Connections - Summer 2016 by NICEIC

connections THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

Â£5.00

SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE 198

SPECIAL ISSUE CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF NICEIC CONTRACTORS

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Summer 2016 | Issue 198

Contents First phase Diamond celebration 6 The organisation has come a long way in the 60 years since it was set up Rolling back the years Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors The Black Museum Artefacts from electrical history

Plugged in News Live South hits new high

TechTalks mark the end for industry giant

Thunderclap causes online storm for Cage

Essex student takes apprentice title

Product news The latest products on the market 25

Live wire

Features

Advice 27 The trick to staying in business is to adapt, says Jean Gamester

Contractor profiles 34 Nick Martindale and six early entrants chronicle 60 years of the NICEIC

Case study 30 The new campus at Cardiff and Vale College is one of the most exciting eductional projects in Wales. Evans Electrical explains why it needed careful planning Customer care 33 Finding a contractor who’s trustworthy is a priority for customers. Philip Sanders outlines principles to ensure you don’t let them down Current affairs Slither power...

Fully charged Ask the experts 55 Answers to the technical helpline’s more frequently asked questions Technical Minimising danger from the mis-identification of conductors

Facing the future 40 David Adams looks at how the electrical industry might shape up over the coming years and where the opportunities lie Building for the future 44 Building information modelling is key to the success of a construction project. Rob Shepherd says that contractors need to get onboard

connections THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

Periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations that include a micro-generator

Premature collapse of wiring systems

Variable frequency drives

£5.00

SUMMER 2016 | ISSUE 198

The installation of extra-low 72 voltage tungsten halogen lighting Snags and solutions

SPECIAL ISSUE CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF NICEIC CONTRACTORS

Illustrations: Cameron Law/Adam Quest

Opinion 28 Connectivity is the key to productivity. Eric Streuli explains why

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Comment EMMA CLANCY

First phase Diamond celebration As NICEIC turns 60, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how far the organisation and its contractors have come, and why it remains as relevant today as in 1956

elcome to this special edition of Connections, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of NICEIC. Reaching 60 is an incredible achievement for NICEIC and a chance to look back at how far we, as an industry, have come. NICEIC was created in 1956, in a post-war era, when there was a lack of uniform standards for wiring and no regulation of anyone carrying out electrical work. Not surprisingly, the number of fires caused by electrical faults at that time was particularly high and, with government not wanting to introduce statutory enforcement, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, or NICEIC, was born as a voluntary inspection body. The objects of NICEIC, as it was then, were agreed as a charter: • Keep a roll of approved electrical installation contractors in Great Britain • Approved contractors must provide evidence of competency and comply with council rules/regulations

Emma Clancy is chief executive officer, Certsure

• Enrolment certificates would be issued (or withdrawn) to approved contractors • The council had to organise electrical installation inspections • The council was to encourage improved methods of protecting electricity consumers against unsafe electrical installations and appliances As I look back at those objectives now, I am proud of how we have remained true to the original charter and NICEIC’s aims and values in changing times. Most importantly, I am encouraged by the stories of those contractors who have been with NICEIC from the early days (page 34-39). Those people and their successors have built up successful businesses, employing thousands of people and bringing through many more apprentices during that time. These are the real success stories of what NICEIC has achieved in the past 60 years – helping businesses grow and develop to better serve the electrical industry. I would like to thank you all for your support and wish you well for the next 60 years.

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 Donatella Montrone 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

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 used for this publication is made from certified sustainable forestry 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

Summer 2016 Connections

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N O RT H 2 0 1 6

2 4 N OV E M B E R

Technical Conference and Exhibition Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool Celebrate NICEIC’s 60th Birthday! 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

Over

Speakers include: Ton y Cable and Darre n S t a n if or th

Technical experts on hand to answer your questions 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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Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS It’s 1956 and the Quarrymen are yet to become the Beatles, Manchester United become the first English team to compete in the European Cup and the Suez crisis dominates the newspaper headlines. It is also the year that NICEIC is formed to promote electrical safety. Rob Shepherd takes a look back over the years

1956

he past 60 years have been a period of unprecedented change in the electrical contracting industry, and NICEIC has been at the forefront of protecting the public from unsafe and unsound electrical work. Let’s take a look back and remember the defining moments from the industry and beyond over the past six decades.

19561965 The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is incorporated in August 1956 – “at last”, comments Electrical Times. Coinciding with the introduction of the 13th edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations, it starts out with 14 area engineers – one for each area electricity board – together with a small head office staff. The first roll of Approved Contractors is published in 1957 and lists 3,511 firms

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1957

In 1957, more than 7,000 separate installations are inspected by NICEIC, increasing to around 7,500 the following year. Only about seven per cent are totally satisfactory, but a mere two per cent are considered “not up to standard, with serious infringements”. About 92 per cent are “good” or “reasonable” but with minor departures from good wiring practice. Most problems are found to be through ignorance; however, the two per cent figure falls to 0.2 per cent over the NICEIC’s first decade – a notable early success

1960

1963

1962

Coronation Street appears on TV screens for the first time in 1960, and by 2010 becomes the world’s longest-running TV soap opera

In 1963 Tottenham Hotspur become the first British football team to win a European trophy, when a 5-1 win over Atlético Madrid in Rotterdam gives them the European Cup Winners’ Cup. It is cold, though, as that year brings the worst winter since 1946-47 and low temperatures keep snow lying around until early April in some areas

Considered ‘the father of the modern LED’, in 1962, while working at General Electric, Nick Holonyak Jr develops the first practically functional visible spectrum light-emitting diode (LED) device for commercial use. Writing in the Reader’s Digest at the time, Harland Manchester prophesises that it “may some day make the electric light obsolete. If these plans work out, the lamp of the future may be a speck of metal the size of a pencil point that will be practically indestructible, will never burn out and will convert at least 10 times as much current into light as does today’s bulb”

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Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors

1966-1975 1966 1967

The 14th edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations is published in 1966 and it is the first time that the word “bonded” is mentioned in the definitions. The 14th edition is reprinted seven times – the reprint in 1970 is the first in metric units. By the early 1970s, around 18,000 separate electrical installations are being inspected each year, and 25 per cent of local authorities specify NICEIC-approved firms only

1966 In 1966 an advert from NICEIC makes the point to householders that it takes five years to train an electrician – as long as it does to train a doctor! The organisation also introduces measures to ensure that rural district councils are aware of the benefits of using only approved contractors

By 1967 the Approved Contractor roll reaches 4,608

1971 NICEIC becomes a registered charity in 1971

England wins the World Cup in 1966, while long hair is in abundance in 1967, thanks to the “Summer of Love” – a social phenomenon that centres on the underground alternative hippie youth culture that had been brewing in America and Europe

1975 witnesses the first step in an international reciprocal recognition, with NICEIC and the Comité National pour la Securité des Usagers de l’électricité (Consuel) planning to become “foreign correspondent members” of each other’s organisations. Collaborative working with European partners continues through our participation with JPEL/64 and CENELEC

1974

1975 Before 1974 approximately eight million employees had no legal safety protection at work. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is introduced to provide a legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards in places of work. It leads to calls for NICEIC to police contractors’ compliance with the electrical provisions of the act

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1977

19761985

1977 sees the Sex Pistols in the pop charts, as well as the newspaper headlines, while Elvis Presley dies at age 42

1980 Clive Sinclair enters the home computer market with the ZX80, at a price tag of £99.95 – the cheapest personal computer for sale in the UK. In 1982, the ZX Spectrum is released, becoming Britain’s best-selling computer

1981

A Which? magazine report in 1980 finds that the electricity boards carried out the best installations, but at a high price, and recommends the NICEIC as the best body for testing

1981 sees the launch of the 15th edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. Rather pessimistically, Electrical Times claims that the 15th edition is “beyond the ken of ordinary contractors” and that it is a “green light for cowboys”. In an attempt to allay concerns, NICEIC chief engineer Tom Howell said it would “not lead to radical changes”. Considered at the time to be the last word on the regulations, it is reprinted five times

By March 1980, NICEIC has around 8,000 names on its roll, out of a total estimated 12,000 electrical contractors in the UK. In the same year, consumer affairs minister, Geoffrey Howe, speaking at NICEIC’s annual luncheon, says, “The government does not consider that the standards of electrical installation in buildings can be left much longer to voluntarism”

1982

On 2 April 1982, Argentina invades the Falkland Islands, a remote UK colony 8,000 miles away in the South Atlantic. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher says the 1,800 Falklanders are “of British tradition and stock” and sends a taskforce to successfully reclaim the islands Connections Summer 2016

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Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors

1986

1986-1995 NICEIC’s head office moves to Vintage House, London, in 1986. By 1987 its Approved Contractor roll reaches 9,293

1989

The 16th edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations is published in 1991 and is reprinted four times. NICEIC makes an announcement concerning the electrical test instruments that Approved Contractors are required to have. The NICEIC Council also amends its Memorandum of Association to include reference to standards of electrical installation safety and practice additional to the IEE Wiring Regulations

Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist at CERN, invents the world wide web (www) in 1989. The web was originally conceived and developed to meet the demand for automatic informationsharing between scientists in universities and institutes around the world

1994 1995

1991

In 1995 Blur and Oasis go head to head for the top of the charts, both releasing singles on the same day. Blur won

Introduced in 1994, The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations become 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 the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They are subsequently revised in 2007 and 2015

1,000,000 The one-millionth NICEIC 16th edition completion and inspection certificate is printed in 1994

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1998

1996-2005 Embracing the new digital age, in 1998 the NICEIC roll is digitally published on CD-Rom and on its website

1999 In the final months of 1999, concern grows into panic that the millennium bug is going to cause computers to malfunction and potentially endanger life. It didn’t happen quite like that

2000 2005

2001

To mark the millennium, NICEIC becomes a UKAS-accredited certification body in 2000, against the requirements of EN 45011 (now ISO/IEC 17065:2012) for its assessment services activity

Apple launches its iPod, offering offering first iPod “1,000 songs in your pocket”

Part P of the Building Regulations becomes law in England and Wales on 1 January 2005. It is now a legal requirement for all work on fixed electrical installations in dwellings and associated buildings to comply with relevant standards. The relevant UK standard is BS 7671:2001, which covers requirements In readiness for this, NICEIC launches for design, installation, its Domestic Installer scheme. By the inspection, testing, time Part P is introduced, over 10,000 verification and businesses employing more than 20,000 certification operatives have registered with the scheme Connections Summer 2016

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Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors

2006

2008

2006-NOW The 2008 financial crisis hits – considered by many economists as the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The impact is immense and the electrical contracting industry does not escape its repercussions d with w many casualties

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Spreading its links into the local community, in 2009 NICEIC sponsors Luton Town FC. Home and away shirts carried NICEIC’s ‘Nice One’ slogan and the www.niceic.com website address. The relationship continues co ontinues today

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2010 In 2010 current CEO Emma Clancy is appointed, replacing Jim Speirs 14

14:49:49

2008 witnesses the introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations, followed in 2011 by Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 in 2013

In 2008 Barack Obama becomes 44th president of the US, and the first African American to be elected to that office

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2011 NICEIC teams up with the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) to publish 2021 Vision – a major piece of research designed to provide a long-term vision of where the industry is likely to be in 10 years

2013 Amid much fanfare, in 2013 the Green Deal is launched – the government’s flagship initiative to increase the energy efficiency of domestic and non-domestic properties in the UK. It fails to spark consumer interest and is killed off by OFGEM in late July 2015, just two-and-a-half years after its launch

The same year also saw the launch of NICEIC Live, which would go on to establish itself as a regular event in the industry calendar. In 2012 the event was extended to include Live North, a format that continues today NICEIC comes under the ownership of Certsure in 2013 – a wholly owned subsidiary of Electrical Safety First and the ECA, which also incorporates around 7,000 contractors registered with ELECSA. By 2016 Certsure would represent 37,000 registered contractors across the building services sector

19,000 In 2016 NICEIC’s roll of Approved Contractors tops the 19,000 mark

NICEIC hosts its sixth Live South event, to be followed by the fifth Live North Images: Getty, Rex, General Electrics, Monsanto, Alamy, iStock, Shutterstock, PA

Amendment No. 3 of the 17th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations comes into effect in 2015. The London Fire Brigade reports that fires involving consumer units have increased to approximately five incidents each week, so to address the issue Amendment 3 requires switchgear assemblies – including consumer units – to have their enclosures made from a suitable non-combustible material, or be installed in a cabinet or enclosure comprised from a suitable non-combustible material

2016

2015

NICEIC makes its own piece of television history, with the creation of its first commercial. The advert was first aired in Scotland over the Easter break The organisation celebrates its 60th anniversary Connections Summer 2016

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Celebrating 60 years of NICEIC contractors

THE BLACK MUSEUM Tucked away in NICEIC’s Black Museum is a collection of various pieces of electrical history, ranging from early installation test equipment to some unusual electric devices

ver the years, NICEIC has picked up or come across many interesting items and examples relating to the electrical industry. Many of the bits and pieces date back to a period of time long before NICEIC even existed and help form a picture of the industry through time. From old consumer units and sockets to tools of a bygone era, they help explain how the industry has changed and developed throughout the last century. The majority of these items have been sent in to us by contractors who have come across them during their work. They range from the weird and wacky to the downright dangerous, and often serve as a warning to other contractors who may come across similar objects in their time out on the tools. These items are now housed in our own Black Museum – a display at our Warwick House headquarters, which is also rolled out at many of our Live show events. Here we take a look at some of the strangest items in our vaults. Let us know if you think you have come across similar, or, if there is anything you would like to include, please email marketing@certsure.com

Electric water bottle Now we all know water and electricity are not always a good mix, but back in the 1950s it was not that uncommon for people to go to bed with a hot water bottle plugged into the mains. The bottle was made from a tough plastic with a twisted flex providing electricity throughout the night. A whole new meaning to an electrifying performance in bed!

Old tester Many of you will be used to handling test equipment, but this earth continuity tester dating back to around 1940 would not have been in every electrician’s toolbox back then. This item would have only been used by the very skilled, or a contractor working for a large firm. It was housed in a wooden box, with very intricate dovetail joints. A real treasure piece item

Wooden fuse board The third amendment to BS7671:2008 may require consumer units to be made, or have their enclosures manufactured, from noncombustible material, but back in the 1950s most fuse boards came on wooden back boards with fuses for live and neutral – no earth

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Junction box

Light circuit adapters

Junction boxes of yesteryear were slightly different to those around today. This one pictured probably dates back to around 1940 and features lead cables with cone connectors – more commonly known in the trade at the time as the dog’s danglies (or other such terms)

When electricity was first introduced to homes in the UK, its main function was to provide light. Having various socket points around the home was not a common sight, so if anyone had an additional need for electricity it was usually provided by the same source as the lighting circuit. These handy adapters date back to the 1950s and would simply fit into the light fitting, allowing the user to still have light while also being able to plug in items such as an iron or radio

Voltmeter Dating back to around 1930, this pocket watch-sized voltmeter would have been used for testing the terminals on a Leclanché cell or battery, which were commonly used in radios at the time

Electrical pocket book Contractors are used to carrying a book around in their tool bag, and it was no different in 1917, as this little green pocket-sized volume shows

Ceiling rose Pendants today come in a range of formats, but back in 1960 the most common form of light fitting was this Bakelite ceiling rose with twisted flex and cone connectors. The rose was built on to a wooden block, so no concern about overheating then!

15 amp socket Used up until the mid-1960s, this 15 amp socket was the common socket of its day. They were attached to radial circuits and the plugs of that time were all unfused

Wylex fuse board Still making consumer units today, this is one of the earliest models from Wylex. Note the space for just four BS3036 semi-enclosed fuses – the semi-enclosed electric fuses (ratings up to 100 amps and 240 volts to earth) standard has been around for more than 50 years. Some of these will still exist in homes today

Voltage testers Modern voltage testers come in a variety of forms but are not too dissimilar to the original ones that came on to the market in around 1960. The first is a plug-in style tester with a switch to test. The second is a pen-style tester with neon light

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News/Product news

Plugged in Need-to-know industry news for electrical installers DADS KEEN FOR DAUGHTERS TO JOIN THE TRADE

Contractors heard from a range of speakers at a packed-out NICIEC and ELECSA Live South at Epsom Racecourse in May. BBC Rogue Traders presenter Matt Allwright (above) topped the bill, talking about the need to build trust between contractors and customers. “I want their money to go to reputable traders like you,” he said. Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth were also on hand to advise attendees around new legislation, electrical supply issues and EICR observations and coding, while the IET’s Mark Coles provided insight into JPEL/64 and the upcoming 18th edition. In the afternoon, England’s World Cup final hat-trick hero, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE (below), enthralled the audience with his tales of 1966, and even revealed why he’s sure the ball was over the line for England’s fourth goal. Other notable speakers included Dave Quinton from Which?, who spoke about how traders could meet the requirements of new consumer rights rules, and Marc Gaunt of Schneider Electric, who offered advice on how to take advantage of the internet of things. Mark Huggins of Corporate Drama also presented a compelling interactive

session, using actors to demonstrate how contractors should – and should not – deal with difficult customers. Outside the conference itself, contractors were able to meet a wide range of suppliers in a busy exhibition hall, including partner sponsors Bosch, esp, Peugeot, Schneider Electric and Scolmore Group. Mark Smith, marketing director at Certsure, said: “This year’s event was the most diverse so far – with an array of different guests and speakers from all sectors. In addition to the technical seminars we had presentations on customer service and future market trends, which help our customers build their business. Live is a chance for contractors to have a day out and learn more about what is going on in the industry and the business opportunities out there.” Live North will be held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool on Thursday 24 November. Tickets cost just £29 plus VAT for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA registered contractors, and £49 plus VAT for others. Exhibition-only and apprentice tickets are available free of charge. For more information visit www.niceic-elecsalive.com

Alamy

Live South’s new high

According to research by NICEIC and ELECSA, three-quarters of male electricians would be happy for their daughters to take up a career in the trade. However, a similar percentage feel old-school attitudes discourage females from taking up a trade. Emma Clancy, CEO of Certsure, commented: “Dads have an important role to play in shaping the career choices of their daughters, particularly in the trades sector, where many children follow in their father’s footsteps. “It is highly encouraging to see that up to 75 per cent of contractors would be happy to see their daughters become an electrician. Since launching our ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign in 2011, we are seeing a growing interest in women wanting to take up a trade. However, the numbers are still painfully low, so it is interesting to

note that many men feel certain attitudes from another era still exist.” The survey of over 100 electrical contractors found that 90 per cent of fathers believe it is their responsibility to advise their daughters on career choices, but only 20 per cent said their child had received any information from school or careers advice services about trade opportunities. Of the electricians surveyed, a quarter said their daughter had considered a career as an electrician, significantly higher than the average number of women entering the profession. “Our research suggests the interest is there,” said Clancy. “We now have to build on that and do what we can to break down any barriers that might be preventing young women from entering the trade. “We are quite used to seeing fathers and sons working as electricians. It would be great to see dad and daughter splashed across vans too.” For more information about Jobs for the Girls, visit www.jobsforthegirls.com

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TechTalks mark the end for industry giant WHICH? RECOGNITION FOR READING BUSINESS An ELECSA-registered firm from Berkshire has been named Which? trusted trader of the year for 2016. “This is fantastic news,” said MD Chris Gordon. “Electricians in Reading worked very hard to get to the Which? Awards and we are delighted to have won this prestigious industry accolade.” Emma Clancy, CEO of Certsure, said: “The ELECSA and Which? trusted trader logos provide consumers with the added peace of mind that they are hiring a qualified professional they can trust.” Electricians in Reading, which was founded in 2012, provides a range of services to commercial and domestic clients. Last year it was shortlisted for the Which? trusted trader award, while the firm has also been named Which? trusted trader of the month twice.

PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES CONSUMER SAFETY NICEIC and ELECSA have teamed up with the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers (iKBBI) to promote consumer safety within that market. Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “Many registrants are already carrying out work in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, so it makes sense to come together and support installers. By working with other industry partners, we can share experiences on a range of initiatives such as training, complaints and recommended standards to improve safety for consumers looking to employ competent and reliable installers.” iKBBI is the UK’s only governmentsanctioned institute dedicated to kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installations. It represents more than 3,500 businesses in the UK.

Industry legend Tony Cable will be making his farewell tour around the country during the next series of NICEIC and ELECSA’s TechTalks. After almost 60 years in the industry, Cable will be taking up his well-earned retirement. It promises to be an emotional ride for the 74-year-old, whose experience and unique delivery style has helped make the informative seminars increasingly popular among contractors. “The TechTalk series is something close to my heart and something I have enjoyed immensely,” he said. “Meeting contractors and chatting about all the latest goings on in the industry is what I enjoy most. We have done more than 80 events across the UK and every single one has been a pleasure.” Cable will be joined by NICEIC and ELECSA’s technical development manager, Darren Staniforth, for the next series. They will be discussing the most common problems during assessments, current legislation within the industry, electrical supply issues and providing responses during a technical Q&A session. Attendees will also be able to access special deals, try out some of the latest products and get plenty of technical advice from some of the industry’s biggest names exhibiting at each event.

Leading industry brands such as Bosch, Brother, CPN Cudis, Peugeot, Volex and Wylex have all signed up to be headline sponsors for this year’s series, which covers the UK – from Brighton to Belfast. The full line-up of dates and locations are: 29 September, Amex Stadium, Brighton 4 October, Kassam Stadium, Oxford 12 October, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff 18 October, Westpoint Arena, Exeter 15 November, Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast 8 February, Wolverhampton Racecourse 14 February, Doncaster Racecourse 28 February, Newcastle Racecourse 15 March, Norfolk Showground 21 March, Leicester Racecourse Tickets cost £25 and are available from www.niceic.com/events and www.elecsa. co.uk or 0843 290 3456. Alternatively, email techtalk@certsure.com

New testing facility makes debut Tony Cable was on hand to present awards to Level 3 electrical installations students from Canterbury College, in a ceremony to mark the opening of its new testing facility in May. The centre will be used by students at the college and for delivering specialist courses such as the 17th edition of IEE wiring regulations and testing. Cable presented awards to three students to recognise their progress

to date, who received certificates and prizes donated by Edmundson Electrical Suppliers and Milwaukee Tools.

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News/Product news

Plugged in Thunderclap causes online storm for Cage NICEIC recently took part in an online “thunderclap” to promote The Cage, a commercial highlighting the importance of electrical safety and encouraging people to use a registered electrician. Just over 900 organisations and individuals joined the campaign, far exceeding the original target of 500 supporters. This meant the campaign reached out to more than 820,000 people across various platforms on social media. The YouTube video of The Cage has now been seen more than 10,000 times – up a massive 300 per cent on the figure before the recent push online. Mark Smith, marketing director at NICEIC, said: “The online thunderclap is just the latest initiative we have taken to spread the important message about using a registered electrician and follows

a successful TV campaign in Scotland and Northern Ireland earlier this year. “The aim now is to keep up the momentum. If contractors haven’t done so already we would urge them to check out the video online and share it with as many friends, family, colleagues and clients as possible. Together we can reach every home in the UK.”

FOOTBALL DEAL PROMOTES BRANDS NICEIC and ELECSA will once again be sponsoring Luton Town Football Club throughout the 2016-17 season. The League Two side will kick off the new season with the NICEIC logo on the back of the home shirt and shorts, and the ELECSA logo on the back of the away shirt and shorts. It is the eighth season in a row that NICEIC will be sponsoring Luton, which is local to its headquarters in Dunstable. NICEIC and ELECSA’s marketing director, Mark Smith, said: “We have enjoyed a great partnership with Luton Town over the years and are delighted to continue our association. “Sponsoring Luton Town helps promote the NICEIC and ELECSA brands to thousands of people each week. We wish them all the best for the new season.”

MANUFACTURER OFFERS NICEIC VENTILATION TRAINING Johnson & Starley has become the first manufacturer to offer a new training and assessment package from NICEIC for installers of ventilation systems. The course has been designed to assess installers against set criteria, formed from the relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS), and has been approved by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering sector. Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC, said: “It is essential that any installation of mechanical ventilation systems is carried out by skilled and competent persons. By forging this link, consumers can be confident that the systems will be installed correctly and perform at the levels expected.” Installers can sit the course at a number of NICEIC-approved centres across the UK, while Johnson & Starley will also host the course at its headquarters in Northampton. It runs over two days and comprises a theory and practical exam as part of the final assessment. Once installers hold the qualification then they can apply to the NICEIC Competent Persons Scheme for Ventilation so they can self-certify their work in England and Wales. For more information, or to book your place on the course, contact NICEIC Certification on 0870 013 0389, or email traininginfo@niceic.com • Certsure chief executive Emma Clancy recently sat on an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) advisory panel. Better training, proper commissioning and a soft-landings approach were deemed to be vital to reducing the performance gap with systems, agreed all the panellists. NICEIC will be exhibiting at HVAC 2016 as part of UK Construction Week.

INDUSTRY // DIARY

October 4 TechTalk Kassam Stadium, Oxford

22-23 ELEX Coventry

12 TechTalk Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

29 TechTalk Amex Stadium, Brighton

18 TechTalk Westpoint Arena, Exeter

November 24 NICEIC ELECSA Live North Aintree Racecourse

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September 7-8 Plumb Power Heat Light Expo Belfast

Summer 2016 Connections

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DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR SCOTTISH CONTRACTOR Scottish contractor Scott Kelly and his firm KLY Electrical were both recognised at the Aberdeen for the Trades Awards, which took place in June. The event is designed to recognise tradespeople and trades businesses in the north-east of Scotland. Kelly took the title of tradesman of the year, while his company was named best trades business in the category for companies with fewer than 10 employees. Kelly was presented with both awards by celebrity builder and TV presenter Tommy Walsh (pictured left). “This was just fantastic,” said Kelly. “We’ve been going for five years and during that time I’ve gone from sole trader to limited company. I’d like to thank NICEIC for all its support.”

ONE MILLION AND COUNTING More than one million certificates have been processed via NICEIC’s online certification system. The one-millionth customer was Tristan Murless of TGM Electrical in Weymouth, who was presented with a £50 voucher to spend at NICEIC’s Direct Shop. “We started using the online system a few years ago; all the team are using it now. I like the fact that people can work on it while out on-site, and I can check on it while in the office,” said Murless. “The fact that we can email it straight off to customers and have a record of it kept online is really beneficial.” NICEIC’s online certification system is now used by more than 15,000 unique customers. The cloud-based system means contractors do not need to install any software. There are also no expensive update costs as with other electronic certificate systems. They can simply log in to the portal with their NICEIC details to fill out all forms easily. “Contractors are now increasingly using a laptop, smartphone or tablet in their everyday work, and we want to ensure they have access to the latest developments to make certification and notification as easy as possible,” said NICEIC head of sales, Paul Elcock.

ON THE SPOT//BOB SANDERS 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

» Bob Sanders Midlands, London, East Anglia & Cheshire When did you become an area engineer? I started my career working for a large electrical contracting company before taking up a career within the NHS. When I joined NICEIC in 1987 I had progressed to the role of senior hospital engineer and was looking for new challenges. The role of inspecting engineer, as it was then known, came up and I took the opportunity. How has your role evolved? For the first 14 years I was an inspecting engineer/area engineer. Since then I have been responsible for a team of both full-time area engineers and parttime associates. I have continued to carry out some assessments. How has the job itself changed? One of the main changes is that as inspecting engineers we carried tools and test equipment, and used them during periodic inspections of Approved Contractors. A change was then made so the focus was more on the Approved Contractors carrying out any testing and removal of accessories, and also assessment of the qualifying supervisors’ knowledge. We then became area engineers and periodic inspections became periodic assessments. What industry changes have you seen? The most significant are the introduction of Approved Document Part P Electrical

Safety-Dwellings to the Building Regulations; digital technology, leading to widespread installation of CCTV, home automation, security systems and data; and the use of LED lighting in commercial, industrial and domestic premises. What’s the strangest thing you have come across? On visiting an electrical installation at a pet store with an electrical contractor, I was assessing whether the main equipotential protective bonding conductor to the water supply, which was located in a cupboard under a sink, was in place and secure. The pet store assistant warned me to be careful of the tarantula, and thinking she was joking I continued. She then reached in and put her hand behind one of the pipes and emerged with a large spider. It appeared it liked to climb up the back of the hot water pipe and would remain there all day until they closed. What’s the strangest request you’ve had? On visiting an electrical contractor we started discussing the geographical spread of his work and what work we would be able to reach during this visit. The contractor then suggested two installations that were about 90 miles away. This was followed by a request that we travel to

the site by plane. It turned out the contractor was a qualified pilot and had a share in a plane, which was waiting at an airport close to his premises. What interesting jobs have some of your contractors done? Being based in the Midlands a lot of the contractors I visited have been involved in large electrical installations associated with robotic assembly plants within car factories such as Land Rover. What about outside of work? I have always been fascinated by gorillas and am a regular supporter of efforts to protect them and their environment through conservation. I recently had the opportunity to feed the gorillas at a safari park and learn more about conservation and breeding. What is your favourite book, film and TV programme? Book: A Brief History of Time, by Stephen Hawking Film: Gorillas in the Mist TV programme: Elementary What’s the best bit of advice you have received in your career? If you go home at night and you have not learned anything it was your own fault because you were not paying attention. There is always something new to learn. This advice was given to me by Ray Digger, one of the original inspecting engineers for NICEIC, when I started with the organisation.

Connections Summer 2016

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News/Product news

Plugged in Essex student takes apprentice title The first ever NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, sponsored by Scolmore Group, reached its conclusion in June, when 22-year-old Mark Lee from Essex was awarded the prestigious title. Lee was one of eight entrants to reach the final, which took place at Scolmore Group’s head office in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Designed to recognise the talents of the brightest electrical students in the UK and develop the talent of the future, the competition, which was launched in December 2015, attracted nearly 400 entrants from across the UK. The winner and runner-up were announced at the awards ceremony and BBQ evening at The Belfry Hotel. Lee was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000, while runner-up Chris Powell from Pontefract received a holiday voucher worth £500. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and a kit bag containing an array of Scolmore’s electrical accessories, plus a selection of tools. Alan Wells, technical and standards director at Certsure, and Scolmore Group managing director Gary Mordue, handed out the prizes to the grateful recipients. “I can’t believe it,” said Lee. “It’s an unreal feeling. I never thought I would get this far. The whole contest has been amazing and we have all been made to feel really proud of ourselves, so winning it feels like a really big achievement.” Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, was

> Mark Lee won the inaugural Apprentice of the Year award, along with a £2,000 voucher, award, while Chris Powell took the runner-up slot (above, top). The duo were among eight finalists (bottom, left) involved in the judging process. “Many of these boys will be completing their Level 3 qualification soon, so we really wanted to test their ability to carry out a range of tasks we feel all good, skilled apprentices should be able to do – along with some tests they might not have been so comfortable with,” he said. “However, we were very impressed with the overall standard of the finalists. It was tough choosing a winner, but I am confident they will all go on to have successful careers.” Marie Parry, Scolmore Group’s marketing director, said: “It’s an exciting industry, with an abundance of opportunities for the future. Two of the directors here at Scolmore started out as apprentice electricians and have carved out hugely successful careers on the back of the vital experience and training

that the apprentice programme provided. We wish all the finalists every success as they continue on their journeys.” Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our industry; NICEIC and ELECSA are committed to developing the talent of the future.” Lee is currently studying at Cambridge Regional College while working for Essexbased firm First Call Electrical Contractors. The firm was thrilled to learn on the awards evening that it receives a year’s free registration with NICEIC as part of the prize.

How they got there The journey to the Electrical Apprentice of the Year finals involved a number of stages. The first stage was an online exam comprising a variety of questions relating to electrical installations. The top 20 per cent of students from this stage then progressed to stage two, which was a practical one-and-a-half hour exam paper held at one of seven locations across the UK. Eight students with the highest marks then battled it out in the final. The finalists were put through a gruelling day of challenges comprising eight separate tasks designed to assess their abilities across a range of disciplines, including testing, faultfinding, conduit-bending, tray manufacturing and safe isolation. The candidate who excelled in the final stage was crowned as the first ever NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

Summer 2016 Connections

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News/Product news

Plugged in NEEDLE NOSE NEW OPTION The new ‘needle nose’ combination pliers from KNIPEX are designed to help contractors cut wires when working in confined areas, using a high-leverage joint and secure grip. The tool features a twist-resistant head and pointed jaws, and even includes a milled groove in the gripping area that allows small parts such as nails, pins and bolts to be held and pulled. The pliers are designed to fit in a pocket, so they can be available on-site when needed. www.knipex.com

< A twist-resistant head enhances grip

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Fluke has unveiled its new 1660 series of multifunction installation testers, designed to help prevent damage to connected appliances. The Fluke 1664 FC model features the Insulation PreTest function, which alerts users with a visual warning if another appliance is connected to the system and stops the test. The 1664 FC also features an auto-test function that undertakes five tests required under BS 7671, which the manufacturer says decreases the possibility of making errors and reduces test time by 40 per cent compared with previous models. www.fluke.co.uk/1664FC

Marking a line on the wall to hang lights or other equipment could be made easier with the new Stabila Telescopic 80T spirit level. The device features integrated anti-slip stoppers to make it easier to hold with one hand, and also includes a metric scale for easy measuring. The extendable level comes in two options, one measuring 63cm, which can extend to 105cm, while the 80cm version will stretch to 127cm. www.brianhyde.co.uk

< The 1664 FC’s autotest function helps decrease the possibility of making errors

TESTERS FOR TOUGH JOBS

KEEP UP TO SPEED Scolmore has released a range of media modules, designed to enable installers to offer customers a range of solutions for data and audio-visual cables. The four new models feature a VGA module with fly-lead, a triple RCA module, a USB throughput module with fly-lead and a 3.5mm audio jack module with fly-lead. The plates are available in a variety of configurations and colour finishes, from the 1-gang plate with single aperture through to the 12- and 18-module plates. www.scolmore.com

< An easy way to measure low-current applications

Martindale Electric has launched a new range of True RMS flexible current meters to help contractors reach awkwardly located conductors. The new series includes the CM95 (pictured), which offers high-resolution measurement to 1mA, and the CM100 for high current up to 3000A. The new testers allow contractors to measure low-current applications without the need to break into the circuit by using flexible current sensors. The CM100 can accommodate conductors of up to 16cm in diameter, as well as being threaded through small openings. Both devices come with a 1.8m lead to help contractors navigate areas with restricted access. www.martindale-electric.co.uk

HITTING THE SPOT

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The latest addition to FLIR’s TG series is the TG167, a spot thermal camera which the company claims bridges the gap between single-spot IR thermometers and full thermal-imaging devices. The new arrival is based on the TG165 and features a narrower field of view than its predecessor, giving users better image quality for indoor applications. The device is designed to help contractors find hotspots in electrical cabinets and switch boxes, and can store images and download data for use in reports. www.flir.com/TG167

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Connections Summer 2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training REMAINING RELEVANT

Live wire Adapt or die The trick to staying in business for the long term is to constantly adapt to the new chal challenges and opportunities nities that come along, says Jean Gamester Gam

ICEIC is 60 years old. The world has changed so much since 1956, M hasn’t it? That was the year that IBM invented the hard disk drive, and 60 years on we are just beginning he to imagine what we can do with the internet of things and 3D printing. We nt in know that the world of electronics will be very different 60 years, even if we don’t know how it will change. Forr our businesses to survive and thrive beyond the here and now, we are going to have to adapt and evolve. When I think about evolving and adapting, I think about another anniversary. It is 100 years since e, Sir Ernest Shackleton watched his ship, the Endurance, get crushed by ice in the Antarctic. With no ship, his dreams of traversing the South Pole were destroyed, and the chances of survival for all on board seemed very slim indeed. Yet having adapted to every challenge to journey across miles of ice hey were all and ocean in the most treacherous of environments, they saved. So what can we learn from the Shackleton spirit?

Passion and purpose

Illustration: Cameron Law

Shackleton was absolutely clear at the beginning what his purpose was: he wanted to stand up to almost impossible odds and do something extraordinary. He tried to be the first to reach the poles but had been beaten, so now he wanted to be the first to transverse the South Pole. When his ship was destroyed he switched all his passion and purpose to saving his men. In the end, he still did something no one had ever done before – he brought an entire crew back alive from this most treacherous environment. He was true to his purpose, even as he adapted to his circumstances. Why are you in business? What is it that you are really passionate about? Is it your customers, is it running a profitable operation, is it using renewable materials? Whatever it is, make sure it is at the heart of everything you do. That way you have a reliable strength at the centre as you adapt to the future.

Be willing to compromise When Shackleton’s crew abandoned ship, they had to abandon most of their belongings. Frank Hurley, the ship’s photographer, fought back; he didn’t want to lose the fantastic photographs he had taken of their journey, even though those photographs were set in heavy glass. Shackleton reconsidered and worked with Hurley to pick the best of the best as an enduring record. Perhaps many of us would

n never have heard o this amazing of j journey if we had n never seen the p photographs, if S Shackleton had no adapted to not Hu Hurley’s view.

Listen to the List next generation An art article appeared in the la last edition of Connection saying that twoConnections, thirds of contrac contractors would like their offspring to follow fo them into the trade. That says to me that it is vital to create a working environment that makes it inspiring and rewarding for the next generation to take things forward. Are you giving them the opportunity to shape the business so that it works for them and for your future? Are we open to what they understand about technology and how younger generations think?

Make the tough decisions Every time Shackleton was faced with a challenge, he was thinking about how to adapt and take action to make change happen. As an example, he realised that once the crew was on the ice, morale would be vital, so he made sure he shared a tent with the most negative member of the crew to manage the impact of that person on the morale of the others. What tough decisions are you prepared to make to adapt your business to challenges so you are fit to not just survive but also thrive? What investments will you need to make, what things will you need to learn, what things will you have to stop accepting so that the business is fit for the future? Charles Darwin theorised that only the fittest survive. I believe that if we are true to our purpose, are listening to what the next generation has to say and are up for making tough decisions, then we will not only endure but our businesses will be able to do amazing things. Roll on the next 60 years! Jean Gamester is founder of leadership and change management firm Semaphora. www.semaphora.com

Connections Summer 2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training CONNECTIVITY If you have an opinion about an issue concerning the electrical industry, let us know. Email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

Live wire

Talking tools Communication has come a long way in the past 60 years. Today, connectivity is the key to productivity, says Eric Streuli

ack in the 1950s, when NICEIC began, contractors often led a disconnected existence. Even after the first mobile phone was invented in 1973, it would still be many years before workers could conveniently keep in touch with their base. It wasn’t until the 1990s that truly portable and costeffective handsets became widely available, forming the basis for much greater connectivity. But when mobiles also started giving access to the internet, the possibilities became almost endless. Today, those mobile connections – whether by phone, tablet or laptop – are opening up a world of convenience and efficiency for contractors who embrace them. The technology already exists to make tools a part of a communications network, so as well as talking to people you can talk to your tools – and they can talk back. Let’s say you want to tell your angle grinder to apply your preferred performance settings, or to configure itself for a particular task. You can give those instructions via your mobile and the system will remember them for future reference. You don’t even need to be close to the tool, thanks to modern wireless connections. The same

network connection allows the tool to tell you things like its condition and operating history. It can also send you a warning if it’s overheating, for instance. As well as power tools such as drills, screwdrivers and angle grinders, networking can be applied to measuring and lighting equipment. Where appropriate, devices may be operated and adjusted remotely, saving time and hassle. Measurements taken using networked devices can be saved directly into documents, in the required format, and transmitted with no risk of transfer errors. The frustration and expense of time spent looking for lost tools will soon become a thing of the past, as the connected tool of the future will be able to tell you exactly where it is. Not only that, but it will say who you gave it to and when it is due for return. On a larger scale, this will allow you to manage your tool inventory much more efficiently. If any of this sounds a bit like science fiction, it isn’t. All of the advances in connectivity described above – and more – are here today, or just around the corner.

Eric Streuli is UK training manager for Bosch Power Tools (www.bosch-connectivity.com)

IN FOCUS// DAVID GREENBERRY

» David Greenberry Greenberry Electrical

How have things moved on in that time? When I passed my exams, we were on the 14th edition and now we’re on the 17th. I’m a big believer in timeserved electricians and have seen five lads through from the age of 16. Tell me about the business We employ four staff, with my wife in the office. We’re only small, but we tackle

decent-sized jobs. We’ve just finished a block of 19 properties that included a fire alarm and emergency lighting system. What is your role? I do a bit of work on the small callouts or fixing jobs, and I do all the testing at the end of the job. What are your early memories of NICEIC? We’d been operating for 10 years and were looking after a few schools, so we needed to be a member of a governing body. I’d heard all these scary tales of a Tony Lord, so I

was petrified at my first assessment. But he was a mine of information and always there to help. You could always get him in a good mood if you spoke about steam trains. Any future plans? I’m happy where we are; we have nearly a year’s work ahead of us. I may go part-time and the guy who has been with me 15 years might want to move up. And life outside work? I spend a lot of time with my four daughters, but my big love is music. I see lots of live bands – Pink Floyd, Genesis.

Illustration: Cameron Law

NICEIC is 60 this year, but I believe you’re close to a big anniversary too. Yes, next year is our 30th anniversary and we’ve been with NICEIC 20 years.

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

Summer 2016 Connections

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training BACK TO SCHOOL

Live wire

Solar flair The new £45 million city centre campus for Cardiff and Vale College features more than 1,000 roof-mounted solar panels, requiring some careful planning by electrical contractor Evans Electrical By Andrew Brister

ardiff is a city busy transforming itself. The Welsh capital’s once-thriving docks played a major part in Cardiff’s development in the early 19th century as the means of exporting coal from the South Wales Valleys to the rest of the world, helping to power the industrial age. Now rebranded as Cardiff Bay following the building of the Cardiff Barrage to create a permanent body of water, the area is revitalising the city as a major centre for tourism and is widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the UK. But the Welsh Government is also committed to seeing Cardiff grow as an international business hub and is keen to see the infrastructure investment required to complement the city centre’s impressive leisure and retail assets. Central to this is its £20 million investment in the new campus for Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) in the heart of the Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone at Dumballs Road. One of the most ambitious educational projects in Wales, the site is a former chain testing and railway sleeper dipping facility that has been reclaimed and decontaminated. The £45 million development saw CAVC move into a new campus in 2015, covering 16,000 square metres and featuring one of the largest roof-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays in the region. The new building is home to 250 staff and 4,000 students across 200 different courses, with thousands more individuals engaged throughout the year on short courses, employer training and apprenticeships. Larger in size than the nearby Millennium Stadium, the new CAVC campus was built in partnership with property developer Rightacres

£32,000: Estimated annual energy savings as a result of the solar installations 30

> The panels clip into the roof in sections

and main contractor Willmott Dixon. Cardiff-based Evans Electrical is Rightacres’ exclusive electrical contractor on all major projects in the South Wales area, and was on board at the outset to influence the design to meet both CAVC’s objectives and the cost plan and budget. AECOM was M&E consultant on the project, with BDP as architect.

Sustainable thinking Central to CAVC’s requirements was sustainability. “It’s the college’s policy to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating on all its new facilities and that’s what drove the installation of a PV system on this scale,” explains Nik Mason, director at Evans Electrical. The oversailing roof is angled to accommodate a 1,850-square metre photovoltaic array. The massive array took six weeks to install, with work halted numerous times because of storms and high winds during the winter of the project. The system comprises 1,070 Renesola panels, each rated at 245W, giving a PV system size of 262kW at peak. “On a good day, 40 per cent of the building’s electrical load can be met by the panels,” says Mason. The system will save an estimated £32,000 per year in electricity bills. The huge array covers all the free area of the roof. “The panels clip into the roof in sections, working inwards from the outer edge,” says Mason. “We had to commission as we went along because we wouldn’t be able to go back if something wasn’t right.” One of the biggest challenges the team faced was preparing for future maintenance. “Statistically, one panel may fail over its 25-year

Summer 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

40 per cent: The proportion of energy consumption that can be provided by the roof panels

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‘The massive array took six weeks to install, with work halted numerous times because of storms’

‘We had to commission as we went along as we wouldn’t be able to go back if something wasn’t right’ life,” he adds. “There is no perimeter walkway so access to the panels is internal. If a panel fails on the outer edge, you will have to remove panels in sections to access it.” At the topping out of the building ceremony, the team gathered to sign the back of one of the panels, which was then fixed down to the roof. There are six 40kW advanced energy inverters mounted in the fifthfloor plant room. The system has been designed by Evans to shut down in the event of a fire alarm activation, so should the fire service need to isolate the incoming supply there will not be energy generated by the PV system. “While this was not a requirement, we felt from a CDM point of view that it was a great opportunity to design out risks,” says Mason.

Added extras Elsewhere, Evans has incorporated colour-changing LED lighting into one of the student walkways to highlight the role of lighting and engage the interest of electrical apprentices studying at the college. There is also user-friendly intelligent control of the Thorn lighting system. Evans has also worked alongside Circle IT and TWL Voice and

Data to provide 2200 Cat 6a data points, 500 cores of fibre and more than 200 Dell WiFi access points throughout the campus. The college’s teaching labs have been fitted out with specially developed, suspended multipurpose panels to combine gas and water supplies and extraction into one neat unit. The high-tech panels arrived on site pre-wired in sections with their own distribution boards. Mason cites the collaborative, multi-disciplinary work ethic as key to the project’s success. “On many projects, you can be isolated from the other contractors, but here the main sub-contractor trades worked alongside each other and main contractor Willmott Dixon in a large, open-plan office, which really aided the project,” he says. It has received external recognition, too, taking the Welsh Architecture Award 2016 at the recent Royal Society of Architects in Wales Awards. Evans is now working alongside Rightacres at Central Square – the new financial and professional services destination at the heart of the Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone. The 800,000-square feet development will be office-led, but will also provide commercial, civic, residential, hotel, leisure and retail space, and will include work on the new BBC HQ. The first development, though, is One Central Square, a 135,000-square feet BREEAM excellent-rated office building. Sound familiar?

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

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the power behind your business

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training BUILDING TRUST

Live wire Standing out Customers are increasingly aware of the need to find a contractor they can trust. Following a few w broad principles should ensure you don’t let them down, n, says Philip Sanders

lectrical contractors are no different nt from any other business, in so much as they deliver a service to a customer. However, there is something that sets electrical contracting apart from most other ay businesses as, while a customer may hey well know what they want in terms of an end result, they do not have the practical or regulatory knowledge to know what is required to achieve it. More often than not, customers go to great lengthss to find the ‘right’ contractor and place great reliance e on the NICEIC and ELECSA brands as part of their due n diligence. Trust is a word that is often overused but, in essence, this is what customers are doing when they engage a registered electrical contractor. They are p putting their trust in the company or individual to help them achieve the desired outcome, be it something simple, such as an additional socket outlet, or vastly more complex, such as the wiring of a new facility. k In all cases, customers rightly expect that any work undertaken by a registered electrical contractor will be completed to the required standard. Of course, all registered contractors are required to meet, as a uch minimum, BS 7671 and other applicable standards, such as those laid down in building regulations. er? So, what can set one contractor apart from another? ery Well, in addition to having the right physical tools, every professional electrical contractor should possess the ers. tools required to deliver a quality service for customers. The following elements are all aspects to consider.

the words or the information being communicated, but also understanding what the speaker is really saying.

Take a close look Evaluate the existing installation prior to undertaking alterations. This fundamental BS 7671 principle will serve you well, with any shortfall in adequacy of the existing installation being communicated to the customer in writing, together with a scope of remedial work/costs.

Plan every job There is no substitute for proper, effective planning, as electrical installations vary enormously in age, condition and complexity. Planning should include understanding the task that must be performed, and the tools and procedures necessary to complete it. Communicate the plan to the customer in writing, discuss, listen to feedback, and change where appropriate.

Anticipate the unexpected

Remember, there are many variables within an electrical installation and a customer’s requirements, so don’t offer an ‘off-the-peg’ solution when the situation requires a ‘bespoke’ option. No two jobs are the same.

Effective communication This is probably the most important tool of a professional electrical contractor. It sounds simple, but too often what we try to communicate gets lost in translation, despite our best intentions. Fortunately, you can learn how to communicate more effectively to enable you to connect with your customers, and build trust and respect. People often focus on what they should say, but effective communication is less about talking and more about listening. Listening well means not just understanding

‘Accept that contractual creep can happen and discuss any changes and extras directly with the customer’

If this step is applied effectively effectively, the possible cause of failures or events that could alter the method of accomplishing the task could be thought through beforehand. So, consider the actions of other trades involved and the impact this may have on your work.

Contractual creep This is where the agreed scope of work is subject to change, often initiated by the customer, even while work is underway. Accept that this can happen and discuss any changes and extras directly with the customer.

Be transparent Honesty is crucial to maintaining trust, and this includes when problems occur and mistakes happen.

Philip Sanders is customer relations engineer at Certsure

Connections Summer 2016

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Illustration: Cameron Law

Be open-minded

29/06/2016 09:35

NICEIC AT 60 // CONTRACTOR PROFILES

Sharing in our success NICEIC has stood the test of time over the past six decades, and many of our earliest contractors have also thrived. Here, Nick Martindale meets some of the early registrants to see how their businesses have fared over the past 60 years Steve Burley Director of Derry Building Services, Newark NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business set up, and when did it register with NICEIC? It was originally set up as R G McConnell Electrical and registered with NICEIC on 1 January 1957, with enrolment number 288. It was bought by Derry Mechanical in 1989. Who was involved with the business back then? How has that changed over time? The original focus was local work around Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, with the exception of a national Currys retail outlet contract. We undertook domestic and retail work, as well as working in local authority housing and schools. Back then we turned over around £200,000 and had around 15 staff. Today we offer a national coverage in all sectors, including education, leisure and the commercial sector, as well domestic, retail and local authority work. We turn over around £50 million and have in the region of 220 staff.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? Plenty! Computerisation both in the office and on site, accurate drawings, the change from imperial to metric, the rise of health and safety, and electronic payments, as well as shorter working hours and improved working conditions. What was better back then, if anything? Beer was two shillings a pint, but even with the application of rose-tinted spectacles I can’t think of anything that was better. How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? The theory is much more detailed now. Apprentices study how things work and integrate with other services rather than just the practical side of installing things. Apprentices used to be seen as the site dogsbody, but now they are a respected member of the team. What tools have made a big difference in that time? Access equipment, power tools, PPE, accurate drawings.

Is there anyone around today who would have memories of those early days? Our longest-serving member of staff is Paul Nicholson, who started as an apprentice in 1971 at 15 years old and is now contracts manager and part of the senior management team.

How has NICEIC accreditation helped the business? It provides credibility for our company, and helps us get onto government and local authority tender lists. It also provides support through auditing sites and assessing the competency of work standards and personnel.

What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? In the beginning it was solely electrical work, but now it includes both mechanical and electrical.

What are your plans for the future of the business? We opened another office in Birmingham in 2014, which registered with NICEIC last year. We plan to continue our expansion, increasing our capacity to cope with more projects.

Summer 2016 Connections

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John Kavanagh Managing director, Dodd Group NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business set up, and when did it register with NICEIC? The company was founded by Mr Harold Dodd in 1947, and was based out of premises in Cross Houses, near Shrewsbury. It eventually took the name T.H.W. Dodd (Electrical). We registered with NICEIC in 1962. Who was involved with the business back then? How has that changed over time? Other than the founder, over time there were a number of long-term employees, but sadly all have since passed away. In 1962, the work was based primarily in Shropshire, opshire, but now the company has branches nationally – from Stockton in the northeast all the way to Hayle in Cornwall. Is there anyone around today who would have memories of those early days? Our current chairman, Mr T.R. Dodd, joined the business in the late 1960s; he was the one who has developed the company into the £100-million-plus business it is today. We have a number of employees who have been with the company in excess of 40 years. What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? The business at that time was just local electrical works, either for domestic customers or local farmers. In the early 1970s the company developed a relationship with the local Shrewsbury & Wem Brewery and undertook the maintenance of all their public houses. This soon developed into the maintenance of their cellar cooling and the eventual forming of T.H.W. Dodd (air conditioning). In the early 1970s the development of the new town at Telford gave rise to numerous projects for the New Town Development organisation and eventually moved to Telford itself. By the mid-1970s the company employed around 60 people. The business changed its name to the Dodd Group, and in the 1980s was fortunate enough to pick up numerous large contracts with the influx of foreign companies into the Development Zone. The company was also fortunate at this time to secure many contracts with the MoD. The company continued to grow in the 1980s and ’90s through the acquisition of businesses in Chester, Hayle, Norwich, Kings Lynn and Stockton, and today maintains offices in most of these locations, together with others in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Northampton, Stockport, Cambridge, Great Yarmouth and Bridgend.

‘Today the industry delivers betterrounded apprenticeships, enabling apprentices to adapt to the everchanging needs of the industry’

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? The electrical contracting industry, as we would perhaps refer to it when we started out, has developed into a multidiscipline industry covering every aspect of electrical and mechanical services. The Dodd Group now covers electrical, mechanical, gas and data services. Regulations and health and safety standards have improved to safeguard those working within the industry as well as the end-user. What was better back then, if anything? It was probably easier, but we have seen two recessions and are still here, growing and getting stronger. How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? We believe that today the industry delivers a better-rounded apprenticeship, enabling apprentices to adapt to the everchanging needs of the industry. What tools have made a big difference in that time? It’s gone from the traditional manual handheld hammer and rawl-plugging tools to 240v electrical-powered tools, followed by safer 110v equipment and finally battery-powered tools. That has enabled the industry to work safer, faster and keep pace with the technological improvements and requirements of our customers. Design tools such as CAD have made a significant difference, and of course computer systems in general. Test equipment has changed dramatically and it is good to press a button rather than hand-wind the machines to get them to work. How has NICEIC accreditation helped the business? Over the years the group has been required to obtain numerous accreditations, but the core and most important one for electrical work will always be the NICEIC. We started with one qualified supervisor in 1962 and now have more than 35 nationally. This involves a lot of certification and annual assessments, which ensure continued high standards of workmanship to meet legal requirements for trade standards. What are your plans for the future of the business? We hope we will continue to grow and maintain the high standards we have set ourselves and keep our 700 employees in gainful employment. Connections Summer 2016

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NICEIC AT 60 // CONTRACTOR PROFILES

Peter Connor Managing director, Electract, Coalville NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business set up, and when did it register with NICEIC? Electract was formed in 1950 and enrolment with NICEIC was in 1957. Who was involved with the business then? How has that changed over time? Electract was founded in 1950 by Jack Hardy and Ken Fox, two ex-servicemen who were working as electrical engineers in the difficult cult and dark days after the war. The business was initially registered as Electrical Contractors (Coalville), before being renamed Electract. The Hardys continued to be involved with the business until a management buyout in 2006, and the company has gone from strength to strength in the ensuing years, carrying out major projects up to £2 million in value for a number of blue chip organisations. Present turnover is around the £16 million mark, and around 120 on-the-books site operatives help the company meet its busy schedule.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? The introduction of technology has changed the way we all work immensely. The use of tailored packages for estimating, engineering, accounts and wages have improved efficiencies and service levels. Health and safety requirements are much more at the forefront than in the past, which ensures a safer working environment for our employees and others working in the sector.

Is there anyone around today who would have memories of those early days? Henry Wright has been with the company for 52 years (since 1964), working in our stores. He still works one day a week.

What was better back then, if anything? There was more emphasis on ‘trust’. A handshake was a contract, and there was much less contractual wrangling than there is today.

What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? The company was mainly involved in commercial and industrial work in its early days, with some new housing works. A lot of work was through local councils and

How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? There is less ‘one-to-one’ time for an apprentice. As a company grows it takes on bigger contracts that necessitate a squad of labour, where the ratio of apprentices is much less than one-to-one.

La Larry Hannah Consultant, EPI Ashdale, C Liverpool L N NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business y sset up, and when did it rregister with NICEIC? The company was formed T in 1919 and named EPI. The owners had bought an existing business named Byred Electrics, which was already trading installing electric lights. trading installing e One of the original shareholders was a Thomas Eades who owned a manufacturing company called AT & E (Automatic Telephone & Exchange) based in Liverpool. AT & E produced telephone systems and EPI became the installation and wiring company for these systems. In 1972 the companies of EPI and Ashdale Engineering merged to form EPI Ashdale Engineering Services. I was the owner and director of Ashdale Engineering and became the MD of the new company. What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? 36

utilities authorities. The majority of the work today is still in the commercial sector for schools, offices, c warehouses, factories, hospitals w and a student accommodation, but the t size of contracts undertaken and the t capabilities of the company has increased substantially over the years. in We W also have a very busy residential department, which now accounts for d a larger proportion of the business than a in the past, working with most of the major housebuilders in the region. m

The company was involved in electrical installations and the installation of telephone systems. In the 1920s and ‘30s, it was involved in some major projects in Liverpool, including the Liverpool Clarence Dock Power Station and the Kingsway Mersey Tunnel. In the mid-1970s, because the company had the skills to install telephone systems and carry out electrical installations, it was a natural step to then move into the wiring installation of computer networks. The company was able to provide wiring systems to power voice and data cabling networks. This still forms a core of our business. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? The main changes are the quality and availability of installation materials and equipment, along with the increase in skill levels of the operatives. How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? The role of the apprentice has changed dramatically – from tea boy to student craftsman – with greater attention paid to training and academic qualifications. How has NICEIC accreditation helped the business? NICEIC accreditation has helped to identify the genuine professional companies and therefore a greater guarantee of a quality installation.

Summer 2016 Connections

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> Founded in 1950 by ex-servicemen Jack Hardy and Ken Fox

The learning process for the apprentice has changed in that more time is spent on theory and college work. It was more ‘on-the-job’ experience, with some college time in the past. What tools have made a big difference in that time? Battery drills save a lot of time that used to be spent setting up transformers and leads – and they are improving all the time. Hand tools have improved greatly over the years.

John Smith Managing director, H A Newall & Co NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business set up, and when did it register with NICEIC? The company was formed in 1946 and became a member of NICEIC in 1957. Who was involved with the business back then? How has that changed over time? H A Newall & Co was founded by Herbert Alfred Newall and later passed on to his son, Ian. I’m afraid both are no longer with us. The Newalls have always had a strong hold on the Merseyside area, ever since the 1940s, working in the museums and university sectors. We still work in these sectors today, along with contracts for local councils. What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? Anything electrical that Herbert Newall could get his hands on! It was just after the war, so he was trying to help Liverpool get back on its feet. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? Mainly the regulations and testing, both of which have made a vast difference in a positive way.

How has NICEIC H accreditation helped a the business? th People recognise the P importance of using im electrical contractors e who are assessed for w ttheir competence and standards. We are a considered for tenders c ffor which non-NICEIC companies are not. c

What are your plans for the future of the business? We plan to grow organically. We presently have around 160 employees with a turnover of around £16 million. We are also committed to continuing the training of apprentices. We this ti W believe b li thi is i an essential part of our business model and key to the future of our industry. We have trained well over 100 apprentices since 2000, averaging around seven a year. Having a large on-the-books labour force allows us to allocate the right individuals or mix of individuals on each project, and gives us full control of our labour resources, which is much better than relying on outsourced labour.

What was better back then, if anything? Early Friday finishes! How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? The regulations have changed, and so has some of the training. Health and safety is more prevalent today, and that has also come more into the frame as an apprentice. What tools have made a big difference in that time? Power tools for sure, and the testing equipment has improved tenfold. All of this makes the jobs quicker, easier and safer. How has NICEIC accreditation helped the business? Because it’s such a recognised name, our clients know they are in safe hands and that any job will be done to a great standard. What are your plans for the future of the business? We’re in our 70th year and have our eyes firmly on the 100-year mark. We would love to see our company grow. Connections Summer 2016

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NICEIC AT 60 // CONTRACTOR PROFILES

Ian Johnson Managing director, Eric Johnson of Northwich NICEIC turns 60 this year. When was your business set up, and when did it register with NICEIC? The business was established in June 1946. We joined NICEIC in 1957. Who was involved with the business back then? How has that changed over time? The company was started by my father Eric after being demobbed from the Navy after the end of the Second World War, with his sister Betty Johnson doing the paperwork and serving in the shop. It was the shopfront of the business at that time. He employed two electricians and two ladies in the shop, including Aunty Betty. The business is now managed by myself and my wife Diane, who is the finance director, and we employ over 30 employees. Is there anyone around today who would have memories of those early days? Unfortunately, there is no one living from the early days. Aunty Betty died last December; she would have been 90 this year. What kind of work did the business undertake back then, and how has that changed? The work undertaken back then was charging accumulators for farmers and putting in basic electrics into domestic properties as many did not have electricity after the war. It would also sell small appliances and cookers, and undertake electrical installations in the local dairy and offices. Today we serve numerous customers, and most of our work is in the industrial commercial sector. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen within the industry over the past 60 years? The biggest changes are the birth of the computer, lighting control systems, automation, technical issues and new methods of working, such as the dawn of battery tools. Also masses of red tape, bureaucracy and paperwork.

they normally had their parents t countersign the agreement, so it was c a partnership between employer, apprentice and his family. Apprentices expected to get a lower rate of pay while learning, knowing that there was a skill for life at the end and the ability to earn a good living for the rest of their lives, including running their own business. The apprenticeship was also more manually intensive, as automation had not been developed. But an electrical apprenticeship was well respected, whereas in the recent years it has been seen as a backward step when weighed against a university degree, which has created a massive skills shortage in the industry. What tools have made a big difference in that time? The tools that have made a difference are battery tools, test equipment, mobile phones, iPads, computer estimating, automatic threading machines, hydraulic crimpers and cutting tools, and plug-and-play technology. How has NICEIC accreditation helped the business? It is a mark of quality and technical expertise, which makes you stand out from your competitors. It enforces the knowledge that the company is carrying out work to BS standards and specifications. In the beginning, if you were not an NICEIC contractor, in many cases you were excluded from tender lists, especially with local authorities. To my father, it was the benchmark to achieve. What are your plans for the future of the business? Our future plans are to remain a family-owned and familyrun company, training the electricians of the future. In the past 70 years we have trained nearly 400. This is essential to the succession and success of our business going forward, and to continuing to serve both existing and new customers with the highest level of service.

What was better back then, if anything? Back then business was easier. A man’s word was his bond and many jobs were carried out by word of mouth. There was more trust and it was not as much of a race to the bottom pricewise as it is today. There was much more respect between the client, the main contractor and sub-contractors. Today, many big business just want to squeeze the sub-contractors, as they put in unrealistic prices and use the supply chain to achieve their profit. How has the role of an apprentice changed in that time? The apprenticeship has changed a lot. In those days an apprentice was indentured and 38

Summer 2016 Connections

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Alf Barker was electrical manager for Kier, in Stoke, until earliier this year, when he retired after more than 50 0 years in the industry. Before he left, he shared hiss tho oughts on how the industry has changed So, when and how did you start? I started a month before my 16th birthday in 1965. A friend had started his apprenticeship as an electrician and discussed the work he was doing. I was impressed and was fortunate to obtain an apprenticeship with Stoke City Council. I worked with good tradesman during my four years as an apprentice and consider this an important start. I went on to carry out installation work in public buildings, schools, hospitals and colleges, which is where I gained most of my experience. In the late 1980s, I had an illness that prevented me carrying out labour-intensive work. This was the trigger that sent me back to college, where I eventually gained an HNC in electrical engineering. I reluctantly accepted a Student of the Year award from Stoke College, having achieved nine distinctions and a merit, which just shows you are never too old to learn. Following this I gained registration to the Institution of Incorporated Engineers in 2002. What was your most recent role? I was an electrical manager from 2008 (when Kier became a joint venture company with Stoke City Council) until earlier this year. Prior to that I was an electrical supervisor from 1989 and an NICEIC-qualified supervisor from 1999. What have been some of the main changes you have come across in the industry during your time? There have been many changes to the wiring regulations. The 14th edition was in place when I started. The main changes have been: • Metric cabling replacing imperial-sized cabling with all the confusion over current rating of cable;

• Testing, inspection and certification, which in my early years was pretty much non-existent; • Bonding and the confusion over many years over what to bond and what not to bond; • RCDs replacing voltage-operated circuit breakers and the move to 30mA RCD additional protection for many circuits; • Introduction of special locations and zoning, which consistently changes with every amendment; • The ease to gain technical advice, either from phone calls or from the Technical Library, formerly the Technical Manual; • The drive to reduce energy costs; for example, LED lights replacing high wattage lighting, PV, solar heating, etc; and • More recently, the drive to reduce fires in domestic properties with the introduction of non-combustible consumer units. Have you always been NICEIC? Stoke City Council was registered as a NICEIC-conforming authority in 1960. The registration number then was 900002, which I believe indicated we were the second registered company in our area. How do you plan to spend your retirement? When I have completed my wife’s ‘to-do’ list I will endeavour to stay involved in some way with the industry, which I am still passionate about. My grandson has started an electrical apprenticeship and this will keep me on my toes, especially with his college work. I will need to take a look at my old college books. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the electrical industry and would do it all again given the opportunity. » Nick Martindale is editor of Connections Connections Summer 2016

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NICEIC AT 60 // LOOKING FORWARD

Facing the future Successful organisations need to move with the times if they are to remain relevant. David Adams looks at how the electrical industry might shape up over the coming years and where the opportunities lie

Illustration: Adam Quest

H 40

ow might the day-today working life of the electrical contractor change in the future? In some ways, the job hasn’t changed a great deal in the past 25 years. If you took an electrician from 1990 to the present day, the main differences they would spot are the use of battery-powered tools and, of course, the smartphones now used by most contractors. But these apparently superficial differences show how the job is already changing. NICEIC technical services manager Paul Collins, who began his career in 1990, thinks the rise of the smartphone is one of the most significant changes to have affected the industry during the past 30 years. “Mobile phones have changed the way we do business,” he explains. “I

Summer 2016 Connections

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think in the short term, contractors will use mobile devices more – they will start using tablets on site, if they’re not doing so already. That means you can fill out forms, certifications and so on, on the tablet. There are devices now that allow you to take payment too. Over the next five years we’ll see more of a shift to electronic communications and transactions.” Many contractors spend a lot of time testing installations and appliances today, but will that still be the case in 10 or 20 years’ time? Jim Wallace, technical standards and applications specialist at test equipment specialist Seaward, thinks it probably will, but not in quite the same way. He points to the current trend for organisations of all kinds to move away from a ‘test everything’ mentality to approaches to testing and maintenance based on risk assessment, which are already informing the design of technologies being produced by companies such as Seaward, harnessing IT, digital photography and instant communications. “We’ve built risk-assessment tools into appliance testers, and users can take images with cameras built into test equipment to back up their findings,” says Wallace. The spread of smart electronics and smart monitoring solutions will change the focus of testing to examining functional effectiveness rather than checking safety. In a growing number of cases, testing and diagnosis of any problems discovered might be completed from a remote location rather than on-site. Changing needs Research conducted by Certsure suggests likely future trends in domestic life in the UK that could drive demand for new products and services. There will be a growth in both the numbers of single-person households and of multi-generational households. Both trends will increase demand for monitoring and control devices for heating and lighting systems. Multi-generational households may also want more complex home entertainment and online connectivity facilities, to be used by individuals in different parts of the home. At the same time, internet of things (IoT) technologies, such as beaconing

6,000: The number of charging devices for electric vehicles in 2016 devices that let appliances or other items in the home interact with smartphones, or intelligent monitoring equipment designed for purposes such as detecting water leaks, are developing quickly. More sophisticated security and fire alarm systems are being installed in a growing number of homes and multi-occupancy buildings. Consumers are also getting more used to being able to control more aspects of their lives using their phones. Fewer than 10 per cent of the 1,500 respondents questioned for the Certsure research are currently controlling thermostats in their homes through a smartphone app, but almost 40 per cent said they were interested in doing so. It is likely we will see more legislation and changes to regulation encouraging more efficient energy use in all types of buildings. “Smart homes and smart metering provide information about energy use, and the householder will need to be advised by someone as to how to reduce energy consumption,” says David Lewis, energy efficiency marketing manager at technology company Schneider Electric. “The contractor is in a perfect position to do that and to provide services to monitor energy management.” Similar technologies will also be in demand from other customers, such as commercial, industrial or public sector clients. “We’re going to see energy efficiency high on the agenda,” says Lewis. “A contractor’s going to be implementing solutions and acting as a trusted advisor.” Energy storage technologies will also develop significantly during the next few years. “At the moment, the financials are still a bit of a challenge, but the further we go down the

‘If a householder can generate, store and use their own energy, that’s a great opportunity for electricians’ Connections Summer 2016

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NICEIC AT 60 // LOOKING FORWARD

40 per cent of consumers are interested in using smartphones to control their heating road, the cheaper these products will become,” says Collins. “If a householder can generate, store and use their own energy, that’s a great opportunity for electricians, for installation and maintenance.” He acknowledges that after the boom in solar PV installations when feed-in-tariffs were more generous, this market, along with other renewables markets and microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) work, are all much more sluggish today. Nonetheless, he is sure that take-up of these technologies will increase, driven by changes to building regulations. KDE managing director and founder Keith Darlington suggests that even though feed-in-tariffs have been cut substantially, falling manufacture, supply and installation costs for solar PV are likely to drive more demand in future. “Renewables is an area we need to keep our eye on as a company,” he says. Smart technology Contractors are also more likely to get involved in installing technology infrastructures to support more sophisticated home entertainment and home-working capabilities, even including smart cooking technologies in the kitchen. All these requirements will increase demand for more sophisticated, reliable technologies in the home – and contractors have the chance to create and maintain the electrical and electronic infrastructures upon which they will depend. “It’s still wiring,” says Collins. “What contractors will need to look at is how to connect it and get it working. If they can do that they can then offer customers a one-stop-shop for everything including data networks, TV, audiovisual and so on. And on the back of that they can go into maintenance.” There may also be more opportunities to help build and maintain the charging infrastructure required to support wider

The industry in 2016 The electrical contracting industry today is worth £16.6 billion. There are more than 37,000 businesses in the sector, including over 27,000 NICEIC-registered contractors. In June 2015 Certsure surveyed 1,300 companies in the electrical contracting industry. The research revealed an industry of small but well-established and profitable companies, run by experienced managers and electricians. Almost eight out of 10 (79 per cent) had annual turnover below £500,000, with only nine per cent turning over more than £1 million, including 3.8 per cent with annual turnover of over £5 million. Almost nine out of 10 (88 per cent) have fewer than 10 staff and 53 per cent are sole traders. Nearly four out of 10 companies (37.5 per cent) have been trading for more than 15 years; just over 15 per cent have been running between 10 and 15 years. Eight out of 10 of the individuals surveyed had more than 10 years’ experience as contractors under their belts, including 70 per cent who had been in the industry for over 15 years. The research suggests growth in renewables and microgeneration work will continue to grow over the next two years, but slowly. Security-related services will grow slightly faster: the access control market by between 1.6 and 2.2 per cent over the next two years; and the CCTV market by between 2.5 and 3.3 per cent. Growth looks likely to be more impressive in fire services – around 4.5 per cent over the next two years. What may well be of interest to many contractors is the strong growth – of nine to 11 per cent a year – that is predicted over the next two years in the IT services market. With the sheer range of technologies being installed in homes, offices and other settings, and the need for all of them to be installed, integrated and managed effectively, some of that money will surely come into the electrical contracting market.

‘The householder will need to be advised by someone as to how to reduce energy consumption. The contractor is in a perfect position to do that’ use of electric vehicles. Sales of electric vehicles, while still tiny compared with conventional vehicles, are growing fast: from around 4,000 in 2013 to 15,000 in 2014 and almost 30,000 in 2015, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. As of April 2016, there were thought to be around 4,000 charging locations and 6,000 charging devices. That growth is impressive in the context of low fuel prices for conventional cars. With further government incentives to use electric cars likely to follow in

future, opportunities for contractors will surely continue to grow. Collins wonders if in future electric vans might become a vehicle of choice for electricians. He imagines contractors arriving on site with a tablet, or something similar, in hand, to commission and test installations, communicate with colleagues or access information as necessary, and to issue certifications and other documentation to clients. “It’s an exciting time, because changes in technology are moving so quickly,” he says. If contractors are able to gain a good understanding of at least some of these technologies, new business opportunities will be there for the taking. Those opportunities, along with further developments in mobile and other technologies that allow contractors to work more efficiently, should increase the chances of NICEIC contractors continuing to enjoy successful and rewarding careers for many decades. » David Adams is a freelance business journalist

Summer 2016 Connections

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NICEIC AT 60 // BIM

ather than being a niche technology that only larger electrical contracting firms need to be concerned about, building information modelling (BIM) is fast becoming a mainstream fixture on all construction projects. By allowing everyone to understand a project or building through the use of a digital model that gathers information about every component of it in one place, BIM creates more efficient and integrated ways of working during all stages of the construction lifecycle through the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics. With a history of unimpressive performance and poor value for the

public purse, the UK government has long bemoaned the way in which its construction projects have been delivered. The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills’ Construction Industrial Strategy, published in early 2013, suggested that £40 billion of public money is spent on centrally funded public buildings every year and, from this, millions of pounds are lost through poor practices. It also found that 30 per cent of the construction process is rework, 60 per cent of the labour effort is wasted and 10 per cent of loss is due to squandered materials. The UK government has taken the lead in promoting the use of BIM since the publication of its Construction Strategy in May 2011. This report announced its intention to require the use of collaborative BIM by 2016, and since April all centrally procured public sector projects have required

the implementation of BIM at Level 2. Meanwhile, October will see each government department’s capability to electronically validate BIM information delivered from the supply chain assessed. “The UK is now leading the global race towards digitalisation of the construction industry and we will not let it slip,” says the government’s BIM task group chair Mark Bew. “BIM is very much business as usual. Level 2 is driving efficiency and creating a competitive supply sector with our businesses in demand internationally. BIM will become a required UK standard across the entire built environment.” Julian Carter, head of commercial services at the South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE), believes this top-down approach will make a difference. “Without the government’s backing, through the successful delivery of the Construction Strategy,

Illustration: Purdy McGuire

Building for the future 44

Building information modelling will play a vital role in how construction projects are designed, built and managed in the future. Rob Shepherd explains why electrical contractors need to get on board now Summer 2016 Connections

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BIM would not be where it is today,” he says. “Where the government has led, others are following and it has created the investment in BIM knowledge that the industry is now making.’ Broad scope The positive impact of BIM extends far beyond public sector projects, though, as it demonstrates the geometry of a building’s spatial relationships, geographic information, and material quantities and properties. It also consolidates much of the information contained in specifications and schedules, as well as project management and post-construction facilities management. All relevant parties are able to access that information for any purpose. For example, exact quantity take-offs mean that materials are not over-ordered, while precise programme scheduling

Level pegging Working towards BIM: Level 0: Computer-aided design (CAD), likely 2D, with communications and collaborations via electronic sources and paper in an unmanaged environment. The majority of commercial projects are still at this level Level 1: CAD, in either 2D or 3D, which is managed and used to give a visual image to a client. It can also check clashes visually, and can be used to reduce waste costs and conflicts Level 2: Collaboration by all parties of the design team is required. 3D models are used, but this does not necessarily mean working from one model, as members may work from separate models Level 3: The model itself will be held on a central server where access will be enabled and controlled by the project teams. Level 3 ‘smart’ BIM is significantly easier to achieve if the correct intelligent-building technology has been installed during the construction phase

60Theper cent: amount of labour in the construction process that is wasted, according to government figures

enables just-in-time delivery of resources and equipment. Furthermore, it identifies when automated fabrication of equipment and components can be used, enabling more efficient materialshandling and waste recovery. The government predicts BIM will save UK construction and its clients £2 billion a year, and Gary Buckingham, marketing manager of partner business at Schneider Electric, suggests there will also be “cost savings in the facilities management of the building through defined maintenance and repair costs”. Although there has been significant progress, there is still much work to do to raise awareness and make sure all parties take the leap towards BIM. This was borne out in the recent 2016 NBS National BIM Report, which highlighted that although BIM is happening, only 37 per cent of those surveyed are using BIM from the start of a project to the very end, with just over half (54 per cent) of all respondents saying they are using BIM at all. Furthermore, research conducted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) last year found that over half of contractors (54 per cent) with a turnover of less than £1 million were ‘not ready at all’ for BIM, while 30 per cent with earnings between £1 million and £20 million were in the same position. “It is vital that building services firms of all shapes and sizes quickly get up to speed with BIM, as it won’t work properly if the specialist supply chain is not fully ready,” warns Bill Wright, head of energy solutions at the ECA. Connections Summer 2016

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NICEIC AT 60 // BIM

54 per cent: The number of smaller contractors that admit they are not ready for BIM Croydon-based King & Moffatt is one firm already making good use of it. “BIM is revolutionising the electrical contracting industry; however, it is fair to say there are varying degrees of awareness in the sector,” says Padraic King, the company’s BIM manager. “Our senior management have grasped its importance and we have been involved in a number of projects where BIM has been used. But from attending numerous meetings and conferences, it’s clear to see that not many mechanical and electrical contractors have any knowledge in this area.” Taking action For those new to BIM, there will be initial costs incurred to cover new computing equipment, software and processes. In some circumstances, training might be required, but this should be considered in the light of greater efficiencies further down the line and the introduction of more efficient working practices. Simon Brown, senior Cymap application engineer at Cadline, warns that businesses need to take the time to understand how to use BIM effectively. “There is no software package out there at the moment that covers all bases in one suite, so it is important that users are trained in the appropriate piece of software, then also trained based on their workflow as to who does what and when in the process,” he says. “It’s important they examine their workflows as an organisation and look at how the software packages interact with each other. Failure to adopt this approach means they have bought suites of software that each user can manipulate but can’t join up the process.” This tallies with King’s experience, but the benefits have outweighed the costs. “Implementing BIM has required significant investment in hardware in the form of desktop computers that are capable of running the Autodesk’s Revit software, and we have also trained and upskilled our engineers,” he says. “But the costs have not been prohibitive in our case and we choose to view BIM as an opportunity.” Victoria Harding-Domeney, BIM/ Revit MEP manager at SB Electrical, 46

Benefit check BIM offers: • A single, shared multidimensional model, cultivating collaborative working relationships • Exact quantity ordering, so that materials are not over-ordered. Precise programmescheduling enables just-in-time delivery of materials and equipment, while the use of BIM for automated fabrication of equipment and components enables more efficient materials handling and waste recovery • Swift and accurate comparison of different design options, enabling development of more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, and true whole-life asset management • The ability for projects to be visualised at an early stage, giving owners and operators a clear idea of design intent and allowing them to modify the design to achieve the outcomes they want • Product information that assists with commissioning, operation and maintenance activities • Faster project delivery. This can be achieved by agreeing the design concept early in project development to eliminate stage design changes using standard design elements when practical • Multidisciplinary design integration using a single model. This allows interface issues to be identified and resolved in advance of construction, eliminating the cost and time impacts of redesign through service clashes

‘It’s vital that building services firms get up to speed with BIM, as it won’t work if the specialist supply chain is not ready’ agrees. “There is a spectrum of levels of involvement with BIM, depending what a company wishes to have,” she says. “However, the cost is not prohibitive as long as it is properly thought through. Furthermore, manufacturers are producing BIM products, which can be used by electrical contractors to develop their design in a more efficient way.” Standard issue Standards have been introduced that will assist firms working on BIM-based projects. PAS 1192-2 sets out how to share information and is available to public and private sector clients for use on jobs. In 2014 PAS 1192-3 was published, which extended BIM’s remit

into the operational phase of the building lifecycle and defines the handover of the building from construction to operations, as outlined in BS 8536. These standards mean that contractors are obliged to stay involved beyond the stage of practical completion and assist during initial operation and beyond. More recently, two additional standards have been released – PAS 1192-4 and PAS 1192-5 – addressing the exchange of information and data security respectively. “Standards play an important role in ensuring the wider adoption of BIM technologies, processes and collaboration by ensuring that the same accurate data can be accessed throughout the supply chain,” says Bew. By providing intuitive and interactive tools, BIM provides the foundations for achieving streamlined operational efficiencies. Ultimately, it will need to be used by all parties, irrespective of size, in order for them to evolve within a changing industry. Those ignoring the BIM revolution do so at their peril. » Rob Shepherd is a freelance business journalist who specialises in the building services industry

Summer 2016 Connections

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WallPod: EV CommercialCharge A simple, low-cost, easy to install mode 3 fast-charge EV charging station. Ideal for commercial locations such as ofﬁces, factories, restaurants, sports venues, hotels, etc. FROM JUST

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SAY HELLO TO EVEN MORE COMPACT CONNECTIONS WAGO 221 connector series

• 40% smaller than previous generation • CAGE CLAMP® technology guarantees safe, permanent connections 1. Strip wire insulation to correct length

• Transparent housing – for visual inspection • Quicker installation, more reliable than screw terminals

2. Open clamp

• Connect ﬁne-stranded wires from 0.14 to 4 mm2, and solid/stranded wires from 0.2 to 4 mm2 • Available in 2- 3- and 5- way versions • Two test slots • Reusable, simply re-open clamp to remove wire

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Ad/Profile

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UPCOMING EVENTS

WAGO Limited Triton Park Swift Valley Industrial Estate Rugby CV21 1SG Tel: 01788 568 008 Fax: 01788 568 050

1951

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NUMBER OF STAFF 6,700

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KEY PERSONNEL Paul Witherington – UK Marketing Manager paul.witherington@wago.com Clive Humphrey – Product Manager Interconnection clive.humphrey@wago.com Sarah Burrows – Product Manager - Installer Connectors sarah.burrows@wago.com Liam Gillis – Customer Service Manager uksales@wago.com

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WAGO is renowned for its electrical interconnection products. As the inventors of screwless connection, the company has spent 60 years pushing the technology forward The company’s installer products including connectors, junction boxes, terminal blocks

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guarantee reliable, free-from-maintenance connections in an almost limitless number of applications all over the world WAGO’s automation technologies are also helping to improve productivity, efficiency and safety, with systems such as the WAGO I/O-SYSTEM 750 ensuring effective automation of industrial and commercial tasks

Products are extensively tested, typically far beyond rated limits, to ensure that they are of the highest reliability, and exceed applicable standards (eg, ATEX, maintenance-free) WAGO’s new 221 series connector is 40 percent smaller than previous generations, while enabling fast, tool-free connection of all types of wires up to 4 mm2

WHAT DO THE NEXT 40 YEARS HAVE IN STORE FOR THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY? Having been with WAGO for 25 years, and seen the changes during that time that have led us to where we are now, I’d like to think I’m particularly well positioned to assess what the future might hold for the electrical industry. Screwless technology was not exactly in its infancy 25 years ago, but it was far from widely adopted. Now, having proven itself time and time against older technologies, screwless is becoming the industry standard. But what challenges face us in the future? It’s the customer who holds the key here; in our industry new technologies develop because there exists a customer demand that older technologies aren’t fulfilling. Whether it’s a demand for improved product features, lower costs, greater ease of use, reduced maintenance requirements, or more streamlined delivery channels between supplier and customer. The market leaders will always be the companies that can respond fastest in effectively leveraging these emerging technologies to create useful products, and getting those products to the customer. At WAGO this means constantly innovating and never standing still, as you never know when the next game-changing technology will come along that might capture customers’ imaginations. Smart controls are

starting to creep into homes and businesses through wireless heating and lighting controls, but whilst the technology is there, the smart home as a fully integrated package is still some way off widespread adoption. This is why WAGO is utilising its expertise in the building automation sector to develop connection solutions not just for now, but for years to come. The complexity of such technology could mean that maintenancefree becomes increasingly important, and we’re already seeing signs of this happening. For property and premises owners, fit and forget is always going to be preferable to having to provide frequent maintenance, but customers have to trust the technology first. However as we’ve seen with screwless connections, once that trust is earned, even revolutionary technologies can very quickly become the norm. Without a crystal ball it’s difficult to say exactly where we’ll be in 40 years’ time, but I can observe that 25 years ago our customers’ needs were very different. Innovation is not just about the “eureka” moments, it’s also about the incremental improvements – smaller, safer, cheaper – making sure that we’re providing what the customer needs, when they need it. Clive Humphrey – Product Manager – Interconnection

Connections Summer 2016

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Protecting homes for over 40 years

Bringing you the latest innovation with a new generation of consumer units and a brand you can trust The BS7671 Amendment 3 compliant Easy9+ and Resi9+ consumer unit ranges offer stylish, efﬁcient and practical solutions with unique features at competitive prices.

Features include: • Over 30% more cabling space • 180˚ reversible enclosure door • Improved cable entries • Flush mount option • Customisable front face • Cable clamp kit option

schneider-electric.co.uk/easy9

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Ad/Profile

Schneider Electric Ltd CONTACT DETAILS Schneider Electric Ltd UK Head Office 2nd Floor 80 Victoria Street London SW1E 5JL Tel: 0870 608 8 608 Fax: 0870 608 6 606 www.schneider-electric.co.uk

with its roots in the iron and steel industry, before progressing to heavy machinery and ship building and finally into electricity and automation management. Now with over 180 years of history and experience, Schneider Electric has transformed itself into the global specialist in energy management today, providing connected technologies and solutions across the world, including a strong presence in the UK with multiple manufacturing sites and offices across the UK.

KEY PERSONNEL Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Delorme, Executive Vice President Buildings & Partner Tanuja Randery, Zone President UK & Ireland

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SMARTER HOMES, SMARTER BUSINESS THINKING? THE FUTURE IS HERE, NOW… The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises a brave new world of connected devices, smart homes, smart cities and ultimately, better living. According to technology research firm Cisco, the number of connected devices is expected to pass 50 billion in the next five years. The ability of devices to connect to each other and feed information back to us should lay the path for a smarter, more holistic way of managing and interacting with our environments, where continual improvements and efficiencies can be gained. New IoT technologies are emerging which 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, whilst reducing energy costs. The market is bringing connectivity to homes and businesses, enabling

us to monitor and manage our needs in smart spaces - helping people to achieve a quality of life that wasn’t possible just a few years ago. The advent of IoT provides rapidly increasing opportunities for electricians to grow their business by moving into areas which may have been perceived as too complicated or unrelated previously. Home comfort with remote access for smart heating control is an available solution today, where an electrician is able to upgrade a residential heating control system and have it operational and connected to the internet within 15 minutes. The growing trend for intuitive home products signifies that the days of time consuming and complicated installations are diminishing. This appetite for connectivity will also bring different prospects for aftercare and maintenance services to meet the future 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 to be ready 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.

Connections Summer 2016

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Safe Isolation saves lives Stay safe, prove dead and lock off with Martindale VIPDLOK kits

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Simplfying safe isolation Martindale Electric lead the way in safe isolation, providing simple and reliable solutions to ensure circuits have been de-energised and properly isolated prior to maintenance and modifications of plant and equipment. Selecting the right tools for the job is critical to implementing an effective procedure to stay safe and avoid potentially fatal accidents and heavy penalties resulting from failure to comply with Electricity at Work

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28/06/2016 17:07

Wagobox-Capsule

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It’s a hard life being exposed to the British weather. Snow covered winters, wet autumns and hot summers! In outside spaces across the UK electrical enclosures are constantly tested by the elements, it’s no exaggeration to say life outdoors is tough.

The Wagobox-Capsule is designed for use with both armoured or non-armoured cables. Optional Steel plates make bonding brass armoured glands a breeze whilst the slide on mounting bracket provides an easy method for mounting onto Àat surfaces.

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As with all our Wagobox enclosures, simplicity is at the heart of the Wagobox-Capsule design. The unique shape of the capsule offers lid or side entry options whilst a range of optional extras ensure it will meet your needs. For further information call 01353666011 or email: sales@wagobox.com. To purchase, order online at www.wagobox.com or from your local Wagobox wholesaler.

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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

Are there any specific requirements given in BS 7671 that need to be considered when carrying out work in a dental practice?

Yes, dental practices are to be considered as medical locations, as defined in Section 710 – Medical Locations. While complying with the general requirements of BS 7671, it is likely that parts of Section 710 will amend or add to some of those general requirements. Prior to any decisions taken on the particular regulations that may apply, the contractor will need to agree with the client the nature of the work that will be carried out: such work will indicate both the classification and the group. Annex A710 provides guidance on group numbers and classification for safety services of medical locations (Regulation 710.3 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

After carrying out either an addition or alteration to an existing installation, is it necessary to affix a periodic inspection and testing notice?

It may be appropriate for a notice advising the user of the recommended date of the next inspection and testing of the circuits that have been subjected to additions or alterations to be fixed at or near the origin of the installation, as required by Regulation 514.12.1; for example, where no current notice exists. However, there is a risk of confusion for the user, where more than one periodic inspection and testing notice is affixed. Where there is an existing notice and such confusion could arise, the contractor should err on the side of safety and not affix a second notice.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it permitted to extend an existing main protective bonding conductor?

Yes. However, the connection must be a ‘permanent connection’, such as a connection made by soldering or a compression tool. This is to minimise the risk of the connection becoming detached with a consequent loss of continuity. This effectively precludes making the connection by an earthing and bonding clamp to BS 951 (Regulation 528.3.3 refers). Connections Summer 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged QUESTION

ANSWER

When connecting an item of class II equipment having no earth terminal to an existing wallmounted outlet, is it still necessary to provide a circuit protective conductor (cpc) from the outlet to the equipment?

No, such an item of equipment is neither a point (in wiring) nor an accessory (Regulation 411.3.1.1 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it permissible to use the circuit protective conductor (as indicated by the insulation colour green/ yellow) within a 3 core flexible cable as a switch-line conductor to supply the item of equipment in the previous question?

Yes, for this particular situation. Regulation 514.3.2 permits an insulated core to be oversleeved to identify the intended function of the core. However, because of the risks of mis-identification associated with this practice, it is recommended that where practicable this should be avoided.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it acceptable to make the ‘loop-in’ and ‘loop-out’ connections (line, neutral and earth) for a lighting circuit at the switching point, rather than at the ceiling outlet?

Yes. However, where ‘loop-in’ and ‘loop-out’ connections are made at the switching point, the enclosure should be of appropriate depth, such as a back box having a depth of 25 mm or greater, and the conductors correctly identified and terminated in appropriate connectors.

Flashback! Ask the Experts…. from 1959 From its earliest inception, the NICEIC has responded to concerns raised with regard to electrical installations. The half-yearly newsletter No.1 issued in November 1959 by Brigadier Thompson as the CEO and secretary highlights many of the issues that NICEIC still deals with. In particular, from its inception the NICEIC provided guidance to the industry regarding certain technical issues. One question from a contractor dealt with the need to “bond to earth” the metal box enclosures at switch positions and it not being sufficient to cover the screw heads with wax! Another question still sounds familiar, even when the type of cable or height measurements may not: “Nearly all lighting fittings having metal suspension chains or rods, provided for erection in domestic premises where the usual ceiling-floor height is 8’6” to 9’6”, are wired in unsheathed lightly insulated flexible cord of the “twisted” or “flat-twin” type. All such fittings must be bonded to the earth-continuity conductor per Regulation 402. Needless to say this requirement applies also to metal wall brackets or fixtures for lighting purposes.” While the regulation number has changed, the need to connect a protective conductor to class I equipment remains to this day – Regulation 411.3.1.1 requires that every exposed-conductive-part is to be connected to a protective conductor.

Summer 2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged 58 60 65

Minimising danger from the mis-identification of conductors Periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations that include a micro-generator Premature collapse of wiring systems

68 72 76

Variable frequency drives The installation of extra-low voltage tungsten halogen lighting Snags & Solutions: now updated to Amendment No 3 of BS 7671 and, where appropriate, BS 5266 and BS 5839

Minimising danger from the mis-identification of conductors Objective To remind contractors that many installations will have different colours of insulation for line and neutral conductors, and that the colour of insulation will not necessarily describe its function.

n 2004, Amendment 2 of BS 7671: 2001 introduced changes to the colours used to identify the cores of a cable (typically by insulation). This change to insulation colours was widely reported by the industry, and while it is permissible to use some form of alphanumeric notation to identify conductors, most installations will contain a mixture of conductor insulation colours. Table 1: Insulation colours pre- and post -Amd 2 BS 7671: 2004 Conductor

PrePostAmd 2 Amd 2 colours colours

Line of a single-phase a.c. circuit

Red

Brown

Neutral of a single or three-phase a.c. circuit

Black

Blue

Line 1 of a three-phase a.c. circuit

Red

Brown

Line 2 of a three-phase a.c. circuit

Yellow

Black

Line 3 of a three-phase a.c. circuit

Blue

Grey

The change in colours used to identify a conductor’s function may lead to confusion, for example, where the blue insulated line conductor of a three-phase supply is mistaken for the neutral conductor. Furthermore, 58

Regulation 514.3.2 permits conductors to be identified at the terminations rather than throughout their length – although identification throughout its length is preferred. For example, it is permissible to use the blue insulated conductor (neutral conductor) as a line conductor where, for example, no neutral is required at a load. Such a conductor would have to be oversleeved or identified in some other acceptable fashion to identify the function of the conductor. It is important, therefore, that the function of a conductor is properly identified prior to any work being carried out on an installation (refer Fig 1). Verifying the function of a conductor The previous example highlights the dangers for contractors who are planning to work on, or connect to, existing installations containing conductors identified by both old (pre-Amd 2) and new colours (post-Amd 2), and therefore, it should never be presumed that a conductor identified by a specific colour functions as expected. Indeed, it might be the case that there has been mis-identification of conductor function in the original installation. In accordance with Chapter 61 (initial verification) of BS 7671, appropriate inspection and testing should always be carried out to verify, among other things, the function of a conductor in relation to the colour of its insulation. Making additions, alterations or repairs to an existing installation containing conductors identified by old colours It is imperative that every installation is inspected and tested (including identification of conductors) during erection and on completion before being put into service, to minimise the risk of injury to persons and/or damage to equipment or property (Regulation 610.1 refers). Table 2 highlights the different ‘function’ permutations for conductors, and hence emphasises the potential danger in a single-phase final circuit containing lighting and extractor fans wired in 70° C thermoplastic flat cable (3-core and 4-core) where conductors are identified by

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Fig 1 Example of identification of conductors

Table 2: Example of the possibility of conductor identification Conductor function

Colour identification of insulation

Cable type

Old colours

New colours

Permanent line

Red

Brown

2-core

Permanent line

Red

Brown

3-core

Permanent line

Red

Brown

4-core

Permanent line

Yellow

Grey

4-core

Permanent line

Blue

Black

4-core

Permanent line

Black

Blue

4-core

Switch line

Black (sleeved red)

Blue (sleeved brown) 2-core

Switch line

Yellow (sleeved red)

Black (sleeved brown)

3-core

Switch line

Blue (sleeved red)

Grey (sleeved brown)

3-core

Neutral

Black

Blue

2-core

Neutral

Blue (sleeved black)

Grey/Black/Brown (sleeved blue)

4-core

insulation having both old and new colours. Presumed or incorrect identification of conductors may result in a range of outcomes and potential dangers, either at the point of connection or further downstream. In the light of the potential outcomes caused by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;colour confusionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, where an existing installation (wired in conductors having old colours) is added to and/or altered using conductors identified by new colours, a warning notice is required to be fixed at or near the appropriate distribution board, to provide a warning to persons working on the installation in the future (Regulation 514.14.1 and Fig 1 refer). Indeed, such a notice should also act as to warn contractors to correctly ascertain the function of individual conductors before work is carried out on an existing installation.

Note: Bare conductors normally sleeved green/yellow omitted for clarity.

Connections Summer 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations that include aÂ micro-generator Objective To provide electrical contractors with guidance on undertaking a periodic inspection and test on premises that include a micro-generator.

any electrical installations now include some form of microgenerator which could take the form of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply system, a combination of batteries or accumulators, or a generator driven by a combustion engine, a water-turbine or wind-turbine. It is generally accepted that a micro-generator is a generator of the type previously described with a maximum current rating of 16 A per phase.

Fig 1 Example of a PV installation

Inverter

In addition to BS 7671 there are a range of other documents that impact upon the design and installation of micro-generator systems. To qualify for funding though feed-in tariffs, micro-generator systems must be designed and installed in accordance with the appropriate Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) guidance. However, when requesting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) it is important that all parties are aware that the criteria used for producing an EICR is limited to the requirements of BS 7671. Regulation 110.1.3 states that, in certain cases, the requirements of BS 7671 may need to be supplemented by the recommendations of other British Standard or Harmonised Standards and provides a list of examples. Although not included in the list of

els

an Solar p

Mete

ion

rat e n e G r mete

Guidance documents

Isolator

or Isolat

This article aims to provide electrical contractors with guidance on undertaking a periodic inspection and test on premises that include a micro-generator. As by far the most common form of micro-generator is a solar photovoltaic power supply system, this article will focus on the requirements of installations incorporating such a system. However, much of the guidance is transferable to installations incorporating other forms of micro-generator.

OUT

nit u r e um

Cons

tlet

-ou t e k c So

Summer 2016 Connections

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Fig 2 Example of inspection at an inverter

examples in Regulation 110.1.3, for PV systems, guidance on inspection and testing is provided by BS EN 62446 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grid-connected photovoltaic systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection. Periodic inspection and testing In order to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service, BS 7671 requires that periodic inspection and testing is carried out in accordance with Regulation 621.2. This regulation is concerned with the inspector determining whether the installation, including the micro-generator, is in a safe condition and is not likely to present dangers of electric shock, fire or burns. It should be noted that, as described in Chapter 62 of BS 7671, periodic inspection and testing is concerned with the safety of the installation rather than its performance. For example, there

is no certainty that a periodic inspection and test would locate the cause of a PV system producing a reduced income from feed-in tariffs. Regulation 621.5 requires that a periodic inspection is undertaken by a skilled person(s) competent in such work. Where the electrical contractor does not have the expertise to carry out a periodic inspection and test on the microgenerator installed at the installation, it will be necessary for the electrical contractor to call in the necessary expertise from elsewhere. Electrical contractors are advised that before commencing work on premises containing a PV system, they should check the ownership of the system. Where the PV system is not owned by the person(s) requesting the periodic inspection and test of the premises, it should be treated as a limitation and this should be recorded on the EICR. Before commencing inspection and testing, the inspector should use the documentation that was provided with the newly installed micro-generator to familiarise themselves with the system. Connections Summer 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged While the inspection should take into account the general requirements of BS 7671, particular care should be taken to ensure that applicable requirements of Section 551 (Low voltagegenerating sets) are satisfied. Furthermore, where the micro-generator is a photovoltaic power supply system, the inspector will also need to be satisfied that any applicable requirements of Section 712 (Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems) are met. The periodic inspection and testing of the PV system should be undertaken in line with the recommendations of BS EN 62446. As PV arrays and associated cabling cannot normally be de-energised, particular care needs to be taken when inspecting and testing this part of the system. In addition, accessing roof mounted arrays may be difficult and possibly dangerous. One low-risk and cost-effective method of verifying that cable connections in PV arrays have not developed problems is to use an infrared camera (possibly pole-mounted) to search for signs of overheating. Annex D of BS EN 62446 provides guidance on the use of infrared cameras for inspecting PV arrays. Micro-generators other than PV systems Guidance on the periodic inspection and testing of micro-generators other than PV systems is, at best, patchy. Manufacturers of microgenerator systems and the components that form part of these systems, frequently publish comprehensive installation instructions. However, guidance on the periodic inspection and testing of completed micro-generator systems is generally very limited or even non-existent. Appendix 6 of BS 7671 contains a list entitled, ‘Examples of items requiring inspection for an electrical installation condition report;’ however, when it comes to micro-generators that operate in parallel with the public supply, it merely states, ‘Adequate arrangements where a generating set operates in parallel with the public supply (551.7).’ As described in Regulation 551.1.1, the term ‘generating set’ covers a variety of devices employing different technologies, and it is unrealistic to expect BS 7671 to provide detailed guidance on what should be included in a periodic inspection and test on every type of micro-generator installation. However, the term ‘adequate arrangements’ as used in BS 7671 is not that helpful to the inspector, and supplementary guidance specific to the technology used needs to be provided. Unfortunately, this leaves the electrical contractor operating in an area where there is a shortage of appropriate guidance and puts the 62

customer in a situation where they do not know what documentation to expect. In terms of the contractor documenting what has been included in the periodic inspection and test, they have little choice but to treat the micro-generator circuit as a special installation and to develop documentation appropriate for the particular installation. Warnings When carrying out the inspection and testing of a micro-generator system the electrical contractor needs to ensure that tests such as insulation resistance do not damage the electronic devices used within the micro-generator. When carrying out periodic inspection and test of premises containing a micro-generator, it is vital that the contractor follows the correct procedure for safe isolation of the supply. BS 7671 requires that both the mains supply and the supply from the micro-generator are provided with means of isolation and, as required by Regulation 514.15.1, warning notices informing users where the devices used for isolation are located should be provided. To protect the person carrying out the periodic inspection and test, before any hazardous work commences, procedures for safe isolation as described in Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide No. 2 should be followed. Where a micro-generator is designed to operate in parallel with the public supply (this will include the vast majority of PV systems), operating the isolator will disconnect the inverter from the supply which will cause the inverter to switch off. This means that after completing the periodic inspection and test and reinstating the isolators, before leaving the customer’s premises the electrical contractor will need to restart the inverter. Summary The development of technologies such as a battery-based system designed to store energy produced by PV systems is going to lead to microgenerator systems having increased complexity. Consequently, the requirement for the electrical industry to develop procedures for conducting periodic inspection and testing of micro-generator systems will assume even greater importance. The inspector of an electrical installation containing an alternative supply, such as solar PV, will need to be competent to carry out such work and will need to have access to appropriate manufacturer’s guidance, as well as other documentation to ensure that the inspection is meaningful.

Summer 2016 Connections

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Fully charged Premature collapse of wiring systems Objective To remind contractors that the requirements of Regulation 521.11.201, introduced under the third amendment of BS 7671 for the purpose of preventing premature collapse of wiring systems1 in the conditions of fire, are applicable for all wiring systems within the scope of BS 7671.

n addition to general low voltage lighting and power, electrical installation work, particularly in commercial and industrial premises, can often consist of a range of installation systems, including, among others, fire detection, emergency lighting, security, energy management, data and communications. However, irrespective of the type of system(s) being installed, electrical contractors should be aware that the extent of Regulation 521.11.201 is not restricted to any particular cable type or voltage but applies to all wiring systems within the scope of the Wiring Regulations.

BRITISH STANDARD

BS 7671: 2008

Incorporating Amendment 1: 2011 Corrigendum 2013 Amendment 2: 2013 Amendment 3: 2015

Requirements for Electrical Installations

IET Wiring Regulations Seventeenth Edition

The scope of BS 7671 BS 7671 is applicable to the design, erection and verification of most electrical installations, such as domestic, commercial, industrial and the range of others listed in Regulation 110.1.1 being supplied at a voltage up to and including 1 000 V a.c. or 1 500 V d.c. (Regulation 110.1.2 refers). The requirements of BS 7671 apply to all new work and alterations or additions to existing installations. Although for a.c. installations the requirements apply for the preferred operating frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 400 Hz, other frequencies are not precluded. Whilst a range of installations are specifically excluded from the scope of BS 7671, such as lightning protection systems and electric fences, it is worth noting what is included in the scope of BS 7671. For example, the fixed wiring for information and communication technology, signalling, control and similar Band I installations are all covered by the general requirements of BS 7671, in addition to any specific technology standards that may apply. British or Harmonised Standards Where necessary, the requirements of BS 7671 should be supplemented by the requirements or

recommendations of other British or Harmonised Standards, or by the requirements of the person ordering the work (Regulation 110.1.3 refers). For example, Regulation 560.8.1 requires the selection of a wiring system for a safety service that is required to operate in conditions of fire, such as a fire detection and fire alarm system, or an emergency lighting system to be compliant with the relevant code of practice for the application and be installed in a manner that minimises the risk of circuit integrity being impaired during a fire. Therefore, for example, on completion of the installation of such a system, in addition to an appropriate certificate to confirm compliance with the relevant parts of the particular standard, such as the BS 5839 series for a fire detection and fire alarm system (Regulation 560.10 refers), an Electrical Installation Certificate or, where appropriate, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, should also be issued to certify the fixed wiring of the fire detection and fire alarm system for compliance with BS 7671. Due to their function, systems to BS 5839-12 and BS 52663 are generally installed using fire-resistant supports, but for many other types of wiring system this has not generally been the case. Nevertheless, in accordance with Regulation 521.11.201, any installation that encroaches on an escape route, unless excluded from the scope of BS 7671 by Regulation 110.2, should be protected from premature collapse in the event of fire. The definition of what constitutes an escape route was the subject of a previous article in Connections 196, and includes not only defined routes such as corridors, stairways and hallways, but also open areas. Periodic inspection

1 BS 7671 defines a wiring system as an: Assembly made up of cable or busbars and parts which secure and, if necessary, enclose the cable or busbars.

Periodic inspection should identify any damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and non-compliance with the current requirements of BS 7671, which may give rise to danger (Regulation 634.2 refers). Irrespective of the age of an installation, where non-compliances are observed they should be assigned a Classification code (C1, C2 or C3) according to the risk presented to the user of the installation. This provides the client with an indication of the degree of danger present within the installation. Where the inspector observes cables for any installation that falls within the scope of BS 7671 in escape routes that are not adequately supported to prevent premature collapse, Best Practice Guide 4 (BPG 4): Electrical installation condition reporting, issued by Electrical Safety First and supported by all Connections Summer 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Fig 1 Premature collapse of cables in escape routes

sectors of the electrical industry, recommends that a code C3 is recorded for domestic and similar electrical installations. The code reflects the level of safety risk for persons escaping from the premises in the conditions of fire. For a location other than an individual dwelling, such as a communal area forming part of an escape route, BPG 4 recommends that a code C2 potentially dangerous would be more appropriate due to the increased risk. This requires immediate remedial action to be undertaken to address the danger identified. For wiring systems installed in non-domestic premises the same coding for wiring systems installed in escape routes should be applied. The inspector should note that whilst wiring systems for network/data/telecommunication cabling and the like may not be included on the ‘circuit details’ of the Electrical Installation 66

2 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1: Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. 3 Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises.

Condition Report, they should still record any noncompliance and code accordingly. NOTE: The requirements of Regulation 521.11.201 are not applicable for wiring systems installed above the escape route within the fabric of the building, such as those routed above a ceiling or behind a wall. Summary Those responsible for the installation of wiring systems or the periodic inspection of electrical installations, including those installations containing data cabling and the like, should be aware that wiring systems not supported in accordance with Regulation 521.11.201 may, as shown in Fig 1, collapse prematurely during the conditions of fire and drop into the escape route.

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Fully charged Variable frequency drives Objective The objective of this article is to describe in basic terms, how a variable frequency drive operates, the commercial benefits of using such a device, and to state some typical applications of where they are used. The article will also mention the drawbacks to using such a device.

his article is the first in a series of articles which aims to investigate the application of variable frequency drives (VFD)1 and how their use in the control of a.c. induction motors produces both benefits and some drawbacks. The article will also briefly describe how a VFD works, the commercial benefits of using such a device, and will state some typical applications where they are used. Whilst there are particular requirements in BS 7671 for the safe operation and control of motors [Group 537.5.4 (Motor control) and Group 552 (Rotating machines) refers], the application of those requirements will be discussed in a later article. Other articles in the series will consider the following issues:

Fig 1 Block diagram of a motor control system

Distribution board (motor control centre)

1 Variable frequency drives are also called variable speed drives (VSDs).

Variable frequency drive

• harmonic currents created by variable speed drives, • protecting variable speed drives, and • the impact that variable speed drives have upon the electrical installation. By the end of the series, each article will have considered all the component parts which make up the drive system from the supply to the driven load, which is represented by the block diagram as shown in Fig 1. Benefits of variable frequency drives Most applications do not need to operate at 100% all of the time, and this is especially true in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Traditionally, for example, valves were used to regulate flow in a pumping system, but this introduces inefficiencies. By reducing the speed of the motor, the variable frequency drive ensures no more energy than necessary is used to achieve the required flow rate. In 2009 it was estimated that motors consumed about two-thirds of industrial energy use, which then was about 20% of total UK consumption, and cost industry around £5 billion a year to run. Currently, installed VFDs are already saving 5M tonnes of CO2 annually. Whilst the initial cost of a variable frequency drive system can be more expensive than other types of motor starter, they can provide significant energy savings and recoup their increased capital outlay in a relatively short time period.

Motor (3-phase)

Summer 2016 Connections

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Fig 2 Block diagram of a variable frequency drive

Rectifier

d.c. link

started by a star/delta starter. These types of starter have two main drawbacks: • they create a relatively large disturbance upon the electrical supply when starting, and • their speed is not easily controlled to suit operation or environmental needs. Where the effects of a high starting current are a problem, this may be overcome by using a soft-start system. These starters consist of devices, such as thyristors to control the supply voltage at switch-on, which in turn reduces the torque and starting current, thereby reducing the electrical disturbance on the supply network. Table 1 illustrates the starting current as a percentage of full-load current for a range of starters.

Inverter

M (Filter)

Fig 3 Schematic diagram of the internal arrangement of a typical PWM VFD2

Rectifier

Filter

Table 1: Comparison of starter types with typical in-rush currents

Inverter

Starter type Starting current (% of FLI) Feedback Diodes

L1 L2 L3

DOL

600 – 800

Star/Delta

200 – 275

Soft Start

200

VFD

100

Whilst the soft-start has a relatively low in-rush current, the main drawback to a soft-start system is that it does not offer speed control once the motor has reached full speed.

IGBTs

Operation of a variable frequency drive Fig 4 Output voltage from a variable frequency drive

V(t)

Methods of motor starting The traditional methods of starting a.c. induction motors is by a direct-on-line starter, with motors having a rating greater than about 7.5 kW being

2 Variable frequency drives may be used with a range of induction motors, including single-phase and three-phase.

A variable frequency drive (VFD) is a piece of equipment that regulates the speed and output torque of an electric motor during the start and stop period, as well as throughout the run cycle. Each VFD consists of a rectifier, a d.c. bus link and an inverter section, which is shown in the block diagram of Fig 2. Many modern VFDs use pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques. These have evolved from voltage source inverters (VSI) and current source inverters (CSI), which suffered from inherent disadvantages; that is, mainly poor forms of motor control at low frequencies where the motor was subject to jerkiness or cogging at frequencies below 6 Hz. With developments made in microprocessor technologies, many of the disadvantages suffered by early VFDs have been overcome, apart from the generated harmonic currents which will be the subject of the next article in the series. Fig 3 shows a basic schematic of a typical VFD. The converter section uses a diode bridge Connections Summer 2016

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Fully charged Fig 5 Motor speedtorque graph

Speed (n) II Braking

I Driving

+ Speed – Torque

+ Speed + Torque

Torque (T) III Driving – Speed – Torque

IV Braking – Speed + Torque

rectifier to service the d.c. bus link. This gives an input voltage that is constant. The d.c. link uses a filter formed by an inductor and capacitor to smooth out the a.c. ripple and create a stable d.c. bus voltage. The inverter uses insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) to switch the d.c. and produce a variable frequency variable voltage output. These provide high input impedance and high switching speeds to create a PWM output that regulates the voltage and frequency to the motor. IGBTs switch on and off creating pulses to approximate the sine wave of a.c. power. The width of the pulse is modulated so that a variable amplitude a.c. voltage is created. The more pulses generated, the faster the motor runs, which is shown in Fig 4; the converse equally applies. The VFD can never give a perfect sinusoidal output voltage, hence harmonics will be generated. In addition, due to the varying frequency, the motor will generate more signal noise (considered in a subsequent article) and increased copper and iron losses.

Most applications involve single-quadrant loads which operate in quadrant I giving forward motion, such as centrifugal pumps or fans. Other applications involve two-quadrant loads operating in quadrants I and II, where the speed is positive but the torque changes polarity allowing a fan, for example, to decelerate faster than natural mechanical losses would typically provide. Certain high-performance applications involve four-quadrant loads, where the speed and torque can be in any direction, such as in hoists, lifts and conveyors. These allow for the possibility of forward and reverse motion, plus electrical braking in either direction, to allow for a smooth start or stop. Fig 5 also shows that in quadrants I and III the flow of energy is from electrical to mechanical. The motor is converting electrical power from the drive into motion in the system. In quadrants II and IV, the motor is performing as a generator. The kinetic energy of the system is being converted into electrical power, which is then absorbed by the drive and fed back to the supply. To operate as a four-quadrant drive system, the drive controller must be able to both source and sink electrical power from the motor which the VFD is capable of doing. Summary Most motors are designed to operate at a constant speed and provide a constant output; however, modern production processes and many environmental systems require motors and pumps to operate at variable speeds and torques. A variable frequency drive is a device that regulates the speed/torque of a motor or pump by varying the output voltage and frequency. The benefit of applying VFD systems is to maintain productivity levels whilst improving energy savings through more precise control of pumps, fans, compressors and other such equipment. There are drawbacks to using variable frequency drives, including harmonic currents, and this will be the focus of the next article in the autumn issue of Connections.

Application of variable frequency drives A variable frequency drive can give the possibility of a ‘four quadrant drive’: this allows for the motor to both drive and/or electrically brake a load in either direction (see Fig 5). 70

Summer 2016 Connections

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Fully charged The installation of extralow voltage tungsten halogen lighting Objective Although a lighting installation designed to operate at extra-low voltage (ELV) may not present a risk of electric shock to the user, as outlined in this article unless correctly installed in accordance with BS 7671 it may not only fail to function properly but, in some cases, it could be a fire hazard. For these reasons, particular requirements for extra-low voltage lighting installations are contained in Section 715 of BS 7671 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Special installations or locations.

his article considers some of the factors that should be taken into account for the installation of a typical ELV tungsten halogen lighting installation, supplied

Fig 1 ELV suspended lighting system

from the secondary output of a transformer positioned remotely from the luminaires. Luminaires supplied by electronic drivers, such as those used for LEDs, are not considered. For an ELV1 lighting installation the protective measures extra-low voltage provided by SELV or PELV should be used; however, where the luminaires have no provision for the connection of a protective conductor, they should be supplied from a SELV system (Regulation 715.414 refers). It should be noted that a FELV system does not satisfy the safety requirements of SELV or PELV and so is prohibited by Regulation 715.411.7.201. It should be recognised that compared with operation at 230 V, a load operating at ELV will demand a proportionally higher current; for example, a 50 W lamp will demand over 4 A when operating at 12 V. Should a loose or high-resistance termination develop, significant heating (I2 R) will occur, which, if undetected in concealed areas such as loft spaces, may ignite surrounding combustible materials. To minimise such risks all terminations and connections of an ELV lighting installation should be made in accordance with Regulation 526.2, and except for appropriate systems that use visible bare conductors complying with the requirements of Regulation 715.521.106, they should be suitably enclosed in accordance with Regulation 526.5. For suspended systems, terminations and connections of conductors should be made using screw terminals or screwless clamping devices complying with BS EN 60998-2-1 or BS EN 60998-2-2 (Regulation 715.521.107 refers). Voltage drop Excessive voltage drop can adversely affect the performance of an ELV lighting installation, therefore, careful consideration should be given to the rating and number of luminaires supplied and the lengths of circuit supplied from an ELV source. For compliance with BS 7671, the voltage drop between the transformer and the furthest luminaire should not exceed 5% of the nominal voltage of the ELV installation (Regulation 715.525). Table 1 shows the minimum values of crosssectional area (copper conductors) permitted by Regulation 715.524.201 for an ELV lighting installation; however, these values may need to be increased to comply with voltage drop. 1 ELV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; having a nominal voltage not exceeding 50 V a.c. (or 120 V ripple-free d.c.)

Summer 2016 Connections

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Table 1: Minimum permitted cross-sectional area for ELV copper conductors General

1.5 mm2

Flexible cables of a length not exceeding 3 m

1.0 mm2

Suspended flexible cables or insulated conductors (forÂ mechanical reasons)

4.0 mm2

Composite cables consisting of braided tinned copper outer sheath, having a material of highÂ tensile strength inner core

4.0 mm2

Note: Larger conductor sizes may be required in some cases to meet the requirements of Regulation Group 433.1 for co-ordination between conductor and overload protective device.

Lamp selection Where insertion of a lamp into a particular fitting is possible, this does not necessarily mean it is a suitable type or of the correct rating. Consideration should be given to the high operating temperatures of tungsten halogen lamps. Two common types of halogen reflector lamps are generally interchangeable, but the intense Fig 2 An extract from Chapter 55 of BS 7671

heat produced by the lamps is reflected very differently. The dichroic (cool beam) lamp reflects visible light forwards but most of the radiated heat backwards, whereas the aluminium lamp reflects both light and heat forwards. A consequence of inadvertently inserting a dichroic lamp into a downlighter (both recessed and surface-mounted) is that most of the heat would be projected backwards. Where such a downlighter is recessed, this will project the heat into the ceiling void rather than away from it, creating a risk of fire. Because of the risk, manufacturers place warnings on fittings not suitable for use with cool-beam lamps (refer Fig 2). Similarly, where heat is reflected forwards from the lamp, consideration should be given to the proximity of luminaires to combustible materials such as curtains, and its effect on the environmental conditions (Regulation 421.1.2 refers). For example, the heat from a number of luminaires targeted into an enclosed space, especially where mounted on or in a low ceiling, could increase the ambient temperature within the location, significantly affecting the well-being and productivity of employees. Furthermore, in some cases the operation of mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning units may be required in order to reduce the ambient temperature. Location of luminaire The selection and erection of a luminaire should take into account the thermal effects of radiant and convected energy on the surroundings (Regulation 559.4.1 refers). A luminaire may not be suitable for mounting on or in a flammable surface, such as a timber panelled ceiling, as the heat produced from the luminaire in normal operation may, over time, cause ignition of the surface. Likewise, a luminaire covered by thermal insulation may be unable to dissipate heat effectively and subsequently overheat; for example, insulation installed in the loft spaces of dwellings is commonly laid over the backs of downlighters. Manufacturers identify whether luminaires are designed to operate in such conditions in accordance with BS EN 60598-1. Table 55.3 of BS 7671 provides details for a range of BS EN 60598-1 symbols applicable to luminaires and control gear. A luminaire that is unsuitable for a particular location, such as for mounting on a flammable surface, should be identified in accordance with BS EN 60598-1. As shown in Fig 2, the 2008 edition of BS EN 60598-1 identifies this unsuitably using Connections Summer 2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged symbols overmarked with an ‘X’. Further guidance on the impact of an electrical installation on the fire performance of domestic premises can be found in Best Practice Guide 5, issued by Electrical Safety First. Issues of compatibility The operating characteristics of transformers, electronic converters and controls can vary considerably. Therefore, to prevent issues of compatibility, careful consideration should be given to the particular equipment manufacturer’s instructions (Regulation 134.1.1). Issues relating to compatibility, such as ambient temperature, can cause lamps to flicker or flash, unwanted operation of protective devices, or overheating of equipment. Among other factors, consideration should be given to the following equipment characteristics: • the maximum VA rating of the transformer (this should not be exceeded), • de-rating factors for control switches (switches should be rated for inductive loads), • transformer voltage regulation (variations in voltage can reduce the lamp life), • the minimum operating load (burden) of the transformer and associated control devices, such as dimmer switches (operation below this minimum value may not only lead to non-function but is likely to cause overheating and lead to component failure), • the in-rush current characteristic of the transformer/controls (such currents can cause unwanted operation of protective devices – nuisance tripping), and • whether lighting controls such as dimmers

incorporate soft-start features to limit the magnitude of switch-on current. Transformers Transformers should comply with the relevant product standard (Regulation 715.414 refers), and be positioned and mounted to minimise the risk of overheating. Where mounting on a flammable surface is required, then a ‘class P’ thermally protected or temperature protected transformer should be used (Regulation 559.6 refers). For thermal protection under fault conditions Regulation 715.422.106, transformers supplying ELV luminaires should be either: • protected on the primary side by a fail-safe protective device that monitors the power demand of the luminaires (and automatically disconnects the supply in the event of one of a number of specified fault or failure conditions, as detailed in Regulation 715.422.107.2), or • inherently and non-inherently short-circuit proof. Summary Luminaires supplied from an ELV source are subject to levels of heat generation that may be transmitted either to the rear of the luminaire (into the ceiling void) or forwards. To minimise the risks associated with ELV tungsten halogen lighting systems, the design and installation of such systems should satisfy the relevant requirements of BS 7671, in particular, due account should be taken of the equipment manufacturer’s instructions with regard to installation and lamp choice (Regulation 134.1.1 refers).

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.

Tim Benstead, principal technical author Tim worked in contracting and maintenance prior to spending some 16 years as a lecturer. He began working for the Electrical Safety Council in 2006 as a senior engineer. Mike Burling, senior engineer A former JIB technician, Mike had his own NICEIC-registered electrical contracting business before becoming a college tutor and NVQ assessor. He now works as a senior engineer. Alex Whitworth, technical illustrator Alex has been a professional designer and illustrator for 15 years, working on projects including fashion advertising, book publishing and even cigar packaging. Terry Bratley, technical author Terry is a time-served electrician who worked on domestic, commercial and industrial installations. He then taught BTEC and HNC courses before joining Certsure.

Summer 2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Snags & Solutions

Shaver socket-outlet

A practical guide to everyday electrical problems

Radiator

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 1 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 1 – Earthing and bonding.

snags and solutions

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 1

earthing and bonding 5th Edition

Amd 3: 2015

Shower unit

Hot water pipes

Cold water pipes

Supplementary bonding in a new bathroom A new bathroom installation rarely requires supplementary bonding.

Snag 51 A new installation in a location containing a bath or shower whether a rewire or a new build, will rarely require supplementary bonding. 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

Summer 2016 Connections

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Meet the helpline If you have ever telephoned our technical helpline, you may wonder who the voices are on the other end of the line. John O’Neill, technical engineering manager Industry experience: Owned and operated a large electrical systems integrator, electrical design consultant and lecturer in electrical engineering. More recently an NICEIC area engineer, supporting contractors through the assessment process. Sam Donaghy, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: More than 35 years’ experience in the electrical industry, working predominantly in automation and control. Most recently he was a further education college tutor, working with Level 3, HNC and HND apprentices.

Solution In a room containing a bath or shower, additional protection must be provided for all low voltage circuits of the location and any low voltage circuit(s) passing through zone 1 and 2 of the location by means of an RCD having the characteristics specified in Regulation 415.1.1. (Regulation 701.411.3.3 refers). It is also required by BS 7671 that the circuit(s) comply with the relevant requirements for automatic disconnection, such that the disconnection times will meet the requirements of Regulation Group 411.3.2, and that extraneous-conductive-parts are connected to the protective equipotential bonding according to Regulation 411.3.1.2. In such circumstances, supplementary bonding may be omitted, as indicated by Regulation 701.415.2. Regulation 701.415.2 (part of) Where the location containing a bath or shower is in a building with a protective equipotential bonding system in accordance with Regulation 411.3.1.2, supplementary equipotential bonding may be omitted where all the following conditions are met: (iv) All final circuits of the location comply with the requirements for automatic disconnection according to 411.3.2. (v) All final circuits of the location have additional protection by means of an RCD in accordance with 701.411.3.3. (vi) All extraneous-conductive-parts of the location are effectively connected to the protective equipotential bonding according to 411.3.1.2.

Stuart McHugh, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: More than 48 years in the electrical industry, including a six-year apprenticeship, industrial commercial domestic and street-lighting work. Duncan McFarlane, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Time-served electrician, working on domestic, commercial, industrial and petrochemical installations. Electrical clerk of works, electrical surveyor, lecturer and NVQ assessor. Norman Bradshaw, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Electrician for 23 years, working as an Approved Contractor, assisting new electricians in gaining Part P registration and working in partnership with local building control departments. Mark Cooper, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Approved electrician with more than 30 years’ experience, mainly in heavy industrial and commercial installations. Also a qualified NVQ assessor. 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. Richard Atkins, technical standards engineer Industry experience: More than 46 years’ experience in the electrical industry working in the manufacturing sector. Area engineer for over 13 years. Mark Barnes-Rider, technical helpline engineer Industry experience: Fourteen years as an Approved Contractor. More recently worked in the social housing sector as an electrical compliance manager.

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

Connections Summer 2016

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Product Focus Danlers Lighting control for those who do and those who don’t Danlers’ new range of PIR occupancy switches with Short Visit Mode and Courtesy Exit Mode can save even more energy through automatic presence-based switching with optional manual intervention. • Manual option for short visits to reduce the Lights ON time (time lag) • Manual option when exiting to reduce Lights ON time (time lag) • Always returns to standard automatic mode after short visit/exit functions • Ideal for those who do and those who don’t switch lights off • Easy to install, five-year warranty; made in the UK for quality, reliability and service www.danlers.co.uk 01249 443 377 sales@danlers.co.uk

Fluke

Martindale

Fluke has launched the new 1660 Series Multifunction Installation Testers, the only installation testers that help prevent damage to connected appliances. The new 1660 Series puts more power in users’ hands by testing fixed installations to BS7671 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, protecting appliances that may be inadvertently connected to the system under test, and making it easy to share test results over a smartphone using Fluke Connect®. The Fluke 1664 FC features the patent pending Insulation PreTest™ function that detects if an appliance is connected to the system and will stop the test while also providing a visual warning.

When a standard clamp meter just won’t fit, Martindale Electric, leaders in electrical safety, has the solution with its new range of True RMS flexible current meters, designed to help electrical professionals get to those hard-to-reach conductors. Ideal for measuring conductors of different shapes and sizes, including fuse holders, the latest series of meters from Martindale Electric includes the CM95 for high-resolution measurement down to 1mA and the CM100 for measuring high current up to 3000A.

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

Hultafors

www.martindale-electric.co.uk 01923 441 717

Scolmore

Now part of the Hultafors Group UK’s portfolio of premium brands, Toe Guard does just what its name suggests – delivers great-value, safety footwear for all kinds of working environments and weather conditions. Starting at only £29.95, this range of safety shoes and boots is one of the fastest-growing in Scandinavia. With a variety of safety shoes and boots available in the range, every product has in-built high-tech designs that combine top-quality materials, comfort and safety.

Scolmore’s USB socket offers a faster, more powerful charging solution for the portable electronic devices that we have all come to rely on. The 2.1A USB outlet guarantees the optimum charge rate regardless of the device charging. The 1- and 2-gang switched socket with single integrated USB eliminates the need for bulky chargers while freeing up plug sockets. With more complex charge-management software and circuitry being built into tablet computers, smartphones and e-readers, for example, the amount of current the device will accept is limited. A device will go into protection mode when it recognises fluctuations within the power supply, resulting in reduced charge, or no charge at all.

www.hultafors.co.uk 01484 854 788

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

Snickers For professional craftsmen and women, this summer is all about getting to know more about the top-quality products from the Hultafors Group’s Premium brands, each of which deliver the leading innovations and marketing-leading products in tools, workwear and safety shoes. Snickers Workwear’s Next Generation working clothes and accessories are delivering the ultimate in on-site functionality, comfort, protection and safety. They are perfectly complimented by Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety shoes, which bring modern looks, plus uncompromising safety and comfort, in a range of styles. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 01484 854 788

Connections Summer 2016

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

Ideal Industries

Scan QR code with your smart phone to visit our site

Unicrimp

In-Sure® lever wire connector range is a versatile tool-free alternative to traditional connector strips for joining solid, stranded or flexible conductors. Utilising a combination of push-in and lever clamp technology, the innovative design securely retains both rigid and flexible conductors while allowing them to be easily removed if required. When inserting rigid wires there is no need to lift the levers because the conductors simply push straight in, making them easier and faster to install than connector strips.

Cable accessory products supplier, Unicrimp – part of the Scolmore Group of companies – has re-designed its website to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality. The refreshed site provides customers with access to detailed product information for the company’s extensive Q-Crimp branded range of cable management consumables, which includes cable ties, crimp terminals, PVC tape, copper tube terminals, cable clips, and brass and nylon glands. A new feature of the revamped site is the Marketing Hub area which provides Unicrimp stockists with a range of tools to enhance their own marketing facilities. Templates featuring some of the most popular products are available to download; they can be customised with the stockists own details to optimise sales opportunities.

www.wire-connectors.com 01925 444 446

www.unicrimp.com

Snickers

Vent-Axia

The Snickers’ Next Generation Workwear range are modern working clothes that combine amazing fit with hard-wearing comfort and advanced functionality. The WorkTrousers are in a new, contemporary design packed with innovative features that focus on fit, comfort and freedom of movement using hardwearing fabrics for long-lasting protection. The new ALLROUND WorkTrousers are the most modern products of their kind with superior knee protection, built-in leg ventilation and a stretch gusset for extra freedom of movement. Made from a hard-wearing nylon ‘Dobby Pro’ fabric with Cordura reinforcements, they come with an advanced side panel design that gives superior weight distribution when carrying tools and fixings.

Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has added the high-performance Sentinel Kinetic F to its popular Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic range of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. This latest addition means that VentAxia now offers a full set of MVHR solutions to meet all applications – from one-bedroom apartments to light commercial projects, such as student accommodation. Manufactured in the UK, the exceptional Sentinel Kinetic range from Vent-Axia now offers MVHR options with airflow from 15l/s to 200l/s. The Sentinel Kinetic F sits in the middle of this range and offers outstanding performance for its size.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 01484 854 788

www.vent-axia.com 0844 856 0590

ESP

Ellis

Innovative security products supplier ESP relaunches its access control range, with a simplified collection of products and a new brand name. The revamped range will come under the umbrella name Aperta – the Italian word meaning ‘open’, allow access, passage, or a view through a space – and has been designed with ease of installation and operation as key features. With just two main components – door station, with optional access control keypad and the hands-free monitor – the Aperta range will allow the creation of anything from a single-door entry system to a multi-usage system.

The world’s leading cable cleat manufacturer, Ellis has launched the Ellis No Bolts cleat – a stackable product that vastly enhances the speed and ease with which cable cleats can be installed and additional cable runs added. Developed following an enquiry received via UK distributor, ETS Cable Components, the Ellis No Bolts cleat is an all polymeric cable cleat primarily designed to alleviate a fixing problem that was causing Network Rail health and safety concerns.

www.espuk.com 01527 515 150 info@espuk.com

www.ellispatents.co.uk 01944 758 395

Summer 2016 Connections

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THE POWER TO KEEP YOU COVERED ON THE ROAD £50 AMAZON VOUCHER BUY YOUR MULTI-VEHICLE INSURANCE WITH US and you could receive the voucher or get a £25 AMAZON VOUCHER if you take our single van cover!¹

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NICEIC CONTRACTORS 0330 123 5240 or www.niceicinsurance.com ELECSA CONTRACTORS 0344 335 3814 or www.elecsainsurance.co.uk Remember to quote Connections!

THE POWER BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS

¹ Terms and conditions for Amazon voucher: This offer is available to new customers only who are NICEIC or ELECSA members and purchase NICEIC Insurance Services or ELECSA Insurance Services van cover for their commercial vehicle or multi-vehicle / ﬂeet insurance. One voucher per policy holder. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Vouchers will be issued between 30-60 days after receiving payment. We will not award if you cancel your policy within the ﬁrst month. This offer is only available on the phone; you are unable to redeem vouchers online. This offer expires on 30 April 2017. ² Any driver can be selected for options of any driver over 21, 25 or 30 years old. Can also add named drivers if they are under the age ranges ³&⁴ All vehicles must be registered as the business name being the owners ⁵ Includes Home Breakdowns, Roadside Assistance and Recovery NICEIC Insurance Services and ELECSA Insurance Services are trading names of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited, registered in England company number 4043759. NICIEC and ELECSA are trading names of Certsure LLP, who are an Introducer Appointed Representative of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Towergate Underwriting Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Scrambled snakes Over the years we’ve seen a good number of pictures of nasty discoveries in fuse boxes or meter cupboards, not least those that appear on this page. In terms of wildlife, there have been plenty of mice, but never anything like this sight, which greeted workers in Morganton, North Carolina, in the US, who came across two snakes when they went to check the electrics. Fortunately for the electricians, the two reptiles were already dead. One of them had bitten through a live cable; the other had been electrocuted while biting through his chum’s tail. As you do.

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

The latest unsafe discoveries by our trusty traders include: the aftermath of a fire in a heating unit for a swimming pool; an unhelpfully placed garage door mechanism; an external MCB in Spain; and hidden wiring above lounge spotlights. It continues with a live exposed busbar in a rental property; live conductors found under a floor in a thatched cottage; and some “interesting” use of earthing conductors at an art studio.

1 4

2 5 6

3 7

Thanks to: Jagg Mann of Easicom in Hornchurch /// Danny Moynihan of Moynihan Electrical in Coventry /// Ian Robinson of Kendal-based Ian Robinson Electrical Contractors /// Dawid Styrna from Chris & David Construction and Installation in Gillingham /// Brian Barrett of BMB Electrical in Cambridgeshire /// Leigh Sawczyn of LWS Electrical in Wellington, Somerset /// Mark Blake of Acertec Property Solutions in Surrey

Keep those shots coming in!

Light bulb moments

Too smart by half?

If you’re looking for a spot of inspiration, you’re wasting your time having brainstorming meetings. According to a survey by Crown Workplace Relocations, most people (35 per cent) are likely to have flashes of inspiration while chatting informally with colleagues, while 31 per cent have their best ideas at their desk and 20 per cent on their commute to work. Some ideas don’t even happen in a work context at all; nine per cent say they come up with ideas in bed, and the same number have wow moments in the shower. Seems like a good enough excuse to work from home now and again.

A fanatical Turkish football fan recently became an online sensation when his wife played a practical prank using the latest gadgetry in smart home technology. Izzet Salti was just settling down to watch his beloved Turkey play Croatia at Euro 2016 when his wife decided to get her own back following a previous argument. Using a smartphone app, she was able to turn off the TV at crucial mpting moments in the game, prompting an irate Izzet to trash the room wondering what was going on. To add insult to injury, Izzet’s wife filmed the whole thing using the latest in CCTV technology, before posting the clip on the internet for all to see.

Summer 2016 Connections

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It’s the 1s that make the difference

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Connections - Summer 2016

Articles inside

The installation of extra-low voltage tungsten halogen lighting

Technical

Opinion

Ask the experts

Contractor profiles

Customer care

Premature collapse of wiring systems

Facing the future

Building for the future

The Black Museum

Product news

News

Essex student takes apprentice title

Advice

Rolling back the years

Thunderclap causes online storm for Cage

TechTalks mark the end for industry giant