Connections - Spring 2016

New TV and online campaign // page 6

connections THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

CASE STUDY P18 Bringing Plymouth’s Laira rail bridge back to life again

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HEALTH AND SAFETY P31 New rules mean organisations can leave nothing to chance

£5.00

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SECURITY ALARMS P35 Helping homeowners and businesses protect themselves can prove a useful sideline

SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 197

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LOFTY AMBITIONS Nottingham firm Breedon Electrical is targeting rapid expansion // page 26

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Spring 2016 | Issue 197

Contents First phase History in the making 4 Certsure’s first TV and online advert promotes registered contractors

Plugged in News New ad campaign targets householders

6

Don’t miss Live South

7

Firms face higher fines over health and safety breaches

8

Pressure mounts in apprentice contest

9

Look to BAFE for fire protection standards

10

Product news The latest products on the market

13

15

22 26

35

Live wire

Features

Advice 15 Now is a good time to review your tax arrangements, says Faye Watts Opinion Get smart, says Marc Gaunt, and understand the opportunities available from smart technology

16

Case study Andrew Brister finds out how EX2 Electrical brought a disused rail bridge back to life in Plymouth

18

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Insight 22 A look behind the scenes, from initial concept, through storyboarding, filming, and CGI post-production, at Certsure’s first commercial to promote registered contractors Insight 24 Electricians can help overcome problems of poor wi-fi connection by designing wired solutions into homes, says Neil Smith

Fully charged Ask the experts 39 Answers to the technical helpline’s more frequently asked questions Technical Responsibility for equipment upstream

Keeping you safe 31 Employers must do all they can to minimise risks and promote safety in the workplace, writes Rob Shepherd Cause for alarms 35 The security sector can prove lucrative for electrical contractors, but making a mark takes time, says David Adams

42

Connection of Class 1 appliances to fixed wiring

45

Providing basic protection

48

Energy efficient lighting

50

Designing for external influences

52

Electric boilers for wet central heating

56

Snags and solutions

60

» Cover photo: Fabio De Paola/UNP

Illustration: Cameron Law

Training 21 Data communications is the latest challenge to get to grips with, says Alan Charlton

Current affairs It’s a family affair...

Contractor profile 26 With his focus on end-users, rather than contracting, Ben Tooms means business with his firm Breedon Electrical, discovers Nick Martindale

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Comment EMMA CLANCY

First phase History in the making With 2016 being NICEIC’s 60th anniversary year, we wanted to really promote registered contractors with a groundbreaking TV and online advert targeting householders

I

hope by now you will have seen the first ever TV and online commercial created by NICEIC and ELECSA. As you will see from the article on page 22, creating a commercial is not a quick process.

It takes months of planning, filming, editing and amending until you get a final product.

In NICEIC’s 60th anniversary year, we wanted to do something special to promote you and your business.

There are many options available to consumers when it comes to a choosing a tradesperson – and it can often be a minefield knowing which route to choose.

We wanted to make sure that when it comes to choosing an electrician, you are the first thought for consumers and specifiers. We want to make the association between choosing an electrician and NICEIC or ELECSA an automatic one.

Our heritage, standards and safety credentials are our USP. The commercial is just one activity to help consumers and specifiers understand this important point. Over the past 12 months we have embarked on a significant wider campaign to promote your business.

‘We wanted to do something special to promote you and make sure that when it comes to choosing an electrician, you are the first thought for consumers and specifiers’

Emma Clancy is chief executive officer, Certsure

Creating a commercial is also something many of you have asked for. We hope you feel proud of it and we urge you to share it with as many of your family, friends, customers and clients as possible.

Finally, I would just like to pay thanks to Acorn Electrical in Luton, who I visited as part of an annual assessment recently (page 10).

Going out to meet our customers is something that is very important to me and your feedback is essential in helping me to lead the business. It was great to chat about some of the key challenges facing the industry.

It is something I plan to do again!

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

4

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

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

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2016 17 Britton Street, London EC1M 5TP. Registered No. 3156216. All rights reserved. This publication (and any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format (including but not limited to any online service, any database or any part of the internet) or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Redactive Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

Printed by Southernprint.

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

WWW.NICEIC.COM WWW.ELECSA.CO.UK ENQUIRIES Certsure 01582 539000 Communications manager Paul Collins 01582 539148 paul.s.collins@certsure.com NICEIC Direct Paul Elcock 01582 539709 paul.elcock@certsure.com Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA Technical helpline 0870 013 0391 Customer services 0870 013 0382 Sales 0870 013 0458 Training 0870 013 0389 Legal/tax 24-hour helpline 0845 602 5965

Spring 2016 Connections

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S O U T H 2 0 1 6

1 9 M AY

Technical Conference and Exhibition Epsom Downs Racecourse Celebrate NICEIC’s 60th Birthday!

Keynote spea

ker

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

Visit: www.niceic-elecsalive.com

S ir G eo ff H ur st M B E

Keynote speaker Ma tth ew Allw righ t Tele visi on pre sen ter and s jour nali st, Rou ge Tra der and Wat chd og

able Tony C include: rs h e t k or a e if an Sp rren St and Da

Technical experts on hand to answer your questions Over A lively trade expo. Meet more than hours of technical and business seminars

Demo zone exhibitors

of attendees would attend another NICEIC ELECSA Live event

BOOK NOW Tickets from £29 (ex vat) Exhibition only and apprentice passes are free of charge!

Partner sponsors:

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News/Product news

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

New campaign targets homeowners NICEIC and ELECSA has produced its first ever TV and online commercial promoting the use of its registered contractors.

The Cage is a 30-second insight into the potential hidden dangers of electricity at home.

“This is an exciting first for NICEIC and ELECSA,” commented Mark Smith, marketing director at Certsure.

“We are committed to promoting our contractors in new and innovative ways that recognise the specialist work they do. This year sees NICEIC mark its 60th anniversary and we wanted to do something special to celebrate that fact and produce something each of our registrants can be proud of.”

NICEIC and ELECSA carried out extensive research to evaluate the level of awareness that householders have for domestic electrical installations. The study revealed that the majority of people take electricity in their homes for granted – because it’s invisible.

Using advanced CGI animation, The Cage shows a homeowner oblivious to the wall of electrical currents surrounding her.

It then ran for three weeks on channels such as UTV, STV and Channel 4, reaching millions of TV viewers. It will also be promoted online and across social media in England and Wales.

“The NICEIC and ELECSA brands have been proven to win contractors more work,” added Smith. “The TV commercial is just the next step taken to promote our contractors.”

You can view the commercial now at www.niceic.com or www.elecsa.co.uk

WARNING OVER UNAUTHORISED METER TAMPERING

SMART CABLING COURSES

Certsure would like to remind all electrical contractors about their responsibility when it comes to unauthorised tampering of electricity meters.

The reminder comes in the wake of a recent BBC report that suggests electricity thefts, where consumers fraudulently bypass their electricity meter to reduce energy bills, is on the rise in the UK. The report claimed that some electricians are being asked by customers to use their skills to rig or circumvent the meters.

Tampering with electricity meters in this way is against the law. Clients seeking an electrician to carry out this type of work is usually for fraudulent activity – sometimes linked to further illegal activity such as the cultivation of prohibited drugs. Any NICEIC or ELECSA contractors found bypassing meters will be automatically de-registered from our schemes.

Certsure’s technical and standards director Alan Wells was asked to appear on BBC news and radio recently as a guest expert on the issue. He warned about the dangers involved in this type of work and the potential safety risks involved.

He appeared on BBC News London and was asked to take part in the Radio 4 programme You and Yours to discuss the issue further.

Certsure has set up two distinct training courses for electricians looking to offer smart technology to their customers.

The courses – data cabling for commercial installers and data cabling for domestic installers – provide a balanced mix of theory and practice relating to structured cabling systems.

They provide delegates with adequate knowledge, confidence and practical experience for future supervision and assessment of system installations.

The courses cover structured cabling systems, the types of cable used and practical tasks associated with installing, terminating and commissioning networks.

For more information visit www. niceic.com, call 0843 596 2455 or email traininginfo@niceic.com

> Alan Wells spoke about electricity thefts on BBC London News

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“This is the first time in UK advertising history that an electrical installation has been visually brought to life in this way,” said Smith.

“We hope it will make people think about getting their electrics checked.”

The advert launched in Scotland and Northern Ireland over the Easter weekend, to tie in with the traditional start of the DIY season when many people begin thinking about carrying out work on their home.

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SEND IN YOUR EARLY MEMORIES Next issue will be our 60th anniversary issue, commemorating the establishment of NICEIC in 1956. We’re keen to hear from contractors who have early memories of the organisation, perhaps from family firms where the founder has retired. What do you remember about the early days and how has the industry changed since then?

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

19,000 REGISTERED FIRMS AND COUNTING… More than 19,000 firms are now registered as an Approved Contractor with NICEIC. It is the first time in NICEIC’s history the roll has topped such a number, and comes at a time when the organisation prepares to celebrate a special occasion.

“This is a significant milestone for NICEIC in the year we celebrate our 60th anniversary,” said Alan Wells, technical and standards director at Certsure.

“Since its inception in 1956, more and more firms choose NICEIC because of the benefits it brings to their business.

“Much has changed in the electrical industry since then, but the values of safety, competence and helping businesses stand out from the crowd still remain.”

The 19,000th business to be registered with NICEIC was HB Gas and Electrical services.

Based in Milton Keynes, the company specialises in the testing and inspections of gas and electrical installations and appliances, and is managed by Hamid Bahadoran.

He said NICEIC Approved Contractor registration was the obvious choice after previously being a registrant on NICEIC’s Domestic Installer scheme.

“Being an NICEIC Approved Contractor means I can also offer additional services to customers, particularly those seeking to have periodic inspection and testing of their properties, which many clients are now asking for,” he said.

“I have been impressed with the service provided by NICEIC and have made good use of the NICEIC Direct website to purchase additional tools.”

NICEIC has witnessed an increasing number of applications from firms looking for accreditation in recent months, and now maintains a total roll of more than 28,000 registered contractors (including domestic installers).

“This is positive news for the industry,” added Wells. “It is reassuring to know that when it comes to building and improving their business, people are seeking certification from NICEIC because they know it will help their business grow.”

Don’t miss Live South Installers need to act now to reserve their place at this year’s Live South event, which will be held on 19 May at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The award-winning conference and exhibition is one of the highlights of the electrical industry calendar.

Matthew Allwright, presenter of Rogue Traders and Watchdog, will present the keynote speech while 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst MBE will be reminiscing about his football success and subsequent business career.

> Matthew Allwright

> Geoff Hurst

Attendees will also be able to hear from NICEIC and ELECSA’s Alan Wells, Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth about the role and responsibilities of the QS and PDH; the IET’s Mark Coles who will present an overview of JPEL/64 and themes for the 18th edition; and Dave Quinton of Which?, who will be offering advice on new CDM regulations and the Consumer Rights Act. There will also be a packed exhibition hall where contractors can try out some of the latest products on the market.

“The number of attendees returning year after year highlights the opportunities it presents to contractors,” said Mark Smith, marketing director at Certsure.

• Tickets: £29 plus VAT for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA registered contractors; £49 plus VAT for non-registered guests. Visit niceicelecsalive.com or call 020 7324 2771.

Stand out with Which? accolade NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors can now join the Which?

Trusted Traders scheme at a discounted price and provide further assurances to customers about the quality of their work.

The partnership will bring many benefits to NICEIC and ELECSA registrants and help improve consumer confidence in electrical contractors.

Certsure registrants who choose to sign up to the Which? Trusted Traders scheme will benefit from an assessment

by Which? Trusted Traders’ team of trading standard professionals, along with a profile on their website and the use of the Which? Trusted Trader logo.

Emma Clancy, CEO of Certsure (pictured with Which? commercial director Chris Gardner), said: “The marketplace for choosing a trusted and reliable tradesperson has become saturated and confusing in recent years.

“We wanted to simplify that process by bringing together two of the most respected brands out there.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Which? Trusted Traders, who share the same goal of improving standards.”

A joint endorsement by Which?

Trusted Traders and NICEIC or ELECSA gives consumers looking for a contractor added peace of mind.

NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors are eligible for 50 per cent off the cost of membership in the first year and 25 per cent off in years two and three.

For more information, including terms and conditions, visit whichtrustedtraders. co.uk/for-traders or call 0117 981 3982 and quote TTNICEIC or TTELECSA.

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News/Product news

Plugged in The new Health and Safety Offences and Corporate Manslaughter Offences Guidelines say that in the event of a health and safety prosecution a fine “must be sufficiently substantial to have a real economic impact that will bring home to management the need to comply with health and safety legislation”.

Paul Reeve, director of business services at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), says the new guidelines underline the need for contractors, of any size, to have an effective approach to complying with health and safety law.

“Key legislation for contractors includes the CDM 2015 and Management of Health and Safety at Work 1999 Regulations,” he says.

“A key message to contractors is to have sensible and effective, but also proportionate, arrangements for ensuring health and safety, and to have access to competent health and safety advice. These measures need to cover

Getty

Firms face higher fines over H&S breaches

what you actually do at work, no more and no less.”

When sentencing for health and safety offences the guidelines now require the courts to consider factors such as culpability, the organisation’s annual turnover, or equivalent, as well as any aggravating factors such as cost-cutting at the expense of safety, or mitigating factors, such as a good health and safety record.

• See our feature on health and safety on page 31.

NICEIC APPROVAL PROVES VITAL TO APPRENTICE WINNER The Apprentice winner Joseph Valente has signed up with NICEIC after winning the hit BBC show last year.

That victory earned him the backing of Lord Sugar and he is using his support to expand his plumbing, heating and electrical business, Impra Gas. “It has been full on since winning, but a great platform for my business,” he said. “The investment and support has allowed us to explore new areas and we just want to get going and grab the opportunity.”

Part of that development includes gaining NICEIC accreditation. Valente says NICEIC approval was vital to expanding his business.

“Having specialised in the heating and plumbing sector I was well aware of NICEIC and it was the only brand that people really spoke about.

“We used to sub-contract out all of our electrical work, but winning The Apprentice means we have been able to take on two fully qualified electricians and start doing that work in-house. Being an Approved Contractor with NICEIC means we can now offer a full electrical service to our clients.”

Impra Gas, based in Peterborough, currently employs five gas engineers and two qualified electricians and will be expanding into Cambridgeshire and Northampton.

NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy said: “We are delighted to welcome Impra Gas. It is great to know that when it comes to growing a business Joseph turned to NICEIC.”

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BUILDER FINED FOR MISUSE OF NICEIC LOGO A rogue builder has been fined more than £3,000 for falsely claiming to be NICEIC registered.

SA Builders was fined a total of £3,320 after pleading guilty to two charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations at Thames Magistrates Court in February.

The firm was employed by a couple who live in Tower Hamlets, London, after they received a leaflet through their letterbox. Action was taken against the firm following a complaint from the resident.

The firm’s director, Adam Adaszek, 37, of Dryburgh Gardens, Brent, admitted to falsely claiming to be a member of NICEIC and Gas Safe.

The action was taken by Tower Hamlets’ Trading Standards team following information passed on to them by NICEIC. Cllr Shiria Khatun, cabinet member for community safety at Tower Hamlets Borough Council, said: “Accreditation from bodies such as NICEIC and Gas Safe is vital to ensure that works and repairs are carried out to a high standard. We urge residents to make sure that repairs will be carried out by those registered to do so.”

Contractors caught falsely claiming to be NICEIC registrants are named and shamed on the NICEIC website and their details passed to Trading Standards.

NICEIC’s CEO Emma Clancy said: “We take misuse of our logo very seriously and we welcome this latest prosecution.

“The NICEIC name is associated with quality and we must protect those contractors who are legitimately registered with us and have the quality of their work assessed on a regular basis.

“We must also send out the message that anyone thinking about misusing our logo will be caught and dealt with appropriately by the courts.”

Anyone who is suspicious of a contractor falsely claiming to be NICEIC registered should check the NICEIC website at www. niceic.com, which contains a full list of all registered contractors.

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Pressure mounts in apprentice contest Tension is building in the NICEIC and ELECSA’s inaugural apprentice of the year challenge as the competition moves on to the second stage.

The first stage was an online exam consisting of 40 technical questions.

There were more than 300 entrants and the standard of each applicant was astounding.

The top-performing 20 per cent have now moved on to stage two of the contest – a 90-minute practical exam under the watchful eyes of Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth.

Just eight apprentices will then go on to the grand final this summer.

They will complete several practical tests and undergo a short interview with Cable and Staniforth before the first ever NICEIC and ELECSA electrical apprentice of the year is announced that evening at a special awards event to be held at the Belfry Golf Resort in Warwickshire.

There are a host of prizes up for grabs, with the eventual winner getting a £2,000 holiday voucher that can be spent on a trip of their choice. There is also a £500 holiday voucher for the runner-up, while each finalist will also receive an iPad.

CHARITY PROPOSES CUT-OUT FUSE SOLUTION Electrical Safety First has called for a scheme to authorise competent, registered electricians to access cut-out fuses in domestic premises.

Each year, there are at least 500,000 jobs in British homes requiring temporary isolation of the electricity supply, to allow work to be done safely. The only legal, UK-wide, way to do this is to have the electricity supplier or meter operator remove the distributor’s cut-out fuse.

But this generally incurs a charge and considerable delays, creating financial and time constraints for the customer and electrician. As a result, even though they are not authorised to so, many electricians remove the cut-out fuse, saving time and money.

“Electricians are crying out for a solution and 97 per cent of those surveyed support a dedicated scheme,” said Martyn Allen, head of the electrotechnical department at Electrical Safety First.

Electrical Safety First is currently working with the Energy Networks Association, Energy UK, the Association of Meter Operators and the Electrical Scheme Operators, to further develop its proposal for a scheme. Once completed it will be formally submitted to the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement.

TACKLE LATE PAYMENT TO BOOST SKILLS The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has urged the government to address the issue of late payment to suppliers if it wants businesses to invest in developing skills.

Speaking in the wake of the government consultation on skills in the construction industry, ECA director of business Paul Reeve said: “Skilled staff is definitely one way to achieve better productivity and innovation, but the investment tap is almost entirely turned off.

“The review does not focus on the main reason for low industry investment and productivity – fair and prompt payment. Ending the practice of cash retentions would be an important next step.”

ON THE SPOT//ANDY BEESON NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 engineers across the country to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. To many contractors, they will be the face of NICEIC and ELECSA. Here, we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight » Andy Beeson Central south coast How did you become an area engineer ?

I’d been in the electrical industry for over 20 years when I joined NICEIC in 2001. In my previous job I was PDH and QS for an Approved Contractor and I’d been interested in the AE role for some time. I chatted it through with my then area engineer and the opportunity really fitted with where I was in my career.

It involved relocating from the Midlands to the south coast, so it was a big step for the family too.

Tell us about your typical day?

The majority of days are spent with Approved Contractors, carrying out their periodic assessments, or with applicants to our AC scheme. No two days are ever the same. We rarely know in advance of the visits what works we might be looking at or where we might travel to with the contractors. The range of installations and locations that we see helps to keep the job interesting.

What are the main issues contractors might overlook?

A common departure is the omission of distribution circuits, or ‘sub-mains’, from certificate schedules. Also on certificates, the description of works completed can be vague or ambiguous.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across?

The observation recorded on a periodic inspection report that read “rat requires removing from consumer unit”. I can’t

now remember what code the contractor gave it!

What’s the strangest request you have had?

“Sorry, I forgot you were coming.

Could you come back tomorrow?”

What interesting jobs have some of your contractors done?

Some contractors have worked at MOD establishments, historical buildings, museums, theatres and airports. In this role we’re quite lucky because we get to see behind the scenes.

What about outside work?

I play badminton and do a good deal of walking with the family, usually by the seafront. I enjoy listening to music and particularly going to live concerts.

What superpower would you like to have?

Being invisible would be really useful and could be fun too!

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

Not set the alarm! There would no doubt be a few jobs to be done, but I’d be happy to sacrifice that for a walk by the sea, followed by a nice pub lunch.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,

by Richard Carlson Film: Midnight Express TV Programme: Mock the Week What’s the best advice you have received in your career?

Be careful whose advice you take!

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News/Product news

Plugged in Look to BAFE for fire protection standards Installing or connecting a fire alarm should be straightforward work for most competent electricians.

But did you know that there is an industry standard for those firms primarily involved in the fire detection and fire alarm industry?

For more than 25 years, BAFE Approval Schemes have set the industry standards for the fire protection industry.

Third-party assessment and certification with BAFE provides additional assurances for specifiers and consumers looking for firms to install fire protection systems.

Many electrical firms who specialise in this area also consider BAFE certification a necessary and vital tool to winning more work.

Mark Cairns runs MGC Fire, based in Durham. Since gaining BAFE Approval he says he is busier than ever. “I started my own fire alarm business almost three years ago as I had a good knowledge and history of working with fire alarms,” he said.

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

The BAFE SP203-1 scheme has been set up as a modular scheme specifically to facilitate certification for the different work activities associated with fire detection and fire alarm systems.

The modules are design, installation,

commissioning and handover, and maintenance.

Cairns chose to go down the installation and commissioning route.

“While most trained electricians are capable of installing fire alarm systems sufficiently, the BAFE assessment is a bit more stringent,” he added.

“You are assessed on not just the quality of work, but also the finer details and other procedures.

“It’s interesting work and definitely a bit of a specialist market. BAFE sets us aside as having the knowledge to do it properly and to the right standard.”

NICEIC and ELECSA contractors can now get a special £50 discount off BAFE registration. For more information go to www.niceic.com/bafe or email enquiries@niceic.com

INDUSTRY // DIARY April 21-22 ELEX Exeter May 18-19 PHEX Alexandra Palace

June 14 NICEIC Scotland Roadshow Inverness 15 NICEIC Scotland Roadshow Aberdeen 16 NICEIC Scotland Roadshow Dundee

19 NICEIC ELECSA Live South Epsom Downs

23-24 ELEX Harrogate

For more information about NICEIC ELECSA Live South or to book tickets please visit www.niceic-elecsalive.com

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SURPRISE VISIT FOR CONTRACTOR A contractor had an unexpected visitor at his annual assessment recently when Certsure CEO Emma Clancy turned up, with notebook in hand.

Clancy was accompanying area engineer Clinton Thompson on a visit to Acorn Electrical Contractors in Luton, to see first-hand Certsure’s role in interacting with its customers.

It was not the first time she has been out on a visit, having also spent time with Richard Owens in London last year during a site visit to Canary Wharf. “It’s very important to spend time with our engineers and our customers,” she said.

“It was great to talk about the challenges we face in the industry – in particular, retaining interest in the industry for young people,” said Clancy. “The industry skill shortages are a problem for contracting firms of all sizes.”

Thompson, who previously worked on the technical helpline at Certsure, added: “The contractor was overjoyed to speak with Emma and we ended up with the PDH, QS, apprentice, Emma and myself all squeezed into two vans to visit sites. Emma was thrilled to be involved and she even helped out with a few calculations.”

ACI ISSUES WARNING OVER NON-CONFORMING CABLES The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) is warning installers to watch out for cables that don’t comply with standards being offered for use or installed in fixed wiring applications in the UK. ACI says it has found evidence of cables that claim to comply with British Standards (BS) or UK adoptions of European Standards (BS EN) but which, when tested, do not comply.

Recent examples include so-called NYY cables claiming, via external marking, to meet IEC 60502-1, and a so-called CY cable claiming, via its external marking, to comply with BS EN 50525-2-11. When independently tested, > ACI 273 CY cable claiming via external the former showed that the thickness of marking to comply the outer sheath was with BS EN 50525-2-11 significantly below that required, and with the latter the construction and marking did not conform to the standard.

The best way to ensure compliance with the wiring regulations is to buy from reputable suppliers and wholesalers. Contractors should also check the external marking includes the manufacturer’s name, the number of the British Standard for that cable (or correct cable code), voltage rating and conductor size, and that no other ambiguous marking is present. ACI also advises installers check for a third-party mark of approval such as BASEC or HAR.

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• Fast Fit Installation • No Noggins Needed - Fixes Directly to Wood Part of the

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range

• Stud Box Pierces the Plaster Board to Line-Up Precisely

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News/Product news

Plugged in

< FLIR CM174

THERMAL DIAGNOSES The new CM174 from FLIR is the first thermal imaging clamp meter to include infrared guided measurement, enabling electricians to accurately pinpoint the source of a problem.

The device has a built-in thermal camera that guides users to temperature differences and pinpoints anomalies, meaning users can identify the source of the problem as well as treating the fault.

FLIR claims this could even result in more work for contractors by identifying issues that otherwise may have gone undetected.

The guided measurement system also means contractors can identify anomalies without having to reach into panels or confined spaces. www.flir.com/CM174

OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING The StudBox from Scolmore has been designed to eliminate the need to install metal back boxes into stud walls attached to timber noggins, which the manufacturer claims will reduce installation time from five minutes to 30 seconds.

The corner of each cavity includes plasterboard marking points to provide the exact position to cut out without the need to measure.

There are three products within the range: the 1 gang (120-600mm centres), 2 gang (130-600mm centres) and the Universal StudBox (pictured), which also features an integral spirit level to ensure the product is hung straight. www.scolmore.com

< Universal StudBox

TRIPLE CLAMPED

< New software from ETAS

TEST CASE Software initially developed by Electrical Testing Surveyors for use by its own inspectors has now been made available to contractors and electrical testing organisations.

The testing, analysis, reporting and management software is designed to allow contractors to test installations in a range of properties from houses to heavy industrial complexes with multiple sub-station transformers, in line with new 17th edition regulations.

The package also records results and generates comprehensive reports for customers.

The software is free to download and the first 100 circuits can be tested without charge. www.etas.co.uk

Martindale Electric has introduced a new range of pocket-sized clamp meters, ranging from the entry-level CM55 to the CM57 TRMS Smart Clamp Multimeter and the CM79 TRMS Clamp.

The CM55 measures AC current up to 400A, AC/DC voltage and resistance with continuity test, as well as current down to 10mA resolution without the need to break into the circuit.

The CM57 measures AC current up to 600A and also features a frequency and diode test, making it well suited to HVAC applications, while the CM79 measures up to 600A with a minimum and maximum level for monitoring loads, start-up and charging currents. It is designed primarily for PV installations, battery monitoring, UPS systems and electric vehicles. www.martindale-electric.co.uk

< The CM79 TRMS Clamp

CABLE RUNS UP AND RUNNING

< Ellis No Bolt cleat

The No Bolt cleat will help reduce the time it takes for cable cleats to be installed and additional cable runs added, according to its manufacturer Ellis.

The product was initially designed to address a health and safety concern from Network Rail, which required all existing cleats to be removed when adding new cable runs.

The new product can be stacked and fixed in place using a quarter-turn fixing lock, enabling users to add additional cable runs without having to tamper with existing ones. It also replaces fixing bolts with a push-fit locking mechanism to fasten the keepers and top clamp, further reducing fitting time. www.ellispatents.co.uk

MORE METAL CONSUMER UNITS Newey & Eyre has launched a new range of Newlec metal consumer units, devices and accessories following the introduction of Amendment 3.

The products are made out of steel and include two alternative gland plates to suit both mini-trunking and circular glands, as well as a snappable busbar and a flexible neutral arrangement that enables the electrician to customise the unit’s configuration on site.

Chint has also unveiled its consumer units, which can be bought as basic empty enclosures, with a double-pole mains RCD or double-pole isolator; or as ready-assembled boards for 14, 16 or 18 modules. The products can also be fitted with a padlock for use in apartment blocks, student accommodation and commercial premises. www.neweysonline.co.uk www.chint.co.uk

< New models from Newey & Eyre and Chint

Connections Spring 2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training TAX EFFICIENCY

Live wire Lightening the load Getting the right tax set-up is an essential part of running an efficient operation. With new tax changes due, now could be a good time to review your arrangements, as Faye Watts explains

I

often have to remind clients that the more tax you are paying, the more successful you are. But no one wants to pay more tax than they have to, so here’s how to put yourself in the best position.

Set yourself up efficiently

Illustration: Cameron Law

For many years there were advantages to trading as a limited company since you could pay yourself by dividends and avoid paying national insurance (NI). There was a rule of thumb that a business earning £30,000 upwards was better off as a limited company, saving nine per cent on NI as well as some higher-rate tax savings on certain levels of income.

From April 2016, the 10 per cent dividend tax credit will be abolished and replaced with a new dividend tax allowance of £5,000 per year. New rates of tax on dividend income above the allowance will be introduced, which will be 7.5 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5 per cent for higher rate taxpayers and 38.1 per cent for additional rate taxpayers. This will inevitably mean that businesses will be paying more tax overall than before, but there are still savings to be had.

For some, being a sole trader is simpler, but can be more costly. As a sole trader you pay income tax and NI on what you earn (regardless of what you draw), at your appropriate rate of tax (20, 40 or 45 per cent).

A small company currently pays a flat rate of 20 per cent corporation tax, and you pay income tax personally when taking a salary or drawing dividends. If you only draw out a small amount of income, you will only pay a small amount of tax, but then the money stays in the company, which may not be favourable.

Consider VAT registration

Reduce taxable business profits

Current VAT registration limit is £82,000 and you must register if your turnover exceeds this in a 12-month period. You can also voluntarily register. If you are VAT-registered, you have to charge 20 per cent VAT on to your customer but you can claim back the VAT on your purchases.

If you are working with industrial or commercial clients, not being VAT-registered may make you look small, unable to handle bigger jobs or claim back the VAT on purchases. However, you’ll find yourself much more competitive with domestic clients if you are not VAT-registered and can keep prices down.

Claim all allowable business expenses, including tools, mobile phone costs, van costs or mileage, other business travel, professional subscriptions, and business insurance. There are also various reliefs available for businesses – such as the £2,000 employment allowance – while you will also get tax relief on pension contributions.

Compile good records You’ll need to keep accounting records for at least six years, including all sales and income, invoices and receipts, PAYE and VAT records and details of anything you’ve taken out as personal income. Setting up a good bookkeeping system from the outset is vital.

Plan ahead for next year Give your accountant your financial information well before the tax deadline. This allows time for feedback on how to reduce tax next year and prevents you getting caught in the deluge of work for the January deadline and being left without enough time to find your tax money. If you have CIS deducted, you may even be due a refund.

Faye Watts is founder of FUSE Accountants (fuseaccountants.co.uk)

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

Email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

Live wire Joined-up thinking

Electrical contractors stand to gain from the move towards controlling devices over the internet. It’s important they understand the opportunities, says Marc Gaunt

T

he rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises a brave new world of connected devices, smart homes, smart cities and, ultimately, a better standard of living. According to technology research firm Cisco, the number of connected devices is expected to pass 50 billion in the next five years.

New IoT technologies are emerging that enable quick and easy personalisation of energy management and home comfort scenarios, either through devices in the home or remotely, via apps on a smart device.

This means that switching lights on and off, adjusting room temperatures and security management is no longer restricted to on-site push-buttons, touch panels or preset programmes.

Home management systems can act as self-learning tools that note the behaviour of occupants and adjust environments accordingly, bringing in turn a new level of comfort to living spaces, tailored to our daily routines, while reducing energy costs. The market is bringing connectivity to homes and businesses, enabling us to monitor and manage our needs in smart spaces.

The advent of IoT provides opportunities for electricians to grow their business by moving into areas that may previously have been perceived as too complicated or unrelated. Remote access for smart heating control, where an electrician is able to upgrade a residential heating control system and have it operational and connected to the internet within 15 minutes, is already here. The growing trend for intuitive home products means that the days of time-consuming and complicated installations are diminishing. This appetite for connectivity will also bring increased prospects for aftercare and maintenance services to meet the future and ongoing needs of clients.

It’s an exciting time for electricians as the proliferation of the IoT promises greater innovation.

To stay ahead of the competition and be prepared for new business opportunities, electricians will need a good knowledge of the evolving IoT trends, including how big data, security and privacy are transforming the electrical sector.

Marc Gaunt is marketing manager at Schneider Electric

IN FOCUS// MATT PAJAK

» Matt Pajak Tilston Electrical Services

How did you start up?

I worked for 12 years in IT, and ended up buying a house in Stoke at auction to do up. I needed to get out of IT as I wasn’t able to focus on the house. I’d always been interested in electrics so I set myself up and got registered on the Domestic Installer scheme in 2006.

What kind of work do you undertake?

Mainly domestic, from a faulty switch to a full rewire, with a bit of commercial work too. Being a one-man band I have to be realistic about what I can take on.

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Where do you cover?

I’m based on the Cheshire and Shropshire border in Tilston, near Malpas, but I’ll travel anywhere in the north-west.

How do you find work?

I built up quite a big client base when I was based in Stoke, but we recently bought a former Methodist chapel and are converting it into a house and that’s been my focus for the past two years. Now I’m looking to build up the firm again.

How would you like to grow the business?

I’ve thought about taking

on an apprentice, but it seems a bit stacked against you, with employment law and workplace pensions. If you’re a sole trader you can keep your costs down. I’m hoping in future I can have not only a fantastic house, but a flexible job that also brings the pennies in.

What do you do outside work?

Before I had kids I was an avid classic VW restorer.

I have a 1972 camper van that took me 17 years to restore, and it’s now worth a lot more than the £350 I paid for it. I’d like to get back to that too.

Illustration: Cameron Law

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

Spring 2016 Connections

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Designed to exceed the new standards

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training LIGHTING THE WAY

Live wire

Bridge over the River Plym

> The old Laira rail bridge, closed since the 1980s, now carries cyclists and pedestrians across the River Plym

The disused Laira rail bridge is now enjoying a new lease of life as a pedestrian and cycle way, complete with feature lighting. Andrew Brister finds out how EX2 Electrical helped bring a derelict structure back to life

By Andrew Brister

P

lymouth, among the UK’s most famous of seafaring cities, gets its name from the River Plym. The river flows for some 20 miles from its source, 450m above sea level on Dartmoor, before it enters the sea at Plymouth Sound. Its tidal estuary is known as the Laira, and the rail bridge over it, a once-proud relic of the Victorian age, has been given a new lease of life as a pedestrian and cycle way after lying dormant for nearly 30 years.

Exeter-based electrical contractor EX2 Electrical is part of the team responsible for the transformation for client Plymouth City Council. The bridge has an illustrious history. It was built by Messrs Relf and Pethick after being authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1883, and opened in July 1892. The bridge carried the London and South Western Railway branch to Turnchapel over the River Plym and later the Great Western Railway also had running powers over the bridge, providing access to its Yealmpton branch at Plymstock.

Sadly, the bridge fell into rack and ruin. Passenger trains ceased to use it when services to Turnchapel and Yealmpton were terminated in the 1950s, but the bridge remained in use to serve the Associated Portland Cement works. It finally closed to traffic in the 1980s.

New lease of life Now, a £3.5 million scheme has turned the disused railway bridge into a walking and cycling route. The bridge completes an almost continuous off-road cycle route between Devonport in the west of Plymouth to Plymstock and Plympton in the east. Restoration has been part-funded by the government’s local sustainable transport fund because Plymouth, with major developments set to bring thousands of new homes to the east of the River Plym, faces severe transport pressure.

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The bridge connects existing walking and cycling facilities near The Ride (east of the river) with the Laira Cycleway (west of the river) and forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 27. It also improves access to the Laira Heritage Trail. The project required the old rail bridge to be structurally and cosmetically restored, a new deck to be installed for pedestrians and cyclists and new lighting introduced, including both deck-mounted fittings for wayfinding and feature lighting so that the bridge can be lit up for special events.

EX2 worked alongside main contractor South West Highways and lighting manufacturer Philips on the project. “When we came to take a look at the bridge, we knew it was a project that required some out-of-the-box thinking,” explains EX2’s managing director Martyn Beale. Ironwork was badly corroded in places and the sleepers used to support the old rail track were rotting and falling through. “We had to devise a way of bringing the lighting scheme together in terms of distribution, cabling and containment,” he adds.

EX2’s electrical solution also had to take into account two very important considerations. “First, the bridge is above the Laira tidal estuary, so it’s salt water down below and everything had to be corrosion-proof,” explains Beale. “Second, once the grit-blasting and repainting of the bridge was completed we wouldn’t be allowed to drill into the structure, so everything had to be pre-drilled prior to painting.”

The new paintwork will guarantee the life of the bridge for a further 25 years and could not be compromised.

Corrosive issues Everything had to be designed, set out, pre-marked, pre-drilled and bolted together before the protective coating was applied to the bridge. “It just took a different approach to bring it all together,” says Beale, modestly. “In terms of corrosion-proof materials, we had no options other than to use stainless steel or pvc containment systems.

Spring 2016 Connections

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

200 M: The length of the cable runs on the bridge

‘We scratched our heads and thought: how on earth are we going to get cabling through this?’

Back to life

We couldn’t use galvanised cable trays because they would have rotted out within months.”

The team initially looked at stainless steel, but ultimately opted for pvc tray. “The containment was the biggest challenge on the project,” recalls Beale. “We were really restricted in terms of space and being able to physically get your hands in and access it. The pvc tray is a lot easier to cut, manage and install. It’s lighter, a lot more flexible and equally non-corrosive.”

EX2 has installed the pvc tray in the top U section of the bridge, running along both sides. It is bolted through with plain head stainless steel bolts on pvc cantilever arms. All cabling is fed through and supported from these two channels.

The bridge is wired using HO7 rubber cabling. “We felt that armoured cabling wasn’t necessary because it wasn’t going to be subject to any mechanical damage since it was located within the structure of the bridge,” says Beale. “HO7 is heavy duty and robust enough to withstand any knocks incurred during the installation, yet is easy to work with and alleviates the hindrance of working with armoured cabling.

“It also offers a slight improvement on current-rating capacity, so could cope with long cable runs, which are up to 200m long.”

The team was concerned whether it was good practice to carry out a fixed installation using flexible cabling so took advice from the NICEIC technical helpline, which confirmed that all was well.

The project to revamp the old rail bridge has included: • Removal of the old timbers and rails, along with an abandoned gas main • Grit-blasting, localised repairs and a full repaint of the ironwork • Installation of a new deck and parapets • Construction of a new length of cycleway linking the western end of the bridge to the existing cycleway • Installation of new lighting along the length of the rail bridge, including state-of-the-art feature lighting • Installation of a new bridge over The Ride • Construction of a permanent access ramp from The Ride Light relief Standard linear white Philips Vaya LED fittings are used to light the deck for cyclists and pedestrians, while Philips ColorBlast colour-changing LED lamps provide the feature lighting.

“The council wanted to be able to light the bridge in a variety of colours – pink, for example, on Valentine’s Day,” says Beale. “We have installed external-grade Category 5e data network cabling for control of the colour-changing lighting. The network runs from the control equipment to a series of data enablers connected to the mains cabling.”

Close co-ordination with South West Highways was essential. “The actual work itself was quite straightforward, but it was the environment, the method and the sequencing that was key,” explains Beale. “We weren’t able to just start at one end of the bridge and work our way to the other end, we had to be able to go back and forth.”

Building close relationships such as this has allowed EX2 to nurture a growing business – this year the firm’s turnover will hit £2 million.

“We’ve come a long way in the past three years,” says Beale.

» Andrew Brister is a freelance journalist specialising in the electrical industry Connections Spring 2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case Study/Customer care/Training DIGITAL AND DATA

Live wire Smart move Changes in how we live mean electrical contractors are having to adapt their skills. Data communications is the latest challenge to get to grips with, says Alan Charlton

E

so as to ensure that the building is equipped with a common access point for high-speed electronic communications networks. This applies to both the erection of a new building or major renovation works to an older building.

The issue for contractors is that if they are not able to carry out this work then they are opening the door to another competitor. So make sure you are a smart installer and equip yourself with the knowledge to provide the perfect solution to the SMART home.

Alan Charlton is head of training and consultancy at Certsure. For more information about training courses available email traininginfo@certsure.com

‘Certsure’s data cabling course for the domestic installer enables individuals to understand the basic domestic network and practically complete a SMART network’ Connections Spring 2016

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Illustration: Cameron Law

ach decade sees significant changes to electrical installations in domestic properties and the savvy electrician knows it is important to keep pace with these changes.

It was only a generation ago that lights and power were our main sources of revenue, but time and technology move on at a great pace. This has meant more electrical appliances being used, particularly in the kitchen, which has driven the need for the installer to consider more circuits. The increase in insulation levels means the installer has also had to consider the potential to alter the size of the cable being used.

But the biggest change that the electrical industry has seen, in my view, is the movement to digital and data communications. There is now significant talk about the way the electrical system within a domestic property will look in future.

Questions are being raised, for example, as to the validity of running power circuits to sockets supplying equipment that only needs to be transformed down again before it enters the appliance. Why not just have a lower voltage network, with, perhaps, a power circuit for the kitchen area only?

Whether electrical installers like it or not, the age of data communications is upon us and so, as before, the smart electrician will need to update their knowledge to be able to adapt to the changing environment.

Certsure’s data cabling course for the domestic installer enables individuals to understand the basic domestic network and practically complete a SMART network. This course provides the evidence that electricians are the most suitable professionals to be installing such a system. It gives the installer the confidence to be able to install a domestic network and enables them to go on to expand into more specific areas, such as video systems and more complex data networks.

If you need further proof that data is here to stay, just cast your eyes over the next edition of the building regulations. Part R, due to be released shortly, ensures that installations must be equipped with a high-speed-ready, in-built physical infrastructure, up to a network termination point for high-speed electronic communications networks.

Where it concerns a building containing more than one dwelling, the work must be carried out

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training TV ADVERT

Live wire

Enter The Cage During the Easter break Certsure launched its first TV commercial to promote its registered contractors.

Known as The Cage, it provides a 30-second insight into the potential hidden electrical dangers that can exist in a home

B

ack at the start of 2015, NICEIC and ELECSA carried out some in-depth research into the power of its brands. We surveyed more than 4,000 consumers, specifiers and contractors to establish the level of brand awareness for NICEIC and ELECSA and how it compares with other brands in the sector.

The research revealed that NICEIC was the most popular certification body among consumers, with 28 per cent recognising the logo – three times as much as the nearest competitor. ELECSA’s brand awareness was found to match the level of other electrical scheme providers. However, when it came to choosing an electrician the most popular brands among consumers were Ratedpeople (44 per cent) and Checkatrade (39 per cent).

And just 17 per cent of respondents said the last electrician they used was registered with an approved body, and 83 per cent said they didn’t know. The results were startling and we were keen to change them.

Although NICEIC and ELECSA do not have the marketing spend of the consumer-based sites, we have a unique advantage – our history, our expertise and the guarantee of standards and consumer protection that we can offer consumers choosing an NICEIC or ELECSA registered contractor. These are the assurances that consumers need. Choosing a registered electrician with NICEIC or ELECSA still remains the best choice for a consumer and this is the message we wanted to promote.

Last year we ran a high-profile consumer-focused campaign promoting our registrants. The Stay Safe at Christmas campaign featured Billy Byrne from DIY SOS along with Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth. The trio carried out more than 60 radio interviews and the campaign featured on national TV, newspapers and magazines. We also launched a series of adverts in all the major news titles across the UK.

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However, we were determined to do more. The next step was to create a TV and online advert to challenge these consumer-focused websites. A TV commercial was something NICEIC or ELECSA had never produced before, but was something many of our contractors had asked for.

The project to develop a commercial began in the summer of 2015 with a conversation between Certsure’s marketing director Mark Smith and Birmingham-based design agency RBH. Together, Certsure and RBH have developed several award-winning campaigns, including the ‘Power behind your business’, which won the best use of advertising and best branding awards at the Construction Marketing Awards.

The challenge How do you portray something that is invisible? That was the overriding challenge facing the creative team at RBH. Electricity is all around us and something many of us take for granted.

Another issue is that many of the dangers associated with electrics are often out of sight, particularly old or faulty wiring which is hidden behind walls. Some of this might not pose an immediate risk, but could pose problems further down the line. How do you explain this to a consumer who is only interested in what they can visibly see?

To overcome this RBH’s team swapped conventional thinking. Instead of putting themselves in the householder’s shoes, they thought like an electrician and the tagline ‘See like an electrician’ was born.

‘How do you portray something that is invisible? That was the overriding challenge facing the creative team’

Spring 2016 Connections

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141: The number of times the ad was aired during a three-week period in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Film facts • Four different versions of the ad were produced featuring a Scottish, Irish and English voiceover. There are also two different versions of the making of film • The electricians who helped supply power to the set were NICEIC registered • Last-minute changes to the TV schedule meant the original advert was delayed by an hour on its first airing • The advert aired during the Grand National and the Bahrain Grand Prix; two of the biggest and most watched sporting events broadcast on TV

The use of CGI to illuminate the electrical currents meant every detail had to be planned and measured. Every item in the film, from the lamp, the plants, curtains and the TV, had to be marked and measured to ensure the blue lines were consistent in each shot. The 30-second clip took a full day to film. Each scene was meticulously shot over and over again to ensure all the images from the initial story board were captured.

Once the filming was complete it was off to post-production. One of the biggest jobs was ensuring technical accuracy. With an advert there is always going to be a degree of artistic licence, but we wanted to ensure the electrical currents depicted were a true reflection of a modern living room.

The CGI lines went through the technical team at Certsure on a number of occasions and were altered in several places from the original film that first came back. Once the ad was signed off it was sent to Clearcast – the authority that oversees all TV adverts. After an initial concern about whether the blue lines might induce epilepsy (it was not deemed to do so) the advert was ready for TV.

> The production team and actor on set in the studio-built living room featured in the advert

Broadcast

From that initial campaign concept, the ad agency developed the idea of visually portraying the electrical currents behind the walls of a traditional living room, using animation. The currents gradually surround a householder and eventually form The Cage. “Rather than featuring the cliché of exploding appliances or fire-strewn wiring we wanted to take a softer and more considered approach,” says RBH director Jon Nealon. “We wanted something that would immediately appeal to a householder sitting at home watching the commercial.”

Production Once the general concept was agreed storyboards were drawn up, a production team sourced and an actor commissioned. When this was all in place, a date was set to start filming. On this occasion the living room was created in a studio, complete with modern furniture. The set took three days to build, energise and light, but this was more suitable than filming in a real-life living room because of the need to use computer generated imagery (CGI).

Working with a media agency, TV slots were booked to show the advert in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Scotland is a growing area for NICEIC and by choosing these areas we could gauge the initial success of the advert, with a view to potentially rolling it out in other regions later.

Timing was also important. We wanted the adverts to launch over the Easter period – a time when traditionally people start carrying out DIY or home improvement work. The commercial aired at various points throughout the day and during some high-profile shows, including the Scottish Parliament leaders’ debate, The Grand National and the Formula One race in Bahrain.

Between 25 March and 11 April, the advert aired a total of 141 times on STV, UTV and Channel 4 (Scotland and Northern Ireland).

The commercial was also launched on our websites and promoted through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

We also wrote to MPs across the UK seeking their support and asking them to promote the ad on their own social media channels.

Contractors can get involved too, by showing it to their friends, family, customers and clients. We also want you to share the commercial via social media.

All the films can be viewed online at either niceic.com or elecsa.co.uk

Connections Spring 2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case Study/Customer care/Training INTERNET OF THINGS

Live wire Wired and wonderful Modern homes increasingly depend on the internet, but wi-fi connections are often the weakest link. Electricians can help overcome this by designing wired solutions into homes, says Neil Smith

N

ow well into middle age, I am constantly aware of the progress of technology and the impact it is having on our everyday lives in our homes.

It doesn’t seem that long ago to me since the Post Office engineer arrived to install our first telephone – one single fixed phone, with a cord, at the bottom of the stairs. Sometime later, the black-and-white telly was replaced with a 20-inch colour model – one of the first.

And several years later we took delivery of a ZX81 home computer, well before the advent of the internet.

Like most homes in the 21st century, ours now has a variety of smart TVs, multiple PCs, tablets and smartphones, video games and a whole host of other internet-connected technologies to enhance our lives.

These existing technologies continue to evolve; for example, high-definition TV is being superseded by ultra-high definition TV (or 4K TV) and video gaming is becoming better and more lifelike.

Alongside these familiar and established items is the rapidly emerging ‘internet of things’, or IoT. It is a new generation of devices that are connected to each other and the internet. We are told that by 2020 some 26 billion devices worldwide will be connected to the IoT, to further enhance our lives.

According to the latest report from the NHBC Foundation, The connected home: designing and building technology into today’s new homes, we can expect to see: • Advanced telecare, monitoring the health and wellbeing of occupants • Occupant-sensing security systems, able to discriminate between welcome guests and intruders • Increasingly sophisticated heating and ventilation controls, able to sense whether the home is occupied and controllable via a smartphone • Home appliances with extra features such as a fridge that orders more milk or biscuit cupboard that locks you out if it senses you’re piling on the pounds.

Of all of these technologies, advanced telecare will change most lives. We know that the UK population is ageing, and this range of connected technologies will enable older people to stay living longer, safer and healthier independent lives, in their own homes.

Wearable devices that monitor activity levels, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing will transform healthcare and enable alerts to be sent to family members and the doctor as necessary.

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Wi-fi let-down

Neil Smith is head of research and innovation at the National House-Building Council. To download the report visit www.

NHBCFoundation.org

It is becoming clear that existing home wi-fi is already being overstretched, with too many devices being used at the same time, and this will increasingly be the case.

We also know that there can be dead-spots in some larger homes and that wi-fi can struggle to penetrate some building materials. Our report recommends addressing this at design stage and, in appropriate situations, installing some extra wiring.

The main suggestions from the report for electricians are as follows: • Make sure that the wireless router can be positioned centrally in the home by providing a telephone socket in a central location (not in a cupboard), with a mains socket nearby • Provide wiring to allow a second router to be used, perhaps on the landing • Given the high data demands of 4K TV and games consoles, provide a wired connection to the home’s main TV • Consider providing additional wired connections to the other main rooms of the home • Provide a couple of USB sockets to avoid the need for phone and tablet chargers around the house • Fit heating controls that can be controlled via the internet. These are great for comfort, convenience and energy efficiency.

‘Existing home wi-fi is already being overstretched with too many devices being used at the same time’

Spring 2016 Connections

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04/04/2016 11:02

CONTRACTOR PROFILE // BREEDON ELECTRICAL COMPANY: Breedon Electrical BASED: Nottingham FOUNDED: 2014 MAJOR PROJECTS: Djanogly City Academy, Village Hotels STAFF NUMBERS: 8

A cut above Ben Tooms set up Nottingham firm Breedon Electrical in 2014 with the vision of creating an electrical business with a difference

By Nick Martindale

£207,000: The company’s turnover for its first full financial year

M

any electrical businesses are family affairs, with owners helping to groom sons or daughters to one day take over from themselves. But the story of Breedon Electrical, based in Nottingham and covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, bucks the trend, having been set up by Ben Tooms in October 2014 after he decided to branch out on his own, leaving his uncle’s firm behind him.

From day one, Ben had the vision of creating something different to the standard electrical contracting business; so much so that the term ‘contracting’ is seen as a dirty word, and there’s much talk of working for ‘end-users’. “We could increase our turnover by a considerable amount if we decided that we wanted to do contracting, but you can quite easily fall into the realm of being a busy fool and I’m very conscious of that,” says Ben. “It’s harder to come by this end-user work because there is less high-quality work available, but if you can get it it’s more profitable and better quality.”

In particular, this means no working on newbuild housing projects for main building contractors. “Even as an apprentice I always had bad experiences, and heard of others’ bad experiences, through contracting; just being fourth or fifth in the chain,” he says. Cash flow can be a particular problem, he adds, as is being unable to shape jobs and the pressure to 26

get things done in unreasonable timeframes. “When you’re working with a contracting firm, some of them now want 90 days to pay,” he says. “Even with 60 days, you won’t get paid at 60; you’ll be chasing at 60.”

One phrase that pops up time and again during our interview is that of ‘image’, and Ben is determined to make Breedon stand out by being different to the stereotypical image many people have of tradespeople, by insisting his team of four electricians – soon to increase to six, including a new addition from the military – make a good impression.

“That word is my one and only rule,” he says.

“In the early days we had guys who were dressed perfectly, but they had trainers on, so I’d send them home, because if you let the trainers go that becomes the norm, and they’ll stop wearing their ID tags or doing their hair,” he adds.

“They all have a spare change of clothes in the van so if their first job is in a loft and it’s a messy job they will not go to their next job in those clothes.” All engineers are strictly vetted before joining the company, he adds, including a check under the Disclosure and Barring Service, and undergo a month-long trial period before the business commits to taking them on full-time.

Youth and experience Making such decisions while trying to grow a business is not always easy, but Ben, 28, is not entirely on his own, having teamed up with local business angel – and former customer – Andrew Springhall. Andrew has been instrumental in helping

Spring 2016 Connections

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05/04/2016 11:51

12: The number of employees the business expects to have by 2017

Andrew Springhall

‘We could increase our turnover considerably if we did contracting, but you can quite easily fall into being a busy fool’ Ben put in place the foundations for the business and setting the overall strategy and direction. “I was initially helping and mentoring Ben because first and foremost he was an electrician and I wanted him to start thinking about how to grow a business,” says Andrew. “From incorporation we had a business plan and a strategy and forecast of where we wanted to get to.”

Andrew’s own background lies in working in finance for construction businesses ABB and what was then Hanson Building Products, before setting up the UK’s first electrical new connections provider – Power On Connections – to rival the utility companies in 2003. “That business was a tremendous success; we grew it to astronomical levels and it became pretty much as large as a utility and that business was sold in 2009 for £24 million,” he says. “Since then I have invested in businesses either individually or through a consortium, but getting involved in this business from the grass roots has been a breath of fresh air, and feels very similar to what we had with Power On.”

It was this shared desire to grow that meant the initial work Breedon undertook – small domestic jobs – was soon replaced by larger projects. The business began targeting estate agents who would manage properties for private landlords, and often relied on five or six one-man bands.

“It was a challenge; we had a price differential because we were VAT registered from day one because we had a vision to quickly go beyond that threshold,” says Andrew.

“It took some convincing to get the letting agencies to agree to use us, but they realised that premium was worth it by improving their efficiency because of our use of electronic work orders and the fact that we always turn up when we say we will. That was then rolled out across the other sectors such as schools, care homes and independent offices.”

Schools in particular have been a focal point, as many now have control over their own budgets and some academies operate in clusters, where one large establishment will co-ordinate projects across a number of feeder ones.

“Djanogly City Academy is one example; it was one of the first academies and there are now 14 schools in the cluster under the same facilities management remit,” says Andrew.

LED lighting has proved a good source of work in schools, as well as other properties. “A lot of academies can get grants, such as £10-20,000 light refits,” says Ben. “We have one at the moment that is a £25,000 project in a primary school which will provide about a fortnight’s work.

“We also work for quite a big local hotel that is part of the Village Hotels chain, where eventually the goal is to have it Connections Spring 2016

26-28_ContractorProfile.FINAL.indd 27

Photography: Fabio De Paola/UNP

Ben Tooms

27

05/04/2016 11:52

CONTRACTOR PROFILE // BREEDON ELECTRICAL

> Smart tactics: Ben Tooms insists his electricians make a good impression with the end-user all LED. We did a little pilot scheme in one part of the hotel to see how they got on, and now they recycle the money, and do another part with the money that they have saved.”

The business has also worked in what were local Blockbuster stores, he adds, refitting fire and intruder alarms and emergency lighting to prepare them for new ownership.

It also has a preferred installer arrangement with high-end lighting business Nottingham Lighting.

‘In the early days we had guys who were dressed perfectly, but they had trainers on, so I’d send them home’

Off the tools The rapid growth of Breedon, named after the street Ben lived on when he set up the business and where it was based for six months before moving into its current city centre offices, means his own role has changed significantly over the past 18 months. “We’re now at the point where I am almost a full overhead to the business, and off the tools,” he says. “My job is to win new customers. There’s nobody better to sell Breedon than me; I founded it and had the vision and I’m selling that.” In fact, his own role has expanded to the point that the business has recently taken on a new member of staff to help with the admin side, in addition to Lynsey Wilde, who handles the accounts.

The combination of Ben’s vision and Andrew’s strategic input is clearly working. The company turned over more than £200,000 in its first 15 months, and is on course to hit £350,000 in the current financial year. By the end of 2017 it hopes to be employing 12 people and turning over £500,000.

There are also plans to expand into other sectors, particularly plumbing, gas and fire safety. “We’re in the

process of registering names and the branding is all designed and ready,” says Andrew. “We’re in two minds as to whether to go out and acquire a business that is slightly larger than Breedon, perhaps where the owner is considering retirement, or to grow it organically as we did with Breedon Electrical, but we feel the former is a preferred option.”

‘If you’re on your own you can want to make a decision, but you can also be quite unsure. Having Andrew behind me helps tremendously’ 28

Self-belief Business expansion is something customers often ask about, he says, and could see Andrew increase the amount of time he spends with Breedon from the current level of around one day a week. It is this kind of vision and experience that Ben feels Andrew brings to the business.

“He has really taken me under his wing,” says Ben. “He has given me self-belief. If you’re on your own you can want to make a decision, but be quite unsure. Having Andrew behind me telling me it’s OK helps tremendously.”

Ben, however, has learned quite a bit himself along the way, as well as relying on Andrew’s expertise. “I’m a different person to who I was 18 months ago,” he says. “I’ve grown as an individual. I hoped we would be where we are, but it was just a case of getting my head down and focusing. But I always said from day one that if Ben Tooms and Andrew Springhall can’t make Breedon Electrical a success then there’s no hope for any business out there. I really believe that.” » Nick Martindale is editor of Connections Could your business feature in Connections?

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

•

Spring 2016 Connections

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05/04/2016 11:52

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04/04/2016 11:09

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Electrical contractors face a range of hazards in their line of work, from the threat of electrocution to diseases and falls on site. It’s up to their employer to reduce risks and promote safety

By Rob Shepherd

A

Keeping you safe lots of health and safety regulation in the UK, the vast majority of which is well thought out and not excessively onerous,” he says. “But we do need everyone to take it seriously in order for it to do the job it is intended for.”

High alert Fortunately, the number of deaths and injuries to electrical contractors as a direct result of their trade is remarkably low, with the HSE estimating that about three people are electrocuted each year during refurbishment work on commercial and domestic buildings.

Statistically, falls from height pose the greatest threat to people working in the construction sector.

Since 2001 an average of 50 people in Great Britain have died at work each year as a result of a fall from height,

and a further 8,702 have been seriously injured, according to HSE figures.

In 2013 Southwark Crown Court heard that two workers accessed the top level of a unit that was to be dismantled as part of construction work at a site in London. One of the workers slipped and fell over the side of the platform, hitting the wall and then landing on the concrete floor 5.9m below. He sustained multiple injuries including internal bleeding, a collapsed lung and fractures to his pelvis and right arm, and has been left unable to work.

Yet falls can be avoided by the provision of suitable access equipment, and its proper use. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that working at height should not be carried out unless essential, and where this is undertaken the platform must be stable and secure.

Connections Spring 2016

31-32_HealthandSafety.FINAL.indd 31

Getty

nyone who thinks that the issue of health and safety at work is overplayed should consider the fact that in the 12 months to April 2015 142 people were killed at work, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

There were also 76,000 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), 611,000 other injuries at work and 27.3 million working days lost due to workrelated illness and injury.

Before 1974, approximately eight million employees had no legal safety protection at work. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 provides the legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards in places of work. Employers must provide and maintain safety equipment and safe systems of work, as well as information, training, instruction and supervision, and a written safety policy.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, otherwise referred to as the CDM Regulations, are the main set of requirements for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects.

They are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development, so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. First introduced in 1994, they were revised in 2007, and a further revision came into force on 6 April 2015.

Where there are issues, these are often down to the failures of employers rather than the regulations themselves, says Chris Chapman, technical manager at the Building Safety Group. “We have

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05/04/2016 11:52

HEALTH AND SAFETY

There must also be adequate space to undertake the work, with all open edges protected by guard rails and barriers.

Particle science In the UK, HSE research shows that almost 14,000 new cases of cancer caused by work are registered each year, and about 8,000 deaths a year are caused by occupational cancer. Jobs such as cutting or grinding concrete, drilling in enclosed spaces and sanding wood can be high risk if precautions are not taken.

“It has been said before, but as an industry we have always shouted about safety and whispered about health,” says the Building Safety Group’s Chapman. “For instance, mesothelioma is a major killer in the electrical contracting sector and its devastating effects often don’t manifest themselves until someone has retired.

“Those working in this industry are at a significantly greater risk of developing cancer and other diseases at work compared with any other industry group, if the risks posed fail to be appropriately assessed and managed.”

No Time to Lose is an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) initiative to raise awareness of the issue. “Many occupational cancers are preventable,” says IOSH past president Tim Briggs.

“Everyone can play their part in tackling them, including the workforce.

Employers can do their bit by identifying the cancer causing materials and taking preventative action to reduce the risk.”

Controlling risk Many events can, and should, be prevented by the adoption of an accident prevention and risk management strategy. One of the most effective ways this can be achieved is through compliance with OHSAS 18001, the internationally recognised assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems.

Compliance with this specification demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing a safer working environment and protecting its employees. ISO 45001 is set to replace OHSAS 18001 in late 2016 and will further enhance the ability of health and safety professionals to manage business risks.

32

Case study: Serious business For Kent-based NICEIC Approved Contractor Berryman Electrical, health and safety is at the very heart of its operation. Not only are the highest standards maintained for the wellbeing of its employees, the company also recognises the role it plays in winning business.

“We have always maintained a strict ethos of health and safety, which is enshrined in our policy and corporate code of conduct,” says managing director Dave Berryman. “Before each job a risk assessment is carried out and operatives are instructed to follow our own and clients’ health and safety requirements.”

The company’s policy is reviewed annually to monitor its effectiveness and reflect changing needs. Employees attend off-site training courses and exceed the level of knowledge required by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

They also receive regular training on the safe use of work equipment and systems, and are supplied with the latest personal protective equipment. But, says Berryman, employees must play their part. “We need them to report incidents that could have led to injury, so that preventative measures can be put in place,” he says.

Counting the cost To date the largest fine imposed in the UK for a health and safety offence was £15 million on Transco in 2005. That unenviable record may soon change – since February this year the Health and Safety Offences and Corporate Manslaughter Offences Guidelines has meant potentially unlimited fines for firms and public sector bodies that fail to comply with health and safety law.

“We broadly welcome the new guidelines,” says Neal Stone, policy and standards director at the British Safety Council, “particularly that three factors will be key in determining fines for offences: the degree of harm caused,

‘Mesothelioma is a major killer within the electrical contracting sector and its effects often don’t manifest themselves until someone has retired’

the culpability of the offender and the turnover of the offending organisation.”

According to Paul Reeve, director of business services at the Electrical Contractors’ Association, the new guidelines underline the need for contractors of any size to have an effective approach to complying with the law.

“A key message to contractors is to have sensible and effective, but also proportionate, arrangements for ensuring health and safety, and access to competent advice,” he says.

Reducing risk in the work environment significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents, and provides a framework for legal responsibilities.

However, it should be considered a work in progress.

“It’s encouraging that there have been improvements in injuries and ill-health caused by work-related activities,” says Judith Hackitt, chairwoman of the HSE. “But behind the statistics are people, their families, friends, work colleagues, directly affected by something that has gone wrong, and which is usually entirely preventable.” » Rob Shepherd is a freelance journalist, specialising in the electrical industry

Spring 2016 Connections

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WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED… SEE THE RESULTS OF OUR LATEST TOOLS AND VAN SURVEY. The survey1, which ran in the February NICEIC and ELECSA newsletters, generated many more responses than we anticipated. That’s why we would like to thank you for taking your time to answer questions we had about tools and the work vehicle you use. Now we can reveal the answers.

Let us know your details before Friday 22 April 2016 and you could receive an online retailer voucher or a tools voucher from one of the top 3 brands: Bosch, Dewalt or Makita.2

HOW MUCH ARE YOUR TOOLS WORTH? Most of you said that your tools are worth between £1,000 and £2,999 (46.92% NICEIC, 47.45% ELECSA members). Tools valued between £3,000 and £4,999 as well as in the range of £5,000 and more took second and third places (NICEIC 25.51% and 21.18%, ELECSA 27.04% and 11.22% respectively).

Call us on 0330 123 5240 or email at enquiries@niceicinsurance.com, quoting Connections so we can add you to our van campaign list.

WHAT IS YOUR ANNUAL VEHICLE MILEAGE?

You may not be aware, but these amounts fall into NICEIC Insurance Services tools cover, which you can purchase in addition to our Public Liability insurance. You can choose a level of cover between £1,000 and £5,000. We can also accommodate higher amounts if required.

More than 75% of responses indicated an annual vehicle mileage of lower than 20,000 miles (76.68% NICEIC, 85.48% ELECSA).

A range between 21,000 and 40,000 miles per annum was the second most often selected option (16.59% NICEIC, 12.90% ELECSA).

WHAT VEHICLE DO YOU USE FOR WORK PURPOSES?

We can accommodate any mileage in our van cover. You just need to be clear about it when purchasing insurance and we will do our best to help you tailor the cover to your needs.

Remember that any incorrect information you supply may work against you if you happen to make a claim.

A van is the vehicle that the majority of you drive (81.09% NICEIC, 76.02% ELECSA). A much smaller proportion use a car or estate car for work purposes (NICEIC 7.74% and 6.15%, ELECSA 6.63% and 11.73% respectively).

It is very important that you state correctly what type of vehicle you use to carry out work while purchasing your insurance. If you happen to need to claim on your van insurance, but in fact use a vehicle that’s not covered by it, you will not be eligible for a claim settlement.

DO YOU KEEP TOOLS IN YOUR VEHICLE OVERNIGHT? Over 68% of answers to this question were “Yes” amongst NICEIC and ELECSA members (68.27% and 68.82% respectively).

Good news for you is that our van insurance3 covers tools you leave in your van overnight – as long as they are securely contained within it. It is very important you provide correct information when purchasing this cover or let us know immediately if anything changes. Otherwise your insurance claim, should it occur, may not be settled in your favour meaning you could lose even more money.

Should you have any questions about the covers we offer, please visit niceicinsurance.com or call us on 0330 123 5240, quoting Connections and we will be happy to assist you.

WHAT TREAT CAN BE COMING YOUR WAY? Our next van campaign is planned for May. We can’t reveal how we will reward you4 for placing business with us yet, but you can be sure it will be one of the items you deemed as the most desirable in the survey – an online retailer voucher or a tools voucher from one of the top 3 brands: Bosch, Dewalt or Makita5.

If you don’t have van insurance with NICIEC Insurance Services and would like to receive more information about our next van offer, get in touch. Call us on 0330 123 5240 or email at enquiries@niceicinsurance.com, quoting Connections, before Friday 22 April 2016 so we can add your contact details to our van campaign list.

the power behind your business

1

The survey was completed by 635 NICEIC and ELECSA members between 29 February and 26 March 2016.

As per results from NICEIC and ELECSA surveys respectively: Bosch (39.18% and 38.27%), Dewalt (47.15% and 38.27%) or Makita (51.25% and 47.45%).

This is an exclusive benefit of our van insurance cover for NICEIC and ELECSA members and will not apply to a standard car or estate vehicle.

4 The van insurance incentive will be applicable to new customers only who are NICEIC or ELECSA members and are included in the van campaign.

5 The incentive will be confirmed when our van campaign launches.

2 3

NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services are trading names of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No. 4043759. Registered address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. VAT registration number: 447284724. Towergate Underwriting Group Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

p34_CON.04.16.indd 34

04/04/2016 11:12

Cause for alarms The UK’s security industry is growing, which should mean more opportunities for contractors looking to target the sector. But it takes time and commitment to make a mark in this sector, says David Adams

I

n these times of economic uncertainty, it’s important to identify and pursue business opportunities in growing markets, and the security systems market is one of them.

The overall UK electronic

security market (including alarms, access control and CCTV) was forecast to have been worth £1.4 billion in 2015 and should grow by around 10 per cent each year up to 2018, according to a report published by AMA Research.

The domestic market for security systems is growing, particularly in multi-occupancy buildings, but

there are also endless possibilities in the commercial and industrial markets. IP-based security can be integrated with other systems, from building management or emergency and fire alarm systems in industrial or institutional buildings, to smart networks in private homes. Property owners and managers are also attracted by the ability to control these systems remotely from tablets or smartphones.

Installing and maintaining security systems can act both as an additional service for existing customers and a source of new customers; and – if contractors wish – a source of longer term relationships through maintenance and monitoring services.

Paul Singh, CEO of CCTV, security and smart home systems supplier Y3K, says his company is now seeing much more demand for integrated security systems than for more traditional standalone CCTV and alarm systems.

End-users or building developers are asking contractors to install systems that can offer multiple functions from one control point. “They don’t want two or three systems in their premises, just one covering essentials such as intruder and smoke detection and CCTV,” he says.

Video entry and access control systems can also be linked into other IT networks within a building, or systems managing multiple buildings, controlled from touchscreen devices. Mark Hagger, sales and marketing director at Connections Spring 2016

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Getty

SECURITY SYSTEMS

35

05/04/2016 14:23

SECURITY SYSTEMS

10 per cent: The amount the UK security market is expected to grow each year to 2018

Urmet

another security system vendor, Urmet, says these are proving popular among developers and landlords seeking to integrate security controls for residents with smart home systems, including smart lighting and heating.

The role of the electrical contractor varies a great deal from project to project. In some cases, they may have some input into the design or capabilities of these systems, says Hagger, while others may instead partner with a security specialist that sub-contracts installation.

36

Breaking an entry For many contractors it is not the technology that poses the greatest challenge – the equipment and software is becoming more user-friendly all the time – but the tough competitive conditions in this market.

Chris Lewis is managing director of DAT Electrical Engineers, a contractor based in Dunmow, in Essex. DAT has been operating for 10 years, has six staff and offers a comprehensive range of contractor services, including installation of wired and wireless intruder alarms, and of CCTV and related technologies.

However, says Lewis, at present the number of alarm systems the company installs is lower than in the past, at just a handful each month. One reason is that many customers are tempted by lower prices offered by competitors who may either be selling cheaper systems or may be subsidiaries of larger companies able to sell the systems at a loss.

Lewis also warns contractors not to assume that agreeing service contracts with customers guarantees impressive revenues over the longer term. “The servicing isn’t necessarily the huge money-spinner that people think it might be,” he says. “For a single service appointment you’re sometimes spending half or three-quarters of a day. That might not be the best use of your people’s time.”

Case study: Yee Group Simon Chapman founded Yee Group in 1985. Today it is a multi-discipline electrical contracting company with 25 employees, based in Burton-on-Trent. Until May 2015 it was known as Mace Midlands, but has rebranded to stop the confusion caused by multiple websites for the different arms of the business.

Early on, Chapman saw an opportunity in the small but growing domestic security market. Over time he developed a broader portfolio of security services for an expanding range of clients, alongside other electrical work. Today, Yee clients include domestic and commercial property owners, as well as schools and nursing homes.

His message to contractors looking to get involved in this sector is to plan it carefully.

“Are you going to offer on-call services, or provide maintenance services?” he says.

“That might involve partnerships with other companies. Map out how you’re going to grow, and keep up to date with the technology.”

‘Customers don’t want two or three systems in their premises: just one that covers the essentials’ Despite his misgivings about some aspects of working in this market, Lewis still sees security as a worthwhile source of revenue, and a way of providing more value to existing clients and sometimes a source of new clients.

Entry point Contractors might be well-advised to move into this area slowly, acquiring expertise around specific products and client groups and slowly building

up additional services, such as maintenance and technical support.

There is training available from manufacturers, training providers such as City & Guilds and security systems specialist Tavcom, and from industry organisations such as the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). Staff will need to complete and regularly update all appropriate training courses and should also seek certification from industry bodies such as NSI and/or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).

Lewis advises any contractor wanting to build a good reputation for installing security systems not to compromise on the quality of the system. “On average, a decent wireless system might cost £1,100 to £1,300,” he says. “Sometimes you have to say to the customer: ‘You get what you pay for’.”

He gives the example of systems that only start to wake up when someone walks past their detectors, meaning there may be a delay of some minutes before the system alerts the end-user that an intruder is present. “A good system will trigger instantly,” he says. “You’re paying for that technology and the fact that the batteries will last for five years. My advice is go for good quality and get a good reputation for selling good stuff that doesn’t go wrong.” » David Adams is a freelance business journalist

Spring 2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully Charged From the helpline

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

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where the main protective bonding conductors to extraneous-conductive-parts (incoming water and gas services and the like) in an existing installation have a cross-sectional area of 6 mm² and the earthing system is TN-C-S (PME), is it permissible to carry out any alterations or additions to the electrical installation, such as replacing the consumer unit or installing additional circuits, without upgrading the bonding arrangements?

No. All new electrical installation work must comply with the requirements of the current edition of BS 7671. Regulation 132.16 of BS 7671 requires the earthing and bonding arrangements to be adequate, and Regulation 544.1.1 requires that where PME conditions apply the size of bonding conductor should be selected in accordance with the neutral conductor of the supply and Table 54.8. Typically this means that for TN-C-S systems the minimum size of bonding conductor is 10 mm² (Note: local distributor’s network conditions may require a larger conductor).

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where, due to the location of the incoming bonded services in relation to the main earthing terminal, it is impracticable to upgrade the bonding detailed in the question above for an existing TN-C-S system, is there another option?

BS 7671 is the minimum standard for electrical installations in the UK. However, where it might not be practical to upgrade the bonding, one option to consider might be to change the TN-C-S earthing arrangement to a TT arrangement.

QUESTION

ANSWER

What are the sizing requirements for an earthing conductor where it is buried direct in the ground?

Table 54.1 of BS 7671 details the minimum cross-sectional area of an earthing conductor where it is buried direct. For example, where the earthing conductor is not protected against mechanical damage but does have a sheath then the minimum cross-sectional area required is 16 mm².

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged

40

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it permitted to install a socket-outlet in a kitchen base unit?

Generally the answer is yes, provided socket-outlets or indeed any accessory are so positioned to meet the relevant requirements of BS 7671, including Regulation 132.12 and Section 522 relating to accessibility and external influences respectively. For example, mounting an accessory at the back of a kitchen base unit may not provide adequate accessibility for inspection and testing, maintenance and repair to be carried out safely, especially in a unit below a sink where pipework and connections associated with taps, waste traps, appliances (washing machines and dishwashers) may provide obstructions.

Accessories in kitchen units should be mounted in a position where there is adequate working space and where they are least likely to be splashed or damaged; on the side panel, at high level at the front of the unit may provide for a satisfactory position.

QUESTION

ANSWER

I am planning to install an extract fan for intermittent use in a room containing a toilet (no bath/shower) in a new dwelling in England.

Does BS 7671 include any particular requirements regarding the means of control?

No. However, the ventilation requirements of Part F of the Building Regulations 2010 applicable in England and Wales will need to be met. Guidance on meeting Part F is given in Approved Document F (2010 edition incorporating further 2010 amendments (ADF)).

Guidance on meeting the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 can be found in Section – Environment found in the Technical Handbooks (Domestic and Non-Domestic) available for download at www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/ Building-standards/technbooks/techhandbooks.

Extract fans for intermittent use can have either manual or automatic control. However, for your project ‘a room containing a toilet without a bath/shower’ the main pollutant is odour and automatic control by humidity sensor is therefore not likely to meet the recommendations of ADF. Table 5.2a recommends that where a room does not have an openable window, extract fans for intermittent use should be controlled by a timer and have a 15 minute overrun. Furthermore, where the room has no natural light, extract fans may be controlled simultaneously with the light switch for the room.

It should be noted that the installation process for an extract fan may also require other parts of the Building Regulations 2010 (Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004) to be met.

QUESTION

ANSWER

I have carried out periodic inspection and testing in a building; however, I am involved in a contractual dispute. Can I object to issuing the corresponding Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) until the dispute is resolved?

No. BS 7671 does not take contractual disputes into account and Regulation 634.1 requires a compiled EICR together with the schedules for inspection and testing to be given to the person ordering the inspection.

Irrespective of the contractual situation, you must inform your client (in writing) immediately of any items you attributed a Classification code C1.

One method of informing the client of items given a code C1 would be to issue them with an Electrical Danger Notification form or the domestic equivalent. These forms are available from niceicdirect.com.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Does the omission of supplementary bonding in locations containing a bath or shower given in Regulation 701.415.2 apply to TT installations?

Yes. Section 701 of BS 7671 does not exclude TT installations, and therefore provided the conditions (iv), (v) and (vi) given in Regulation 701.415.2 are met, supplementary bonding may be omitted.

Spring 2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged 42 45 48

Who is responsible for equipment upstream from the consumers’ switchgear?

Connection of Class 1 appliances to the fixed wiring of an installation Providing basic protection

50 52 56 60

Who is responsible for equipment upstream from the consumers’ switchgear?

Objective A defect at the service position should be recorded on the relevant certificate or report and the contractor should inform the customer.

I

n the light of the requirement for an inspector to check the condition of various aspects of the distributor’s/supply intake equipment which now exist within Appendix 6 of BS 7671, one particular problem contractors occasionally have is understanding which parts are the responsibility of the Supplier, which parts are the responsibility of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and which parts are the responsibility of the person ordering the work (typically the customer).

Developing a clear understanding will help the inspector identify the parties responsible for the electrical equipment typically found at the service position.

This article seeks to clarify which parties are responsible for the items of equipment at the service position and will reference the relevant parts of the current document titled Meter Operation Code of Practice Agreement (MOCOPA) issued on 1st July 2013.

Fig 1 Example of a section of the Schedule of Inspections given in Appendix 6 of BS 7671

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The equipment at the service position is one of a number of items required to be inspected when carrying out initial inspection or periodic inspection of an electrical installation, as acknowledged in the section titled ‘Distributor’s/ supply intake equipment’ which forms part of the schedules (for inspection) given in Appendix 6 of BS 7671 (see Fig 1).

Following deregulation of the electricity generation, transmission and distribution industry in the 1990s there are many companies operating within the electrical supply chain of generation, transmission, distribution, supply and metering; meaning the responsibility for the electrical equipment upstream of the consumer is complex, and the electrical equipment typically found at the service position is generally the responsibility of more than one party.

In general, there are three types of company involved in the electrical supply industry, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who is responsible for the electrical supply up to and including the cut-out, the energy supplier who sells energy to the consumer, and the meter operator who is an independent company responsible for the supply and maintenance of metering equipment (see Fig 2).

Meter Operation Code of Practice Agreement (MOCOPA) The primary purpose of MOCOPA is to provide meter operatives with guidance on what action to take when a defect is identified in the distributors’ equipment at the service position. Examples of the typical defects that might be found are also provided. The document places defects in three categories as follows: • Category A - Emergency • Category B - Remedial work • Category C - Asset condition.

Each category contains a number of ‘asset condition codes’. Category A having 18 codes, Category B having 9 codes and Category C having 15 codes. The intention of these codes is to provide meter operatives with an efficient process of reporting a defect to the particular distributor.

For example, where a meter operative identifies exposed live parts the code A07 should be

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Fig 2 Responsibility of equipment at the service position (reproduced from the MOCOPA)

8

10

2

7

3

4 5

MAIN SWITCH

6 9

1

DNO EQUIPMENT

SUPPLIER EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER EQUIPMENT

1 Service cable

4 Meter

6 Meter tails (between meter and customer’s equipment)

2 Cut-out 5 Meter tails (or main or DNO fuse) (cut-out to meter)

7 Customer main isolating switch (if fitted)

3 DNO earth terminal

8 Customer consumer unit 9 Customer earthing conductor (and earth block if fitted) 10 Meter board (or external meter box if fitted)

reported, and where it is identified that the cut-out is loose on the meter board the code B02 should be reported.

As explained earlier, this document is primarily for meter operatives. However, Section 3 (Diagram of Equipment Responsibility) of the document will be of use to electrical installation contractors; it clarifies the boundaries of responsibility.

Fig 2 illustrates, in accordance with the MOCOPA, which party is responsible for the equipment that Fig 3 Example of a consumer ‘earth bond’ (Hepworth clamp) with the customer’s earthing conductor connected to the Main Earthing terminal

may be found at a typical service position where the supply is TN-C-S. For obvious reasons, the illustration does not express all possible scenarios for equipment at the service position and it is not a wiring diagram for an installation.

Contractors should recognise that a potential for change in responsibility exists for part of the earthing system (conductor and earth block).

For example, where the supply is TN-S and the distributor originally connected the means of earthing to the lead sheath by soldering or using a unique clamp (known in the trade as a Hepworth clamp, see Fig 3). Where this is the case, code A11 of the document places the responsibility on the distributor (rather than the customer) to repair/ maintain any defects.

Where as part of an initial inspection or a periodic inspection, a contractor identifies a defect at the service position, for example, the cut-out is damaged, that defect should be recorded on the relevant certificate or report, and the contractor should inform the customer (owner or user of the installation). Generally the customer, as they are the account holder, reports the defect to their supplier quoting their reference number.

Alternatively, the person ordering the work would be responsible for contacting the relevant party to report any recorded defects.

Connections Spring 2016

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04/04/2016 11:20

Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Connection of Class I appliances to the fixed wiring of an installation Objective The objective of this article is to highlight the factors that need to be considered when connecting Class I appliances directly to an installation’s fixed wiring, and the actions the contractor needs to take to ensure no potential danger exists when the appliances are put into service.

E

lectrical contractors or other suitable competent person(s) should consider a number of issues when connecting stationary appliances such as: electric cookers, washing machines, dishwashers, fridge/freezer units and the like, to the fixed wiring via a fused connection unit (FCU), a double-pole switch (DPS), connection plate or plug and socket-outlet.

Connection of appliances There are several ways in which appliances might be connected to the fixed wiring of an electrical installation using one or more accessories, for example, a double-pole switch (DPS), fused connection unit (FCU), the combination of a plug and socket-outlet or the combination of more than one of these.

Verification of the earthing arrangement

Table 1 Relationship between appliance loading and size of conductors Current Rating of appliance (A)

Nominal crosssectional area mm2 Appliance flexible cord

>10 and <16

1.5 and 2.5

>16 and <25

2.5 and 4.0

Table 2 Maximum recommended lengths for extensions to appliance flexible cable. csa of conductor (mm2) Maximum length (m)

Connection of an appliance to the fixed wiring by either a FCU or DPS requires a person competent in such work. For example, the circuit will need to be isolated and polarity confirmed prior to connection.

There is no requirement to carry out any physical testing of new appliances; a visual inspection to verify that no damage was incurred during transit and a functional test after the installation was completed would generally be sufficient, although a check on the continuity of the protective conductor between the connection point and the case of the Class I equipment will be necessary. If there is any doubt about the condition or age of an appliance or the date of purchase, it should be included in the test. Online purchases from unreliable or non-reputable internet auction sites may warrant further consideration.

If the appliances were pre-used, it will be necessary to carry out a formal visual inspection and test to verify that the appliance is safe to be put into service.

BS EN 60335-1: 2012+A11: 2014 for Household and similar electrical appliances — Safety, recommends the minimum conductor size of the flex of the appliance. Table 1 is an extract from Table 13 of BS EN 60335-1 and shows the most common sizes in use.

Where the connection of the appliance is to be made via a flexible cable, if compliance with BS EN 50106: 2008 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Particular rules for routine tests referring to appliances under the scope of EN 60335-1 is to be met, the maximum recommended lengths shown in Table 2 should not be exceeded.

0.5

0.75

1.0

1.25

1.5

2.5

5

7

10

12

15

25

Before connection of the appliance is made it should be verified that a connection to earth that is suitable to meet the requirements of BS 7671 is present at the outlet.

The preferred method for verifying the adequacy of the earth at the connection point would be for the electrical contractor to perform an earth fault loop impedance test (EFLI). The maximum values recommended for the fixed installation are detailed in Tables 41.2, 41.4 and 41.5 of BS 7671.

As an alternative, an earth continuity test1 using a trailing test lead should be made between the main earthing terminal (MET) and the earth point of the outlet. Also, it is advisable post connection to test from the outlet to the metal casing of the appliance.

If an RCD provides additional protection for the circuit, this should be checked for operation using an appropriate test instrument. The test button on the RCD should also be pressed to verify the device Connections Spring 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged operates. Information on RCDs (including testing) is given in the NICEIC and ELECSA book ‘A short guide to RCDs’.

Record of connection BS 7671 has no requirement for a certificate to be produced when connecting appliances via an FCU or DPS to the fixed wiring. Such work does not require a Minor Works Certificate nor an Electrical Installation Certificate as no additions or alterations have been made, neither has a new circuit been installed.

However, it would be useful for both the contractor and client if there were records of the work carried out. This will provide an audit trail should it become necessary at a future date, such as if the customer makes a liability claim against the contractor. The contractor’s works order or the receipt issued for payment are useful documents on which to record information, such as the EFLI reading and the RCD operation times.

Non-domestic installations For non-domestic premises, offices and the like, all appliances whether installed via an FCU, DPS connection plate or a plug and socket-outlet, would need to be added to an equipment register as part of the management records.

Connecting appliances to the fixed wiring via an FCU or DPS requires the installer to verify the integrity of the fixed wiring through an EFLI test or an earth continuity check. Whilst there is no requirement to provide the client with a certificate,

1 Continuity test should be made using an instrument complying with BS EN 61557-4 Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 4: Resistance of earth connection and equipotential bonding.

2 www.prhpscotland.gov. uk/repairs-applicationand-guidance

there should be some form of documented evidence which outlines what work was done, the name and address of the contractor and the date, along with the instrument readings taken (where applicable).

Where the premises are non-domestic, any paperwork associated with the appliances such as guarantees should be passed to the duty holder. This would allow for the equipment register to be up-dated with the newly installed appliances.

In Scotland, under the terms of the Statutory Guidance on Electrical Installations and Appliances in Private Rented Property2, private landlords are required to ensure that a rented house meets the repairing standard at the start of the tenancy and throughout the tenancy. Part of this duty is for appliances provided by the landlord to be in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.

In conclusion, the connection of an appliance to the fixed wiring is required to be carried out by a person competent in such work. For example, the circuit will need to be isolated and polarity confirmed prior to connection.

Whilst there is no requirement to carry out any physical testing of new appliances; a visual inspection to verify that no damage was incurred during transit and a functional test after the installation was completed is sufficient, although a check on the continuity of the protective conductor between the connection point and the case of the Class I equipment will be necessary. The results of any checks should be noted and recorded to provide an audit trail for the client.

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

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

John Clark, senior engineer John started out by serving a five-year apprenticeship before spending some time installing plant in power stations. He then took a degree in electrical and electronic engineering before becoming a lecturer. He now works as senior engineer helping to develop the learning guides.

46

Tim Benstead, principal technical author Tim started his career as an apprentice electrician and worked in both contracting and maintenance prior to spending some 16 years as a lecturer. He began working for the Electrical Safety Council in 2006 as a senior engineer and has been part of the team responsible for the production of various NICEIC publications and certificates.

Mike Burling, senior engineer A former JIB technician, Mike had his own NICEICregistered electrical contracting business, before taking on a role as a college tutor and NVQ assessor. He now works as a senior engineer responsible for overseeing the technical content of all technical publications and articles.

Spring 2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Providing basic protection Objective In some cases EICR codes (C3 and even C2) have been attributed to the presence of exposed live parts within consumer units and distribution boards even though it is not possible for the user of the installation to make contact. This article looks to clarify the requirements for Basic Protection at boards and similar equipment.

F

eedback from the Technical Helpline shows that in some cases classification codes have been recorded on the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) which identify a risk of contact with live parts at consumer units, distribution boards or similar equipment, even though basic protection is provided by the enclosure (the external casing).

This article outlines the requirements of BS 7671 for the provision of basic protection using barriers and enclosures to provide protection against the risk of contact with live parts at consumer units, distribution boards and similar equipment (which in this article are referred to as boards).

Barriers or enclosures

Fig 1 Board and busbar covers missing, presenting a risk of contact with live parts

Periodic inspection of low voltage electrical installations should confirm that provisions for basic protection exist to protect persons (and livestock) from contact with live parts (Section 416 refers). Such protection may be achieved by either barriers or enclosures, providing a minimum level of protection of IP2X or IPXXB (finger contact) (Regulation 416.2.1 refers). Additionally, the horizontal top surface of a barrier or enclosure which is readily accessible should also provide a degree of protection of at least IP4X or IPXXD (Regulation 416.2.2 refers).

Basic protection for boards is normally provided by the enclosure as long as it satisfies one of the following requirements listed in Regulation 416.2.4: â&#x20AC;˘ removal of a barrier or opening of the enclosure is not possible without the use of a tool or key, or â&#x20AC;˘ provision of an intermediate barrier removable by the use of a key or tool to remove the barrier, providing a degree of protection of at least IP2X or IPXXD which prevents contact with live parts, or â&#x20AC;˘ removal of a barrier or opening of the enclosure is only possible after disconnection of the supply to the live parts contained within the enclosure.

Removal of a barrier or opening of the enclosure is not possible without the use of a tool or key

GN00123

48

Gaining access into most boards requires the use of a tool or key. Therefore, where the enclosure is in a satisfactory condition, not damaged or corroded, the user of the installation is unlikely to be at risk from contact with live parts unless blanks are missing from spare ways, unused entries are not suitably closed, or used entries do not provide the minimum IP rating required by Regulation 416.2.1.

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Fig 2 Barriers providing protection against contact with live parts

However, where the design of the equipment enclosure is such that it prevents contact with any exposed internal live part (as is the case for most boards), assigning a code would normally be unwarranted, and in many cases likely to be disputed by the client. This might be the case if the recommended action involved the replacement of an existing piece of equipment, such as a distribution board, where there is no risk to the user of the installation.

Distribution board having bare live parts placed behind barriers

Barriers provide protection against direct contact from any usual direction of access

Where an intermediate barrier providing a degree of protection of at least IP2X or IPXXD prevents contact with live parts, by the use of a key or tool to remove the barrier Where the enclosure is not suitable to provide basic protection, such as the hinged lid type board shown in Fig 2, internal barriers should be used to prevent contact with accessible live parts, and should be secured so that they cannot be removed without the use of a tool or key (Regulation 416.2.4 (iii) refers).

Where there is an accessible live part, the code assigned on the EICR could be based on the risk it presents to the user of the installation.

For example, a live part in a board within a commercial premises that is sited in a secure location such as an electrical switch room, is unlikely to present a risk to the office employees and might be coded C2. In contrast, an exposed live part in a lighting board located in a factory, which is used by the factory workers to switch banks of lights, would present a danger and should be coded accordingly, for example C1.

Removal of a barrier or opening of the enclosure is only possible after disconnection of the supply to the live parts contained within the enclosure Sometimes the code recorded on an EICR is based on a perceived risk to persons undertaking work on the board, rather than being based on the risk to the user of the installation under normal conditions. Working on energised boards is only permitted where all the following conditions have been met (Regulation 14 of the EWR 1989 refers): â&#x20AC;˘ It is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead, and â&#x20AC;˘ It is reasonable in all the circumstances for the person to be at work on or near it while it is live, and â&#x20AC;˘ Suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision and use of protective equipment) have been taken to prevent injury.

Removal of board covers should only be undertaken by skilled (or instructed) persons who should remove the risk of contact with live parts by isolating the supply to the board before removing the cover.

Although certain work, such as electrical testing or commissioning, can require the board to be energised, this work is to be undertaken by skilled persons, competent in such work, who are responsible for assessing the risk and taking suitable precautions to minimise the risk (such as inserting temporary barriers, using insulated tools or wearing protective clothing).

Summary Periodic inspection should identify whether the user of the installation is placed at risk of contact with live parts, but as explained in this article, such risks must be fully assessed, and only those conditions that give rise to danger should be assigned an appropriate classification code.

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Fully charged Energy efficient lighting Objective To make designers aware of the methods for compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations.

T

he Climate Change Act 20081 is a legally binding climate change target issued by the UK government. The UK government’s aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% (from the 1990 baseline) by 2050.

It is estimated that lighting may typically consume approximately 20-23% of the electricity generated in a first world economy. This percentage is roughly split between commercial (14%), domestic (8%) and street lighting (1%)2.

Lighting, therefore, is a significant user of electrical energy within any commercial building and one where significant thought should be given to ensuring its efficient use.

Changes to the light sources available, including the introduction of LED lighting, has given significant opportunities for designers of lighting systems to reduce energy consumption whilst still ensuring adequate and appropriate lighting that meets the needs and desires of the client.

There has been a recent revision of the guidance issued in England of the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide (BSCG)3. The revised BSCG recommends certain minimum standards for energy efficiency of lighting installations. The two methods detailed are: • Lighting efficacy (averaged over the whole area of the applicable type of space in the building) and controls detailed in Table 42 of the guide, or Fig 1 Table 42 BSCG (part)

• The Lighting Energy Numeric Indicator (LENI) found in Table 44. The LENI is a measure of the performance of lighting in terms of energy per square metre per year (kWh/m2/year).

In addition to the above recommendation, additional guidance can be found in BRE Digest 498 Selecting Lighting Controls, and metered to record its energy consumption by: • kWh meters on dedicated lighting circuits within the electrical distribution, or • local power meter coupled to or integrated in the lighting controllers or a lighting building management system incorporating lighting controls, or • a lighting management system that can calculate the consumed energy and make the information available to the building management system.

This article explains some of the key aspects of this updated guide which those responsible for designing lighting installations may find of use. This article does not address how to design a lighting installation.

Lighting efficacy and control

1 www.legislation.gov. uk/ukpga/2008/27/ contents 2 The SLL Code for Lighting 2012 - CIBSE 3 The Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide 2013 – NBS (for England)

Table 42 of BSCG (see Fig 1) provides recommended minimum lighting efficacy with controls in new and existing buildings. This table details control options such as daylit space, photo-switching, dimming, manual on and auto off, and auto on and off. It also combines such options and details the likely reduced luminaire lumens/circuit-watt for each control option and their various combinations.

The benefits of installing higher efficacy luminaires can often be negated by poor control, resulting in areas being consistently over-lit even where daylight is available, or lighting operating when it is not required, especially in unoccupied rooms or areas. Improved control reduces the overall energy consumption of a lighting scheme. Under the LENI approach a variety of factors are applied to encourage better control of lighting installation.

Lighting Energy Numerical Indicator The Lighting Energy Numerical Indicator (LENI) is an alternative method for demonstrating that new and replacement lighting systems in non-domestic buildings satisfy the energy efficiency requirements given in Part L of the Building Regulations 2010.

A simplified version of the method detailed in BS EN 15193: 20074, LENI is based on the performance of the lighting system rather than the individual components, providing benchmark values which can be used to compare and monitor how efficiently lighting is used within a building.

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Fully charged Fig 2 Lighting in nondomestic buildings

The LENI approach LENI offers a more holistic approach to energy efficiency, encouraging the effective control of lighting in equal measure to the use of energy efficient lamps and fittings; this means the designer is not restricted to specifying lamps and fittings above a set efficacy but through incorporating effective controls has the flexibility to select a range of luminaires, including lower efficacy ones. This flexible approach can be especially beneficial for creative lighting schemes, such as those designed to provide a particular visual effect.

However, irrespective of the controls and fittings used the designer must demonstrate that the overall lighting scheme is both energy efficient, and provides the appropriate level of illuminance recommended in BS EN 12464-1: 20115 on the task areas (for example, providing a minimum illuminance of 300 lux on office desks).

This is achieved where the calculated LENI value does not exceed the maximum energy Fig 3 Table 44 BSCG (part)

4 BS EN 15193-1: 2007 Energy performance of buildings. Energy requirements for lighting.

5 BS EN 12464-1: 2011 Light and lighting Lighting of work places - Indoor work places.

6 LENI has been written into the Simplified Building Energy Method (SBEM) UK software by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

limit given in Table 44 of the non-domestic BSCG (see Fig 3). Table 44 of BSCG not only enables the designer to determine a maximum LENI but also gives a breakdown of the day time (Td) and night time (Tn)hours to be used in the relevant part of the calculation.

The process is, therefore: • design the lighting system to meet the needs of the client for the space to be lit • look up the lighting energy limit for the number of hours and illuminance from Table 44 of BSCG • calculate the parasitic energy use where some form of lighting control that consumes energy is used - Ep • determine the total power consumed by the luminaires within the space - Pi • determine the occupancy factor – which is used to account for the energy saving created where there is automatic control for the turning off of lighting - Fo • determine the daylight factor – which is used where dimming is available during daylight hours and where sufficient light is available - Fd • determine the constant illuminance factor – takes into account both the maintenance factor used and the possible under-running of the lights.

As illuminance falls due to age, power can be increased to account for the reduction in light levels. Where such a system is in place then a factor may be applied - Fc • calculate the day time energy usage Ed = (Pi×Fo×Fd×Fc×Td)/1000 • calculate the night time energy usage En = (Pi×Fo×Fc×Tn)/1000 • calculate the total energy per square metre per year (LENI) - LENI = (Ep×Ed×En)/A To demonstrate compliance the calculated LENI should not exceed the maximum energy limit value given in Table 44 of the non-domestic BSCG. In practice, software packages, such as the Simplified Building Energy Method6 (SBEM), are more likely to be used to perform the calculations.

However, even where this is the case a sound knowledge of the method is still required to ensure the correct parameters are entered.

Summary The role of the Building Regulations is not merely to set minimum efficiency targets but to encourage improved systems: an efficient lighting installation that is poorly controlled provides no real benefit. The LENI method offers an alternative option for demonstrating compliance that is based on the efficiency of the system, and as such allows the designer the flexibility to balance controls and energy efficient lights in a more holistic way.

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Fully charged Designing for external influences – impact Objective To show that cables buried in the ground or installed in walls, floors and ceilings pose an increased risk of impact as they are typically not instantly visible to, for example, persons carrying out building works, and consequently BS 7671 requires robust measures.

A

n electrical installation should be designed, amongst other things, to be suitable for the environment to which it will be exposed.

The designer should make an assessment of the external influences which may affect the design and safe operation for a planned installation (Regulation 132.5.1 and Regulation 301.1 refer).

For such reasons, Section 522 (Selection and erection of wiring systems in relation to external influences) of BS 7671 contains a number of external influences that the designer should consider when selecting wiring systems and associated equipment for a particular location.

This list of external influences is not intended to be exhaustive and there may be instances where other factors need to be considered.

One such external influence and the subject of this article is the risk of ‘Impact’ (Regulation Group 522.6 refers). This article will highlight potential sources of impact to electrical installations (cables, fixed equipment and accessories) and provide a brief overview of the requirements given in BS 7671 to minimise impact to cables, fixed equipment and accessories.

• vehicles, where wiring systems are mounted on walls in car parks • plant and machinery, where flexible cables are used on construction sites • footballs and other projectiles associated with sport, where light fittings are mounted in gymnasiums and arenas • floor cleaning or similar equipment, where socket-outlets are mounted in floors • pick axes, shovels and other excavating equipment, where cables are buried in the ground • stones, bricks and other projectiles associated with vandalism, where light fittings are mounted outdoors • misuse by persons of readily accessible accessories, such as emergency stop buttons.

All parts of an electrical installation should be selected taking into account the identified sources of impact (and other external influences) in the local environment. However, it is permitted to install equipment that does not, by its own construction, provide relevant protection if appropriate additional protection is provided in the erection of the installation.

The additional protection, where provided, is not adversely to affect the operation of the equipment (Regulation 512.2.2 refers).

Severity of impact The external influence of impact is recognised in Appendix 5 of BS 7671. Three distinct codes are used to describe the severity of impact.

Code

Level of Application Severity

AG1

Low

Household and similar premises

AG2

Medium

Industrial premises having standard conditions. For example, a lightengineering workshop

AG3

High

Industrial premises having severe conditions. For example, certain locations in a shipyard

Sources of impact Impact to electrical installations can come from a number of sources and have a varying degree of severity.

The sources of impact to an electrical installation will depend on how the building and associated land are used, the characteristics of the users of the building and associated land and the location(s) of the electrical installation under consideration. The typical sources of impact to electrical installations and likely locations include: • nails, screws and the like, where cables are installed in ceilings, floors, walls or partitions 52

Wiring systems Regulation 522.6.1 requires wiring systems to be selected and erected to minimise damage that may arise from mechanical stress caused by impact during installation, use or maintenance.

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Fig 1 Example of Regulations 522.6.201 and 522.6.204 Cables in floor joists

Floorboards

Hole in joist Non-metallic sheathed cable

Wiring complying with Regulation 522.6.204 (ii)

Cables under a floor or above a ceiling

Ceiling board Minimum 50 mm to top or bottom of joist or batten, (Regulation 522.6.201 (i)) The position and size of holes and notches in joists etc is subject to the requirement of the Building Regulations

Where the assessment (as required by Regulation 301.1) identifies an impact risk of medium severity (AG2) or high severity (AG3), according to Regulation 522.6.2 protection may be provided by one of the following: • selecting a wiring system having appropriate mechanical characteristics, for example, cables enclosed in steel conduit, or • positioning the wiring system where impact is unlikely, or • providing additional local or general protection, for example, using a cable having mechanical protection, such as steel wired armoured cable and enclosing that cable in supplementary mechanical protection, or • any combination of the above.

Cables buried in the ground Cables buried in the ground are susceptible to either impact, such as where excavation takes place after a cable has been buried, or other mechanical stresses such as from ground movement.

To minimise impact Regulation 522.8.10 requires cables buried in the ground to be: • installed in conduit or ducts that are suitably identified and buried at a sufficient depth, or

• incorporate an earthed metallic sheath suitable to serve as a protective conductor, and • buried at a depth sufficient, and • located by cable covers or marker tape installed above the cable, to provide advanced warning to persons excavating.

It is assumed that cables installed in a duct, whilst buried, are deemed to be protected against mechanical damage from impact.

Equivalent mechanical protection complying with Regulation 522.6.204 (iv) e.g. thick plate

Where cables are to be installed under a floor or above a ceiling they should be installed in such a position that they are not liable to be damaged by contact with the floor or ceiling or their fixings, and where a cable is to pass through a joist within the floor or ceiling holes should be cut such that the cable is positioned at least 50 mm measured vertically from the top, or bottom of the joist.

(Regulation 522.6.201 refers).

Where holes cannot be cut in joists for the passage of cables, for example, due to insufficient joist depth to meet the aforementioned 50 mm requirement or structural reasons joists may be ‘notched’; however, where joists are notched cables must either have mechanical protection, such as armour or be given mechanical protection by one or more of the methods specified in Regulation 522.6.204, for example, enclosing in steel conduit. Fig 1 provides an example of Regulations 522.6.201 and 522.6.204.

Cables in walls or partitions Cables installed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface of the wall or partition may be at risk of impact from, for example, a nail used to hang a picture. To minimise this risk cables must either be installed in a prescribed zone in accordance with the requirements for zones given in Regulation 522.6.202, or a method(s) of mechanical protection specified in Regulation 522.6.204 must be used. Fig 2 provides an example of the zones given in Regulation 522.6.202.

Irrespective of the depth of the cable from the surface, Regulation 522.6.203 requires cables installed in a wall or partition having internal metallic construction, other than fixings such as screws, to either have mechanical protection or be given a method(s) of mechanical protection specified in Regulation 522.6.204.

Furthermore, regardless of the type of mechanical protection used, the zone requirements of Regulation 522.6.202 (Fig 2) apply to cables installed at a depth of less than Connections Spring 2016

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Fully charged Fig 2 Example of Regulation 522.6.202

Wall

Conditions applying to cables embedded in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from surfaces

Wall

Wall

Point or accessory etc Zone within 150 mm of the top of the wall - Regulation 522.6.202 (i) Zone within 150 mm of an angle formed by adjoining walls or partitions - Regulation 522.6.202 (i) Zone either horizontally or vertically, to the point, accessory or switchgear on the surface of the wall or partition, to which the cable is connected - Regulation 522.6.202 (i)

50 mm from the surface of walls and partitions having internal metallic construction.

It should be noted that additional protection by an RCD may be required where cables are installed in walls or partitions; however, an RCD is not recognised as providing mechanical protection against impact and is therefore not discussed in this article (see Regulations 522.6.202 and 522.6.203).

Fixed equipment and accessories As with wiring systems, fixed equipment and accessories (equipment for short) for a planned installation should be selected and erected for the impact risks (and other external influences), identified during assessment.

Where practicable, equipment should be located so as to minimise the risk of impact, for example, in a location having moving vehicles mounting accessories at a suitable height to avoid impact from vehicles whilst still providing accessibility.

Equipment that has to be installed where a risk of impact exists should be of such construction to provide sufficient mechanical strength to resist damage should impact occur. The type of fixings used to secure equipment to the structure should also have sufficient mechanical strength.

54

Alternatively, and as permitted by Regulation 512.2.2, additional mechanical protection suitable to withstand the foreseen impact may be provided. For example, where equipment may be subject to vandalism the equipment should be of robust construction to resist such attacks or be given additional protection, such as a metallic enclosure or metallic guard.

Where additional protection, such as an enclosure, is applied, it is important that it has no adverse effects on the enclosed equipment through, for example, reduced heat dissipation.

Summary In order to minimise impact and subsequent danger, electrical installations must be designed and installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of BS 7671, so they are suitable for the local environment. In particular, cables buried in the ground or installed in walls, floors and ceilings pose an increased risk of impact; they are typically not instantly visible to, for example, persons carrying out building works, and consequently BS 7671 requires robust measures.

Further information on impact and other snags may be found in Snags and Solutions Part 2 available from niceicdirect.com.

Spring 2016 Connections

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Fully charged Electric boilers for wet central heating Objective There is an increasing use of electric boilers for wet central heating systems. This article highlights the factors a contractor should consider when installing such boilers.

rating of the cut-out, meter and connecting cables (‘meter tails’).

If the contractor considers the incoming supply to be of insufficient capacity for the maximum demand of the installation the Distribution Network Operator will need to be contacted and arrangements made for a larger supply to be connected. Depending on the position of the service connection to the network and/or costs involved a larger supply may not be practicable; hence it is necessary to assess the capacity of the incoming supply before any boiler or installation costs have been incurred.

Requirements of BS 7671

A

bout two million homes in Britain are located in areas with little prospect of obtaining a mains gas connection1, and that statistic combined with the instability in oil supplies and fluctuating oil prices offers some reasons why installing electric boilers as the heat source for wet central heating systems in domestic and similar premises is becoming more commonplace.

Electric boilers for wet central heating typically range from 6 kW to 12 kW, at 230 V single-phase a.c., and taking into account the pattern of usage an electric boiler heating a wet central heating system will probably place the largest demand on an electrical installation in domestic and similar premises.

The aim of this article is to provide electrical contractors with the main electrical considerations applicable to the installation of an electric boiler for wet central heating. This article does not focus on any particular design solution.

All electrical equipment, including an electric boiler for wet central heating, must be selected and erected to meet the applicable requirements of BS 7671 and take account of the manufacturers’ instructions (Regulation 510.3 refers).

Final circuit arrangement

Capacity of main incoming electricity supply Contractors should be aware that incoming electrical supplies have limited capacity and it should be borne in mind that a 10 kW boiler will demand a current of about 44 A and many domestic premises, especially rural premises supplied by overhead lines, may have a supply rated at 60 A; meaning there is limited capacity to meet the demand for all the other loads when the boiler is in operation.

The contractor must, therefore, assess the main incoming electrical supply to verify that the supply is sufficient in capacity to accommodate an electrical installation including an electric boiler. Assessment may be made by either enquiry in the case of a new build or inspection in the case of an existing installation (Regulation 313.1 refers). For an existing installation the assessment should include the 56

1 Data obtained from the report Off-gas consumers issued by Consumer Focus. Note: Consumer Focus is now part of the Citizens Advice Service.

Having determined the supply is adequate to meet the additional demand, a method for connection of the final circuit should be determined. There are typically two methods used to connect a final circuit: 1. To a protective device in the main distribution board/consumer unit (Fig 1), or 2. To an individual switch fused (or circuit-breaker) disconnector mounted separately (Fig 2).

Both methods are standard installation practice; however, due to the size of cable (see later) associated with the load of an electric boiler method 2 may be advantageous. For example, installing a separate unit should provide for ease of dressing and terminating a large final circuit cable, compared to a unit containing a number of final circuits, especially where the latter unit is existing.

Method 2 may also be suitable in an existing installation where, for example: • assessment reveals that the existing consumer unit cannot accommodate the connection of a final circuit for an electric boiler, due to an inadequately rated main switch (such as 60 A), and/or • the terminals within the unit do not accommodate large conductors, such as 10 mm² or greater, and/or • the boiler has a rating of 12 kW (current rating about 52 A); meaning a protective device of 60/63 A is required (certain manufacturers do not provide or recommend protective devices greater than 50 A for their consumer units).

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Fig 1 Example of a final circuit supplied from a protective device in a consumer unit

Main fuse

Switch for isolation and/or switching off for mechanical maintenance

Electricity meter

Electric central heating boiler

I O

Consumer unit

Fig 2 Example of a final circuit supplied from a protective device in a switched fused isolator or separate consumer unit

Consumer unit

Main fuse

Switch for isolation and/or switching off for mechanical maintenance

Electricity meter

I O

Switched fused isolator or separate consumer unit

Electric central heating boiler

Not longer than 3 m

Considerations applicable to methods 1 or 2 Whatever method is used to connect the final circuit it should be self-explanatory that the rating of the live conductors of the cable, protective device, switch fused (or circuit-breaker) disconnector and mechanical maintenance switch must be suitable for the current drawn by the boiler, and the external influences likely to be expected.

The earthing and bonding conductors should meet the applicable requirements of Chapter 54 (Earthing arrangements and protective conductors). â&#x20AC;˘ Final circuit wiring In domestic and similar premises contractors normally select insulated and sheathed flat cable

and apply Table 4D5 of BS 7671 to determine the cross-sectional area of the live conductors. For an electric boiler a cable having live conductors larger than that generally associated with final circuits in domestic and similar premises may be required.

For example, where to heat the premises a boiler having a rating of 10 kW (about 44 A) is required, and the method of installation is Method 101, a cable having live conductors of 16 mm2 will be required (Table 4D5 refers).

Conductors should be sized in accordance with the relevant parts of Chapter 52 and Appendix 4 of BS 7671. â&#x20AC;˘ Overcurrent protective device The overcurrent protective device for the final Connections Spring 2016

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Fully charged Fig 3 Example of an isolation warning label

This installation has more than one main switch. To fully isolate the installation the main switches on DB1 and DB2 have to be in the OFF position circuit should be selected in accordance with the relevant parts of Chapter 43 of BS 7671.

Furthermore, as previously mentioned the manufacturer’s instructions should be taken into account. For example, typically in domestic and similar premises circuit-breakers to BS EN 60898 Type B are the contractors preferred choice, however, manufacturer’s instructions may specify a Type C device to minimise unwanted tripping during the boiler switching cycles.

• Isolation Regulation 537.1.4 requires a main linked switch or linked circuit-breaker to be provided as near as practicable to the origin of every installation as a means of switching the supply on load and as a means of isolation.

For the installation shown in Fig 1 the means of isolation is either the main switch in the consumer unit or the circuit’s protective device, and for the installation shown in Fig 2 the means of isolation is the switched fused device.

The switched fused (or circuit-breaker) isolator shown in Fig 2 is required to provide a means of isolation and a means of overcurrent protection at the origin of the electric boiler circuit. Where this isolating device is remote from the boiler to be isolated, as for any isolator remote from the equipment it controls, the device must be capable of being secured in the ‘OFF’ position (Regulation 537.2.1.5 refers).

Regulation 537.2.2.6 requires an isolating device to be clearly identified by position or durable marking to indicate the installation or circuit it isolates. For the installation shown in Fig 1 the means of isolation is self-explanatory; however, for the installation shown in Fig 2 there are two main switches, and to ensure correct isolation and the subsequent safety to persons, adequate identification and notices will be required to clearly identify the particular parts of the installation controlled by each main switch: a 58

warning notice (as illustrated in Fig 3) may be used to avoid confusion.

• Regulation Group 537.3 (Switching off for mechanical maintenance) To prevent physical injury when maintenance is performed a device for switching off for mechanical maintenance should be installed. This device should be so placed and durably marked so it readily identifies the intended use. Where the device will not be continuously under the control of any person performing maintenance, it must have means of securing in the ‘OFF’ position.

Where the device will also provide isolation the device must also meet the requirements of Regulation Group 537.2 (Isolation).

• Additional protection by an RCD As previously mentioned, typically in domestic and similar premises contractors select insulated and sheathed flat cable, and where such a cable is installed in a wall or partition additional protection by means of an RCD having the characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1 is required where the cable is: • at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface (Regulation 522.6.202 refers), or • irrespective of the buried depth the wall or partition is constructed using metallic parts, such as a steel frame (Regulation 522.6.203 refers).

RCD protection need not be provided for an insulated and sheathed flat cable installed in a wall or partition where the cable is given a method of mechanical protection meeting indents (ii) to (iv) of Regulation 522.6.204, or where such a cable is surface-mounted throughout its length.

Cables connecting the meter to the consumers’ switchgear As for any final circuit, the cables connecting the meter to the consumers’ switchgear in both Fig 1 and Fig 2 will have to meet the applicable requirements of BS 7671. Also, the distributor/supplier imposes requirements on these connecting cables, and generally these requirements call for the connecting cables to be: • single-core insulated and sheathed, • provided by the owner of the installation (or their contractor) and remain the responsibility of the owner, • kept as short as possible (such as not exceeding 3 m in length) so that the cut-out fuse affords protection in accordance with Section 434 (Protection against fault current) of BS 7671, and • have a cross-sectional area of not less than 16 mm² (for a 60 A cut-out fuse), or not less than 25 mm² for an 80 A or 100 A cut-out fuse.

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the power behind your business Becoming an Approved Contractor can open all sorts of doors for your business. Upgrading your enrolment is straightforward and quick and the benefits are huge. To find out how far you could go with NICEIC, just call 0843 290 3465 or visit niceic.com

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Fully charged Snags & Solutions A practical guide to everyday electrical problems Now updated to Amendment No 3 of BS 7671 and where appropriate BS 5266 and BS 5839 ‘Snags & Solutions’, NICEIC’s problem solving book, is now available in five parts, which cover many commonly-encountered electrical installation problems. All parts have been updated, where appropriate, to take account of the requirements of Amendment No 3 to BS 7671: 2008 (17th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations), which was published on 1st January 2015 and all parts (including Regulation 421.1.201) are now in force.

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

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

The books are available from NICEIC Direct.

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

snags and solutions

snags and solutions

snags and solutions

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 1

earthing and bonding 5th Edition

Amd 3: 2015

Drilling and notching of timber joists Holes and notches can compromise the load bearing integrity of joists.

Snag 36 The load bearing capacity may be seriously affected when drilling or notching a timber joist.

Solution Practical guidance is given in BS 5268-2: 2002 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible stress, design, materials and workmanship, which details the maximum permitted depths of notches and holes that will not affect the structural integrity of the building. BS 5268-2: 2002 indicates that the effect of notches and holes need not be calculated in simply supported floor and roof joists not more than 250 mm deep where: a. notches not exceeding 0.125 of the depth of a joist are located between 0.07 and 0.25 of the span from the support, and snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 2

wiring systems

Part 4

3rd Edition

4th Edition

Emergency Lighting

BS 5266-1:

Amd 3: 2015 Amd 3: 2015

Part 5

to BS 5266 series 2nd Edition

Amd 3: 2015

2011

2nd Edition Amd 3: 2015

60

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Maximum depth of notch 0.125 x joist depth

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

Paul Collins, technical services manager Industry experience: More than 25 years’ experience in the electrical industry, covering gas, heating, plumbing and renewable technologies. Worked with CORGI before joining NICEIC in 2005.

Maximum depth of notch 0.125 x joist depth

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

b. holes drilled at the neutral axis with diameter not exceeding 0.25 of the depth of a joist and not less than three diameters (centre to centre) apart are located between 0.25 and 0.4 of the span from the support.

BS 8103-3: 1996 Structural design for low-rise buildings. Code of practice for timber floors and roofs for housing provides diagrams showing the application of BS 5268-2: 2002* regarding guidance on the maximum depth of notches and holes, their size and distance from one another, and their position in relation to the supporting wall. The diagrams are reproduced here for ease of reference.

Note that right-angled adapters or drills can be obtained.

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

Regulation 522.8.14

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

Area engineer for over 13 years.

No wiring system shall penetrate an element of building construction which is intended to be load bearing unless the integrity of the load bearing element can be assured after such penetration. * BS 5268-2: 2002 has been withdrawn and superseded by BS EN 1995-1-1: 2004+A1: 2008 Eurocode 5. Design of timber structures. General — Common rules and rules for buildings.

However, until the new standard is fully adopted, a building designed using the information given in BS 5268-2: 2002 is still considered an acceptable way to comply with the relevant parts of the Building Regulations. For further information, refer to the Timber Research and Development Association (www.trada.co.uk).

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

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

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

Steve Hoult, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Experienced in design and installation of systems to 11kV working in the coal-mining industry and then on industrial and construction electrical supply installations.

Mark Barnes-Rider, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Fourteen years as an Approved Contractor.

More recently worked in the social housing sector as an electrical compliance manager.

Call the technical helpline on 0870 013 0391. Got a legal query? Call our legal helpline free on 0845 602 5965

Connections Spring 2016

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THE POWER TO PUT YOU IN THE FIRE PROTECTION BUSINESS Fire alarm scheme modules include: Design Installation Commissioning Maintenance

NICEIC can help contractors demonstrate their competence in the Fire Protection Industry by providing a route to gaining BAFE accreditation.

Call now for more details:

0843 290 7567 or visit

niceic.com/bafe

the power behind your business

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Product Focus Danlers ControlZAPP – more than a standalone energy saving control.

• Real-time scheduling for switching, lux control or function changes • Programmable by android phone or tablet • PIR occupancy switching and adjustable photocell for daylight control • Switching/dimming functions can be controlled by sunset and sunrise prediction • Automatic time adjustment for BST • Innovative twin level time lag function with short visit mode for even greater energy savings • Versions for switching only, DALI Dimming and 1-10V Dimming www.danlers.co.uk 01249 443377 sales@danlers.co.uk

Fluke

Seaward

Fluke has introduced a wireless HVAC clamp meter. As part of Fluke Connect®, the new, rugged Fluke 902 FC true-RMS HVAC clamp meter combines functionality with form factor to create a powerful troubleshooting clamp. It is ideal for service, installation and maintenance of industrial, commercial and residential HVAC/R systems, as well as furnaces, motors and variable frequency drives.

It allows technicians to trend data, save data wirelessly to the Fluke Connect app on smartphones or tablets, stay safe with remote viewing, and share and email test results seamlessly.

Elm EV has become one of the first to utilise new test technology for fast and efficient fault finding and maintenance of charging installations. Elm Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions has equipped its service and maintenance team with the new EV100 test instrumentation developed by Seaward for comprehensive validation testing and fault finding on all types of AC electric vehicle charging equipment. The handheld EV100 carries out all of the tests to ensure that EVSE operates correctly and safely in accordance with IEC 61851.

www.fluke.co.uk 0207 942 070 industrial@uk.fluke.nl

www.seaward.co.uk/EV100 0191 586 3511 sales@seaward.co.uk

Martindale

Scolmore

Martindale Electric announces latest range of pocket sized True RMS clamp meters. The new range of professional clamp meters from Martindale Electric, make it easy to choose the right tool for the job every time. Whether it’s low current AC, or DC for solar PV and battery systems, the CM Series get the job done. The pocket sized clamp range includes the CM55 AC Clamp, CM57 TRMS AC Smart Clamp and the CM79 TRMS AC/DC Clamp, combining outstanding specification and measuring capabilities with reliability and ease of use.

Always looking for innovative solutions that save installers time and money, Scolmore has added this inventive product to its CLICK® Essentials range. StudBox® is a universal first fix electrical back-box system for dry lining applications and will significantly reduce installation time. It replaces the time-consuming and tedious practice of installing metal back boxes into stud walls attached to timber noggins, and will typically reduce the installation time down from five minutes to 30 seconds.

www.martindale-electric.co.uk 01923 441717

Hultafors Tools Hultafors Tools new product catalogue for 2016. Free to professional tradesmen and women around the UK, it’s packed with details of the world’s most innovative Hand Tools and accessories for working effectively – wherever you are on site. Everything you find in the Hultafors Tools range carries the hallmarks of a company that has over 100 years experience in knowing what it takes to get a job done efficiently, effectively and safely. www.hultafors.co.uk 01484 854788

www.scolmore.com 01827 63454 sales@scolmore.com

Marshall Tufflex Marshall-Tufflex has announced a multi-million pound investment programme in tooling, plant, automation and customer services at its production facilities and headquarters in Hastings, East Sussex.

This major project will deliver improvements in the company’s already high levels of customer service and product quality, with the move reinforcing the manufacturer’s commitment to high production values and ongoing product innovation. www.marshall-tufflex.com

Connections Spring 2016

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

Martindale Now available is the new CM69 TRMS AC Leakage Clamp Meter, ideal for troubleshooting leakage currents where other clamps can’t, for example, for tracking down the causes of nuisance RCD tripping. Featuring class-leading low-current performance with a resolution of 0.001mA the new clamps makes it easy to accurately measure AC currents from less than 0.1mA right up to 60A. The CM69 features a unique jaw design that minimises the influence of adjacent current conductors enabling professionals to perform precise and reliable tests at very low currents.

Scan QR code with your smart phone to visit our site

Cable Companion Cable Companion – possibly the best cable dispenser in the world.

If pulling cable is your business then you need a ‘Cable Companion’.

Please visit www.cablecompanion.co.uk to view a 60-second video of its benefits. www.cablecompanion.co.uk 01522 851174

www.martindale-electric.co.uk 01923 441717

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Snickers Workwear

Scolmore

With long-term knee injuries all too common among professional tradesmen, Snickers patented knee protection system delivers the ideal solution – to the most stringent EU standards. The new D30 kneepads deliver the most advanced knee protection available today. With superior cushioning and protection, they’re made from D3O® LITE – a high-tech material that’s flexible, durable and cut-resistant that complies with CE standard EN14404.

We have come to rely on smart phones and tablets and the ability to recharge these devices has become critical. Scolmore’s USB socket offers a faster, more powerful charging solution for the portable electronic devices we have come to rely on. The 2.1A USB outlet guarantees the optimum charge rate regardless of the device charging. The 2-gang switched socket with integrated USB eliminates the need for bulky chargers, while freeing up plug sockets, and with the USB port positioned centrally it means that cable interference is avoided.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 01484 854788

www.scolmore.com 01827 63454 sales@scolmore.com

ESP

Urmet

The most talked about features of ESP’s new HDView CCTV collection is the simplicity of setting up the system and the ability to access and view the information on a mobile phone. It takes just a few simple steps to complete the setup: Step 1 – connect the DVR to your broadband using a network cable or via Wi-Fi and then simply turn on the device.

Step 2 – scan the QR code on the start-up screen and download the App for either iPhone or Android, then open the App and register.

Step 3 – add a device by scanning the serial number QR code shown.

Urmet has supplied its IP video entry and access control solution to a £500m central London residential project on the north bank of the Thames. The development by St Edward (part of The Berkeley Group) at 190 Strand will feature 200 suites, apartments and penthouses around a landscaped square stretching down to the riverfront. Engineering and construction company, NG Bailey, has used Urmet’s IPervoice open platform software for resident access, visitor announcement, system management by concierge staff and lift control interface.

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

www.urmet.co.uk marketing@urmet.co.uk

Fluke

Chint

Until 30 June 2016 and while stocks last, Fluke is offering further money-saving Spring Specials, which can be found at www.fluke. co.uk/Promotions. Two digital multimeter kits are on offer. The Fluke A3000FC kit includes two Fluke Connect products that can communicate with the Fluke Connect mobile app, allowing the user to share live measurements and monitor readings from safe distances. The Fluke 3000 FC is a wireless, true-rms DMM which can display readings from up to three Fluke Connect instruments simultaneously.

Chint amendment 3 compliant steel consumer units offer from 3-36 ways in 13 sizes. The units provide for whole building protection, tenanted accommodation, garages, bathrooms, special equipment and more. Chint also manufacture units to client specification. The range gives electrical installers flexibility to centralise or distribute control. Larger boxes can easily accommodate circuit protection, isolation and devices such as meters or contactors. Internally there is room for extra height MCBO’s and fast and efficient wiring.

www.fluke.co.uk 0207 942 070 industrial@uk.fluke.nl

www.chint.co.uk 0161 762 9333 john.kenna@chint.co.uk

Spring 2016 Connections

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THE POWER TO SUPPLY THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS Our range of certificates, publications, tools and test equipment will help you get the job done. To buy now call 0843 290 3488 or visit niceicdirect.com

PUBLICATIONS FROM £18.50 TEST EQUIPMENT FROM £20 CERTIFICATES FROM £11 TOOL KITS FROM £25

the power behind your business

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Current affairs

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

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

Rex

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

You’re for the high jump, son ELECSA assessor Tony Grabarz will be watching the Olympics in Rio this summer with extra interest since his son Robbie has been selected to represent Great Britain.

Robbie, who competes in the high jump, won bronze back in 2012 at the London Olympics. Since then he has suffered a nightmare 18 months with knee injuries, sparking fears he may never compete at such a high level again.

But some impressive performances this year, including a jump of 2.33m to take the silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in March, mean Robbie has made the Olympic qualifying mark and forced himself back into the reckoning for a medal later this year.

We wish him all the best!

The latest additions to the wall of electrical shame include (1-4): an ill-advised solution to a short busbar; bypassed RCD, among other faults; tape used as a substitute for a junction box; and a ‘waterproof’ box. It continues with (5-7): a multi-coloured mess in a fusebox found in India; a new metal unit but shoddy wiring; and an attempt to bypass the electricity meter.

1 4

3

Keep it in the family Many children dream of following in their father’s footsteps, although it’s normally something they grow out of by the time they reach their teens.

But, in the electrical sector, it seems it’s the parents who want children to follow them. According to research

by Newey & Eyre, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of contractors would like their offspring to follow them into the trade, with 78 per cent thinking an apprenticeship offers better prospects than going to university.

Having someone to help out with the hard graft on difficult jobs as parents age can’t come into it at all!

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Thanks to: James Maddison of B&R Electrics in Mansfield /// Boyd Goulden from Rickmansworth firm Complete Finish /// Paul Thompson of P.T. Buildings in London /// Dennis Harrison of Crow Valley Gas Service and Electrical Installations Electrical in Newport /// Paul Toye of Brighton-based Synergy Home Solutions /// Mike Ferris of Corsham Electrical in Wiltshire /// and Lee Almeida of Lec-Etec in Sevenoaks

Keep those shots coming in!

Wheels of good fortune It was meant to be just another day at a house rewiring project, but a day in March turned out to be one Francois Chklar will never forget.

The London-based NICEIC Approved Contractor, who has been a sole trader since 2008 trading as Drips & Sparks, would regularly enter a spot-the-ball competition run by BOTB.com to win a dream car.

But he was left speechless when he was presented with a brand new Aston Martin DB9 Volante worth £150,000, as well as £10,000 while on site at a property in Shepherd’s Bush.

“It still hasn’t sunk in, but it was definitely a life-changing moment,” he says.

“I used to be a mechanic so I am a bit of a car enthusiast.”

With a baby on the way, Francois decided to take a cash alternative and use that to buy a Porsche Cayenne instead. Not bad for a day’s work!

Spring 2016 Connections

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It’s the 1s that make the difference

The new MFT series from Megger adds one to the number but loads of value features.

MFT1711 - single-phase tester Now with auto-RCD tests, 1 kV insulation range, True RMS voltage measurement and ZMAX facility Q

MFT1721 - 3-phase tester

WWW.MEGGER.COM

Q

Now with 100 V Insulation range, True RMS voltage measurement, mV sensor input and Type B RCD test Q

MFT1731 - the ultimate 3-phase tester Now with a large soft carry case for tester, leads and tools, more earth testing with ART and stakeless methods enabled

Yes the new 1s give you so much more.

To find out what and to see a datasheet call 01304 502 101 Or visit the web site by scanning the QR code Copyright © 2016 Megger Limited, Archcliffe Road, Dover CT17 9EN The word ‘Megger’ is a registered trademark

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Real Bosch!

Starlock Multi-Cutters

One click to your next application

Simply more.

NEW! GOP 55-36 Professional Starlock Multi-Cutter With an extensive range of compatible Starlock accessories and its 550 watt motor, the GOP 55-36 Professional is the tool of choice for the most demanding applications, whether you’re a carpenter, plumber or electrician. Starlock MAX compatibility, for maximum power transmission and snap in tool-less blade changes in seconds.

To find out more about the new Starlock Multi-Cutter range visit: www.bosch-professional.co.uk

Official sponsors of Tough Mudder 2016

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