position that any person, before gaining access to live parts, will be warned of the need to isolate those parts from the various supplies unless an interlocking arrangement is provided to isolate all the circuits concerned.’

It is recognised that there will be many instances where such warning notices have not been provided, and the person carrying out safe isolation will need to apply due caution and carefully consider whether the assumed means of isolation is the only means of isolation. The person carrying out isolation must ensure that all sources of supply have been isolated.

It may also be necessary to switch off the electricity supply in order for work to be carried out on the non-electrical parts of the central heating system (switching off for mechanical maintenance; Regulation 464.1 refers). For safety, such a switch should be under the installer’s immediate control unless suitable means have been provided to prevent inadvertent or unintentional reactivation of the equipment. The measures prescribed for this function in the case of isolation would also be appropriate in this case.

Summary Great care must be taken when planning to work on heating systems that may contain two sources of supply. Before carrying out any work, ensure that all parts of the system that are to be worked on are safely isolated.

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Working at Heights Introduction

O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the risks inherent in working at height in the construction industry, and highlight the sources of guidance available on working safely at height provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A fall from height is an all too common cause of serious injury, and this has been the case for many years. It is also the single most common cause of deaths in the workplace, accounting for 26 per cent of fatalities. This equates to an average of 37 fatal injuries per year, just over half of which were in the construction sector1.

Virtually all such incidents could have been avoided if sensible precautions had been taken.

In recognition of the high proportion of fatal and non-fatal injuries resulting from falls when working at height, the HSE has produced a website dedicated to raising awareness of the risks involved in such activities. It has provided guidance on ways to reduce the risks inherent in

42 WINTER 2019-20

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there may be some low-risk situations in which common sense tells you that no particular precautions are necessary.

The HSE advises that before work at height commences, a risk assessment should be undertaken that identifies particular hazards found on the site.

Fig 1 HSE INDG401

Risk assessment Assess the risk factors such as: • The height at which work will be carried out • The duration and frequency of the work • The condition of the surface being worked on.

Following the risk assessment, a method statement should be prepared describing the control measures to be implemented. The control measures included in the method statement should be proportional to the risk.

In the case of roof work, HSG33 emphasises that everyone involved in the work needs to know what the method statement says and what is required of them.

Risk management Consider the following: • Avoid working at height wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so • Where work at height cannot be easily avoided, prevent falls using either: • An existing place of work that is already safe, or • The appropriate type of access equipment.

• Where the risk cannot be totally eliminated, use the correct type of access equipment to minimise: • The distance a person could fall • The consequences of such a fall.

such activities, as far as is reasonably possible.

While many of the risk factors and compensatory measures are generally applicable, the website also provides guidance specific to particular industries. This article concentrates on the content relating to the construction industry.

The HSE publication Working at height: A brief guide (INDG401) states that ‘work at height’ means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury as a result of, for example: • Working on a ladder or a flat roof • Working in a location where it could be possible to fall: • Through a fragile surface, or • Into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.

Health and Safety Executive advice The HSE recommends that a sensible approach is adopted when considering the precautions to be taken. It further suggests that low-risk, relatively straightforward tasks will require less effort when it comes to planning, and that

1 Source: Kinds of accident statistics in Great Britain, 2018. HSE. Published 31 October 2018.

For each step, always consider measures that protect everyone at risk (collective protection) before measures that only protect the individual (personal protection).

In this context: Collective protection is provided by equipment that does not require the person working at height to act for it to be effective. Examples include permanent or temporary guardrails, scissor lifts and tower scaffolds.

Personal protection is provided by equipment that requires the individual to act for it to be effective. An example would be putting on a safety harness correctly and connecting it, with an energy-absorbing lanyard, to a suitable anchor point.

The control measures appropriate to shortduration work may be different from those used for longer duration tasks. For example, using a stepladder may be appropriate for carrying out

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T E C HN I CAL

minor work at moderate height, whereas for a major installation, scaffolding is likely to be necessary.

In March 2018, a solar panel installation company and its sole director were fined for failing to manage and control fall from height risks during work installing solar panels on the roof of a commercial building.

Following a concern raised by a member of the public, a HSE inspector made a visit to the site, where two workers were observed on the roof without any form of fall protection. As a result, a prohibition notice was served.

When the HSE inspector returned to the site three days later, there was further unsafe work being carried out on the roof. An investigation by the HSE found that the unsafe work was allowed to continue by the company’s director despite a member of public bringing it to his attention and the serving of the prohibition notice.

After pleading guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and Sections 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and also Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,300.

The company director pleaded guilty to breaching two counts of Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £500.

at height. Always check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information • Overreach on ladders or stepladders • Rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, such as glazing or plastic gutters • Use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks – only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time) • Let anyone who is not competent (who doesn’t have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job) work at height.

Further information The HSE work at height website can be found here: www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm Other HSE resources relating to work at height include: • HSG33 Health and safety in roof work • HSG65 Managing for health and safety • INDG401 Working at height: A brief guide • INDG455 Safe use of ladders and stepladders: A brief guide • GEIS5 Fragile roofs: Safe working practices.

The HSE has also produced, in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the publication Solar panel installation: What you need to know to work safely, which is freely available from: www.citb.co.uk/ documents/csk-gs001-solar-infomaster.pdf

Fig 2 The HSE has a website dedicated to work at height

General dos and don’ts when working at height Do….

• As much work as possible from the ground • Ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height • Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly • Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces • Provide protection from falling objects • Consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures • Undertake suitable training on relevant equipment at regular intervals.

Don’t…

• Overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working 44 WINTER 2019-20

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T E C HN I CAL

The ‘good old days’ The ‘commonest’ common fault O B JE C TIVE

This is the next in a series of articles highlighting a problem that has existed within the electrical installation industry since its earliest days.

The very first NICEIC newsletter was published in November 1959, only three years after the NICEIC was brought into being. Its role then, as now, was to ‘protect consumers of electricity against faulty, unsafe, or otherwise defective electrical installations’.

Introduction The first technical topic ever raised by the NICEIC was entitled ‘The Commonest Common Fault’. The context of the topic was Regulation 207(G) from the 13th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (Figure 1):

In the original newsletter of 1959, certain parts of the quote from the Wiring Regulations were underlined for emphasis (as shown in Figure 1).

The technical topic then continued to state:

Fig 1 Incorrect means of connection (Picture courtesy of Mark A Jones)

Regulation 207(G) “Cores of sheathed cables from which the sheath has been removed and nonsheathed cables at the termination of conduit or duct or trunking shall be enclosed…

NOTE – The requirements of Clause (G) apply particularly where cables terminate at, or are looped into, an accessory or lighting fitting.”

The Wiring Regulations Committee of the IEE apparently thought that the clause and the note which follows it were worded clearly enough to need no emphasis, but our experience indicates that the six words we have underlined in the clause itself, and the whole of the note, might well be painted in block capitals on many electricians’ toolboxes and on the desks of their supervisors!

We don’t feel we are being pernickety in this; there is surely a very real fire risk when several inches of unsheathed cable are poked back into a lath-and-plaster ceiling (and even into the roof void above) at a lighting point or pushed into the cavity drilled in the skirting board at socket outlet positions.

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Fig 2 Connections made inside an enclosure

to be enclosed within building material rather than a specific enclosure as long as that material complies with the tests specified in BS 476-4.

BS 476-4 Fire tests on building materials and structures is a standard that has remained unchanged since 1970, and details the specific tests that should be carried out to confirm whether building material is non-combustible.

When carrying out a periodic inspection, inspectors should be careful not to apply an inappropriate code (C1/C2/C3) where none may be required. If terminations are made within suitable non-combustible building materials, no code need be issued. However, where terminations are made outside of any enclosure then either a code C1, if there are exposed live parts, or C2 if unsheathed cores are accessible to touch or likely to come into contact with metallic parts, should be issued.

It is worth noting that the guidance back in 1959 was robustly written!

BS 7671: 2018 What was the case in 1959 remains so in 2019.

The requirements of the Wiring Regulations in the 13th Edition and in BS 7671 remain essentially the same. It is essential for the safety of an installation that the electrical installer ensures every termination and joint in a live conductor or PEN conductor is made within one or more of the following: • Suitable accessory complying with a relevant product standard, such as a ceiling rose • An equipment enclosure complying with a relevant standard • An enclosure partially formed or completed within building material that is noncombustible when tested to BS 476-4 (Regulation 526.5 refers).

It should be noted, however, that indent (iii) of Regulation 526.5 clearly permits terminations

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BS 7671

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Modular residual current devices O B JE C TIVE

There are instances where the impedance of the earth fault loop path is too high for the overcurrent protective device to operate automatically in the required disconnection time under earth fault conditions. The aim of this article is to discuss how a modular residual current device (MRCD) may be used in such circumstances.

Introduction An MRCD is a device or an association of devices comprising a current sensing means and a processing device. They are designed to detect and evaluate the residual current, and to control the opening of the contacts of a current-breaking device. These typically consist of an earth leakage relay (ELR), a sensing device (typically a core balance current transformer (CBCT)) and a shunt trip inside a circuit-breaker (see

Figure 1). They are intended to be operated by skilled or instructed persons (as defined in 531.3.4.2).

Section 411 of BS 7671 outlines the requirements for the protective measure – automatic disconnection of supply (ADS).

Regulation 411.3.2.1 states that a protective device shall automatically interrupt the supply to a circuit or item of equipment in the event of a fault between the line conductor and an exposedconductive-part or a protective conductor in the circuit or equipment within the required disconnection time. The disconnection times of Table 41.1 are reliant upon the maximum earth fault loop impedance values given in Tables 41.2 to 41.4, or those specified by the manufacturer, not being exceeded.

Where the earth fault loop impedance values are exceeded, for example, typically in a TT earthing arrangement, Regulation 411.4.204 permits an RCD to be used to satisfy the requirements of Regulations 411.3.2.2 to 411.3.2.4 and the earth fault loop impedance values of Table 41.5 to be applied. It must be remembered that an overcurrent protective device is still

Fig 1 MRCD component parts

UV

LED SEA

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Fig 2 Front panel1 of a typical earth leakage relay

Supply

1 The front panel shown in Fig 2 is only representative of the typical features found on such earth leakage relays and do not imply other variations of residual current and time settings are not possible.

CBCT

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1

3 10

0.5

0.3

0.1

0.1

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∆t(s)

75

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50 25

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L N

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required in order to provide protection against overload and fault current in accordance with Chapter 43.

For domestic premises the use of an RCD in such circumstances would be considered normal practice, but for commercial and industrial type installations, an MRCD conforming to BS EN 60947-2: 2017 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear: Circuit-breakers, incorporating an ELR as shown in Figure 2, typically offers more flexibility, which often leads to less disruption.

Such devices react to earth fault or earth leakage currents and are frequently used in protective systems. They are used in conjunction with a circuit-breaker to protect against the effects of electric shock hazards.

This article describes how an MRCD concurrently performs residual current detection and monitoring, compares such measurements with a pre-set value and then causes the protected circuit to be switched off when this value is exceeded. The article also considers the principles of selectivity as they relate to MRCDs.

Some ELR models have a bar graph indicator that provides a visual representation of information relating to the continuous monitoring earth leakage current(s) of the connected load and its associated wiring.

Principle of operation The operation of a typical MRCD is similar to that of an RCCB or RCBO in that the detection of earth leakage is reliant upon there being magnetic flux in a core. Should there be a fault to earth in one of the phases, or a piece of equipment developing an unexpected higher than normal earth leakage current, the phasor sum of the magnetic flux between the phases will no longer be zero. The CBCT will send a signal to the ELR for comparison with its pre-set threshold value (I∆n) and the circuit-breaker will open or an alarm will be raised.

Figure 3 shows that the CBCT is fitted around all three phase cores, including the neutral where applicable. The protective conductor is not to be included in the CBCT. For a no-trip condition, the phasor sum of all the phase currents has to be zero: • For a three-phase three-wire system: IL1 + IL2 + IL3 = 0 • For a three-phase four-wire system: IL1 + IL2 + IL3 + IN = 0 As previously mentioned, where there is an unbalanced residual current detected by the CBCT, a control signal is sent by the ELR to the shunt coil or voltage release coil fitted to the circuit-breaker, as shown in Figure 4. This signal activates the circuit-breaker mechanism, causing a disconnection of the main contacts. Depending

Fig 3 Core balance current transformer

Supply

Supply

L1 L2 L3

L1 L2 L3 N

To ELR

To ELR

MRCDs MRCDs are designed for use on low voltage AC installations. They are protective devices that provide disconnection of the associated circuit-breakers to limit shock risk potential at a prescribed level of earth fault current, and may be used to monitor earth leakage current.

PE

Load

PE

Load

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Fig 4 Sequence of control from the CBCT to the circuit-breaker

Fig 5 Selectivity between ELRs. Manufacturer’s data should be used

Supply

CBCT

Main intake position

L1 L2 L3 N

∆ Distribution circuit ELR

I∆n 3000 mA ∆t 500 ms ELR

ELR

I∆n 300 mA ∆t 250 ms

PE

Distribution circuit

Moulded case circuit-breaker

ELR

ELR

I∆n 100 mA ∆t 60 ms

Load

upon the pre-set values, the signal issued by the relay may be instantaneous or delayed.

Final circuit

Selectivity It is possible to divide an installation into a number of groups of circuits, and to protect each group using a suitable ELR. The many settings available for the types of fault, alarm, pre-alarm and time delays make it easy to integrate the ELRs at all levels in the electrical distribution system, as shown in Figure 5.

Regulation 536.4.1.4 (ii) states that where selectivity is required, the following shall be applied: • The residual operating current setting I∆n is at least three times the downstream I∆n • The upstream non-operating time ∆t is greater than or equal to the total operating time of an MRCD and associated current-breaking device (combination time) downstream.

ELR

I∆n 30 mA ∆t 0 s

Load

test device is only intended to check the tripping function, not the value at which the function is effective with respect to the rated residual operating current and to the break time.

Summary An MRCD is a safety device often used in electrical installations having high earth impedances to prevent electrical shock hazards. The protection system consists of three elements: a core balance current transformer, an earth leakage relay and a current breaking device.

In the event of an earth fault or an earth leakage current flowing, the ELR, in combination with an external core balance current transformer, will create a signal that is compared to a threshold value and, where appropriate, send a signal to an associated current breaking device to open the contacts to disconnect the circuit.

Where more than one MRCD is connected in series, selectivity is achieved by adjustment of the residual current and time threshold to give the required delay between the upstream and downstream devices.

This in-built time delay ∆t needs to be sufficient to allow the downstream device to open the circuit before the upstream device starts to operate.

Testing It is a requirement of BS 7671 that RCDs have their test button operated periodically (sixmonthly) to verify the effectiveness of the operating mechanism. Similarly, Annex M of BS EN 60947-2 states that an MRCD shall be provided with a test button to simulate the passing through the detecting element of a residual current in order to allow periodic testing of the effectiveness of the MRCD to operate. The 52 WINTER 2019-20

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T E C HN I CAL

Changes to requirements for generating equipment connected to an electricity distribution network O B JE C TIVE

This article looks at recent changes introduced which affect the connection of generators to distribution networks in the UK in order to comply with a change in European law1. These changes have been introduced with the intention of providing a clear legal framework for grid connections, facilitating EU-wide trade in electricity, ensuring system security, facilitating the integration of renewable electricity sources, increasing competition and allowing more efficient use of the network resources for the benefit of consumers.

Introduction Effective from 27 April 2019, all generating equipment of any type, including electricity storage devices, connected to any electricity distribution network must comply with the requirements of the Energy Network Association’s (ENA) new engineering recommendation documents G982 and G993, regardless of whether that network is owned by a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or by an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO).

Although these changes do not affect generating equipment that is already connected to the electricity distribution network, they could apply to modifications to existing equipment, or to projects that are yet to be connected.

Existing installations Connections energised prior to 27 April 2019 could either meet:

1 Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/631 of 14 April 2016 establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of generators 2 Requirements for the connection of Fully Type Tested Micro-generators (up to and including 16 A per phase) in parallel with public Low Voltage Distribution Networks on or after 17 May 2019 3 Requirements for the connection of generation equipment in parallel with public distribution networks on or after 17 May 2019

• The existing requirements of G83 or G59, as appropriate, or • The new requirements of G98 or G99, as appropriate.

New and substantially altered installations post-April 2019 If a connection to generating equipment is energised on or after 27 April 2019, the generating plant must comply with the requirements of G98 or G99, as appropriate. In the case of G98, this will include the use of micro-generators that have been type tested to confirm G98 compliance.

An exception is permitted allowing connection of generating plant under G83 or G59, as appropriate, where it can be demonstrated that: • A contract was agreed to buy the main generating plant to be connected prior to 17 May 2018, and • The following satisfactory documentary evidence was provided to the relevant Network Operator prior to 17 November 2018 showing that this was the case: • A contract to purchase the main generating plant prior to 17 May 2018, including evidence of the date of execution of that contract, and • The technical specification for the main generating plant, and • The reference number provided on your quotation so the network operator can cross-reference the evidence to the quotation accepted.

As these changes are a legal requirement, failure to comply with the requirements of G98 or G99, as appropriate, on or after 27 April 2019 will mean that a connection will not be energised until any non-compliance is rectified.

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Modifications to existing generating equipment Any significant modification to existing generating equipment may also make compliance with the new connection codes necessary. As a result, and in accordance with the existing rules, any proposed modifications must be discussed with the appropriate Network Operator and agreed in advance.

It should be noted that G99 compliant generators cannot be connected behind a G59 relay, as this interface protection4 will not allow the technical capabilities of G99 generation to be used in full. In such cases

4 This is defined in EREC G98 as ‘the electrical protection required to ensure that any micro-generator is disconnected from the Distribution Network for any event that could impair the integrity or degrade the safety of the Distribution Network’.

5 This is defined in EREC G98 as the interface at which the customer’s installation is connected to a Distribution Network, as identified in the connection agreement.

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it would be necessary to either amend the protection at the connection point5 or seek a new connection point for the G99 Power Generating Modules.

The ENA has published a number of guides to assist those planning to install distribution generation. These can be downloaded free of charge from: www.energynetworks.org/electricity/ engineering/distributed-generation/dgconnection-guides.html The actual Engineering Recommendations can be downloaded free of charge from: www.dcode.org.uk/annexes

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T E C HN I CAL

Thermal insulation and its effect on flat twin and earth cables O B JE C TIVE

This article considers the effect that thermal insulation may have when placed on PVC/PVC flat twin and earth cables within a roof space and other such areas. Also considered will be the influence thermal insulation may have upon an electrical installation when carrying out an alteration or addition.

Introduction When designing an electrical installation, consideration should always be given to the suitability and type of cables in relation to the effects of temperature from ambient or thermal conditions. Regulation 523.9 of BS 7671 refers to the installation of cables and the preference to avoid areas where cables are liable to be covered by thermal insulation1.

However, with ever-increasing requirements for energy efficiency and improved sound insulation within domestic and non-domestic premises, the retrofitting of insulation has become common practice. It is therefore increasingly likely that existing cables within roof voids, walls or under floors will be in contact with insulating materials. Where this is the case, it may prove problematic for a contractor when attempting to make an alteration or addition to a circuit, or while undertaking a periodic inspection of an installation.

Current-carrying capacity Typically, the method of installation will impact on a cable’s current-carrying capacity (IZ).

The addition of thermal insulation surrounding cables will directly impact upon the cable’s ability to dissipate heat during normal use.

Any increase in temperature may lead to a reduction in the life expectancy of the cable or, in extreme cases, cause damage to the insulation, sheath or surrounding area.

However, the actual risk would depend upon the type of cable, type and thickness of the thermal insulation, and the current demand for the circuit.

To ensure cables meet the requirements for protection against overcurrent (Chapter 43 of BS 7671) the cross-sectional area of the conductors may need to be increased to compensate for any reduction in the current-carrying capacity due to the additional insulation.

Circuits having an overcurrent protective device not exceeding 6 A

1 It is long recognised that where PVC sheathed and insulated cables are surrounded by polystyrene insulation, the plasticiser within the PVC ‘migrates’ out of the PVC. This has the effect of hardening the PVC, leading to brittle insulation which may generate an increased risk of fire.

As with many domestic circuits, and most typically lighting circuits having an overcurrent protective device rated at 6 A, the subsequent addition of thermal insulation is unlikely to have any impact on the circuit design.

Where the installation method ‘clipped direct’ applies (Table 4A2 and 4D5 in Appendix 4) and the cable is subsequently covered by thermal insulation for a length of at least 0.5 m, the current-carrying capacity of the cable must be reduced by half (Regulation 523.9). This means that for a lighting circuit, the smallest permitted conductor size of 1.0 mm2 (Table 52.3 of BS 7671) has a de-rated current-carrying capacity above that which is necessary for the rating of the protective device.

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Fig 1 Lighting cables covered by thermal insulation

Circuits having an overcurrent protective device exceeding 6 A

For example, using Table 4D5 column 6, a 1.0 mm2 cable has a tabulated currentcarrying capacity of 16 A. If the cable is totally surrounded by thermal insulation for a distance exceeding 0.5 m, the current-carrying capacity reduces to: IZ = It × Ci ∴ IZ = 16 × 0.5 = 8 A

Where IZ = Current-carrying capacity of the cable corrected for defined conditions It = Tabulated current-carrying capacity of cable (Appendix 4) Ci = Rating factor for cables in thermal insulation (Table 52.2, 4A2 and 4D5).

However, where thermal insulation is placed upon a 1.0 mm2 cable and is grouped with other heavily loaded cables, the current-carrying capacity may no longer be sufficient due to grouping factors.

Furthermore, depending upon the building design and circuit loading, the thermal effects on other circuit cables within the same location and covered with additional insulation may be at a greater risk of damage. For example, a typical bungalow having cables within a roof void for feeding circuits such as a shower, cooker and/or ring final circuits are likely to be totally surrounded by, or in contact with, thermal insulation, so that the conductor’s cross-sectional area (csa) may no longer be adequate for the connected load.

Furthermore, with the focus towards achieving greater energy efficiency, luminaires incorporating compact fluorescent (CFL) and light emitting diodes (LED) are becoming more common. Therefore, the typical current demand for domestic lighting circuits has reduced considerably over time, and could now be considered insignificant.

Example: A 7.5 kW 230 V AC electric shower wired in 6.0 mm2 twin and earth cable is run through a roof space and clipped to the joists. The existing thermal insulation has a thickness of less than 100 mm.

The design current (Ib) is approximately 33 A with an overcurrent protective device (In)

This still satisfies the requirement for protection against overload current found in Regulation 433.1.1: Ib ≤ In ≤ IZ

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T E C HN I CAL

of 40 A. Using Table 4D5 column 2, the currentcarrying capacity of 6.0 mm2 is 34 A; the load can be carried safely.

Assume now that in order to reduce heat loss, the homeowner has added additional thermal insulation to the roof void, giving a thickness in excess of 100 mm. In this instance the currentcarrying capacity of the cable must be reduced.

Using column 3 of Table 4D5, the currentcarrying capacity of 6.0 mm2 has been reduced to 27 A. With the extra thickness of thermal insulation, the shower cable is no longer adequate for the connected load and is likely to become damaged over time.

Note: Other rating factors and voltage drop are outside the scope of this article and will not be considered.

it may be necessary to extend the inspection to such locations. However, the locations should not be accessed without taking the necessary precautions, such as confirming the adequacy for safe movement and ensuring the provision for adequate lighting and appropriate walkways or boarding. Where an installation incorporates solar PV, a gas boiler and/or a TV aerial booster, access should be made available for subsequent inspection and testing.

Reporting defects As in all cases, the electrically competent person carrying out the inspection must inform the customer of any defect observed during an inspection that is likely to affect the continued safety of the installation. Where it may be apparent that an existing cable has been made electrically unsound due to the loading conditions of the cable and the addition of thermal insulation, an observation code of at least C2 should be entered on the EICR. However, where there are no signs of thermal damage to the cables or the surroundings due to the addition of thermal insulation but the conductors have insufficient currentcarrying capacity with regard to the method of installation and the nature of the load, a code C3 should be given.

Testing and inspection It is a requirement that every electrical installation should be inspected and tested at regular intervals throughout its lifetime as a means of identifying any damage, deterioration or dangers that may affect the electrical safety of the installation.

Regulation Group 651 identifies the requirements for periodic inspection and testing and, where possible, visual inspections – although any periodic inspection should be carried out without dismantling or partial dismantling as required, which should be supplemented by the appropriate tests (Regulation 651.2).

Insulation resistance testing of conductors confirms the adequacy and effectiveness of the insulation as a means of providing basic protection. Regulation 643.3 sets out the requirements for insulation resistance testing and the options available. Where it is expected that a particular circuit has been exposed to thermal damage as a result of heavy loading and/or additional thermal insulation, any resulting insulation resistance values are likely to reveal such signs of damage. This deterioration will be seen more clearly over time.

It is expected that the insulation resistance values of all circuit cables will be significantly greater than the values given in Table 64. Where this is not the case, further investigation will be required where the values of insulation resistance are less than those given in Table 64.

Generally, it is not usually recommended, nor is it a requirement, to gain access under floors, in roof spaces or within the fabric of the building during an inspection. Although, where it is necessary to gain further evidence for the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Summary Due to the reduced current demand of the connected loads through improved energy efficiency, it is unlikely that any subsequent addition of thermal insulation within domestic premises is liable to have any negative effect on lighting and ring final circuit cables. Where such circuit cables are grouped with other circuits carrying a greater current demand, there may be a risk of thermal damage Circuit conductors carrying larger load currents for significant periods of time may be subjected to negative thermal effects when covered by thermal insulation.

Although it may be difficult or impractical to undertake a visual inspection within restricted areas, the subsequent testing procedures as highlighted in Chapter 64 are likely to identify any relevant issues.

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Scolmore’s 50mm backbox provides a little more space for contractors. The traditional backbox has a 40mm depth; the new box provides an extra 10mm and is compatible with Scolmore’s existing Metal Clad products – Minigrid 12 and 18-gang, plus GridPro 6, 8, 9 and 12-gang products. The new boxes are available with or without knockouts and are electrophoretically coated to provide a durable finish.

The Metal Clad range is part of Scolmore’s Click® essentials™, which provides contractors and installers with all the ancillary products for any installation.

ESP’s IP POE CCTV range offers solutions for a range of security applications. The range features Power over Ethernet, enabling camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100 metres without the need for additional power. A single Ethernet cable provides both power and HD digital feed, and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to. Two ranges are available: the REKOR IP 2 Megapixel range, for the domestic market, and the HDView IP 5 Megapixel range, aimed at larger applications. www.espuk.com 01527 515150 sales@espuk.com

www.scolmore.com 01827 63454

SWA While overhead cabling does not normally present a risk, that changes as soon as a fire breaks out. The plastic melts and the weight of the cables falls down, blocking escape routes. Those fallen cables then become a hazard as people try to escape, often in poor visibility. SWA’s Firefly clips have been designed to solve this problem, while complying fully with new regulations brought in to tackle it. Their spring-loaded design ensures they dig in tighter as a fire takes hold, virtually eliminating the risk of cables falling. The safety clips recently won eight Warrington Fire Safety Certificates.

Want to advertise your press or product release in our dedicated section?

Contact 020 7880 6206 or email connectionsclassified@redactive.co.uk

01453 844 333 sales@swaonline.co.uk

63 WINTER SUMMER 2019-20 2017

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08/01/2020 17:59 11:17 16/01/2020

O F F T HE TO O L S

On your bike sell them. I’ve been building extra sheds to keep them in. I’ve currently got three in the lounge, but I used to have four.

Where do you get them from?

I pick them up from all over the place – I’ve travelled as far north as Harrogate. It can get expensive too – sometimes I have money in the bank and then the next day I don’t because I’ve bought a bike or some tyres.

What do your family make of it?

My daughters have moved away now, so it’s just myself and my wife, but they like scooters too. There’s a big scooter scene here on the Isle of Wight. We have two lounges, so she has hers and I have mine!

Do you use them as transport?

At the weekends when we have a meet-up.

We’ll drive around the island or go to a rally.

John Bryan of J Bryan Electrical Contractors in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, can often be found in his workshop, bringing scooters back to life.

The problem is letting them go

How did you get into restoring scooters?

My Dad got me a LA150 for my 15th birthday, which I couldn’t ride until I was 16. So I took it into the pub car park, which was next to my house, and drove round until I smashed it into a post. I thought that was it, but my dad said we could fix it and it’s always been a passion since then. Now I repair scooters for friends.

Do you also buy old ones and restore them?

Yes, I bought one a couple of years ago which had been in a front garden and had a tree growing through it! At the moment I have 15 scooters, two monkey bikes and a Triumph 900 Scrambler – and I’ve only ever sold my original one! Since I’ve been doing it here, on the Isle of Wight, I keep picking them up and I can’t bring myself to

Has your electrical knowledge helped?

Yes, it’s all very hands-on, and it means I always have the tools I need and they’re in good nick. You’re either good with your hands or you’re not, but it does help. A lot of Lambrettas were built in the 1960s, so they often need re-wiring.

How much time does it take up?

It’s pretty much every Sunday. I usually start at about 10am and then my wife shouts me in about 5pm. She brings me a couple of cups of tea during the day too!

Could it be more than a hobby?

It could be; everyone has a scooter over here so you could easily make a business out of it. But I don’t know if I could sell anything.

Once you’ve put your heart into something it’s hard to get rid of it.

Tell me about your business?

‘I’ve currently got three in the lounge, but I used to have four’

I’m a sole trader and I carry out work all over the Isle of Wight. But I’m 66 now so in another couple of years I’ll be off the tools and in the workshop with the scooters!

What do you get up to in your spare time? Email offthetools@redactive.co.uk

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

#SPARKSLIFE

Blast from the past Peter Digweed, of Westside Electrical in Peckham, has sent in this picture (top right) of an untouched old electrical installation, possibly dating back to the 1930s. “We were asked to carry out an EICR on a fourbed property,” he says. “The chap who lives there is in his 70s and it was his parents’ house. He couldn’t remember any electrical work being done.”

Thanks, too, to Marc Hughes of Jones and Whitelead Ltd, based in Tregarth, North Wales, who dug out this loop

We’ve been asking you to send in pictures of the jobs you are working on via social media – and you haven’t disappointed. Keep sending them in via Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA, or via Instagram using the hashtag #sparkslife. tester (left) from the company stores after reading about other recent finds in the last iissue of Connections.

Marc tells us this was used by company founder Oscar Jones back in 1965. Still looks in pretty good nick to us!

If you have any relics from bygone days, or come across interesting discoveries on jobs, don’t forget to let us know. Email currentaffairs@redactive.co.uk

CERTSURE STAFF BOOST ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU The new year is all about making resolutions to do things differently, and office etiquette seems like a pretty good place to start.

A survey by Chewsygum.com has revealed a number of unpleasant habits which people, unsurprisingly, hate to see from their co-workers. Top of the list is loud or open-mouth chewing, followed by being a source of a strong smell, coughing or sneezing, and rhythmic tapping.

Perhaps less reasonably, others to make the top 10 included loud breathing, noisy typing and cutlery clinking. Maybe there’s just no pleasing some people!

Certsure employees have raised £26,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) to support the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Since the partnership began in September 2017, employees from Dunstable, Chesterfield and Mansfield have taken part in charity and fundraising opportunities including auctions, sweepstakes, fantasy football competitions, bake sales, charity runs and more. Some of the biggest donations have come from a charity skydive, which raised more than £10,000, and a trek to Machu Picchu, raising over £7,000.

There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and this is set to rise to one million people by 2025.

This issue’s prize for the best shot, a £25 voucher, goes to TR Electrical

Dusting himself off after a hard day’s work Oracle Electrical (Hertfordshire)

Celebrating one of our contractors’ 40th birthday!

TR Electrical (Torquay)

Apprentices experiencing what they may need later in life Ormerod Electrical Ltd (Somerset) Delighted to announce the permanent signing of two apprentices on long-term deals CB Electrical (Lowestoft)

Father Christmas delivered for this youngster!

T.Barnes Electrics (Kent)

Tell us about any hidden talents or charity initiatives. Email currentaffairs@redactive.co.uk

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WINTER 2019-20

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16/01/2020 16:09

Loop test with confidence

The all-in-one installation tester with confidence built-in

MFT1741 With the newest, patented pending algorithm for earth loop impedance testing, Megger introduce the MFT1741.

Fast, repeatable 3-wire no–trip loop test results on normal circuits 3-wire loop test results from noisy circuits that are repeatable and in which you can have confidence.

Built–in confidence meter that indicates the reliance you can place on your loop measurement Results unaffected by RCD or RCBO impedance

These new features combined with those of the well liked MFT1701 series of toughness, ease-of–use and reliability make the MFT1741 a very attractive package.

To find out more scan the QR code or call 01304 502 102 Megger Ltd, Archcliffe Road, Dover, CT17 9EN, T. 01304 502101

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10/01/2020 16:54 12:24 16/01/2020